The Swallows of Kabul

Atiq watches Zunaira eat, unwilling to take his eyes off her. He tells her Musarrat made the food, and Zunaira says he is lucky. Atiq becomes enraged. He says that her husband must have been a brute. Zunaira says her husband was a good man, expressing regret at his death.

At home, Atiq insists that Zunaira should not be killed, and Musarrat is worried that Atiq’s obsession has gone too far. Atiq tries to convince Qassim to use his influence to free Zunaira. Qassim refuses, noting that Zunaira is the only woman scheduled for execution during the rally. Qassim disparages women, saying Atiq has lost his mind. Atiq insists on Zunaira’s innocence. He wonders why Zunaira has changed his perspective so much, transforming him from an uncaring man into one who would risk his safety for another person.

Musarrat tries to calm Atiq down, noting his continued rage. Atiq grabs Musarrat’s throat, pushing her against a wall and telling her he cannot stand her. Musarrat collapses, and Atiq leaves. The crowd outside the mosque upsets Atiq, and he passes Mirza without acknowledging him. Atiq goes to the jail, unlocks Zunaira’s cell, and tells her to leave, using the cover of night to escape.