After a long moment of looking like an idiot, I finally spoke.

"I think... I'm a little lost here." I curved my lips hesitantly. "Is this still about girls?"

"Okay. I think I was saving the awkward part for last while making everyone look bad except for myself." He chuckled awkwardly and cleared his throat. "Well, In my religion, a devout person does not have... uh!.. promiscuous relationships. No clubbing, or socializing the American way. I tried to date by my own standards but I failed. Because at some point I'm being asked for something that I can't give. I tried to explain my limits but... They were offended when it was absolutely not my intention and eventually they ran away." The side of his mouth twisted into a half smile.

They!

"Oh!" I muttered, stupefied.

He didn't seem upset about it nonetheless. He said it like a matter of fact. Like he was at peace with the idea that he'd never been... involved with a girl?

This is interesting and, well, comforting, I guess!

As surprised as I was, it felt good to know we had something in common. Even if it was lack of social life.

He gazed at me, his head tipped slightly, gauging my reaction. I guessed he'd probably experienced massive criticism for his lifestyle and he expected the same from me.

"This must be tough ." Was all I could say.

" No. Not really."

" What do you call it then?"

" Just... the ethics I grew up with? I suppose It's easier to follow certain rules when you are taught them at a young age."

"You never...?" I broke off, my face heated.

"No."

I looked down silently for a second to hide my blushing face.

" You never dated?"

"Not exactly. I wasn't actually following the conventional dating process. I just stopped when I figured I was trying too hard. I already had the moral foundation that I'll find the one for me when God decides it's the right time. That's why I'm not worried about it any more. " he shrugged.

A hundred questions were swirling in my head and I surprisingly found the courage to ask. I was abashed but also intrigued by the conversation.

Hey! He started this! So he doesn't mind talking about himself.

It was strange how easy it was to talk to him about unusual topics, forgetting all my reservations. So unlike me. I've always been socially illiterate or rather reclusive but he just... filled this gap easily.

All my life, I'd thought most men were predators in disguise. I've seen bad people. I could sense them. Akram seemed so far from that. He was fun and exciting. Chatting with him was like reading a mystery book and watching the mystery unfold while not wanting the story to end. He was like a Harlan Coben novel. It felt amazing to unravel his mystery. Although I wasn't even close to that.

The only choice I had was to continue grilling him. I couldn't ditch this chance. It might not occur again.

" Is there sort of... like... a religious vow of celibacy or something? " I asked hesitantly, playing with my fingers. Too nosy and forward, I know, but I still hoped I wasn't making him uncomfortable.

He chuckled, scratching his distinctive brow with his long index finger. " It's nothing like that. It's only temporary. I would say it's like a modern version of courtship. My only motive was marriage."

"Courtship and marriage! Interesting! Like a classic novel. That's kinda impressive!" I gushed. I loved historical romance. Even marriage seemed romantic back in the old days.

" I guess I'm awfully old fashioned. I'm actually two hundred and ten, you know." He chuckled. His face seemed to lighten up every time he laughed or smiled. But this time it looked like relief.

Is he worried I'm going to judge him for this?

" That definitely makes more sense." I chuckled. " So it's basically a wife hunt."

"Not for me. I'm waiting for my soul mate." He stated as serious as ever.

"You are? You believe in soul mates?" My eyes widened.

"Absolutely. "

I froze up for a minute. Not sure what to make of that. It was just wonderful and a bit vexing for some unclear reason in the works of my brain.

"So... What are the limits then? I mean, is there any form of romance allowed in your version of courtship?" I asked, hoping the question was enough for him to keep on talking forever.

"Well, anything physical or suggestive is off limits. The relationship has to stay platonic until marriage. I think that's customarily how it worked a century ago. And that's what I personally call a healthy relationship. Probably why marriages lasted longer in the past." He shrugged.

"So even.. a kiss is forbidden?"

"Mm-hmm."

" You never kissed a girl ?!"

Again! I shocked myself when I pried into his private life. As if he didn't just answer this question. I blushed. Too late to realize it was not my business.

He smiled, silently lifting his eyebrows. A look that seemed to say 'Are you seriously asking me this stupid question?'

"Oh! Sorry. You have to be married first. " I muttered.

"Right." He nodded.

"What about... love?"

"What about it?"

"Is it okay? before marriage?"

"Of course." He looked puzzled, his eyebrows drawn together.

" I thought maybe love is not permitted until you get married as well. "

"How will I call someone my soul mate if I didn't fall in love with her?" He blinked, his dark eyelashes more defined as his eyelids neared to each other, " Mel, I think love is misinterpreted nowadays. I see a difference between love and physical attraction. I think many people mix them up. Of course, there's a physical aspect to love. But there are a thousand other ways to love a person without violating their morality. Don't you think? "

"Well, I have no experience so..." I simpered, looking around.

He smiled brightly. " It's alright. I'm not an expert either."

" Don't you worry that love may change after marriage?" I asked. My romantic tendencies driving me to keep the ball rolling. I was so into it, it was almost a compulsion.

"If it did? Then it wasn't real to begin with. True love doesn't go away, in my opinion." Another sip of espresso touched his lips. "many people I know believe in arranged marriage, that love is not necessarily a prerequisite and that it grows through companionship. I respect that, but I prefer to search for myself. "

"It sounds like a big deal to you." I said, carefully choosing my words.

"It is! Love is life. It's not just a habit or a word we repeat now and then. It's not a temporary pleasure. It's nurturance. Patience. Trust. And once you've found it? It's irreversible. Sacramental, even. I would never underestimate it. " he said sweetly and seriously at the same time. It was so authentic that my heart started pounding behind my ribs.

Mesmerized, I stared back at him. I could lose my mind in the depth of his eyes. Or the meaning of his words. His concept of love was incredibly romantic. I couldn't believe there was a guy like this. He believed in an idea that I thought was a figment of writer's imagination. I thought it was impossible to take place in real life.

" What if you never find her? Your soul mate? " I asked after a moment of awed silence, feeling worried for some unfathomable reason, my typical dark scenarios breaking in.

"Let's not be so pessimistic, please." He smirked, rolling his eyes.

" Haven't you met anyone like you? I mean girls from your background?" I wondered. It was more logical that they would understand his views.

" It's complicated. Everyone is different even from the same culture. But I think I'm actually more different" he ran his fingers through his hair. " I was introduced to someone in Egypt once. Family visit. They're nice people but I didn't feel it. I believe I'd know if she's the one but she was...not." he paused, " Also, I'm too uptight for most people here, but too loose for most people there. Because I study music and work at a club and that meant for some, well, including my dad, that I'm a careless brat who has no future." He pouted, exaggerating a sigh. "See the dilemma? I don't really know where I fit. "

I kind of resented his dad for a second and I didn't even know him!

" Interesting! I thought that was only me." I said frankly.

He leaned in to my side of the table. " I honestly find this hard to believe." He said, mimicking my words. "D'you have... a boyfriend?" He asked, a faint line wrinkled his forehead as he straightened back.

"No! I haven't met a suitable person yet." I admitted sarcastically, crossing my arms.

His forehead relaxed. He stayed silent, probably waiting for me to elaborate.

My lips cracked a tight smile, then I continued my interrogation. "Isn't it early to think about marriage ? I mean, you're still a student. "

" I didn't really know when my search was going to pay off, but I'm not against marrying young if one can handle commitment, besides, they say the early bird gets the....!" he trailed off, his face tinged a faded red. " I'm sorry, I... didn't mean to sound rude. it's just what the proverb says."

I didn't even notice the catch until his face changed. I tried to supress my laughter at his expression.

" Don't worry," I grinned, hoping to ease his embarrassment, " every worm will be happy to marry you."

"Thank you ma'am! I know I've earned it." His eyebrows jerked up and he laughed, performing a quick bow with his head. " You know what? It's amazing how easy it is talking to you. "

" You don't have many friends do you? Because I think you would've had more interesting people than me to chat with." I said in all honesty. It did surprise me that he found me worthy of being a friend. I was nothing special in any way.

"No I really don't, " He laughed. "I'm boring. But you? You have the ability to keep me blathering nonsense about myself all day. That's quite a unique talent. I normally don't talk that much."

"Hmm! I have no idea how you find that a talent. Because I am definitely the boring one tonight." I countered, resting my head on my hand.

" Absolutely not! You're patient and you don't judge... or run away." He chuckled. "You're a really good listener. That's so much wiser than being a chatterbox if you want my opinion." A smile touched his eyes, apparently enjoying this. Or at least that was what I hoped.

" So, since I barely gave you the chance to say anything, Will you tell me more about yourself?" Akram continued. Something that looked like genuine interest sparked in his eyes.

"I don't have much to share, really, I have a tedious life." I admitted.

However, that wasn't the only reason for my reluctance. Not everything can be told. Not even to a good looking, polite, gentleman like Akram. Especially not to him.

" That's not necessarily true. We think our life is boring because we are living it. But it could be interesting to other people." He had a good point. "You're not an undercover agent, are you?" He asked gravely, pulling his eyebrows together.

Totally enjoying his sense of humor, I chortled, covering my mouth. "No, not that I remember."

He nodded, looking expectant, and obviously waiting for more information.

"Umm! I think I already told you most of it." I brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. "I'm nineteen. Graduated last year. I started working at the café last March. I had two previous jobs that didn't work out. I live... with my roommate, Asha. My parents died in a... car accident years ago and I have no family left." I swallowed, avoiding his eyes, " I haven't been to college so I'm hoping I would someday apply and major in English and maybe become a teacher. That's all." I told him, feeling disgusted with myself for lying to him.

But I had to!

"Sorry about your parents." His expression softened, " But, really? I can tell you about yourself more than that."

"Really? Okay, then. Go for it. I suppose I don't know myself that well." I smiled tightly.

" You're just too modest," He smirked in return. " You're also shy and sensitive. A hard worker. You have a soft spot for children. You enjoy nature. You have sleep disorder. You like romance novels. Your favorite color is... pink?" He pointed to my shirt and smiled. "You also have a tiny beauty mark under your ear. You have the Illusion of being over weight. You're not by the way. And your eyes are hiding so much sadness that seems to never leave you alone." There was a gentle look in his eyes, waiting for a response I was too shocked to come up with. My eyes widened as I stared at him, speechless.

"I can't believe you didn't know all of this. " He raised an eyebrow at me biting a wide grin.

"No,I... I can't believe I'm having dinner with Sherlock Holmes!" I said, still stunned by his observation.

"Lucky guess." He said jovially. He then looked hesitant , running his fingers through his hair before he finally spoke softly "Can I ask why? The sadness?"

It was my turn to hesitate.

"I don't think... there's anything sadder than losing your family." I glimpsed a sudden heavy look in his eyes before I let my head fall, staring at my hands.

My make-believe stories made me feel absolutely repulsive. I kept lying when I didn't even know if my parents were dead or alive. I loathed myself for deceiving him. But it was hard to admit the truth. What would I tell him that wouldn't drive him away? That I didn't know who I am? Or where I came from? Or that I don't even know my real birthday? Or my given name? Would it be okay to tell him I'm homeless and living in a shelter? That I'd been a foster kid most of my life because families don't prefer adopting depressed teenagers? Or worse, should I tell him about the incident that blemished my body and soul forever?

Without warning, I felt the tears gathering up between my eyelids, getting ready to spill at any moment. My mood became suddenly bleak.

"Melody, hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cross the line. I'm really sorry. " He whispered tenderly, his hand tentatively sliding across the table to brush the back of my hand with only two fingers.

The sensation was amazingly soothing. His touch was like a hot shower washing away my tension. I blinked and two tear drops fell on the back of his hand .

"Thank you." He said, his voice low but I thought I heard a hint of humor in his tone.

For a minute, I had no idea what he was thanking me for. I lifted my face looking at him in confusion. Carefully, he withdrew his hand, grabbing a napkin from the corner of the table. He wiped the tear drops off his hand that was comforting me seconds ago. He folded the napkin and put it into the pocket of his shirt.

"What was that?!" I asked, astonished. My former bleakness completely forgotten.

"I'm keeping them. " He smiled.

"Why?" I exclaimed, absolutely overwhelmed by the weirdness of what just happened.

" I don't know, you're the one who gave them to me." He shrugged, his eyes twinkling softly.

"Unbelievable!" I said, my tears suddenly dry . My lips twitched and I really wanted to smile.

"Any time. " he said raising his eyebrows.

What he did was actually kind of sweet and whimsical and weird. I couldn't help but smile in response. It started to be clear that Akram was unequivocally capable of lightening up my mood. I'd never smiled or laughed my whole life as much as I had with him tonight.

" I was wondering... Are you free this Friday?" He asked , abruptly interrupting my dreamy thoughts. "I used to go alone to the movies in the past two years to celebrate the end of the school year so I thought, maybe, you'd like to come along? I'll let you pick the movie. " He smiled lightly, looking hopeful.

His offer caught me off guard.

It was too generous. I haven't been to the movies for a long time. Since the last foster family. I was thirteen and It hadn't been such a comfortable experience then, feeling like the misfit that didn't belong to the group.

Even now as I started working and fending for myself, I couldn't afford the luxury of watching the latest films in a decent movie theater. Except those old movies, displayed for free in the park during the summer.

Besides, had I the extra money, I would had spent it on other necessities. Like adding a few more items to my barely sufficient wardrobe. A secondhand laptop or even a blow dryer were not such a bad idea either. I wouldn't think of getting a cell phone, though. No one to call. Also I had a target to reach. Saving as much as I could to pay for school or rent my own place someday in the future.

A real movie night with akram sounded great though. The urge to say 'Yes' made me feel like a selfish opportunist. He'd spent too much on this dinner already and it felt like I was using his friendship for my own selfish pleasure.

I bit my lip and deliberated for a minute.

"Sounds good." I agreed, glancing at him with a tiny smile. Yep! Selfish opportunist. That's me!

His face lit up, "Great. Now you only need to pick the lucky motion picture. So we can reserve our seats."

The possibility of 'reserved seats' was a little fancier than I thought but I pondered over my movie wishlist until I made up my mind. This was probably once in a lifetime.

"I have been wanting to watch 'Star-crossed Lovers' If that's okay." I told him. It was based on a novel I'd read and made me cry my eyes out for hours afterwards.

His face fell, giving me a tortured look. "Are you sure about that?" He asked.

"Yeah! Why?"

"Mel, it's a 2 hour long tearjerker." He pursed his lips.

"So what? Can't you handle that?" I teased.

He chuckled.

"Alright. If you want to watch it, it's fine. Just remember this was your choice." He sighed, narrowing his eyes mischievously. " However, the next time? My choice. deal?"

"Deal." I agreed with real enthusiasm. At least I knew there was a next time.

"Ok, remind me to add a dozen tissue boxes to my shopping list." He said gravely, pretending to be serious.

I tittered like a school girl.

I was being absolutely ridiculous with him. I just hoped I wouldn't run him away with my bizarre​ mood swings.

*********

We stood outside the restaurant as Akram called a cab, "Sorry I didn't bring the car. Driving in New York is not so cool. " He massaged the back of his neck. A scowl touched his face, "I should be driving you home. "

"No. It's okay." I blurted .

"I will escort you home then."

"No, you don't have to," I started wringing my hands. " I'm actually going back to the café. My roommate works there. We'll go home together ."

"Are you sure you're going to be fine." He stepped closer, tipping his head forward. His chocolate brown hair gleamed, reflecting the headlights of the cars passing by. The look in his eyes made my stomach squirm.

"I'm sure. I go home every night, remember?" I chuckled nervously, internally freaking out.

I can't let him see where I live! that would be humiliating. I hope he just let it go.

"Can I... have your phone number? Just to check that you're home safe ?" He almost pleaded.

"Sorry, I don't have one. It's really fine. I'll see you tomorrow." I managed to smile as the taxi stopped in front of us. "Thank you for the lovely dinner." I beamed, holding out my hand.

I can't be more thankful for the first enjoyable night out in my entire life.

"Thank you for the lovely company. " He replied in earnest, surrounding my hand with both his hands and I felt my heart stutter.

He kept it there for a few seconds, staring into my eyes and then he let go and strode to open the passenger side door for me.

I got into the cab while he carefully closed the door. He walked around to speak quietly with the driver and walked back to my side, smiling broadly through the rolled down window.

"Salaam," he said, bending forward to see me off. The word sounded familiar. It was probably Arabic. The sound of it was musical .

Waving at me, Akram's figure disappeared from my sight while the taxi driver revved up and, with relative difficulty, penetrated the streets of Manhattan.

******

Hi there

★I hope you enjoyed this part.
Please help me correct any errors you may find.

★I also have a question. What did you like and what did you dislike about the story so far?
I really appreciate your opinions.

*Please check out Akram's poetry book (Poetic Rants By Akram Sadiq.) It has snippets of his POV in poems.

Please VOTE and COMMENT your opinions. It means a lot to me.