The Anthem of the Rebels | ✓

[20] Distant souls

Chapter Twenty

Perhaps, the loneliest thing in life is to be on bad terms with someone you're living with. Ever since their argument, neither Zahid nor Amal made a move to clear things with the other.

They lived like they always had, except now, the conversation had vanished from between them. With every passing moment, Zahid grew silent. He was starting to lose sleep, the bags under his eyes proof of his condition.

Amal grew reserved as well. Firm on her decision, she did not leave for Islamabad. She cooked, wrote just as passionately, and still made extra coffee for Zahid every morning. Zahid too fulfilled all of his duties. He checked if the doors were locked, prepared her warm honey-water before he woke her up for Fajr, and told her if he was going somewhere but now his conversation was reduced to short phrases.

It is truly a wonder how two people can care about each other so deeply and yet, refuse to open up their hearts about certain matters.

Things weren't supposed to be this way, and yet, life had somehow shadowed over Amal and Zahid and the once happy couple who believed that they were unbeatable against the whole of society as long as they stood together were now beginning to lose faith. For how could they possibly remain unbeatable if they failed to understand each other and give the other a chance.

While Amal was stubborn on her side, the lack of action from Zahid was beginning to worry her. With every passing day, the boulder on his shoulders only seemed to be getting heavier and even if Amal was angry, she cared far too much about him for her heart to remain unmoved.

Two days passed and Amal was beginning to consider Zahid's suggestion. Should she really go to Islamabad? While her heart openly argued against it, Amal could not help but consider Zahid's peace of mind. If her leaving would really lighten the cloud that hung about his head, then perhaps Amal was willing to make that sacrifice.

Then, as quickly as it had come, the thought vanished from her head. No. Let the world team up against her, Amal wasn't going to leave Zahid's side. The irony was that her man himself was now begging her to leave.

Clutching at her hair, almost helplessly, Amal let out a light groan. At times, she wished that she could switch off her thoughts.

The bell ringing outside snapped Amal out of her chain of thoughts and while she was glad of the distraction at first, the threats Zahid had been getting brought her back to reality.

Moving a bit cautiously, Amal made her way towards the door. She tried peeking through the door but to no avail. Straightening up, Amal cleared her throat, "Who is it?"

A minute passed... and then another. Her guard now completely raised, Amal looking around the gate for some sign of a letter or something. Releasing a relieved breath once she failed to spot any, Amal was about to make her way back- deciding that it must have been some kid playing a prank, when- just as she had closed the main door behind her, the bell rang again.