Cherreads

Inhuman

It's been days since Ramzan earned anything worth mentioning. Just tonight, he had another fight with his wife over it. Before leaving home, he told her, "There's only one problem with this line of work—when it pays, it pays big. But when it doesn't… you go days without a single penny."

His wife had scolded him, told him to leave this business behind and find something else. But how could she possibly know how hard it is to get out once you're in? For nearly five days now, he's been standing near this bridge, waiting for a target. But strangely, not a soul has passed by in days. And the few who have—didn't seem worth the effort.

Something had to happen tonight. He couldn't ignore the hunger gnawing at his gut any longer.

"Ustad, think we'll catch something tonight?"

"You fool, if I could predict when we'd get something and when we wouldn't, I'd be doing a hell lot more than this. You think I enjoy surviving off pickpocketing and muggings?"

Rahis Ali stayed silent. The night was dim, barely any light to go around. Everything looked vague and blurry. Even Ramzan's face wasn't clearly visible in the weak streetlamps.

For months, they'd been working this area like pros. But for the past week, it's like the whole system's broken.

Suddenly, a shadow appeared in the distance. Someone was approaching.

"Ustad, I think this one's carrying something good. We should hit him."

"Yeah, you're right. Get ready. We'll handle him once he's close."

The man was getting nearer. Once he was about ten feet away, they could see him more clearly. He was well-dressed—looked rich. He was carrying a large bag too. Big enough to be promising. There had to be something valuable inside.

"Looks like a rich guy."

"Yes, Ustad."

"Let's go."

As they approached him, Ramzan and Rahis Ali moved to block his path. A glint of steel flashed—Ramzan had a knife in hand. Rahis kept his hand inside his pocket, threateningly.

"Give us everything you've got. Right now. Or I'll open you up right here, don't test me."

Silence.

The man didn't say a word. He just locked eyes with Ramzan—cold, unwavering. Ramzan didn't like it. There was something in those eyes… something icy. It made him uneasy.

"Hey! Didn't you hear what I said? Hurry up and hand it all over!"

"Ustad, looks like there's good stuff in that suitcase."

"Yeah, give us your suitcase."

The man said nothing. Just kept staring, then slowly began to unzip the bag.

"Hurry up, man! We don't have all night!"

Under the flickering streetlight, the inside of the bag became faintly visible. Ramzan braced himself, expecting a laptop maybe—or stacks of cash.

But the moment he looked inside, his heart dropped like a bullet through his chest.

A head.

Bloodied. Motionless.

Eyes open.

Lifeless eyes staring straight at him.

"Ya Allah…"

Rahis's scream cut through the air. Ramzan realized Rahis had already taken off running.

But he—he couldn't move.

He stood frozen, trembling violently. His eyes slowly shifted from the severed head to the man.

And now—the man's gaze was more terrifying than before.

A faint smile curled at the corners of his lips.

That smile…

That terrifying, inhuman smile.

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