After the cake cutting and fruit juice were over, Munir continued enjoying his birthday with his friends. The room was filled with laughter, dancing, and the sound of music. Cameras captured moments destined for Instagram and Snapchat. But on the other side, Kamal seemed like he belonged to another world — untouched by the joy surrounding him.
Though people smiled at him and tried to draw him into the celebration, his heart remained burdened. Despite the display of singing and dancing, Kamal could not fully participate. Lost in deep thoughts, he felt like the world around him held no meaning without Zuhra. In his heart, confusion twisted his thoughts, raising painful questions with no comforting answers.
In this state of internal frustration and pressure, Kamal took a glass of beer handed to him, hoping it might offer some peace. He drank until his eyes began to blur, trying to drown himself in the party. But what he felt wasn't joy — instead, he sank into a heavy, dark place that numbed his heart.
Munir and his friends were laughing and dancing, yet Kamal the life he truly wanted. Deep inside, he sensed a void — a vast emptiness that only Zuhra could fill. He tried not to think more about his feelings, but joy would never be real for him until he could face her.
His desire for Zuhra seemed to fuel every thought and move. There were no certainties, no signs she felt the same. But his heart had already fallen — and there was no return from such a fall.
Still sinking into emotional turmoil, Kamal took another glass, pouring the weight of his heart into every drop. If he had been fully conscious, he might have realized he was heading down a dangerous path. But now, his mind wandered through a darkness filled with questions:
Did she read my message? Did she hear my calls? If she did, why didn't she answer?
Questions slowly burning his heart.
Munir noticed Kamal — the blurriness in his eyes, the restless movements of his hand, his fake smile. Munir could tell Kamal was deeply unwell, and his heart ached, wondering if there was anything he could do to help his friend.
But Kamal refused help. No one could truly understand his pain. No one could feel the weight he carried. He believed his only escape was to meet Zuhra — to hear her voice, look into her eyes, and know her heart.
Munir stepped closer, placed a hand on Kamal's shoulder, and gently said:
"Kamal… don't let your heart destroy your worth. If not today, one day you'll get the chance to speak to her."
Kamal said nothing. He stared into his glass… closed his eyes. And though Munir's words reached his mind, his heart — buried deep in desire — wasn't ready to listen.
Meanwhile, the birthday party went on — but Kamal stood like a statue in the noise, heart sinking lower into the depths of pain.