Zuhra – Reading Room, Late Afternoon
Zuhra sat at her study desk. Beside her textbook lay the poetry sheet that had been sent to her — as though staring at her very soul in written form. But she couldn't read. Her heart was filled with questions. She held the paper like she wanted to crush it, then exhaled a long-held sigh from deep in her chest.
Zuhra (in her thoughts):
"Who am I really searching for in this nameless piece? This poem... it's like it's speaking straight to my soul."
She closed her eyes and read the final lines again:
"I am listening to you, even in your silence."
She stood up resolutely, picked up her phone. She opened WhatsApp and stared at the message from the unknown number that arrived yesterday.
Then paused.
In the end, she deleted it — completely.
Zuhra (aloud):
"I won't allow myself to be confused. If he's sincere – let him come forward."
---
Kamal – Munir's House, Bedroom Window
Kamal stood by the window, gazing at the distant campus lights. In his hand was a copy of the poem he sent her. His eyes were filled with hope, but his heart trembled with fear.
Kamal (in his mind):
"I know what she's going through. Her father is like a wall of ice. But I've made my decision..."
He slowly tore the paper and tossed it into the bin.
Kamal (softly):
"From today – I won't send her anything again. If she accepts the poem, she'll search for its author. If her heart speaks… she'll come on her own."
Munir peeked in through the door.
Munir:
"You okay, Kamal? You falling in love with the air now?"
Kamal (with a faint smile):
"No… with a heart. And a heart without patience doesn't belong in love."
---
Outside – Security Guards: John & Usman
In front of Zuhra's house, John and Usman stood facing each other. John kept an eye on the path Zuhra used to the reading room.
Usman:
"You noticed? She's gotten very quiet lately."
John (chuckling):
"A woman's silence — is like water hiding the depth of a well."
Usman:
"We saw what happened to Kamal. And the Brigadier himself gave the order — to beat anyone who gets too close to her."
---
Zuhra – In Her Room, Night
Zuhra turned on her small speaker and played a song she wrote herself — a tune painted in sorrow and longing. Her eyes met her reflection in the mirror, questioning herself with a heavy heart.
Zuhra (in her thoughts):
"Why do his words sound like my lyrics? Did he… recognize me long ago?"
She returned to her desk. She pulled out a fresh sheet of paper and began to write a poem that flowed straight from her soul:
"I heard you, even when you said nothing.
Your heart knocked on mine with a soundless voice."