A Promise of Answers
A beautiful new morning had begun. The wind was blowing, carrying leaves from one place to another, as though the radiant morning itself were welcoming them.
Today, they were preparing to say goodbye to Abu Dhabi's beautiful morning, its towering buildings, and its captivating views.
The two of them slowly left their room and made their way to the hotel lobby, where the manager was waiting for them.
Richer said to the manager, "We've packed our belongings and placed them to one side of the room. When we return, could you have them brought down for us?"
The manager replied, "Sir, we can have all your luggage brought down and loaded into the car now. If you return here after sightseeing, it will take quite a bit of time. You can explore wherever you like until evening, then head straight to Dubai from there."
Richer said, "In that case, please have our luggage brought down and loaded into the car. We'll have breakfast in the meantime."
"Certainly, sir. Once you've finished breakfast, please come outside to the car," the manager said.
"All right," Richer replied.
The two of them went to the hotel restaurant and sat down for breakfast. When the waiter came to take their order, Richer placed it.
After ordering, Richer glanced at Ramish, who was gazing sadly out through the glass.
People continued to come and go both inside and outside the hotel. The beautiful gardens and the rows of trees lining the path leading to the hotel made the surrounding scenery even more enchanting.
After a brief pause, Richer asked, "What's wrong, Ramish? You look sad. I suppose you don't want to leave Abu Dhabi. Perhaps you've grown quite fond of this city."
With a faint smile, Ramish replied, "No matter how beautiful Abu Dhabi may be, nothing is more beautiful to me than sitting with you, drinking tea, and spending time in your company. I wish every day could be like this, so I could enjoy a cup of tea with you every single morning."
Richer's gaze remained fixed on Ramish, but his lips stayed silent. He couldn't find an answer to Ramish's heartfelt wish.
Changing the subject, he said, "Ramish, this morning is truly beautiful." Then, with a smile, he added, "And you look wonderful today, too. It's as though an actor is sitting right in front of me."
Ramish looked at Richer for a few moments before replying, "You're the reason I look so good. These clothes were ordinary, but your touch has made them priceless. I wish that one day you could touch me too and make me feel just as precious."
Richer grew a little serious. "Ramish, you are already precious beyond measure. Never think of yourself as worthless. It isn't the clothes that make you beautiful. You are beautiful yourself. Your heart is beautiful. You are priceless just the way you are."
Ramish was about to say something when the waiter arrived with their breakfast and set it on the table.
"Come on, let's start eating, Ramish," Richer said, gesturing towards the food.
Ramish nodded gently and began his breakfast. They ate quietly, sometimes looking at each other and sometimes turning their attention to their food. When they had finished, Richer ordered tea and coffee.
Ramish's eyes remained fixed on Richer's face. Richer looked into his eyes, where so many questions were waiting to be answered. Yet Richer's silence had been weighing heavily on Ramish's heart.
The waiter brought their tea and coffee. Richer picked up the cup of tea from in front of Ramish and offered him his own cup of coffee. Ramish looked at Richer as he began drinking from Ramish's tea cup, while Ramish quietly picked up the coffee.
Perhaps Richer wanted Ramish to understand that some truths were bitter, yet sometimes they had to be accepted, even when one wished otherwise.
After taking a few sips, Richer held the tea cup out towards Ramish.
Looking at him, Ramish said, "Richer, if you want tea, please drink it. I'll have the coffee."
Richer smiled. "No, I'll drink the coffee you've already had. I know you don't like it, but why do you do this? If you dislike something, you should tell me instead of silently putting up with it for my sake."
Ramish replied, "I love doing everything for you."
"I'm simply trying, in every way I can, to win your heart. Maybe one day you'll forget all your fears, think about us, and see just how deeply your devoted lover loves you."
Seeing the depth of Ramish's love for him, Richer fell silent. Perhaps, in Ramish's heart, Richer was everything—and Ramish never wanted to refuse him anything.
Richer picked up the coffee cup. Before taking a sip, he drew a deep breath and looked at Ramish.
"Ramish, I know you have many questions in your heart. We'll talk about all of them today. Now, please wipe that sadness from your face. There's no need for you to be sad."
At Richer's words, Ramish's face brightened with happiness.
"Really?"
Richer nodded. "Yes. But not here, and not in the car. Once we reach the place we're going to visit, we'll sit down and talk peacefully."
Ramish smiled. "All right."
Seeing his smile, Richer smiled too.
They finished their last sips and slowly made their way outside to the car. Leaving Etihad Towers behind, the car set off towards the beach.
Perhaps the moment was finally approaching when Ramish would receive answers to all his questions from Richer. Perhaps this journey would mark a new step forward in their love.