BILQISH POV
"You know we need to make some paper flowers too for our project, Ish," nine-year-old Ifra stated while I was busy working on the drawings.
"Yeah, I know what we need to do. You don't have to remind me again and again. You're still not going to do anything! I’ll have to do it all by myself, like every other time," I replied, the annoyance clear in my voice.
"You know why you end up doing everything by yourself, but you still choose me as your group partner," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"Why?! Because I don’t have many friends."
"Nope! That too—but the correct answer is that you love me," she replied, giggling.
I shook my head at her antics.
She knows I would never choose anyone other than her. That’s why, every time, I end up doing her part of the work too, while she just lies around giving me orders.
"Now you should wake up, Ish. You've been sleeping for too long."
Ifra’s voice again—only this time, she didn’t sound nine anymore.
What’s happening?
I furrowed my brows, trying to focus on her, but it was too bright for my eyes.
Suddenly, I jolted upright.
"Oh! It was a dream," I muttered under my breath.
I looked around, taking in my surroundings. I was lying on a soft mattress with fluffy pillows.
This… this wasn’t a hotel room.
Where am I?
Am I… dead?
No, it can’t be. I was shopping. Then I went to the alley.
THE ALLEY.
THE MURDER.
THAT SCARY GUY.
"Oh no! Shit! I'm kidnapped!" I blurted as the memories of the past 24 hours crashed back into my brain.
But… why am I on a bed?
Realizing I was still tucked in, I jumped off the mattress—
Only to jump right back onto it when loud barks erupted around me.
Screaming, I looked around.
Four GERMAN SHEPHERDS—one at each corner of the room—were eyeing me like I was a juicy steak.
And believe me, they looked terrifying.
What more could I expect?!
I can’t even step off this bed. God knows what those scary beasts will do to me.
I need to escape.
Why don’t they teach “what to do when you’re kidnapped” in school?!
This is such an important topic!
I swear, I’ll teach my future kids about this.
Wait—what the hell am I even thinking right now?!
I’ve gone mad.
A rattle at the door snapped me out of my spiral.
That big guy from earlier entered the room.
I squirmed in place, trying to hide behind the pillows, but there was nowhere to go—especially not with those dogs watching my every move.
"Don’t even think about escaping," he said, his voice low and threatening.
"You’ll only end up disappointed. These dogs are trained to kill. And your actions from earlier are enough to get you killed. I hope you know that."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out.
‘Huh! What does he think of himself?’
‘Bilqish… he’s a freaking murderer and your kidnapper. What are you expecting? A warm welcome and breakfast in bed?’
My inner voice mocked me.
I glared into the void and hissed at myself.
I didn’t have my phone.
Obviously, that would’ve been the first thing they took.
Ifra must be panicking by now, wondering where I disappeared to.
I wanted to scream, but what good would that do?
I was trapped.
No phone.
No way out.
Just a bed, four killer dogs, and my endless regrets.
Why did I even come on this stupid trip?!
I should’ve just stayed home.
I would’ve been safe.
This wouldn’t be happening.
I regretted not saying yes to Ifra when she offered to come with me.
So. Damn. Dumb.
I didn’t even know what time it was—there was no clock anywhere.
It looked like morning, judging by the sun outside.
So now I just had to wait.
Sit here.
And hope someone shows up who doesn’t want to kill me.
grumble
"Ugh, I’m hungry. Great! I’m kidnapped and this stomach of mine is still demanding food," I mumbled through my tears.
I glanced at the other door—maybe it led to a bathroom?
I debated stepping down again.
Maybe the dogs won’t notice?
Yeah, right.
---
AUTHOR’S POV
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN’T LOCATE HER?!"
The voice thundered across the room, sending chills down everyone’s spine.
"Sir… I lost track after she went to the m-market," the trembling agent stammered, praying for mercy.
The man’s eyes narrowed.
"I don’t care. I want her location on-screen in the next 10 hours."
He stormed out, and the room exhaled collectively—but the relief was short-lived. They all snapped to work, knowing if they failed again, they were as good as dead.
“Start from the market. That’s where she was last seen,” another cold voice ordered.
If the first man was terrifying—this one was ruthless.
And they all knew: pissing him off was far worse than death.
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