THE LOVE OFF BEAST
Episode 1
"Wake up, my child. It's time for the Fajr prayer."
Ibrahim's voice echoed in Natasha's ears.
"I'm up, Baba," Natasha quickly responded and got up to make ablution. After offering her prayer, she opened her bedroom window. In front of her stretched a beautiful, endless forest. The cool breeze from the forest brushed against her face, and the chirping of birds blended with the wind to create a peaceful melody.
She was so lost in the scene that she didn't notice a snake slithering towards her on the window sill. It was dangerously close now, but Natasha remained unaware, still mesmerized by the view outside.
Just as the snake was about to strike her, someone grabbed it by the neck from behind.
Startled, Natasha turned to look—and saw a black cobra, tightly clenched in her father Ibrahim's hand.
"Baba, where did it come from?" she asked in shock.
Ibrahim looked at her with a slightly scolding gaze and replied,
"When you were too lost in admiring the forest to notice anything else."
"Sorry, Baba. The morning view was just so beautiful, I got carried away," Natasha said shyly.
"It's okay, dear. But be careful next time. That snake was extremely venomous."
"Anyway, go have your breakfast. I'll take this snake back to the forest," he said.
"Please don't kill it, Baba! It didn't harm me," Natasha pleaded, her love for animals showing in her voice.
"Alright, go on now. I'll handle it," Ibrahim replied gently.
Once Natasha left, Ibrahim pulled the snake and ruthlessly tore it into two.
"Anyone who dares to harm my daughter—
I will tear them apart just like this,"
Ibrahim muttered, a strange fury glowing in his eyes.
---
Ibrahim was a wealthy businessman, born with a silver spoon in his mouth. But life had dealt him cruel hands. He had lost his parents and his wife in a tragic accident, leaving him utterly alone.
To fill the void, he adopted Natasha, a secret only he and his closest friend Khawar knew. Natasha had no idea she was adopted. For the outside world, Ibrahim was her real father—and he loved her more than a real father ever could.
Ibrahim often stayed in a wooden house in the forest. He was currently there with Natasha, enjoying their last day in nature before heading back to the city.
---
At breakfast, Natasha waited for Ibrahim to join her.
"Why haven't you eaten yet, dear?" Ibrahim asked kindly.
"I was waiting for you, Baba."
"Did you release the snake back into the jungle?"
"Yes, to where it belongs."
"Baba, I wanted to talk to you about something," she said hesitantly.
"I already know what you're going to ask."
"Please, Baba. It's my dream to become a doctor."
"Fine, Natasha. You win. I'll take you for college admission tomorrow."
"Thank you, Baba! You're the best!"
"Alright, enough buttering. Now go get some rest."
Natasha had scored top marks in matriculation. She dreamed of becoming a doctor, but Ibrahim wasn't in favor of letting her attend college—not because he was old-fashioned, but because he feared for her innocence and beauty.
She was 19, with a porcelain complexion, bright blue eyes, and dimples that could make anyone speechless. She was the apple of Ibrahim's eye. He wasn't afraid of the world. He was afraid of himself—afraid he might lose control if anyone ever hurt her.
---
By 2 p.m., Ibrahim and Natasha left for the city. An hour later, they arrived at their mansion, where Ibrahim's close friend Khawar was waiting in the lounge.
When they entered, Khawar looked at Ibrahim with a concerned expression.
"Assalamu Alaikum, Uncle," Natasha greeted.
"Wa Alaikum Assalam, my dear. How are you?"
"I'm fine, Uncle."
"You must be tired from the journey. Go rest," Ibrahim said to her.
"Yes, Baba. I'm exhausted," Natasha said and went to her room.
---
Ibrahim sat beside Khawar.
"How long will you keep torturing yourself like this, Ibrahim?" Khawar asked.
"You know everything, yet you still ask this?"
"I understand your pain. But you have to move on."
"Please, Khawar, let's not talk about this now."
"I'm taking Natasha for college admission tomorrow."
"Really? That's great!" Khawar exclaimed.
"I told you locking her up wouldn't help. She's young—she'll learn with time."
"Maybe you're right. But Khawar, I fear myself more than the world. I can't tolerate even a scratch on her."
"Nothing will happen. Stay positive."
---
The next day, Ibrahim took Natasha to the college. The atmosphere wasn't to their liking—boys and girls walking hand-in-hand everywhere. But Ibrahim gave in to Natasha's insistence.
The principal knew Ibrahim well—he was a renowned business tycoon—and was practically bending over backward to please him.
But Ibrahim, with a stern face and icy eyes, sat silently.
"Make sure my daughter doesn't face any trouble here. Or else—you don't know me," he said with a chilling smile.
"I-I understand, sir," the principal stuttered.
"I don't worry. I make others worry," Ibrahim said before walking out.
Outside the office, he informed Natasha of her successful admission.
"Thank you, Baba!" she said joyfully and hugged him.
---
While returning home, their car ran out of fuel. They didn't find a petrol station but spotted a small roadside hotel.
"I'll go check for petrol. Stay inside the car," Ibrahim said.
"Okay, Baba. Please be quick," she replied.
Natasha played a game on her phone with the window slightly open.
Suddenly, two shady-looking men on a motorbike noticed her. They circled the car, whistling, and one of them even reached inside to touch her shoulder.
Frightened, Natasha froze.
Just then, Ibrahim came out with petrol and witnessed everything. His eyes turned red with rage.
The men, seeing him approach like lightning, fled.
Ibrahim jumped into the car, trembling with fury.
"Don't cry, my brave girl," he said, hugging her. "I'm here now. Nothing will happen."
"But Baba... what if they come back?"
"They won't," Ibrahim said with a chilling smile.
---
Two days later, police found the mangled bodies of two men near the forest.
One had his arm torn off and thrown far away. The other had his eye gouged out and placed on the first man's mouth.
There wereassive paw prints nearby—possibly from a large animal.
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The police assumed it was a wild beast or a tiger attack.
But watching the news, Khawar felt a sudden jolt...