Tea session in Isfahan

Author's name: Marjan Kamali

Daria linked her arm with Mina's arm

- ((Come on, Mina. Let's go and have tea together.))

I took her to a tearoom she had known years before, near the Thirty-Three Arches Bridge. The door was hidden under the bridge, and steps led to a cozy, warm room where tea was served. Daria was happy to find the tearoom just as she remembered it.

People sat barefoot on Persian carpets, reclining on cushions covered with crimson and burgundy carpets. Men smoked qalian, or hookah, while women sipped tea in relaxation and tranquility.

When the waiter brought the tea and snow-white sugar cubes into clear plates, Daria decided it was time to ask Mina

“So,” she said, clearing her throat, “are you in love now?”

Daria used the words of Persian poets: “ishq” meaning love, and “asheq” meaning in love.

“Excuse me?” Daria said, her arm frozen in mid-air.

“And kindness will get you through life’s ups and downs.” “Is he kind?” Daria asked. “You know, Mina, there’s a lot to be said for education, profession, family history, and appearance. But if there’s one thing that matters, it’s character. That’s the only thing that lasts.”

Kindness will get you through life's ups and downs.

- ((He is very nice))

- ((Well, that's a good start.))