A Beautiful Heart

Ikram glanced at her. She was staring at him. She was looking at him openly. “Should I undress?” He asked. His eyes were full of anger that he was trying to subdue.

“I am sorry I did not realise I was making you uncomfortable. I…” she hesitated, “I… I just… find you very beautiful. I love looking at you.” She turned her face towards the window, watching the rain. And added, “As you probably are aware. Everybody likes looking at you.”

She felt his eyes on her. Her heart was heavy. She wished the rain would stop and he would leave. She hoped the rain would never stop, the city would get flooded, and he would never have to leave. She felt her eyes stinging. They were going misty. She loved him so much but could never tell him this or expect anything from him. She bit her lip to prevent her tears.

“Why are you crying?” He asked. His words were very soft.

She shook her head. Her eyes cleared, but she did not trust her voice. She felt his presence next to her. She did not turn around. “It seems that it is not going to stop raining today. The streets are already full of water. I hope the city is not flooded,” he said

She did not say anything in response. She kept standing there, turning her face slightly away so he could not see her face. He moved away. She relaxed a little. She heard him moving in the kitchen. She turned to glance. He got her a glass of water. “Drink this. You will feel better.”

She took the glass from him. “I am sorry,” she said, fighting to let her voice sound normal. “I am an emotional fool.”

“I guess we all are. Please drink,” he gave her the glass.

She nodded as she raised the glass to her lips. Her eyes lifted, and she was shocked to see concern in his eyes. “I am sorry I did not mean to stare at you. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.”

He nodded. “I understand. You know, sometimes, the way some people look at me, I feel they are mentally undressing me. He hesitated or would use my body to satisfy their lust. I am sorry I equated you with them.” After a pause, his voice softer, he asked, “May I ask you what you were thinking? I know it is very personal, but I want to — no need to know.”

“Nothing,” she said, Looking out the window, “just this; I never realised you would look so lovely up close. You…” she faltered, either at the loss of words or not wanting to say anything else.

“Look at me. Turn around.” When she did not move, “Please” he added.

She turned to look at him. He saw love in her eyes, which he had never seen in anyone’s eyes ever before. He swallowed. “Now tell me what you are thinking.”

“I am grateful to you.”

“Grateful ???”

“For letting me see you this close.”

“You don’t want to touch me, kiss me….nothing.”

She shook her head.

“Why?”

She bit her lip, hesitating. He realised whenever she felt lost, she bit her lip. “You don’t deserve to be touched by me, loved by me. You deserve a beautiful princess, a beauty queen. I am as ugly as you are beautiful.” She lifted her hand to touch her disfigured skin. She bent her head, letting her hair cover her face.

“Is it painful?” He asked. She shook her head. “Can I see it? I have wanted to see it ever since I perceived its presence.”

She raised her head in shock and surprise. He realised what a strange request it must have sounded. He gestured with his face seeking permission. She nodded. He pushed her hair behind the ear with a single finger. He saw her eyes becoming watery. She bit her lower lip.

He tried his best not to let the shock show in his eyes. He could see the rough skin from the temple to her chin and neck. It was hard and leathery. It was uneven and slightly darker than the rest of her face. He covered it with his palm. The tip of his fingers at her temple. She closed her eyes, fighting not to cry. But tears streamed down her face.

“Shhh,” he said, pulling her to hold her close. He wrapped her arms around her. He felt her face pressed to his chest. He fought tears too.