Kamal stood in the darkness of the night, watching the lights of the event flicker in the distance — like a glow calling out from another world. His body remained still, but his mind was drifting far away, lost in confusion and the weight of regret. Alcohol was spinning in his blood, weakening him, dragging his thoughts into chaos.
He thought… about his father, and how he had thrown him out of the house. That thought was slowly consuming him, making him feel as though life itself had come to a halt. He had no solution, no clear path to change his ways. Everything felt heavy — like the entire world was pressing on his chest.
He drank, thinking it would wash away his pain. But in truth, it only deepened his wounds. On this night, Kamal was drowning in a storm. He was searching for an escape — a way out, a door to exit the darkness. But every path looked like a wall.
Kamal (thinking):
"Where's the way out? Where do I start? Or have I been lost for too long?"
Somewhere deep within him, his soul whispered that he needed real change — not the kind that comes from alcohol or chasing women, but a transformation from within — from truth.
He thought about Zuhra. Since he last called, she hadn't picked up. That silence filled him with rage. Even when he approached her with sincerity, when he called her from his heart — she still refused to listen. He felt worthless, like all his efforts meant nothing. That anger swelled in him, throwing him into deeper confusion.
Munir had told him that Zuhra no longer attended such events. Now Kamal believed it — and it hurt even more. Was something wrong with him? Had he made a mistake he didn't even recognize?
He searched for answers, but even when he listened closely to his own heart, all he found was darkness and noise.
---
After the Celebration
The birthday celebration was over. Lights danced, people dispersed with laughter and goodbyes. Munir stood at the door, offering farewells with politeness, but inside he was filled with unease and questions.
Guests walked out of the hall toward their cars, laughing, checking phones, glancing at their watches.
One friend (asking):
"Where's your guy?"
Munir paused, confused. He looked around — Kamal was nowhere to be seen. His heart thudded in his chest.
Munir (thinking):
"Where is Kamal?"
Another (laughing):
"They say his father kicked him out of the house."
Another (shocked):
"What? If it were me, no way I'd allow that! His father is wealthy!"
Another (shaking his head):
"Kamal's lost his way. Alcohol and women have ruined his life. He can't even see the road anymore."
Munir said nothing. His heart sank. He knew something much heavier was going on with Kamal — far beyond what they could see.
As they reached the parking lot, Munir quickly excused himself:
Munir:
"I'm going to find Kamal. I'll see you all later."
---
Under the Tree Near the Hall
Kamal lay beneath a tree, his body weakened, eyes half-closed. His face was shadowed, but the dim glow of a streetlight revealed fear and defeat across it. It was like he was trapped in a nightmare.
Munir rushed over. He knelt beside him, offering support.
Kamal (voice shaking, near tears):
"Only Zuhra… If I see her, I can endure anything. Even my father. Even homelessness..."
Munir (supporting him):
"Zuhra isn't the solution. You are. You must save yourself — not for anyone, but for you."
Munir helped him gently, not like a friend — but like a brother. He tried to guide him from laying down to walking. Kamal's eyes were barely open, like a man the world had knocked flat.
---
Inside Munir's Car
Munir helped him into the car. Kamal leaned against the window, watching the Hyderabad streets swallowed by night. The lights blurred past like a dream that never came true.
Kamal (softly):
"My father said I was nothing… and now, I'm starting to believe it."
Munir (driving calmly):
"Don't believe that. But stop living on impulse. Zuhra won't pull you out of this — only you can."
Kamal (weakly):
"Tell me the truth… does she even know me?"
Munir:
"She knows your name. She asked about you. But… have you done anything to be remembered by?"
Kamal didn't respond. The words hit his chest like heavy steel. He had never been truly important — not until now.
---
At Munir's House
Munir brought him inside, helped him into the room. He laid him down, removed his shoes. The scent of alcohol filled the space, but Munir didn't care. His friend meant more than the smell.
Munir (removing his shoes):
"Tomorrow… look for change. Not for Zuhra. Not for your father — for yourself."
Kamal (eyes closed):
"I'm tired, Munir. I'm tired of myself..."
Munir switched off the light and walked out quietly.
Kamal was left alone. Darkness swallowed the room. But within that darkness, his heart whispered gently:
"Zuhra… I need you. Even if the world never wants me..."