In the Heart of Darkness

Chapter 25: A Game of Hearts

The morning sun streamed through the window, but its warmth didn't reach Zara. She sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the wall, her heart heavy, her mind numb. Her once vibrant grey eyes were now dull, devoid of any life, reflecting the emptiness she felt within.

The events of the previous night weighed heavily on her soul. Ibrahim's coldness, his rejection of her love, his declaration that he would set her free-it all left her with nothing but despair.

She had lost all hope for the future, for a life with him. The realization that Ibrahim would never truly love her as she loved him had left her heartbroken. He had given her so much-protection, safety, a life she could only have dreamed of-and yet, she couldn't have what she desired most: his love.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. Nancy walked in, her face filled with concern as she noticed Zara's pale complexion and hollow eyes. "You didn't eat anything last night, Zara," Nancy said, her voice gentle but firm. "You need to have breakfast. Skipping meals won't help anything."

Zara looked up, her lips parting to respond, but no words came out. She simply nodded and followed Nancy to the dining table, though she had no appetite. She nibbled at her food mechanically, her mind elsewhere, completely detached from the world around her.

Nancy watched her, sensing the depth of her despair. She hesitated for a moment before reminding Zara of something important. "You've got an important test today at university, don't you? You can't afford to miss it."

Zara blinked, as if suddenly realizing what day it was. "The test..." she murmured. She hadn't prepared, hadn't even thought about it amidst everything that had happened. But there was no avoiding it. With a sigh, she forced herself to get ready and left for university, though her heart wasn't in it.

The day dragged on painfully at the university. Zara sat in the examination hall, staring blankly at the paper in front of her. She knew the answers were somewhere in her mind, but the fog of her sadness prevented her from thinking clearly. She scribbled a few half-hearted responses, but she knew she had already failed.

Later, when the results came in, her teacher's disappointment was evident. "Zara, what happened? You failed miserably. This isn't like you."

Zara barely listened, her mind elsewhere. She had expected to fail and didn't care. What was a test when her entire world felt like it was falling apart?

After class, Ayesha, her best friend, approached her with concern. "Zara, are you okay? You've been so quiet lately."

"I'm fine," Zara replied, forcing a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Just tired."

Ayesha frowned. "Come on, let's hang out. It might take your mind off things."

But Zara wasn't in the mood for company. "Not today," she said softly. "I just want to go home."

Ayesha nodded, though she looked worried. Zara hurried out of the campus, eager to be alone.

When Zara returned home, Nancy was waiting for her. It didn't take much for Nancy to see the sadness weighing on Zara's shoulders. She had seen this coming ever since the distance between Zara and Ibrahim had grown.

"Come, sit with me," Nancy said, patting the couch beside her.

Zara sat down, still lost in her thoughts. She hadn't spoken much to anyone since last night, and her face reflected the pain she was trying to hide. Nancy, however, knew her too well.

"I know what's bothering you," Nancy began, her voice soft yet wise. "It's Sir Ibrahim, isn't it?"

Zara didn't answer, but her eyes filled with unshed tears.