When Love Returns on the Stage:
Inside the restaurant, the echoes of friends' laughter and joy filled the air. Yet, among all of them, the radiance on Mehmet's face stood out. In the presence of a beloved, the happiness of the lover knows no bounds.
All the friends were busy chatting and joking when suddenly the food arrived.
Mehmet smiled and looked at Ramish:
"Ramish, you start first."
Ramish gently replied:
"No… you all serve yourselves, I'll take it after."
Zuraiz, with a light smile, said:
"Alright then, I'll serve food for both of you."
He filled two plates—placing one in front of Ramish and the other before Mehmet.
Mehmet quickly said:
"Zuraiz, you should serve yourself too."
Zuraiz lovingly responded:
"I'll eat from your plate, together with you."
Hearing this, a shy smile touched Mehmet's lips.
"Everyone is sitting here… it doesn't look good," he whispered softly.
Ramish cut in with a laugh:
"Why not? Zuraiz is absolutely right. You two should enjoy your moments of happiness, don't bother about others."
Mehmet laughed helplessly:
"Alright then… fine."
When everyone began eating, Zuraiz took a bite from his plate and lovingly offered it to Mehmet.
All the friends watched with meaningful smiles.
Mehmet, though shy, accepted the bite. Zuraiz said with gentle seriousness:
"When your lips touch my fingers… it stirs something deep inside me."
Mehmet's face flushed red with embarrassment. He lowered his gaze and softly said:
"Zuraiz… please, now eat your food."
Ramish immediately added:
"Mehmet, what's there to be shy about? Enjoy the happiness of these moments. You should feed Zuraiz too."
Mehmet hesitated, shaking his head:
"No, I can't…"
But Zuraiz teased him:
"Come on, Mehmet! Even Ramish is telling you. And I'm waiting for your bite."
Then he innocently leaned forward, opened his mouth childishly, and said:
"Aaaaaah…"
Amid the laughter of friends, Mehmet shyly fed him a bite.
Zuraiz instantly grabbed Mehmet's hand, put his fingers in his mouth, and began sucking them playfully.
At this sight, everyone burst into applause and laughter.
Mehmet's face grew even redder as he pulled his hand back, but Zuraiz's eyes sparkled with pure joy.
The meal ended in laughter and cheerful chatter. Then everyone stepped outside. The fresh breeze added delight to the atmosphere.
One friend laughed and said:
"Now we're all refreshed… tell me, where should we start next?"
Zuraiz replied with a smile:
"Why not explore the culture of Asia, friends?"
Everyone joyfully agreed:
"Alright then, let's see!"
And so the group entered the section of Asian cultures. Ramish stepped forward and said:
"Let's begin with China's culture, and then explore the rest one by one."
The friends agreed and walked inside together.
Before them, the grandeur of Chinese civilization unfolded in full glory—majestic architecture, colorful clothing, ancient arts, and traditional foods, all reflecting China's rich heritage.
A "Dragon Dance" performance was being showcased. The performers, with a long dragon-like serpent in vibrant colors, danced magnificently, leaving everyone awe-struck. The hall echoed with cheers and laughter. The friends also captured photographs to preserve the memory.
Amidst all the liveliness, Zuraiz quietly held Mehmet's hand. A strange glow and serenity lit up Mehmet's face. In their eyes, there was nothing but joy.
The joy in Ramesh's heart was palpable. He felt at peace within himself, seeing Mehmet and Zuraiz together.
The friends enjoyed the cultures and cuisines of different countries, laughing and joking along the way. Then they entered the section representing Pakistan.
As soon as Ramish immersed himself in the colors of his homeland's culture, a wave of joy spread across his face. He felt as though, for a moment, he had returned home. Seeing people speaking his own language and sharing his colors gave him immense comfort. The friends swayed along with the Saraiki dancers, sharing in their joy. After buying a few memorable items and taking pictures, they happily came outside.
The friends said,
"We've experienced the cultures of all of Asia now."
Ramish looked up at the sky and said,
"Now the evening is about to fall… it's better if we sit somewhere, rest for a while, and then explore the rest."
Everyone agreed, and they went and sat to one side.
At that moment, Zuraiz leaned closer to Mehmat and said in a secretive tone:
"In the evening, there's also a music gathering here. Artists from different countries come and spread their colors."
A smile lit up Mehmat's lips.
"Well, that's wonderful… we must definitely see it."
The friends cheered with excitement,
"Yes, absolutely! After some rest, let's go watch that too."
Zuraiz stood up and said,
"You all sit here, I'll go find out where the concert is."
Mehmat immediately said,
"Zuraiz, I'll go with you."
Hearing this, all the friends shouted playfully together,
"Wow! How nice…"
Zuraiz smiled and replied,
"Of course… why not!"
And so, the two of them set off together to find the concert, while the rest of the friends chatted among themselves, quietly waiting for Zoraiz and Mehmat to return.
As the gathering of friends grew brighter with colors and lights, their excitement rose even higher. Zuraiz and Mehmat returned, laughing and smiling. Zuraiz was carrying Mehmat on his back, and Mehmat had rested his head gently on Zuraiz's shoulder. A soft innocence glowed on Mehmat's face as he slowly placed tender kisses on Zuraiz's neck. The smile on Zoraiz's face was priceless.
When the two reached their friends, Ramish smiled and said:
"Mehmat, you look so happy today… what's the secret?"
Without hesitation, Mehmat replied:
"Whenever Zuraiz is with me, my happiness knows no bounds."
Zuraiz laughed and turned to everyone:
"Friends, Mehmat and I went to check out the concert venue. A famous singer has already started performing there. Are you all ready to go?"
Mehmat eagerly added:
"Yes, friends! The atmosphere there is amazing. Let's hurry!"
Everyone stood up at once, their laughter echoing as they made their way to the concert. As soon as they entered, a sea of people welcomed them. The stage sparkled with colorful lights, and the air was filled with thunderous excitement.
Mehmat waved his friends over:
"Come here, there's space!"
They all moved forward. Zuraiz wrapped his arms around Mehmat as they stood together. The others noticed and teased playfully:
"Wow, look at that! Beautiful…"
Mehmat then gestured to Ramish:
"Ramish, come and stand with us."
Ramish stepped closer. By then, the atmosphere of the concert had grown even more enchanting. One after another, singers from different countries cast their spell with mesmerizing performances. The friends swayed, enjoying the songs, and even danced lightly to the rhythms. Zuraiz and Mehmat seemed lost in their own little world, dancing and smiling together.
Then came the announcement of the next performer—a singer from Thailand. As soon as the new artist stepped onto the stage and began to weave magic with his voice, Ramish's heartbeat grew wild.
Placing his hand on his chest, he whispered in astonishment:
"This voice… it's so familiar, as if I've heard it before…"
Nervously, he turned his gaze toward the giant screen. Suddenly, his eyes filled with tears. The face shining there was none other than Richer—the very Richer who was the longing of his life, the dream of his nights, the center of his love.
With a trembling voice, Ramish said:
"Mehmat… this… this is Richer…"
No sooner had the words left his lips than his legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
When he appeared before me, I could not hold my ground.....Such was the longing to behold him, that even love could not keep me bound.....