??Fahmid Bilal, a graduated military cadet; who dedicated all his love for one person and was devoted to them, since childhood.???
??Afreen Hadid, a first year radiology and imaging student; who also had immense love and respect for one person but...
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Echoes Between Us
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Fahmid stood still, his mind whirling with emotions as the truth spilled from Afreen’s lips. She had loved him all along. Every heartbeat, every stolen glance, every quiet prayer—it had all been real. And yet, she had sent him away. Harshly. Without explanation.
He wanted to be overjoyed. But the ache—the years of silence, the betrayal, the loneliness—it clawed at his chest. He did not smile. He did not move. He just stared at her. Not with affection—no. With something more painful: disappointment.
Afreen knelt before him, her eyes shimmering with tears but filled with hope. “Lion-ie, now that you know everything.... Can you, please, give your answer? It hurts to stay kneeling for so long.”
He looked down at her, expression unreadable. Everyone was anticipatingly waiting to hear his response to her confession. However, he, slowly, took a step back, which shocked everyone, their hearts tightening with fear. “Get up, Afreen.” He spoke slowly but firmly.
Afreen blinked, confused. “W-What?”
“Get up,” he repeated, quieter the second time. “You don’t have to kneel for me. Not anymore.”
She slowly rose, uncertainty painted across her face. "Fahmid, I—”
"You loved me?" He asked, cutting her off. She nodded slowly. "And yet, you crushed me like I was nothing."
"I made a mistake. I was scared and stupid. I—"
"So was I!" he snapped, the sharpness in his voice startling her. "But I would’ve fought the whole damn world for you, Afreen. You gave up before the war even started."
She stepped forward, trying to reach his hand. "Please, I am sorry. I really lov—"
Fahmid cut her off as he yanked her hand away. “No,” he said sharply. His voice cracked slightly but held firm. He stepped closer, pain flashing in his eyes. “You don’t get to love me now, Ms. Hadid.” His words hit like bullets.
Afreen's lips parted, heart shattering. "For three years, I died every single day wondering why I wasn’t enough. You buried me alive in the name of love."
