The night had fallen gently over Hyderabad. A soft, cool breeze drifted between the streetlights and car windows. In a quiet alley in Charminar, at Munir's house, golden-hued lights flickered across the living room walls, illuminating the decorations for an upcoming event. Gold and white balloons hung from every corner, announcing the approach of something important.
Kamal and Munir sat together, alone in the middle of the living room. Food and drinks were spread out on a small table in front of them. A mischievous smile played on Kamal's face — the kind of smile that hides a childlike cunning and a burning desire to succeed in a complicated mission.
"Munir," Kamal said as he swirled a glass of fruit wine in his hand, "you know tomorrow's your birthday. It has to be unforgettable. Why don't you invite Zuhra to come over and light up the place with one of her songs?"
Munir chuckled softly. He raised his glass, took a sip, and shook his head.
"Didn't I already tell you?" Munir said. "Zuhra doesn't show up to events like this. She's above small gatherings like ours. She's all about big stages and prestigious concerts."
Kamal smirked. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting across the room like a man lost in a vision.
"Hmm… but don't you think she might come if she's invited respectfully? I know you have a way to get an invitation to her. No need for tricks or detours."
Munir looked at him with a knowing smile.
"She won't come, Kamal. Zuhra is a woman of dignity. She's built her name on honor and class. She's not just some singer — she has boundaries, she has structure. Even in school, you won't just find her hanging around. Wherever she goes, she carries herself with purpose."
Kamal fell silent. The rim of his glass fogged with his breath. His heart pounded — not because of music, but because of something deeper. A desire both intense and consuming had begun to root itself in his chest.
"Well then…" he said softly, "if she insists on pride and principles, I'll find a way that matches her standards. You'll see. I won't let her slip away from my heart."
Munir glanced at him, a hint of concern in his voice.
"Kamal, don't forget… not every heart is something you can play with."
But Kamal stood up from his chair. His voice was low, filled with a quiet intensity.
"For once, I feel like this heart… this one, is the one I want to take seriously."
He turned and left the room, walking with a swagger that hinted at intent. Munir watched him go, his mind filled with curiosity and a creeping fear — was Kamal serious this time? Or was it just another dangerous game?
---
Zuhra sat in her room. As usual at night, her curtains were drawn, and the soft light from her reading lamp danced across the carpet. Her eyes were on her phone, her heart racing. A new number appeared on the screen — a number she didn't know, and hadn't expected.
An uneasy feeling spread in her chest. Her hands trembled slightly. A strange number… a call without a name, without reassurance. Her eyes closed, her heart shivering with a suppressed urge to cry that she'd been holding in since last night. Her father's harsh words still echoed in her mind — "Singing brings no honor. Forget it." It burned like a silent whisper inside her.
The phone kept ringing. But Zuhra didn't move. She lacked the courage to answer. Even though a part of her longed to hear the voice on the other end — maybe it was something soothing, or maybe a terrifying opportunity — she couldn't bring herself to face it. It felt as if answering the phone would expose the chaos buried deep inside her.
Eventually, the ringing stopped. Silence returned to the room. But within her, a heavy weight settled — not because she had ignored the call, but because she didn't know if that had been the right choice.
---
In his own room, Kamal leaned against the wall, phone in hand, staring at it like he expected it to answer him back. The number he had dialed hadn't picked up. He stared at the phone as if hoping it would give him a sign — even if just a breath from the other side.
Munir entered the room smiling, holding a birthday gift someone had just delivered.
"You really can't stop thinking about Zuhra, can you?" Munir teased. "I already told you, she doesn't come to these parties. Maybe she's allergic to music now!"
Kamal didn't say a word. He kept staring at his phone. His silence cloaked in frustration. Munir assumed Kamal was just caught up in birthday excitement. But deep down, Kamal's mind was racing — what to do, how to reach her, what path to take?
At the main hall, people began arriving. Friends and family, laughing and cheering for Munir's birthday. But Kamal sat in a corner, watching the crowd like he didn't belong to their world. His eyes saw everyone — but his heart was trapped in a storm.
If he didn't see Zuhra — if she didn't show up — this birthday meant nothing to him.
He felt like something inside him was breaking. And he knew he wouldn't rest until she understood that his heart was chasing hers… even if the path was full of danger.