ILLITERATE

ILLITERATE EPISODE 04

The arrival of Zuhair, Muzammil's cousin from abroad, casts a new light on the dreary household that Muzammil has long endured. To Muzammil, Zuhair’s return is more than just a family reunion; it is the arrival of a potential ally, someone who might finally offer him kindness in a world that has been relentlessly harsh. As news of Zuhair’s return spreads, Muzammil’s heart stirs with fragile hope, envisioning a bond that could possibly make his oppressive existence bearable.

With fervent anticipation, Muzammil dedicates himself to preparing a special meal to welcome his cousin. Every chop, stir, and seasoning is infused with care, a silent prayer that Zuhair’s demeanor might be different from the cruelty he faces daily. As the aroma of the feast wafts through the house, Muzammil feels a flicker of happiness, a rare ember in the cold monotony of his life. In his mind, he rehearses the warm greeting he hopes to extend to Zuhair, imagining the beginnings of a connection that might restore his battered spirit.

But as he sets the table, his aunt’s piercing voice cuts through his fleeting moment of joy. “Don’t be too happy, Muzammil. Zuhair doesn’t like you,” she declares with cruel finality, her words like a blade slicing through his optimism. The room, once alive with the promise of something new, feels suffocatingly still. Muzammil’s hands tremble as he processes her words, the meal he painstakingly prepared now seeming a futile gesture. Doubts cloud his mind—had he dared to hope too much?

The weight of her statement crushes Muzammil’s fragile hopes, leaving him disheartened and adrift in a sea of despair. The idea of finding solace in Zuhair now seems like a distant dream, overshadowed by the stark reality of his aunt’s words. Yet beneath his sorrow, a quiet determination flickers. Perhaps this new disappointment is not the end but a test—a challenge to remain steadfast in a world that constantly seeks to break him.