Parts 9 & 10
Zarah, trembling on the bed, heard Khalid screaming and began reciting every prayer she knew—so frightened that she even recited travel prayers without realizing it.
The chicken lifted one leg mockingly and said, “My groom, who do you think you can call in a situation like this?”
Khalid backed away, staring at the other chickens on his arms. “Please leave me alone. I’ve never even committed adultery with a human woman—what business do I have with you, a chicken?”
The chicken pushed out her belly proudly. “This belly has carried seven human men. You’re the eighth. Every man I sleep with turns into a rooster—look over there.”
She pointed to a corner. Khalid looked and saw roosters emerging one by one. The first jumped up, flapped its wings, stretched its neck, and crowed loudly. Then it spoke:
“My brother, congratulations on starting a new life. Soon you too will become a rooster like us. My name is Bala Mai Leda—I’ve been a rooster for four years.”
The others introduced themselves. The last one said shakily:
“Your body will ache, your skin will peel before you become a rooster. I’m telling you the truth—this chicken’s rape brings no good. My name is Harisu Bakanike; I’ve been like this for a year.”
The chicken screeched angrily and silenced him.
Khalid burst into uncontrollable tears and asked, “Are these really humans like me?”
The chicken tried to kiss him. He dodged quickly. A rooster beside him warned, “Brother, do whatever you can to save yourself.”
Khalid suddenly fought back, throwing the chickens off and slamming them to the ground one by one. Each screamed threats in return. As the chicken lunged at him, he ran into the room, slammed the door, and locked it.
He collapsed beside Zarah, holding her hand and crying. Zarah cried too and asked:
“Khalid, what kind of life have we fallen into?”
Khalid replied, “Zarah, today I saw people turned into roosters with my own eyes. I almost became one myself—the groom of a chicken.”
They sat silently, surrendering to God’s will, as Qur’anic recitation continued until sleep finally overtook them.
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