Episode 6
Ibrahim and Khawar thought the story had ended after killing Michael and Waseem.
But while they were attacking them, four eyes watched them from behind a rock — the eyes of Michael and Waseem's sons.
They were 12 years old and, unfortunately, were already following in their fathers' footsteps.
Michael and Waseem had already given them the taste of blood.
They had come to the forest to meet their fathers, but couldn't find them in the cave.
While searching, they reached the place where the battle had taken place.
Seeing their fathers' dead bodies ignited the fire of revenge in their hearts.
They went straight home and informed their mothers about their fathers' deaths.
To their surprise, the mothers were actually happy upon hearing the news.
Their faces glowed with joy. The boys were shocked to see that instead of mourning, their mothers seemed relieved.
"Mama, why are you happy?"
"Because, son, your fathers were evil. They were monsters who drank blood and killed people," said one of the mothers.
But both women had no idea that their sons were already turning into monsters themselves.
They didn't know that Michael and Waseem had already addicted their sons to blood.
"But Mama, we like drinking blood. It tastes amazing," both boys said innocently.
The mothers looked at each other in horror, realizing that new beasts were being born—ones who would keep hunting people just like their fathers.
"No, son. Don't say things like that."
"Why not?" they said together and walked away to their rooms.
Sometimes, they would lure other school kids outside and take them into the forest to feed on their blood.
Waseem's son even ate brains, just like his father.
Michael's son was named David, and Waseem's son was named Tabish.
For a while, they paused their hunting activities.
They wanted to take revenge for their fathers first and didn't want to draw attention.
David and Tabish were much smarter and more cunning than Michael and Waseem.
Time passed, and now they were both 25 years old.
They resumed their activities, preying mostly on girls since many of them were drawn to their charm and looks.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim and Khawar were driving toward the forest to find them.
They didn't know what the boys looked like and had never seen them before.
"We've reached," Ibrahim said to a distracted Khawar.
They got out of the car and shifted into their wolf forms, searching the jungle for any scent or sign.
But there was no trace — not even a foul smell. They had already moved from that place.
They turned back into human form and got into the car.
"If they're not here, then where are they?" Khawar asked.
Ibrahim was furious. "How should I know where they are? You're talking to me like I was close friends with them or helped them hunt people."
"Okay, okay, no need to get mad. I just asked," said Khawar.
"You always talk nonsense. You think you're some genius scientist," snapped Ibrahim.
"Don't get on my nerves. I'm already stressed about Natasha. She keeps insisting on going to college, and you know how dangerous it is."
"Don't worry. Her protection has been arranged," Khawar said with a smile.
"What do you mean? How?" asked Ibrahim.
"Just leave it to me. I'll tell you when the time comes," Khawar replied.
When Ibrahim reached home, he saw Natasha sitting in the garden on a swing, playing with a kitten.
"You're home, Dad?"
"Yes, sweetheart. Come on, let's have lunch together," Ibrahim said warmly.
They enjoyed a hearty meal together.
"Dad, I need to talk to you," Natasha said, looking up.
"Yes, dear?" Ibrahim responded affectionately.
"Dad, I hear strange sounds in the house — like someone screaming," she said.
Ibrahim was startled. "It must be your imagination, dear. You haven't been well recently, and that's probably why you're feeling this way. Just get some rest."
"Maybe you're right," Natasha said, comforted. Ibrahim sighed in relief.
"I'm going to my room now," she said.
As soon as she left, Ibrahim headed to the basement.
The three kidnapped boys were still unconscious there.
"Wake them up," Ibrahim ordered Zamurd Khan.
Zamurd splashed a bucket of water on them. They woke up instantly.
This time, Ibrahim was without his mask.
"Uncle… you?" all three exclaimed.
"Yes, me," Ibrahim said.
"But Uncle, what did we do to deserve this?" one boy asked.
"Do I need to remind you?" Ibrahim said angrily.
"Please forgive us, Uncle. We'll be careful from now on," they pleaded.
"And if any of you tell Natasha I kidnapped you, you'll see the worst of me. Don't you dare mislead her again. Tomorrow at college, you will apologize to her in front of everyone."
"Understood?" Ibrahim asked.
"Yes, yes, Uncle! We understand!" one of them stammered.
"Zamurd Khan, take them back to their homes," Ibrahim ordered.
"Yes, sir," replied Zamurd obediently.
After they left, Ibrahim went to his room, performed ablution, and offered his prayers.
Even though he had become a beast, he never missed his five daily prayers.
Sitting on his prayer mat, he prayed:
"O Allah, You have seen how much pain I've endured. My wife betrayed me. My parents left this world, and now I only live for Natasha.
Please never take her away from me. I don't know how she'll react when she finds out my truth.
But if she misunderstands me and leaves, I won't survive. Keep her safe, O Allah. Ameen."
The Next Morning
Natasha was getting ready for college. She had become even more beautiful than before.
She didn't like wearing much makeup and usually kept a simple look.
After applying a little kohl to her eyes, she came downstairs to the breakfast table where Ibrahim was already sitting.
"Assalamu Alaikum, Dad. How are you?" she said as she sat.
"Wa Alaikum Assalam, dear. I'm fine, by Allah's grace."
"Dad, our classes are starting again from today. I've heard new teachers are coming too."
"All the best, sweetheart. Study hard," Ibrahim said, gently placing his hand on her head.
"Allah Hafiz, Dad," Natasha said as she walked out and got into the car.
Upon reaching college, she headed to her department.
It was her first biology lecture. All the students were seated.
Natasha also found a seat.
Soon, a cute girl came and asked, "Can I sit here?"
Natasha looked up and saw a sweet, innocent-looking girl.
"Yes, of course. Please sit," Natasha replied.
"Assalamu Alaikum. My name is Mabra."
"Wa Alaikum Assalam. I'm Natasha."
"Actually, I don't have any friends here. I'm new. Will you be my friend?" the girl asked shyly.
Natasha liked her immediately.
"Same here. I'm also new and don't have any friends," Natasha smiled.
"Then it's settled. From today, we're friends," Mabra said, extending her hand.
"Friends," Natasha said, smiling and shaking her hand.
Just then, there was a commotion in class.
A tall, handsome man walked in — a broad chest, wheat-colored skin, a stylish beard, sharp nose, dark brown hair, and mysterious green eyes.
Girls swooned at the first glance. Natasha looked up as well.
As her eyes met his, a strange fear gripped her, and she quickly looked down.
"Assalamu Alaikum, students. I'm your new professor, Shahmeer.
From today, I'll be teaching you Biology. I hope you'll enjoy learning with me."
Though he addressed the whole class, his eyes were on Natasha.
Hearing his name, Natasha quickly looked up again.
Is he... my childhood friend Shahmeer? she wondered.
The last time I saw him, I was five. Uncle Khawar sent him abroad. I cried so much. He was my best friend.
No, it can't be. If he had returned, Uncle Khawar would've told me.
She was lost in thought when someone snapped fingers in front of her.
"Hello, miss. Who are you daydreaming about?"
Shahmeer stood before her, a strange gleam in his eyes as he looked at her.
To be continued...
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