Parts 5 & 6
Khalid struck blindly with his elbow where he felt the claws. A thin voice pleaded, “Husband of the chicken, don’t treat us this way.”
Then another voice warned him, “My previous husband tried to argue—I shaved his head. Don’t try it.”
Panicking, Khalid screamed for Zarah as the door refused to open.
Zarah hid under the blanket, trembling. Something fell onto the bed. Peeking out, she saw a giant fried chicken thigh wriggling and saying, “I’m the rooster brother. My sister will enjoy her honeymoon with Khalid; my own bride is waiting. Forgive me—I attack brides of beans.”
Zarah screamed in terror, hearing Khalid cry out her name.
As chaos continued, Zarah shouted, “Khalid, there are talking chickens! This house is full of spirits!”
The chicken thigh leapt at her, grabbing her wrapper, declaring, “I’m not a chicken—I’ve come to claim my right tonight!”
From the bathroom, Khalid wept, “Help me!”
A voice threatened him again, and Khalid collapsed, crying like a child. “Please forgive me—I’m not the husband of a chicken!”
