Human Hair

By Hailu Worku Obsse

Human Hair by Hailu Worku is a horror novel that will make your hair stand on end. It tells the story of Lakshmi, a poor village girl who sells her long and beautiful hair to a greedy dealer for money. She soon regrets her decision, as she realizes that her hair is not just a part of her body, but also a part of her soul. She feels a deep connection with her hair and suffers from pain and grief when it is separated from her. She also discovers that her hair is cursed, and that it will bring misfortune and death to anyone who touches it or wears it. She tries to warn the buyers, but it is too late. Her hair has a life of its own, and it wants revenge.

The novel follows the fate of Lakshmi's hair, as it travels from India to Turkey to England to America, leaving a trail of blood and horror behind. The novel also follows the fate of Lakshmi's spirit, as it haunts the hair and those who possess it, seeking justice and peace. The novel explores themes such as identity, beauty, greed, sacrifice, and fate. It is written in a style that combines realism with fantasy, humor with horror, and tragedy with hope.

If you are looking for a thrilling and chilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then Human Hair by Hailu Worku is the book for you. But be warned: once you start reading, you won't be able to stop. And once you finish reading, you won't be able to forget.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hailu Worku Obsse
• Release date: Aug 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798857346747

Hailu Worku Obsse

Hailu Worku Obsse is an Ethiopian writer, researcher and software developer who is currently pursuing his PhD in Optimization Engineering at Ecriyes University in Turkey. He has authored more than 12 books, published many research articles and contributed much to the development of literature

Book preview

Prologue

SHE FELT A SHARP PAIN in her scalp as the scissors sliced through her hair. She watched in horror as her long black locks fell to the floor, one by one. She wanted to scream, to stop him, to take back what she had agreed to. But it was too late. She had sold her hair for money, and now she had to pay the price.

The dealer smiled as he gathered her hair in a bag. He handed her a wad of cash and said, Thank you, my dear. You have made me very happy. And you have made someone else very happy too. Someone who will appreciate your hair more than you ever did.

She took the money and ran out of the barber shop, feeling ashamed and humiliated. She felt like she had lost a part of herself, a part of her soul. She felt like she had betrayed her family, her culture, her faith. She felt like she had cursed herself and everyone around her.

She didn’t know how right she was.

The dealer took the bag of hair to his warehouse, where he stored his collection of human hair from various sources. He sorted the hair by color, length, and quality. He labeled the bag with Lakshmi’s name and placed it on a shelf. He didn’t know that he had just unleashed a dark and ancient force that would haunt him and everyone who touched Lakshmi’s hair.

He didn’t know that Lakshmi’s hair was alive.

And it was angry.

Chapter 1: The Suicide

SCENE 1: THE HAIRCUT

Lakshmi knew the misstep she was taking, but there was no turning back. She'd trudged for miles until finally arriving at the barber shop, where a man waited with scissors and a bag full of money. She'd agreed to part with her most cherished possession - her hair - for a sum that seemed almost too good to be true. She'd hoped this would be an answer to all her troubles, yet nestled in the crevices of her heart was a small voice nagging her that she was making an enormous mistake.

The barber shop was a small and shabby place, tucked away at the end of the main street of the village. It had a faded sign that read Hair Cut and Shave, and a dusty window that displayed a few combs, razors, and bottles of hair oil. The air inside was stale and smoky, and the floor was littered with clumps of hair of various colors and lengths. Lakshmi entered the shop, feeling her nerves rising. She saw a man sitting on a wooden chair, smoking a pipe and reading a newspaper. He looked up and smiled when he saw her. He had a dark complexion, a thin mustache, and a crooked smile. He wore a white shirt, a black vest, and a red turban. He was the dealer who had contacted her through a friend of a friend, and offered to buy her hair for a handsome sum.

Lakshmi walked towards him, clutching her long black hair in her hands. She felt a pang of regret as she touched it, remembering how much she loved it and how much it meant to her. It was her pride and joy, her identity and personality. It was a blessing from the goddesses, who had given it to her when she was born. It was admired by all who saw it, especially by Ravi, her fiancé, who loved to run his fingers through it and kiss it gently. She wondered what he would think of her when he saw her without it.

Hello, she managed to get out, her voice shaking slightly. I’m here for the...deal.

The dealer nodded reassuringly. He put down his pipe and newspaper and stood up. He walked towards her with an eager expression on his face. He reached out his hand and touched her hair gently.

Ah, yes. You must be Lakshmi, he said in a friendly tone. The girl with the longest hair in the village. Come, come. Don’t be shy. You have made a wise decision.

I really appreciate it. But I just want to make sure it won't cause any damage. You know, my hair means the world to me - it's practically a blessing from the gods! Lakshmi spoke with a hint of apprehension in her voice as she inspected the scissors and dye in front of her. She had heard horror stories about botched hair treatments, causing irreparable damage to unsuspecting customers' crowning glory. Still, she felt that this was something she needed to do if she wanted to make a change in her life.

The Dealer nodded reassuringly. Your hair will receive the utmost respect and care. Your beauty and femininity will remain intact, I guarantee it. He grinned, pleased with his persuasive powers as he took Lakshmi’s hand and led her to the chair where she was to have her hair cut.

The Dealer continued his effort of persuasion and said Of course it’s safe. And don’t worry about the goddesses. They will be happy that you are helping your family and yourself. Think of all the money you will get. You can buy anything you want. Clothes, jewelry, even a new house.

Really? That sounds amazing. Lakshmi exclaimed, her face brimming with eagerness. Yes, trust me. I have done this plenty of times already and all the girls have been thrilled with the results. You can see for yourself, just take a look around you here in the barber shop - all of them are beaming from ear to ear after their haircuts! The dealer gave an approving nod as he gestured to all the other women in the room.

Despite all the reassuring words from the dealer, Lakshmi couldn’t shake off her feeling of unease and guilt. Little did she know she was only a pawn in a larger plan by the ghost of her hair that seeks to punish those who wronged her as well as those who exploited it for their own gain.

The walls were adorned with posters of Bollywood celebs and cricketers, each one flaunting a different hairstyle or moustache. In the midst of all this was a huge mirror that served as an anchor to the room, reflecting the faces of the patrons and barber alike. It was quite something to look upon; you could almost feel like you could relate to any one of these characters, even if they were just a figment in your head's imagination. Along with this was a small window that served to let out the smoke from the incense stick burning on top of it. It was through this window that Lakshmi saw a vision of her own face, distorted and twisted in rage.

The ghostly figure beckoned Lakshmi closer with its bony fingers and spoke to her in an eerie voice: This is your fate now.

The scene before her was one filled with color and nostalgia. Clumps of hair of all shapes and sizes lay scattered on the floor, some freshly cut and others looking as though they hadn't been touched for weeks. In the background, a radio softly played old melodies from classic movies that were interrupted by updates on advertisements or news. Lakshmi scanned the room before her, taking in every detail with a slight smile on her face as she remarked They do look happy. It was clear they had enjoyed a good life.

Well, here we are. Time to get started. Please, take a seat and make yourself comfortable. The barber will be here shortly and he’ll make sure you look your absolute best! the Dealer said with a warm smile as he pulled out the chair for her to sit in. He looked around the small shop with a satisfied nod of his head, silently admiring its neatness and comfortability while making sure she didn't feel too out of place.

Namaste, Lakshmi. You have beautiful hair. It’s a shame to cut it, but I understand your situation. Don’t worry, I will make it quick and painless. The Barber greeting her.

Lakshmi smiled as she fidgeted in her seat and said a sincere thank you, sir. The small shop was filled with the scent of shaving cream, hair oil, and sweat, as well as rumbling noise of buzzing clippers and swishing scissors. Conversation blended with the sound from the grooming tools; there were people complaining about their day or joking around with each other. All around Lakshmi was the hustle and bustle of life in a barbershop.

Lakshmi felt out of place in this environment. She had never been to a barber shop before. She had always taken care of her hair at home, with the help of her mother and sisters. She had never let anyone touch her hair, except for her fiancé, who loved to run his fingers through it and kiss it gently.

Are you ready? The Barber taking a pair of scissors.  

Yes, I guess so. Said Lakshmi gulping. He cuts her hair with a pair of scissors, leaving her with a short bob.

There you go. It’s done. Said the Barber snipping her hair.

She looked at herself in the mirror, and hated what she saw and said Oh my god. It’s so short. feeling her head.

A girl with a short bob, that barely covered her ears. A girl who looked like a boy, or worse, a ghost. A girl who had no future, no hope, no happiness.

And it’s so beautiful. Thank you, Lakshmi. You have made me very happy. Said the Dealer with a smile on his while taking her hair.

You’re welcome. But...where is my money? Lakshmi asked warily, her gaze darting between the Dealer and the long, sparkling dark hair that he held in his hands.  The Dealer smiled in response, evidently enjoying having the upper hand. Oh, yes. Your money. Well, you see...there is a slight problem. He began with a hint of amusement in his voice. What problem? and continued and asked is this the way you do it? angrily said That’s not fair. You promised me a good price.

The Dealer apologetically said I’m sorry, Lakshmi. But that’s how it is. Maybe next time you will get more money.

Her hair was her pride and joy, her identity and personality. It was long and thick, reaching down to her ankles. It was black as night, shiny as silk, and soft as feathers. It was a blessing from the goddesses, who had given it to her when she was born.

Next time? There won’t be a next time. My hair is gone. You can’t do this to me. Said Lakshmi desperately.

Dealer calmly said I’m afraid I can, Lakshmi. And I have to go now. Goodbye and good luck.

Wait! Come back! Give me my money! Give me my hair! said Lakshmi crying.

He took her hair and left the barber shop without paying her anything.

She had heard stories of how a spirit had visited her mother in a dream, when she was pregnant with Lakshmi. The spirit had told her that she would have a daughter who would have the most beautiful hair in the world, and that she should never cut it or harm it in any way. The spirit had also warned her that if she did, a curse would fall upon her and her family.

Lakshmi had always believed these stories, and had followed the spirit’s instructions. She had never cut her hair or dyed it or styled it in any way. She had always kept it clean and healthy, washing it with herbal shampoos and oils, combing it gently and braiding it neatly. She had always worn it with pride and gratitude, thanking the goddesses for their gift.

But now, she had broken the spirit’s rule. She had cut her hair for money, for greed, for vanity. She had betrayed the goddesses and the spirit. She had lost her beauty and dignity. She had brought shame and dishonor to herself and her family.

Scene 2: Home

Lakshmi returned to her home, a small and simple hut made of mud and straw. It had one room, where she lived with her parents and her younger siblings. It had a thatched roof, a wooden door, and a clay oven. It had a few possessions, such as a cot, a table, a chair, and some pots and pans. It had no electricity, no water, no toilet. Lakshmi’s family was poor and hardworking. They were farmers, who grew rice and vegetables on a small piece of land. They had a few animals, such as a cow, a goat, and some chickens. They had little money, but they had love and respect for each other. They had faith in the goddesses, who watched over them and blessed them.

She entered her home and announced in a cheerful tone, Ma, Pa, I’m back.

Her father looked at her and asked in a shocked tone, What have you done to yourself? Her mother gasped in horror and exclaimed in a dismayed tone, Lakshmi! Your hair!

She stammered in a nervous tone, I...I can explain.

Her father asked angrily in an accusatory tone, Explain what? How you have ruined your beauty and dignity? How you have sold your hair for a few rupees? How you have disobeyed us and the goddesses?

She replied in a defensive tone, No, no. It’s not like that. I did it for us. For our family. We are so poor and hungry. I wanted to help us. Her mother sobbed in a sad tone, Help us? By cutting your hair? By losing your honor? By breaking our hearts? She pleaded in a desperate tone, Please, Ma. Please don’t cry. Please don’t hate me. Her mother turned away from her eyes and said in a cold tone, Go away from me. I don’t want to see your face. Her father stopped her from approaching her mother and said in a stern tone, Enough, Lakshmi. Enough of your drama. You have brought enough shame and dishonor to our family. You have no place here anymore. She clung to him and begged in a fearful tone, Pa, please don’t say that. Please don’t throw me out. He pushed her away and said in a harsh tone, Get out of my sight, Lakshmi. Get out of my house. Get out of my life. She fell on the ground and cried in a broken tone, Pa...

She tried to explain her situation and apologize, but no one

Reviews for Human Hair

[Janamora Gonder · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My Book Review: Human Hair by Hailu Worku Obsse

"Human Hair" is a psychological thriller book. The main character is a young woman named Lakshmi who attacks those who had denied her right to love, live and have happy family. Mehmet is a man with multiple personalities, and he uses a cursed hair to control people and to do evil.

The book explores the themes of trauma, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. It also examines the dark side of human nature and the dangers of power.

The writing is strong and evocative, and the characters are well-developed and believable. The plot is suspenseful and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

I highly recommend "Human Hair" to anyone who enjoys thrillers or books that explore the dark side of human nature. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Here are some specific things that I liked about the book:

The writing is beautiful and evocative. Hailu does a great job of capturing the atmosphere of Addis Ababa, Istanbul and Mumbai, and he also creates some truly memorable characters.
The plot is suspenseful and keeps the reader guessing until the very end. There are several twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
The book explores some difficult themes, such as trauma, resilience, and the dark side of human nature. However, Hailu does so in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging.
Overall, I thought "Human Hair" was an excellent book. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers or books that explore the dark side of human nature.