In the Depth of the Heart - Chapter 13: Chapter 13
You are reading In the Depth of the Heart, Chapter 13: Chapter 13. Read more chapters of In the Depth of the Heart.
The school corridor buzzed with noise today. Students shuffled about with papers in hand — some studying aloud, others scribbling answers in a rush. It was test day.
Zuhra walked calmly, slowly.
John and Usman, the soldiers her father had assigned to guard her, followed closely behind like shadows made of silence. Each of them had sharp eyes, scanning everything. Many students turned to stare at them in curiosity and disbelief.
Student 1 (whispering):
“Wait — she’s still in school? I thought they banned her completely.”
Student 2 (giggling):
“Well, music is more important than school, isn’t it? She doesn’t even know today’s the lab submission.”
Student 3:
“Even when she shows up, she never walks alone. Always with her army escort — like she’s royalty.”
Zuhra heard them. No one addressed her directly, but their words pierced her soul. She closed her eyes for a moment and exhaled — not a word left her lips. Still, she kept walking gracefully, as though none of it touched her.
From afar, Kamal stood beneath a tree by the corridor, watching her. His body was relaxed, but his heart beat wildly.
Kamal (to himself):
“She came out today... but something’s missing in her spirit. Is it gossip that hurts her — or is it her own heart breaking?”
Munir walked up behind him, still flipping through his test paper, trying to memorize last-minute notes. He noticed Kamal staring at Zuhra like she was a portrait that had fallen from heaven.
Munir:
“Come inside and sit down, or will you keep staring until the test begins?”
Kamal (with a heavy smile):
“Let me be. This stare… it’s a different kind of lesson.”
Munir shook his head, and they both walked into the test hall. But Kamal’s eyes lingered on the corridor — his heart tangled in wonder and longing.
Meanwhile, Zuhra stood at the lab door, eyes scanning the submission list. Her name wasn’t there — she hadn’t realized today was the deadline. Her posture stiffened like stone — unmoving — while her thoughts spun in confusion.
Zuhra (thinking):
“Where have I been these past few days? How did I forget this? Is music pulling me away from everything?”
John and Usman stood alert. Anyone who came near was met with a cold stare. A new classmate, unaware of her situation, tried to approach and ask her something — but John stepped forward and gently pulled him aside.
John (softly):
“Give her space. Not now.”
The student stepped back respectfully. The presence of the guards pushed people away — physically and emotionally.
Zuhra turned slowly and walked back down the corridor, her steps soft and deliberate — like a song no one could hear.
Zuhra walked calmly, slowly.
John and Usman, the soldiers her father had assigned to guard her, followed closely behind like shadows made of silence. Each of them had sharp eyes, scanning everything. Many students turned to stare at them in curiosity and disbelief.
Student 1 (whispering):
“Wait — she’s still in school? I thought they banned her completely.”
Student 2 (giggling):
“Well, music is more important than school, isn’t it? She doesn’t even know today’s the lab submission.”
Student 3:
“Even when she shows up, she never walks alone. Always with her army escort — like she’s royalty.”
Zuhra heard them. No one addressed her directly, but their words pierced her soul. She closed her eyes for a moment and exhaled — not a word left her lips. Still, she kept walking gracefully, as though none of it touched her.
From afar, Kamal stood beneath a tree by the corridor, watching her. His body was relaxed, but his heart beat wildly.
Kamal (to himself):
“She came out today... but something’s missing in her spirit. Is it gossip that hurts her — or is it her own heart breaking?”
Munir walked up behind him, still flipping through his test paper, trying to memorize last-minute notes. He noticed Kamal staring at Zuhra like she was a portrait that had fallen from heaven.
Munir:
“Come inside and sit down, or will you keep staring until the test begins?”
Kamal (with a heavy smile):
“Let me be. This stare… it’s a different kind of lesson.”
Munir shook his head, and they both walked into the test hall. But Kamal’s eyes lingered on the corridor — his heart tangled in wonder and longing.
Meanwhile, Zuhra stood at the lab door, eyes scanning the submission list. Her name wasn’t there — she hadn’t realized today was the deadline. Her posture stiffened like stone — unmoving — while her thoughts spun in confusion.
Zuhra (thinking):
“Where have I been these past few days? How did I forget this? Is music pulling me away from everything?”
John and Usman stood alert. Anyone who came near was met with a cold stare. A new classmate, unaware of her situation, tried to approach and ask her something — but John stepped forward and gently pulled him aside.
John (softly):
“Give her space. Not now.”
The student stepped back respectfully. The presence of the guards pushed people away — physically and emotionally.
Zuhra turned slowly and walked back down the corridor, her steps soft and deliberate — like a song no one could hear.
End of In the Depth of the Heart Chapter 13. Continue reading Chapter 14 or return to In the Depth of the Heart book page.