Every love story has a hero, a heroine and a villain but this is the story of a Villain.
Zaid Adeeb Tahir life's has plunged into darkness when he couldn't save his fiancée. He turned brutal and ruthless, not bothering about the number of beings he...
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"Can anyone tell me about the modern mafia?"
The lecturer's voice boomed around the class. However, no one showed interest in learning about evil gangsters on the last day of the semester. With slouching shoulders and sleepy eyes, they can't wait to snuggle under comforters.
Isabella covered her mouth to stifle a yawn. She watched the mid-thirties lady moving her finger around to point at someone.
"Please, not me," she whispered.
The lecturer stopped her finger at David, Mr. omniscient of her class.
"Uh, they are evolving, using the power of cyberspace and modern technology to carry out illegal operations like theft, hacking, and human trafficking. They are implementing the vow of silence called omerta to keep their secret safe. They are manipulative. They live among us. Yet, we cannot differentiate."
Isabella focused on his words. Dealing with the mafia isn't child's play. Low-key, she hoped that gangsters did not infest her town. But who was she kidding? Her mom and she lives under the protection of a local gangster by the name of Jamal Hasim.
"Congratulations David, I can already predict that you are becoming a successful journalist. For the rest of you, keep sleeping in my class."
The bell rang.
Isabella closed her notebook at once. She shoved all her stuff in her bag pack, swung it on one shoulder, and followed the students to leave the class.
"Isabella," the teacher's voice halted her.
She smiled with tightened lips at her best friend, Hiba, who waited for her at the door.
"Yes, ma'am."
She turned around, playing innocent.
"I counted ten yawns today. You have potential. You are good. Sleeping is important too. Don't waste time on unimportant things when you can get a few hours of rest. Enjoy your holiday, and Merry Christmas."
Isabella stared at her, and after hesitating, she said, "Happy holiday, ma'am."
Exiting the class, she looped her hand around Hiba's arm. They walked as fast as possible, creating distance between the lecturer and them.
"How long am I going to say I'm a Muslim?" Isabella complained.
"Well, it's not her fault for two reasons. One, your name is Isabella which is rare for a Muslim girl. Two, if you wear a headscarf, you'll look more Muslim instead of wearing jeans and hoodies," her headscarf-wearing best friend suggested.
Isabella has never worn a 'hijab.' Neither her mother is religious nor is her mother's side of the family.
"One day."
After inserting the key, the car sputtered and shook. It made a noise before announcing its breakdown. Her heart fluttered at the prospect of a mishap in an almost deserted parking lot. As expected, the car would not start.
"No, this can't be happening," Isabella shouted.
"What are we going to do?" Hiba asked, losing her nerve.
She is terrified of her beardy and strict father. He'll punish her if she doesn't arrive home before dusk.
Isabella reacted fast.
"Take the bus and go home. I'll rush inside and call a towing company. Please, tell my mother that I will be late tonight."
"Are you sure? I hate to leave you alone."
"I'll be fine."
With a nod, Hiba left. Isabella changed direction to the administration office. The annoyed clerk handed her the telephone directory. She scanned through it and called an auto repair mechanic. Alas, their towing truck will be available in two hours.
Isabella disliked abandoning her piece of junk car. She waited.
The temperature decreased.
Isabella started shivering. She walked along the hallways inside while paying attention to the front gate. It's only a matter of time before they throw her out, as she is one of four people on the premises.
A white towing truck appeared at last. Isabella sighed in relief. Rushing out, she greeted the man. He coupled her car with the truck. Sitting next to him, he drove towards the auto repair shop.
The clock chimes six in the evening, and Isabella couldn't hate her life any further.
The fading of the sunlight meant no more heat. Isabella wrapped her arms tighter around herself, hiding her cold hands inside the sleeves of her hoodie. Even the heater inside the truck lacks power. The frigid air swirled everywhere, causing everyone to rush home.
Congestion didn't pose a problem. The driver turned into the auto repair shop in less than half an hour. After stepping down, she watched the mechanics examining the car.
The head of the group approached her.
"It will take some time."
"It's okay. I can wait."
"You can sit in my office if you'd like. My wife is there," the owner proposed.
Isabella nodded. He must have noticed her crossing and uncrossing her arms.
Nonetheless, watching them work hard on a cold Friday night arose pity in her heart. Here she is, complaining about her miserable life, and on the other hand, hard workers are trying to make two ends meet.
She always complained instead of appreciating what she had.
The man's wife never appeared, and some mechanics shifts ended. Bored, she stepped outside, following the sound of tools clinking against each other. Two giant legs came from underneath her old beige car. Something must have broken down there.
"Hey, how is it going?" She asked, not able to stay silent anymore.
"Is this your car?" A husky and masculine voice answered her back.
"Yeah"
"It's high time for you to get rid of it. I'm fixing it now. I can't promise that it won't break down again."
The man's statement deepened her depression. Her little pocket money will belong to him now.
Financial problems, debt, bills, rent
Isabella is on the brink of a nervous breakdown.
He put his hand on the discolored scrap metal, sliding from underneath. They locked eyes for a moment.
