Red Love by KI

"Please... No, please don't leave me! Uncle, say something! No, no... please!"

The little girl, no more than three years old, clung to his legs, sobbing uncontrollably. Her tiny hands gripped his trousers as if letting go would mean the end of her world. Her innocent eyes, filled with tears, looked up at the man she called uncle, pleading for him to stay.

"Heer... Heer, wake up, my love..."

A voice gently shook her awake, pulling her out of the haunting nightmare. With a gasp, Heer’s eyes snapped open. Her breath was ragged, and her body was trembling.

"Did you see the same nightmare again?" Hania asked, concern etched on her face as she wiped the tears from Heer's cheeks.

"Yes... The same one," Heer whispered, her voice barely audible.

Hania sighed. "You need to let it go, Heer. The past is gone. You have to focus on the present."

Before Heer could respond, a loud knock on the door startled them both. Lari peeked inside, looking impatient.

"Girls, are you even aware of the time? We’re getting late for class!" Lari scolded, tossing a pillow toward them. "If we don’t hurry, we’ll be stuck in the worst rush of the semester!"

"I know, I know! Give me five minutes!" Heer scrambled out of bed, rushing to get ready.

The three best friends, Heer, Hania, and Lari, were inseparable. They had been together since childhood, supporting each other through thick and thin. Heer, despite her past, was determined to build a future for herself.

As they reached the university, the girls split up to head to their respective departments. Heer, a journalism student, walked toward her class, clutching her bag tightly. Her professor, Jahan Sir, was known for his tough assignments, and today was no exception.

"Alright, class, today’s assignment is a little different," Jahan Sir announced. "You will be conducting an interview... but not just any interview."

The students exchanged curious glances.

"You will be interviewing people outside the university. Someone challenging, someone who will push your skills as journalists," he continued, scanning the class.

Heer leaned forward in her seat, intrigued. She loved challenges.

"Lari," Jahan Sir called out. "You will be traveling to Saudi Arabia to interview local citizens."

Lari gasped. "Wait, what?!"

"Yes, and Adil, you will be covering Pakistani expats. As for Heer..." He paused, looking directly at her. "I have a special task for you."

A sense of unease settled in Heer's chest.

"Heer, I’m sending you to Central Jail," he said.

The room fell silent.

"What?!" Heer’s voice cracked as she stared at him in disbelief.

"Yes, you will be interviewing a notorious serial killer," he continued as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Her heart pounded violently in her chest.

"His name is Zenedo," Jahan Sir added. "One of the most dangerous criminals in history."

The classroom erupted in whispers. Everyone had heard of Zenedo. He was a name associated with nightmares.

Heer felt the blood drain from her face. She had signed up for challenges, but this... this was insanity.

"No way, Sir," she tried to argue. "This is beyond dangerous!"

Jahan Sir folded his arms. "You can refuse, Heer, but remember, this assignment is crucial for your final grade."

Her breath hitched. If she didn’t complete this task, she wouldn’t graduate.

Her dreams, her ambitions—everything was on the line.

Heer clenched her fists. She had never backed down from a challenge before.

Taking a deep breath, she met Jahan Sir’s gaze with determination. "Fine. I’ll do it."

A sinister smirk appeared on his lips. "Good. Your interview is scheduled for tomorrow. Be prepared."

As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Heer sat frozen in her seat.

What had she just agreed to?

Tomorrow, she would be face-to-face with a monster.

And there would be no turning back.