Grand Auditorium – Night, University of Hyderabad
It was a cold night, yet burning with the heat of passion and talent that filled the hall. The grand auditorium overflowed with students – lovers of music, poetry, and literature. Modern lights spun above and below, casting shadows and light across the room. Everyone waited for the first brave voice to rise.
To the side, Zuhra sat calmly, dressed in a grey and gold hijab. followed the presenters with her eyes, but her mind was far away – tangled in waves of thought. The poem that had been sent to her two days ago rested in her bag, feeling heavier than paper.
Elsewhere in the hall, Kamal stood at the back, waiting for his name to be called. He wore a simple black shirt and blue jeans. A sheet of paper was in his hand – held like it carried fire from the heart. His eyes found Zuhra – he saw her before anyone else.
Host (with energy and excitement):
"Tonight is for the artists! Please welcome Kamal – the poet of the heart!"
The audience stirred, clapping politely. Kamal rose, walking forward slowly, like a journalist preparing to read his final story. He climbed the stage steps and paused, then looked directly at Zuhra.
Zuhra raised her eyes – they met. Kamal took a deep breath and began with a voice full of courage and tenderness:
"My heart is buried,
Yet I still listen for you.
Even if silence lies between us,
I am here… still here, always."
The hall fell silent – as though everyone was contemplating not just the poem, but the sound of the heart behind the words. Then came applause – gentle, understanding applause.
Zuhra lowered her head slightly, her heart trembling. She couldn't say anything, but even her breath seemed to change rhythm.
Kamal stepped down quietly. But before fully turning away, he looked back at her again. She lifted her head – their eyes met once more. This time, there was no fear – no questions. Only silence – stronger than any words.
---
In Her Mind…
Zuhra knew one thing:
You don't need a name to recognize the soul that writes the verses your heart understands.
Kamal, on his part, realized:
Art was the gentlest path to approach a heart that had long built its fortress.
---
That night... changed everything.