Zuhra's Room – Night
Zuhra sat at the edge of her bed, her head tilted, phone in hand. The dim light in her room gave off a soft glow, wrapping the space in a quiet, heavy calm. She dialed Rushna again — the second time — hoping for a little peace of mind.
On the other end, Rushna's voice came through, groggy and concerned:
Rushna (on the phone):
"Zuhra? Are you okay? You've called twice now — I got worried."
Zuhra (pressing her forehead):
"Rushna, please… just tell me — which lectures do we have tomorrow? I feel so out of it. No strength, no focus… and I can't afford to miss again."
Rushna (with concern):
"Tomorrow we start with Pharmacology in Hall 3, early morning. Then it's Anatomy practical in the lab, Hall 7. But Zuhra… are you sure you're alright?"
Zuhra (pauses for a moment):
"I honestly don't know. I feel like… I'm not myself anymore. I walked into the lecture hall today like a stranger — like someone who didn't belong. And then... I got a message from an unknown number."
Rushna:
"What did it say?"
Zuhra (gently placing her hand over her chest):
'"I was happy to see you today. Even if it's not the right time — if you ever need someone to talk to, I'll be here."'
Rushna (raising her brows):
"Hmm… sounds sweet. But do you know who sent it?"
Zuhra (shaking her head, softly):
"I swear, I don't. But… he stopped me in the corridor this morning. The way he looked at me… it threw me off. I thought he'd walk past — but he didn't. He just said two words. Out of all the students… it felt like he saw only me."
Rushna (cautious and firm):
"Zuhra, please be careful. This isn't a place where reputations go untouched. And you're not just anyone. You know how gossip spreads in the University of Hyderabad."
Zuhra (with a tired smile):
"You're right. No matter what, I'll be in Pharmacology tomorrow. I'll sit beside you — maybe I'll find a little peace there."
Rushna:
"Come early. Professor Raghav hates lateness — and now that assignment marks are being tallied, he'll deduct even for a minute."
Zuhra ended the call slowly, then opened WhatsApp — the message still there, glowing quietly on her screen.
Zuhra (thinking):
"A message from someone I don't know… but my heart feels like it already knows him."
She lay back on her bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling. Her thoughts drifted between the lessons she hadn't studied… and the words of someone whose name she didn't know — but whose message had carved itself into her heart.