Episode 7
Natasha noticed a strange expression rising in Shahmeer's eyes.
"No sir, it's nothing," she said nervously, lowering her gaze.
"Alright then, let's start with you. Stand up and introduce yourself," Shahmeer said to her.
"My name is Natasha Ibrahim. I want to become a doctor," she said with confidence.
Her self-confidence had returned.
"Good," Shahmeer said, looking at her.
Then the whole class took turns introducing themselves.
"That's enough for today. We'll start studying from tomorrow," Shahmeer told the students and walked out of the class.
But he didn't forget to glance back at Natasha before leaving.
What a strange man. He's been staring at me for no reason, Natasha thought.
After class, Natasha and Mibra went to sit in the college canteen.
"Girl, I'm starving," Mibra said, looking at her.
"Same here, I only had a small breakfast this morning," Natasha replied.
They ordered biryani.
"Did you see Sir Shahmeer?" Mibra asked.
"Of course, I'm not blind. He came to the class, didn't he?"
"No, silly! I mean, did you really see him? He's so handsome. Tall, dashing, totally dreamy! All the girls were swooning. I don't know how we'll focus on studies with him around."
"Did you see his eyes? I wish I had a brother like him," Mibra said with a sigh.
Suddenly, Shahmeer's strange, glowing eyes flashed in Natasha's memory.
"Okay enough, stop reciting poetry about him," Natasha said, getting annoyed.
"Alright, leave that. Tell me about your family," Natasha asked Mibra.
"It's me, my mom and dad, and a younger sister. We're from a middle-class family. My parents really want me to become a doctor, and I love that dream because it's theirs."
"What about you? Who's in your family?" Mibra asked.
"It's just me and my dear father. My mom died in a house fire when I was very young," Natasha said sadly.
"Have you ever seen her photo? She must've looked like you," Mibra asked gently.
"No, Dad said everything burned in the fire. I've never seen her picture," Natasha replied.
"I'm so sorry, Natasha," Mibra said with compassion.
"No, no, it's okay," Natasha wiped away a tear.
Just then, the biryani arrived and the girls started eating.
But somewhere in the distance, someone's chest was heavy with the weight of Mibra's tears.
—
After college, Natasha was riding home in the car with the driver. Suddenly, the car stopped with a jolt.
"What happened, uncle?" she asked.
"Looks like the tire is flat. I'll check," the driver said.
He got out to check, and Natasha followed.
"There's no repair shop nearby," he told her.
Natasha started feeling anxious.
Just then, a black Mercedes stopped near them. Natasha turned and saw Shahmeer getting out.
"What happened?" he asked, walking toward them.
"Our car broke down," Natasha replied.
"Oh, okay. Come on, get into my car," he said.
"No, we'll manage," she said, nervous.
"I didn't ask you to argue. I told you to come," Shahmeer raised an eyebrow.
The area was surrounded by forest. Shahmeer felt something strange in the air.
"Let's get out of here quickly," he said firmly. "Uncle, get in the back."
Natasha hesitated, unsure whether to go or not, but Shahmeer grabbed her arm and made her sit in the car before she could protest.
The whole ride was silent. When the car reached near Natasha's home, her father Ibrahim was standing on the terrace.
Natasha and the driver stepped out, and the car sped away.
Ibrahim saw it all.
"Who were you with? And where's the car?" he asked, panicked.
"Baba, let's go inside. I'll explain everything."
Once inside, Natasha explained, "Our car had a flat tire and there was no shop nearby. My new professor from college saw us and insisted on dropping us home. I refused multiple times, but he wouldn't listen. He said it's a deserted road."
"I was so worried! You should've brought him in, I would've thanked him," Ibrahim said, smiling.
"He didn't even wait. He dropped us off and left quickly," Natasha said.
"Baba, you know I share everything with you, right?"
"Of course, my dear. What's the matter?" he asked gently.
"Baba, that professor… the one who dropped me off? He seems strange. The way he stared at me in class… it was like there was something in his eyes."
Ibrahim's face turned serious. The man he had just wanted to thank — now he wanted to destroy.
But he stayed calm in front of Natasha.
"What was his name? And where does he live?"
"His name is Shahmeer. He's a new professor, but I don't know where he lives."
Ibrahim flinched at the name.
"What did you say his name was?" he asked again.
"Shahmeer," Natasha repeated.
"Okay, dear. Go freshen up. You must be tired," he said.
After Natasha left, Ibrahim immediately called Khawar.
"Assalamualaikum," Khawar answered.
"Why the hell didn't you tell me that idiot is back?"
"Who? What idiot?"
"Don't mess with me!" Ibrahim snapped.
"He came back three days ago," Khawar replied. "Why? Did you meet him?"
"I didn't. Natasha did. She says he's her new professor."
"Hahaha! That's classic! He's not a real professor. He took admission in her college just to tease her. Didn't tell her he was back and introduced himself as a teacher."
"I'll break his face if he bothers my daughter again," Ibrahim fumed.
"Why do you keep calling him an idiot? Don't forget he's going to be your son-in-law," Khawar teased.
"Never! I won't give my daughter to a family of beasts!"
"Oh please, look who's talking. Check your own reflection before judging."
"Yeah, thanks to you I became one of those beasts too. I was normal. You turned me into an animal."
"Well, if I hadn't bitten you to save you, you wouldn't be here talking right now. They would've drunk your blood and eaten your brain, filled with straw."
"Yeah right. You're a genius and your idiot son is a drama king too. Send that useless boy to me. Tell him to stop bothering Natasha and be honest with her."
"Don't worry, I'll bring your future son-in-law over myself," Khawar laughed.
"Don't even think about it. I won't decide anything without Natasha's will. You know that," Ibrahim said.
"I know, don't worry," Khawar reassured him.
—
Meanwhile, Tabish and David were overwhelmed by hunger. They were out hunting, roaming the streets.
They spotted a boy around 13 or 14 walking toward them, begging.
"Brother, please give me something to eat. I'm starving."
They exchanged a sinister smile.
—
Back at Ibrahim's house…
Shahmeer and Khawar came to visit. Ibrahim eyed Shahmeer closely and then tugged his ear.
"You shameless boy! How dare you tease my daughter?!"
"Okay, sorry! Let go! I was just messing around," Shahmeer laughed.
Ibrahim actually liked him. Compared to his childhood, Shahmeer now seemed mature and serious — with a charming and attractive personality.
"Uncle, where's Natasha? I want to surprise her."
"She's in her room," Ibrahim replied.
"Can I go see her?"
"Yes, go ahead, son," Ibrahim said kindly.
After Shahmeer left, Ibrahim looked at Khawar and asked, "And he is…?"
"Yes. He is," Khawar replied, looking serious.
—
Meanwhile, Natasha was by the window, watching the setting sun.
She didn't sense Shahmeer standing behind her.
Suddenly, he leaned in and whispered, "Boo!"
Natasha turned quickly and was stunned to see him.
"S-sir! What are you doing here?" she said, startled.
"Just came to see you. I felt like it. Aren't we friends?" he teased.
"Get out! Right now! Or I'll call my dad and he'll destroy you!"
"I'm not leaving. Do what you want." Shahmeer sat on a chair, legs crossed, staring at her.
"Baba!!" Natasha screamed.
Ibrahim and Khawar came rushing to the room.
"Baba, this is the guy I told you about! He's the fake professor, the one who kept staring at me, the one who dropped us off!"
Ibrahim started laughing.
"Natasha, my dear, you…"
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