The Night in Between

Arham sat alone in his dimly lit apartment in Karachi, consumed by the looming court decision that would decide his best friend Saad’s fate. Saad, his closest confidant, was imprisoned under section 302 for murder — a charge that shattered Arham’s world. For the past year, he’d fought relentlessly to prove Saad’s innocence, exhausting every resource to get the best defence lawyer in Karachi, Asad Sheikh. Known for his tenacity and unparalleled insight, Asad had a reputation for turning cases upside down. And now, everything was coming down to tomorrow’s verdict.

Arham’s phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was a message from Raza, the one friend who’d stuck with him through this ordeal: “See you outside the courthouse tomorrow. Whatever happens, we’re in this together.”

He thought back to the countless nights spent in Asad’s office, going over witness statements, forensic evidence, and post-mortem reports with a fine-toothed comb. Each night had brought new revelations and fresh doubts. Asad had spotted significant inconsistencies in the post-mortem report and forensic analysis, both of which conflicted with the witness testimonies. Arham clung to this hope as he tried to rest, Raza’s words echoing in his mind: “If there’s a night between, anything can happen.”

The following morning, Arham arrived at the courthouse early, his heart pounding as he navigated through the buzzing crowd. Journalists murmured, Saad’s family waited with tense faces, and Arham spotted Raza smoking by the entrance.

“You holding up?” Raza asked, offering him a cigarette.

Arham shook his head, his voice tight. “Not really. It’s all riding on today.”

Raza took a drag, his face thoughtful. “Remember what I told you, man? If there’s a night between, anything can happen.”

Arham rolled his eyes, feeling the weight of doubt. “I know you mean well, Raza, but it’s hard to believe that one night can change everything when we’re talking about a murder trial.”

Raza met his gaze, unflinching. “You’ve got Asad Sheikh on your side. He found holes in the prosecution’s case that no one else even noticed. Just have faith in him.”

Inside the courtroom, the air was thick with anticipation. Saad sat in the defendant’s box, his face pale and drawn, yet holding a glimmer of hope. Arham gave him a quick nod, and Saad managed a faint, grateful smile. Arham felt a rush of emotion seeing his friend like this — someone he’d grown up with, now facing the fight of his life.

The judge entered, and the prosecutor rose, his final argument a calculated appeal.

“Your Honor, Saad Ali has shown no remorse. The evidence — his fingerprints on the weapon, and two eyewitnesses placing him at the scene — speaks volumes. This is a man who has committed murder, and justice demands he face the consequences.”

Arham clenched his fists, frustration boiling inside him. But he kept his eyes on Asad, whose calm, unshaken demeanour reassured him. When the prosecutor finished, Asad stood, his expression grave yet composed, and addressed the court.

“Your Honor, I must emphasize the staggering inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case,” Asad began, his voice unwavering. “First, let’s discuss the witness testimonies. They claim to have seen my client fleeing the scene at 11 PM. However, the post-mortem report indicates that the victim died much earlier, hours before my client was even near the location.”

Arham saw the prosecutor stiffen, clearly uncomfortable. Asad turned, holding up the forensic report.

“And here,” he continued, “we have the forensic evidence. The blood spatter patterns and positioning of the body are inconsistent with the weapon the prosecution claims was used. Forensics explicitly noted that the pattern suggests a different weapon entirely, yet the prosecution has ignored this, banking solely on circumstantial evidence and unreliable testimonies.”

The room buzzed with murmurs as Asad’s words sank in. The judge leaned forward, visibly more attentive, and Arham’s heart began to lift. He had seen Asad dissect every aspect of this case, and now he was watching his lawyer’s careful work unravel the prosecution’s story.

During a brief recess, Arham and Raza stepped outside, seeking fresh air.

“Did you hear that?” Raza asked, sounding more hopeful than Arham had ever heard him. “Asad is tearing their case to shreds!”

Arham nodded, finally allowing a small smile. “I knew he was good, but this… this is something else.”

Raza clapped him on the back. “If you didn’t believe in him before, you should now.”

As they filed back into the courtroom, Asad rose for his closing argument. He reiterated every point, hammering home the inconsistencies, highlighting the doubt surrounding the evidence, and casting a bright light on every gap in the prosecution’s narrative.

“Your Honor, I urge you to consider the flimsy grounds on which this case has been built. My client is being condemned based on nothing more than hearsay and circumstantial evidence that does not hold up under scrutiny. Saad Ali is innocent, and justice demands that he be acquitted.”

Arham felt his heart pound as the judge leaned forward, ready to announce the verdict.

“In the case of the State versus Saad Ali…” the judge’s voice echoed in the courtroom, every eye fixed on him. “After reviewing the evidence and considering the inconsistencies raised by the defence, this court finds the prosecution has failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Therefore, Saad Ali is acquitted of all charges and shall be released immediately.”

A gasp rippled through the courtroom, followed by stunned silence. Arham released a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, his relief flooding him in waves. He looked over at Saad, who sat in stunned disbelief, his expression a mixture of shock and gratitude.

Outside the courthouse, Arham hugged Saad, both too overwhelmed to speak at first. Saad’s parents joined, their faces showing immense relief and gratitude. Raza stood nearby, a knowing smile on his face.

“Told you, Arham,” Raza said with a grin, his tone full of satisfaction. “If there’s a night between, anything can happen.”

Arham looked at Raza, his voice choked with emotion. “You were right, man. One night… and everything changed.”