"The Journey Abroad"
After much deliberation, Ramish finally made the decision to go to Dubai. But the thought of being separated from Richer's love—and the loneliness that would follow being far from home—continued to gnaw at him from within.
His family was happy, proud that he was taking steps toward a better future abroad. But they had no idea what Ramish was truly going through.
Richer's love had seeped into every vein of his being — it had become a part of him, one he couldn't remove even if he tried. That love had left him scattered and restless.
All preparations for Ramish's departure were complete. He had begun packing his clothes and other essentials. As he sorted through his belongings, his hand reached for a suit — the one Richer had once given him. He decided to wear it, perhaps for the last time, to carry Richer's scent with him.
Ramish softly said to himself,
"I'm going abroad... Who knows if I'll ever get to meet Richer again? But as I leave this home, I want to take his fragrance with me, wrapped inside me."
And so, the time of farewell arrived. Ramish embraced his parents, wife, and children, and set off for Dubai.
His close friend Amir came to drop him at the airport. Hugging him tightly, Amir said,
"Ramish, try your best that when you return, you've left Richer memories behind. I know it won't be easy, but you have to free yourself. You'll be in a new land, among new people. Yes, there will be loneliness too... but make new friends, and keep yourself busy with work. That way, the sadness will hurt less."
In a soft voice, Ramish replied,
"I'll try my best, Amir... but honestly, it doesn't feel possible."
Amir pulled him in once more,
"Take care of yourself, and keep in touch. Call me every now and then, just to let me know you're doing okay."
Ramish smiled faintly and nodded,
"Alright, Amir. I'm leaving now."
He bid farewell to Amir and boarded the plane. In his heart, a silent wish echoed:
"If only this plane were taking me to Richer country... if only I could meet him just once more..."
But the desire remained just that — a longing.
Ramish had arrived in Dubai. He buried himself in work. Each morning he went to the office, and each night he returned to his room — sometimes he ate, and sometimes he drifted into sleep on an empty stomach.
Even there, he remained quiet. When his colleagues at the company asked if he missed home, Ramish would simply nod and say, "Yes."
Time continued its slow passage. Six months had passed since Ramish came to Dubai, but nothing had changed. Richer's love still reigned over his heart, untouched and unshaken.
Often, he would sit by the window of his room, gazing at the moon for long stretches — as if confiding in it, as if whispering his secrets to the night sky.
On weekends, he would walk to the beach. As the sun dipped below the horizon, he would stand in silence, watching it fade. Then, barefoot, he would walk along the sand for hours — alone, quiet, lost...
:A Moment of Laughter:
The Fast Life of Dubai, Shadows of Loneliness, and a Storm of Memories — all were creating a constant uproar within Ramish.
One day, his colleagues at the company decided they should explore Dubai together. One of them turned to Ramish and said:
"Ramish! It's been six months — we really should see more of Dubai now."
Ramish softly replied,
"You guys go ahead. I'm just not feeling up to it right now."
Hearing this, the friends exchanged surprised glances. One of them insisted,
"What's that supposed to mean, Ramish? Are you seriously not coming with us?"
Ramish gently shook his head.
"No… you all go. I'll join you some other time."
But they could feel the sadness behind his calm. Sensing his silent grief, they immediately made up their minds —
"No, Ramish. You have to come with us. Wherever we go, we go together. No excuses this time!"
Ramish paused, then gave a faint smile.
"Alright then... I'll come along with you guys."
Everyone cheered.
"That's more like it! We'll head out on the weekend, then."
On Saturday morning, they all set out to explore. Their first stop was a large shopping mall. They wandered around, admired the decorations, took photos, and did some shopping. Ramish bought a few things for home as well.
Suddenly, in one shop, a shirt caught his eye — he loved it instantly and bought it right away.
One of the friends said,
"Ramish! This shirt is really nice. It'll look great on you!"
Ramish smiled slightly,
"I bought it... for someone."
There was a silence in his tone — soft, unfinished — and though everyone noticed, no one said anything.
After shopping, they went to a beautiful restaurant. They ate together, laughed, took pictures, and enjoyed each other's company.
Then someone suggested they visit the beach in the evening — and so, off they went.
At the beach, everyone ran into the water and began playing, splashing, and shouting. Ramish, however, sat quietly at a distance on the shore, watching them — as if the weight of years was pressing on his face.
One friend noticed and signaled the others. They all ran toward Ramish, dragged him into the water, and started splashing him. Someone soaked him with water, and suddenly, Ramish let out a loud laugh — a true, heartfelt laugh after what felt like years. He joined them, splashing them back with full energy.
In that moment — the laughter, the waves, the water droplets — it felt as if years of sorrow were washing away.
A genuine, spontaneous smile finally returned to Ramish's face. He became lost in the moment, playing and laughing with his friends. They splashed around, chased one another in the waves, until they were all breathless with joy.
As evening fell, the sun began to set slowly into the arms of the horizon. Golden rays danced across the water's surface. Everyone came back to sit by the shore, tired but happy.
Ramish gazed quietly at the setting sun and whispered in his heart:
"If only you were here, Richer…
We would've had even more fun together.
I still remember that moment — sitting by the sea with you,
watching the sun sink into the horizon."
Night was falling. One by one, they all made their way back. And once they returned to their rooms, sleep took over quickly.
And the surprising thing? That night, for the first time…
Ramish slept in peace.
Was it exhaustion or a moment of joy —
something, whatever it was, gently brought peace to Ramish's heart, if only for a fleeting instant?
It was the kind of sleep that comes only after years, touched by the rare comfort of ease.
Otherwise...
Sleep can come even on a bed of pain,
To rest in their embrace — that's not a necessity.