A long time ago, when there was no internet or smartphones, a young Iranian man lived with his grandparents in a small town in India—or as Iranians call it, Hindustan. Parsa had been raised by his grandma Molood and grandpa Jamal since he was two, after his parents died in a plane crash on a flight from Mumbai to London.
Parsa was an ambitious, kind-hearted man, spending almost all his time baking cookies and donuts in his grandpa’s tiny confectionery store. His biggest dream was to open a beautiful shop in Mumbai one day and make all kinds of sweets there.
On a rainy day in February, a new customer walked in, asking for two fresh chocolate donuts and four walnut cookies. Parsa was too busy to notice at first, but when he raised his head and saw her, his heart began to beat twice as fast.
The girl was wearing a blue blouse and a pair of black jeans. Her eyes were dark brown, and her hair was as black as the night sky.
“H-here you are!” Parsa said, forgetting to breathe for three seconds. So many pretty girls came to the store every day, but something about this one was pleasantly different.
When she left, Parsa sat down, closed his eyes, and pictured himself with her—living in a happy home, making donuts and cookies together. All he could see was laughter, flour, and sugar.
The next morning, around 9:30, the same girl entered the confectionery. Parsa’s heart raced again; so fast that he couldn’t breathe for a few seconds.
“Two chocolate cookies and one vanilla donut, please,” she ordered. Parsa smiled breathlessly as he reached for the cookies and donut—and then he caught it: a heavenly scent of roses filling the store. Rich and delightful.
“Excuse me,” Parsa said shyly. “Are you married?”
The girl blushed. “No! Why? Do I get a discount if I am—or if I’m not?” she asked teasingly, smiling like a rose on a rainy spring morning.
“No! I mean, yes! We do give discounts!” Parsa felt embarrassed. He wasn’t sure what he was saying or doing. He only knew he couldn’t live without this girl. His heart was playing Can’t Help Falling in Love.
Wise men say
Only fools rush in
“Can I invite you to a nice restaurant? Are you free tonight?” The words tumbled out, his heart trying to escape his chest.
“I’m free tonight, but why a restaurant? I like parks and gardens. We could get cheeseburgers and eat in the garden near my place if you like.”
“Of course, of course! Why not? I love cheeseburgers, I love gardens, and I love—” Parsa caught himself, his face burning.
She laughed and wrote her number on a scrap of paper. After she left, Parsa sank into the old wooden chair, smiling, picturing all the good things that might happen that night. This was his very first time dating a girl.
Later that day, Parsa closed the store an hour early and hurried home to shower. He put on his new black jeans and a navy blue T-shirt. “You can do this! Believe in yourself!” He smiled at his reflection in the mirror.
It took him about twenty minutes on foot to reach the garden. When he arrived, no one was there except the girl and a cute black Maltipoo.
The girl looked even more gorgeous that night, wearing a blue floral dress as she stood like a welcoming rose in a garden filled with the mesmerizing scent of roses.
“Hi again! This is my friend, Paani,” she said, introducing the cheerful pup.
“Hi, Paani!” Parsa waved. “But I still don’t know your name. I’m Parsa. What’s yours?”
“Myra.” She said gently. “Want to walk, if you’re not too tired?”
“Sure! I’d love to walk with you and this honey pie.” Parsa answered joyfully.
“Parsa, I’ve always rejected date offers. There’s something in my life that almost no one can get along with.”
“We all have problems, Myra. What is it? You can trust me, I assure you!”
“It’s not a problem, actually. It’s a gift I inherited from my mother. I can talk with animals. I mean, they can talk with me if they wish. And in this garden only, I can let the people I like talk with animals, too!”
Parsa was completely sure that Myra was just sharing her fantasies with him. “You have a powerful imagination. That makes you even more interesting!”
“I know it’s impossible for you to accept what I said. But if there’s going to be a second date, I have to let you see what my life is like. Are you ready?” Myra asked.
“Ready for what?” Parsa raised his eyebrows, wondering what was going on.
“Paani, would you please say something to Parsa? We have to do this. Please!” Myra was now talking to the Maltipoo.
“You’re nice and handsome! I like you!” Paani the Maltipoo spoke like a five-year-old girl in an animated movie.
Parsa blinked. “What just happened? Did the dog talk? Is this some kind of joke, Myra?” He felt nervous, confused.
“Paani told you she likes you. What’s unusual about that?” Myra asked, smiling.
“Do you think this is normal? Your dog is talking to me!”
“That’s rude! I’m not her dog. I’m her friend.” Paani looked a bit upset.
“I’m sorry, Paani, but I’ve never met a talking dog in my life. This is all so new to me.” Parsa’s voice rose.
“Calm down, boy! And this is your first time dating a lovely girl. There’s always a first.” A lovebird sitting on a maple branch was now talking to Parsa.
“Oh, Jesus! What’s wrong with this place?” Parsa stood still, staring into Myra’s glittering eyes.
“Nothing! Nothing’s wrong with my home. Barfi, would you play the music? It’s time to sing and dance!” Myra gestured to a Bengal cat standing near a stereo. Barfi immediately pressed play, and an uplifting dance song filled the air—Kesariya.
How can I not fall in love with you?
Your love is saffron, my love.
I will be colored by whatever I touch.
The whole day passes worrying about you.
I pray for your well-being in the rain.
As soon as the music played, Parsa’s fears melted away. His feet began to move gracefully, his hands rising and falling with the beat. Paani, Barfi, and the lovebird joined him at once.
Parsa knew well that the music was enchanting him, but he decided to let all his worries evaporate for at least a night, and take Khayyam’s advice to enjoy the moment.
“Myra! This is the best day of my life. Being here with you is like swimming in a pool of roses. Let’s dance, darling, let’s dance till morning!”
Myra took his hand and began dancing with him. Hours later, breathless and laughing, they stopped and kissed.
That night, the stars giggled and the moon lit up with joy. And God whispered to the angels, “Didn’t I tell you? Creating humans was worth it after all.”
As are all of Sam Kandej’s stories, this one is light and positive and charming. I loved the innocence of the chracters, the sharp tone of the dog at being classed by Parsa as a possession, and most of all I enjoyed the magical realism employed here. Thanks for sharing, Sam!
Thank you very much for your heart-warming feedback, Bill! 🤗
Did he use your dog’s name?
Yes, Doug, he did! Paani is right there in this whimsical love story! 😍
Thanks, Sam, for a wonderfully happy story during a time of turmoil for the world. You put a smile on my face.
You look way more beautiful when you smile, Kathy! 😊
Maysam – I’m a sucker for a romance, and it doesnt have to have any conflict. Sometimes life is easy. Did you use your dog’s name?
Something you may not know. Hindustan is not only India or part thereof, but it is an old song from America I think, written in 1918. You can probably find and play it on the internet.
Doug, thank you so much for reading and commenting! 🙂
Yes, Doug, I used my friend’s beautiful name in this story. The Paani in this story is the same sweet pup that lives with me. 😊
I googled “Hindustan 1918” and found it. Thank you! 🤗
The atmosphere of the story was beautifully conveyed. It created a warm and intimate space that made it easy to connect with the emotions and the setting. The main character was described in a very engaging and compelling way, which made me genuinely interested in his journey. The only thing I wished for was that the story had been a little longer, because I truly enjoyed the experience and would have loved to spend more time in that world.
Thank you so much, Alireza, for your supportive and heartwarming comment! 🤎