When Stars Fall (Love in the Line of Fire)

Scene 1: A Woman on Fire

Location: Camp Khidmat, Command Center

The word "Missing" rang louder than gunshots.

Hana paced in the command center, fists clenched, breath shallow. Captain Meher stood beside her, trying to remain calm.

"No confirmation of death. His team went dark on the third night. They were ambushed near the border," Meher said.

"Why isn't anyone searching?" Hana snapped.

"They're assessing risk—"

"I don't care about risk. I care about him!"

Silence.

Then, Hana's voice cracked. "He said he'd come back."

Meher sighed. "He also said if he didn't, I should take care of you."

"I don't need care," Hana whispered. "I need to find him."

Scene 2: Ghost Trail

Location: Border Surveillance Outpost

The next day, Hana and Meher traveled to the last known point of contact. The area was marked "Red Zone." Only essential military personnel allowed.

But Hana didn't flinch.

They met with Sergeant Omar, the last soldier to hear Zayan's voice over radio.

"He told me to run," Omar said. "Said he'd cover our exit. I heard the gunfire. Then… nothing."

"Any leads?" Meher asked.

Omar nodded. "There were tire tracks heading northeast. Abandoned compound. Insurgents' territory. No one's dared go there since."

Hana turned to Meher. "Then we go."

"You're not trained for this."

"I'm trained in saving lives."

"And if we find him dead?"

Hana's eyes burned. "Then I bring him home."

Scene 3: Into the Lion's Den

Location: Unmarked Terrain – 2 Days Later

Disguised as aid workers, Hana and Meher navigated through checkpoints and broken villages.

In a ruined market, a child tugged at Hana's scarf.

"You look for soldier?" the boy asked, broken Urdu.

Hana knelt. "Yes. A tall man. Brave eyes."

The boy pointed toward the mountains. "Big men took him. Hurt. Bleeding. But alive."

Hana's heart stilled.

Alive.

She pressed a locket into the boy's hand. "Thank you."

That night, they reached the outskirts of the enemy compound.

In the distance: flickering lights. Armed guards.

"I'm going in," Hana said.

Meher grabbed her hand. "Then so am I."

They clasped hands—two women, one mission.

To find the man who promised the stars wouldn't fall without him.

[To be continued...]

Preview: Episode 12 – "The Rescue"

Inside enemy territory, time runs out. Injured, tortured, and barely alive—Zayan holds on to a whisper of Hana's voice. As bullets fly and fate tightens its grip, can love really save a soldier?