Beauty and the joker

9. Joker is Dead

Bound to chairs in a dimly lit room, fear gnawed at them. The air hung heavy with tension, punctuated only by the faint ringing of Zahran's phone. Finally, a harsh light flickered on, momentarily blinding them.

A menacing figure emerged from the shadows; his face obscured by a hood. In his hand, glinting under the harsh light, was a familiar blade.

"Silence!" the man hissed, his voice a raspy whisper. "This is for your own good."

His eyes locked onto Zahran, a chilling smirk playing on his lips. "Greetings, Joker," he drawled.

Raihan's eyes widened in disbelief. "Joker?" he gasped, his voice barely a whisper. "But Zahran..."

"How are you feeling now, Joker?" the hooded figure snapped, his gaze fixed on Zahran. "Ready to die?

"Raihan's jaw dropped. "Zahran, what is he...?"

But Zahran shook his head, his voice firm. "I'm not the Joker. I never have been."

The hooded figure's eyes narrowed. "Lies!" he roared, the blade glinting menacingly. "You stole my fortune, gave it to the police, and left me with nothing! You deserve to die for what you've done!"

He lunged at Zahran; his face contorted with rage. He started strangling him.

Raihan watched in horror, his heart pounding in his chest. He desperately tried to untie himself, his fingers fumbling with the knots.

Just as Zahran's life seemed to be slipping away, the door burst open. Two men rushed in; their faces etched with urgency.

"Boss, stop!" one of them shouted. "He's not the real Joker!"

The hooded figure froze, his grip loosening slightly.

—------

Fatiha attempted to escape, but her pursuer was swift.

"No, don't even try," he declared, blocking her path to the door. Fatiha, in desperation, brought the knife forward.

"Stay away from me. Who are you?" she implored, trembling and unable to speak.

He attempted to intimidate her by snatching the knife from her, but Fatiha continued seeking refuge in Allah.

"Today, I am here to resolve all matters for once," he said with a menacing smile. Fatiha felt a sense of impending doom, prompting her to turn to Allah in heartfelt prayer.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Daud entered, urging, "Run!" Directed by Daud's command, Fatiha fled.

"No, you can't run," the assailant, known as Joker, retorted, attempting to engage Daud. Fatiha, concerned for her unborn child, ran as Joker pursued her. Rain started to fall, adding to the tension.

Fatiha, struggling to run, slipped and fell. Joker closed in, but at that moment, a commotion erupted. Another person arrived and jumped on joker. Seizing the opportunity, Fatiha continued to seek refuge in Allah.

As the two men fought, a gunshot echoed, revealing Joker had killed the newcomer.

Terrified, Fatiha continued to call upon Allah.

Amidst the confusion, Raihan and Zahran arrived with the police. The newcomer's attempt at justice was overshadowed by the arrival of the authorities. Inspector Richard intervened to maintain order.

"You, enough of this conflict. Cease your actions," Richard demanded.

The assailant, persisting in his delusions, shouted, "I am the real Joker."