It Will Be Morning Again

By Tauseef Asif

The story revolves around two Muslim brothers named Zaheer and Abhas who go against evildoers and atrocities in Birmingham.

The evil Grand Master is known as the notorious criminal in Birmingham who commits heinous crimes, but due to lack of evidence, even the police can’t touch him. He destroys the happiness of the brothers’ family, and they both have vengeance of fire. They both promise that one day, they will get the Grand Master punished for his sins.

Will they be able to accomplish their quest for revenge? Will the Grand Master prevent them from accomplishing their mission, or will there be more secrets revealed that will shock the two brothers in the battle between light and dark?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Dec 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543492828

Book preview

Copyright © 2019 by Tauseef Asif.

ISBN:                    Softcover                    978-1-5434-9283-5

                               eBook                           978-1-5434-9282-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 12/14/2018

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1 The Beginning: Evil Rules

Chapter 2 Five Years Later

Chapter 3 Student of the Year

Chapter 4 The Mysterious Past

Chapter 5 The Lookalikes’ Relation

Chapter 6 Aleena’s Concealed Past

Chapter 7 Eid Festival Exposure

Chapter 8 Race to the Finish

Chapter 9 All’s Well That Ends Well

CHAPTER 1

The Beginning: Evil Rules

When the sun rose and while everyone was praying, a young boy was still asleep on the bed in his bedroom. As soon as the sunlight shined on his face through the window, he woke up, yawning. He quickly had a bath and changed his clothes. He was just going to leave his room, but he stopped, turned back, and completed his prayer. After he finished, he left the house, jumped on his horse, and rode away. A person saw him leaving and said, This boy always gets up at this time and goes to the field to do his sword fencing training. One day, this boy will go far.

Meanwhile, in the field, the young boy’s elder brother Abhas was sword fencing with his guru.

While fencing, Abhas said, This time, victory is mine.

The guru said, Don’t bet on it.

Abhas’s guru retaliated every time he struck at him. Abhas’s sword flew away, and he immediately ran to catch it.

At that time, the young boy arrived and caught the sword before Abhas could.

It’s about time you got here, Zaheer, Abhas said.

Zaheer replied, Sorry I’m late. But since you have lost, it’s my turn.

Zaheer and his guru take their positions, and the sword fight started. Meanwhile, people around them were amazed by both of their skills, so they stopped and watched. Zaheer did the same move that the guru had done during his fight with Abhas, and his sword went flying. Zaheer did a backflip and caught the guru’s sword, while everyone praised his skills.

His guru was also impressed with his skills. Well done, he said. You’ve defeated me. Just as you’ve defeated me, I’m sure both of you will go against dark forces, just like your elder brother, Zakir.

Zaheer suddenly realised what day it was. That reminds me, he said. We have to pick Zakir up from the train station.

Oh, yeah, Abhas said. Today is the day he returns from the war.

The guru said, Well, wherever Zakir goes, he always returns in victory. Do you know why?

Zaheer and Abhas replied in unison. Because goodness and truth has always prevailed over evil and lies. It always has, and it always will.

By your attitudes, I’m sure that you two will make it big one day, just like Zakir, said the guru.

Well, what are we waiting for? said Abhas.

Zaheer and Abhas ran towards the station.

When they arrived, the train had just arrived. They were lucky that they had arrived on time. The two brothers were trying to find their elder brother as people were coming out of the train. Suddenly, they smiled with joy when they noticed him coming out. They run towards him and surprised him by hugging him. He was happy to see both of them.

The three brothers happily returned home. When they arrived, they saw that their mum and dad were waiting by the doorstep. Zaheer’s mum did a ritual for Zakir’s homecoming, and after that, they all entered the house.

The guru was also there, and he informed Zakir that Zaheer and Abhas’s skills had improved.

Zakir was impressed and said, Well, looks like you two have been busy since I left.

Abhas gave him a CD and said, This is a gift from me and Zaheer. I hope you will enjoy watching it.

Zakir switched on the DVD player and inserted the CD. The CD contained footage of the two brothers training. After watching, Zakir was impressed by how much his brothers had improved their skills. Guru told me the two of you have improved, but I didn’t realise you’d improved this much. I am very happy with the two of you.

Zaheer and Abhas happily hugged their brother. They were happy Zakir had returned safely.

After eating dinner that evening, everyone went to bed.

Zakir went to the kitchen and spoke with his mum. He told her, In a few days, its Zaheer’s birthday, and I want it to be grand.

His mum, Aleena, said, Well, that’s what your dad and I were thinking. We thought of having two occasions—first for Zaheer’s birthday and second for you returning back home.

They both smiled, and Aleena asked Zakir to go to sleep, as he had to get up early in the morning.

After he left, Aleena got a phone call. She was disturbed to see who it was. She answered the call and hesitatingly said, Hello.

At the other end, it was a woman and she told her to meet her. Aleena agreed to meet her in the alley.

In the middle of the night when everyone was fast asleep, she quietly left the house and went to the alley. She met the woman who had called and said to her, What do you want now? And why did you call me here? Someone could see us.

The woman replied, I called for the same reason I call you all the time. And what are you worrying for? You do this all the time.

Aleena slipped a packet of money into the woman’s hand and said, Take this and leave before someone sees us.

They both left.

As she made her way along the alley, the woman said to herself, It’s time Aleena realised what she has done in the past.

***

Meanwhile, somewhere in Birmingham, in a hideout, the Grand Master was ordering his men to find a person. He also gave them a picture. The picture showed none other than Zaheer and Abhas’s elder brother, Zakir.

One of his men asked, Why him?

The Grand Master answered, Because of him, my brother is no more. He is responsible for my brother’s death. He took him to court and proved him guilty of killing a person and doing other illegal business. And I want to take revenge for his death. He may be a soldier and a lawyer, but that doesn’t mean he goes against the Grand Master. Anyone who goes against me gets destroyed. I have learnt that he has returned back from the war. I want him found, so I can take my revenge.

Don’t worry, sir, said one of his men. We’ll find him as soon as possible.

***

The next morning, the guru and Zakir were sword fighting in the field. After they have finished fighting, the guru said, You might want to concentrate on your younger brothers fighting skills instead, as you are fully trained.

Zakir replied, I believe that there is always space for improvement. And with extra improvement, I want my younger brothers to be more successful than me. I want them to know how important it is to go against torture and atrocities.

The guru smiled. You may not know it, he said, but Zaheer and Abhas have learnt that too. They’ve taught so many people a lesson that even I have lost count. And I’m sure that they will leave no stone unturned in defeating their enemies.

***

Later that day, Zaheer and Abhas finished school.

As they came out of the school building, they saw a boy being stopped by a police officer. A huge argument started. The police officer became furious and got his whip out. He was just about to whip the boy when Zaheer came from behind and grabbed the whip.

The police officer was shocked and grew even angrier. How dare you? he growled.

Angrily, Zaheer Drew back the whip he had snatched and started to whip the police officer.

People were trying to stop him, but Abhas stopped them. Leave him, he told the others. What he’s doing is right.

***

At home, a boy came running and informed Zakir that Zaheer was whipping a police officer. Zakir and the guru were shocked. They both rushed to their school.

When they arrived, Zakir stopped his brother and shouted, What are you doing? Have you gone mad!?

Abhas supported Zaheer. It’s not his fault, he explained. It’s this police officer who has forgotten what his limits are.

Zakir asked, What do you mean?

Abhas replied, Ask this corrupt police officer, who was going to whip this boy in front of everyone, which is actually against the law. According to the law, a person can’t get beaten up, especially in public without any evidence.

Zaheer added, That’s why these days this city is going nowhere. The government hires these kinds of corrupt people who will do anything for a small amount of money. People always listen to one side of the story, but they forget that every coin has two sides.

That’s true, Abhas agreed. These corrupt officers should rot in jail.

Meanwhile, a police car arrived, and the police officer got out of the car.

Zaheer pushed the corrupt officer towards the other officer and said, He’s responsible for all of this. Take him away from here.

The police officer said, Thank you for your help. Normally people would stay quiet—just like these who are standing behind you. Not for a very long time have I seen someone standing for other people’s right, going against torture and atrocities. The police officer took the corrupt officer away.

Everyone else left too especially, Zaheer and Abhas.

The guru said to Zakir, Did you see? Your brother has taken after you. He’s a reflection of your shadow. What you used to do, today he is doing it. And after today, I’m sure that Zaheer and Abhas will go very far. They will continue to take a stand against bad doers, and it will be morning again.

At home a little later, Zakir came to Zaheer’s room with hot drinks. He saw that Zaheer was still upset with him.

He knocked at the opened door. Zaheer looked towards his brother but then looked away. Zakir entered the room and sat next to his brother on the bed, putting the hot drinks on the table. Hey, you’re still upset with me? he asked.

Zaheer didn’t say a word.

I know, I shouldn’t have shouted, Zakir said. I’m sorry. He poked him and kept on saying he was sorry.

Zaheer, who was still upset, nevertheless couldn’t stop himself from smiling. His brother kept poking him and saying sorry, until Zaheer turned around and hugged him. Letting go of his brother, Zaheer said, This was the first time you shouted at me.

Zakir said, I know. But I didn’t know what was happening. Shall I tell you something? What you did today, years ago, I did the same.

Really? Zaheer replied.

Yes, Zakir told him. But what you and Abhas said—one day that message will be carried to all the citizens of Birmingham. And then everyone will go against bad doers. He extended his hand and said, Promise me that whatever happens in the future, you will always support the truth—no matter what. Promise me that no matter how many obstacles come in your path, you will always overcome them, and you will never lose hope.

Zaheer puts his hand on top of Zakir’s. This is my promise to you, he said. No matter what happens, I will always support the truth, and I will overcome any obstacles that get in my way. Good has always prevailed against evil, and it always will. And it will be morning again.

Zakir hugged Zaheer once more. He then offered him a hot drink, and the two brothers drink it peacefully together.

Just then, a knock sounded on the door. It was the guru. He said to Zakir, It’s time for your archery.

Zakir replied, I will accompany you in a short while. Right now, I want to spend time with my brother.

The guru left, saying, As you wish.

***

The brothers’ mum and dad were Busy planning Zaheer’s birthday party. There were only a few days left. Everyone was planning for the big day, careful to be sure that Zaheer didn’t notice.

Hey, guys, Zakir called out to Zaheer and Abhas. Someone is here to meet you both.

Abhas asked, Who?

Zakir replied, Go and see for yourself.

Zaheer and Abhas went outside and saw the media standing outside waiting for them.

They take their pictures taken and answered a bunch of questions about where they had gotten the courage to go against the corrupt people they had confronted.

I have always learnt to support the truth and stand against tortures and atrocities, Zaheer told them. No matter what happens, lies and evil deeds can’t be hidden for long.

Abhas added, In the end, justice is always done and injustice always gets punished. Good has always prevailed over evil, and it always will.

Everyone cheered for the brothers, and the cameramen and women continued to take their pictures.

***

The Grand Master learnt that one of his officers had been caught and sent to jail. He asked one of his men, Who dared to go to against the Grand Master? I want that person found, and I want him alive. I will show him what the consequences are when people go against me.

One of his men switched on the TV and tuned into a news channel. It was these two boys, he said, pointing to the screen.

The Grand Master snarled angrily. Two boys! he snapped. It’s two young blasted boys! Well, I want them found, and I want them alive. He looked away, but he looked back quickly when he realised he had seen someone he knew. He told one of his men to rewind the coverage they had just watched.

After the coverage had been rewound, the Grand Master watched the screen in shock. There was Zakir, the soldier who had killed his brother. The Grand Master said, What’s he doing there?

One of his men replied, That’s the elder brother of the two boys. His name is Zakir, and he’s just come back from the war.

The Grand Master got even angrier. I should’ve known they were brothers, he said. They all have the same attitude. One killed my brother, and the others send my officer to jail. I want them all dead.

Just then, a woman wearing a veil entered the room. The Grand Master sent all his men outside. The woman took off her veil. Standing there was the same woman who had taken money from Aleena.

The Grand Master asked her, What do you want?

The woman replied, I need a few of your men to help me get rid of a woman who has destroyed my life.

The Grand Master asked, Who is this woman?

After learning of the connection between the person the veiled wanted to get rid of and the soldier and his brothers, the Grand Master and the woman realised there was a way they could both get what they wanted. The woman said, If you want revenge, then I want to destroy a family’s happiness.

They both laugh evilly.

***

Abhas and Zaheer were training for archery in the fields, practising their aim. The guru was impressed, as both were hitting the target.

Zakir approached the trio from behind. Well, it looks like your skills in all areas are improving, he said. I am proud and impressed.

Abhas told him, I may be good, but Zaheer’s better.

Zakir asked, What makes you say that?

Abhas said, Zaheer, show him what you can do.

Zaheer took three arrows and put them on the bow. He aimed, closed his eyes, and waited patiently. He prayed to God in his mind, reopened his eyes, and shot. The three arrows hit the target directly in its centre.

This impressed Zakir even more.

The guru said, You see. This is what I call seeing your own shadow.

Zakir took out his sword and said, You maybe skilful, but are your skills great enough to defeat your own brother?

Zaheer took out his sword and said, If you’re stubborn, then just remember, I’m also your younger brother.

They started to sword fight. Soon, Zaheer was struggling to defend himself, as Zakir kept on attacking him. Zakir hit Zaheer’s sword, and it flew and landed far away. He continued to defend himself, until he fell on the floor. His brother kept on attacking him.

Zaheer rolled backwards and reached his sword. He quickly took up his sword and started attacking Zakir. Then he did a move that sent Zakir’s sword flying away. Zaheer flipped towards it and caught it. He said, panting, Checkmate.

The guru, Abhas, and Zakir applauded Zaheer for his great skills. One day, this boy will go very far, the guru said.

Zakir went towards his youngest brother and said, I am so proud of you. Today, you have proved that you’re my younger brother. And it’s not just you, he added. It’s both of you. One day, both your skills will come in handy when you go up against your worst nightmares and enemies.

***

Hidden behind a stack of bins not far from the archery field, the guru and the three brothers were being watched by one of the Grand Master’s men. He was looking at them with his binoculars. Having collected the information he came for, he took a step back. But he accidently kicked one of the bins.

***

Someone is here, the guru said.

They slowly walk towards the sound, their weapons drawn. But they were surprised, when whoever had been watching them ran away.

Abhas quickly drew his bow and arrow, took aim, and shot at the intruder’s leg. The man fell to the ground.

Great shot, Zaheer said.

They ran to the spot with the man had fallen and caught him. He struggled and tried to run away, but they held him tightly.

Zakir saw that the man had many weapons. He asked him, Who are you? And why do you have so many weapons?

If you want to be unharmed, then let me go or face the consequences, the man replied.

Abhas said, Well, in that case we’ll just arrest you, as you have illegal weapons.

The man said, You’ll never get away with this.

Zakir handcuffed him and took him away.

Later, Zakir went to the police station where the man was jailed. He threw water on his face, and he woke up. Zakir asked. Who are you? And why were you spying on us?

The man said, What makes you think I was spying on you?

Zakir showed him his binoculars. This is what I think, he snapped. Now who are you? And who do you work for?

The man laughed and said, Your days are coming to an end. Start counting down your days because you don’t have much time to live.

What nonsense are you talking about? Zakir asked.

The man said, The Grand Master is coming for you to end your life.

Zakir was shocked. The notorious criminal. What does he want from me? he asked.

Revenge, the Man said.

Zakir was again shocked. Revenge? he asked. For what? What harm did I cause him?

The man said. Remember that day, before you went to war, when you proved a man guilty for killing a person and doing illegal business. That man was the Grand Master’s brother.

For a third time, Zakir was shocked. He recollected the moment when he’d dragged a man into court and proved him guilty. The man had been sentenced to a life sentence.

The man laughed evilly and said, You made a big mistake by going against the Grand Master. You don’t want to know what a dangerous and disgusting man he is. Spend time with your family as much as you can, as your time is nearly over. He continued to laugh evilly.

Zakir said, In that case, I am ready to face the Grand Master. And if needed, I will even face death.

Zakir left the police station. He went home, saying to himself, I can’t tell anyone about this. I will have to handle it on my own. He also promised himself that he wouldn’t let the troubling situation effect Zaheer’s twelfth birthday.

At home, he looked at Zaheer and realised that he still hadn’t bought him a gift. He phoned his friend and asked him for a favour.

Later that night, Zakir lay down on his bed. He flashed back to the day he had proved the Grand Master’s brother guilty in court before he had left for the war. He closed his eyes and took a mental journey to the past.

Three Months Earlier

Zaheer and Zakir were on their way home. As they were going, Zakir saw two people exchanging drugs and money. He told his little brother, Zaheer, you carry on. I will join you in a while.

Zakir hid behind a corner and overheard the two men’s conversation. He saw them by the entrance of a warehouse. Later, he went to the police station, filed a complaint, and got them arrested. Zakir was still there when the man who it turned out was the Grand Master’s brother as arrested and he looked at him evilly when he found out that it was Zakir who had filed the complaint.

Meanwhile, a lawyer came and secured the release of the Grand Master’s brother on bail, claiming that his client had been falsely accused.

The man moved towards Zakir and said to him, You messed with the wrong person. It will take a lot more to send me to jail. And yes, that warehouse does belong to me.

He left, leaving Zakir shocked. Zakir decided that he would find evidence against the man. The next day, Zakir went to the warehouse to find some evidence against him. At first he found nothing. But then, suddenly, he saw the man who’d threatened him arguing with someone else. He took out his phone and filmed the argument, as they were talking about drugs. He was shocked when the warehouse owner killed the other person.

The next day, he filed a complaint against the man again, telling the police officers that this time he had proof against the man. Unwilling as they were, the police officers had no choice but to file a complaint.

In court, after getting enough evidence, the judge announces that the man was guilty, and he was sentenced to death.

Zakir stopped the judge. Your honour, he said, please change your verdict. If we do the same as him, then what difference is there between them and us?

Hearing the statement, the judge announced that the man would be sentenced to life in prison.

***

Back in present day, Zakir opened his eyes and sat up in bed. I don’t regret what I did at the time, he told himself. And whatever I face now, I will accept it as God’s wish.

The next day, everyone was busy organising Zaheer’s birthday party, as they only had two days left. Zaheer was in the field sword fighting with his guru, while Abhas and Zakir were shopping to buy Zaheer a birthday present.

After going through a lot of things, Abhas found a perfect gift for Zaheer. It was a new bow and arrows. He asked Zakir, Aren’t you going to buy anything for him?

Zakir said. I know what I’m going to buy for him, but it’s going to take time getting ready.

***

The veiled woman spoke quietly into the phone. She was saying that, in two days’ time, she would destroy the family’s happy occasion.

***

At the same time, the Grand Master told his men that, in two days’ time, he would finish off the soldier once and for all, so his brother’s soul could rest in peace.

***

Back at home, the brothers and their family were having fun showing each other what they had bought for Zaheer.

Suddenly, Zaheer came inside, and the family members quickly hid their presents and other stuff. Although he noticed that everyone was acting a bit weird, he ignores the others and went to the kitchen to get his bottle of water before heading back outside.

When he left, everyone discussed the arrangements for the party.

Later, Zakir was thinking in his room about how to get the Grand Master