Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2014 00:38:24 -0700
From: Amar Patel <patelamar360@gmail.com>
Subject: An American in Kandahar (Chapter IV)

Written by: Amar Patel

Disclaimer:

The following story is fictional. The author (myself) is older than 21,
anyone who is under the legal age (according to their country, state, or
provincial laws) to view erotic material should immediately dissuade
themselves from reading further.The story is fictional and similarities to
events and persons (living or dead) are purely coincidental and
unintentional. If you are offended by homosexual erotica or it is illegal
for you to read such material. Please read no further.

Copyright:

The story may not be copied, distributed, in any way, shape or form without
consent from the author.

Opinions and Improvements can be sent to my email: patelamar360@gmail.com
or on twitter (PatelAmarNifty)

If you wish to continue to read mine and other authors works, it is
important you donate to Nifty. They have provided a rich amount of stories
for your enjoyment so it is only fair you give back ;).

Comments are always welcomed. And encouragement.

_____________________________


Dear Readers,


	I would first like to apologize for my prolonged hiatus, and hope
this chapter will rekindle interests. Unfortunately, I lost my grandmother
in december, and my grandfather in janurary. It hit my family relatively
hard, and we're struggling to come to terms with their deaths. On a
brighter note, I would like to wish you a belated happy new year! (whether
it be chinese, western, or even the persian one). I would also like to
personally thank Gary once more for his contribution to the story, and to
all you lovely gentlemen who emailed me with lovely messges (John, Vivek,
Alan, and Steve to name a few).

	Once again, I hope you enjoy the chapter, and my inbox is always
open. (I cannot really say door can I?)

:)

Amar Patel

_________________________




				Chapter IV



	A familiar scent permeated the air, and I inhaled deeply in
nostalgia. Floral with the slightest hint of sweetness, the smell of honey
intermingled with the aroma of almonds. Opening my eyes, I found myself at
a loss for words. Clad in black pants with a crimson sash tied around his
tapered waist and a white dress shirt with puffed sleeves, a swarthy young
man tipped his wide brimmed hat towards me in greeting. Raising his arms
above his head in graceful movement, I heard the faint strum of a guitar
and a single clap. Suddenly, the silence was broken by a single prolonged
utterance. The boy's feet began to tap against the wood floor as the a men
behind him clapped their hands and sang in an incomprehensible tongue. My
eyes were mesmerized as the boy's rhythmic steps carried him across the
floor to the moorish beat, and I watched as the taps increased in
speed. Faster and faster the boy went, until he reached a god-like speed,
and his boy glistened with sweat. His scent wafted around me, and the
aromatic scent of almonds grew stronger as he went. Finally in a final
flurry of movement, the boy rested on one knee, and removed the hat from
his head.  Applause rang out as awe filled me, it was the soldier who had
just struck me with this dazzling feat, and my eyes met his for the first
time. They were a luminous aquamarine, and it was like looking into the
sea. I felt as if I were drowning. For some reason, my body began to shake,
and I watched the scene begin to fade away. The soldier's adonic face grew
more distant, and finally, everything faded to black.


	I found myself being shaken by strong arms, and I opened my eyes to
see Khaled's face. There was an expression of utter panic etched into his
face, and my body became awash in apprehension as I sat up in bed.



"What is the matter Khaled?"

Khaled's eyes flicked towards the clinic "It is the soldier agha...."


	Without the slightest regard to dressing myself, I leapt out of bed
and sprinted towards the mosque with Khaled a step behind.  Bursting into
the room, I found an utterly horrifying sight. The soldier laid sprawled
across the bed, and he let out a cry of anguish.  I watched as he grapsed
at his chest, and held the sheets in utter agony. He screamed in various
languages, and I walked towards him feeling simply mortified

"How long has he been like this Khaled?"

Khaled looked towards me with concern "He has been doing this for the last
hour now agha."

"Why didn't you wake me sooner?"

"You looked tired agha, I tried everything."

I returned my gaze to the soldier and saw cold sweat run down his face
"He's not in any physical pain, but he will be waking up soon.  Will you go
make some tea?"

Khaled bowed his head "Dangyunhajiyo" (of course), and he disappeared from
the room.


	The soldier let out a groan, and I ran a rag under hot
water. Dabbing at the sweat that ran down the boy's face, I saw his breath
calm, and his muscles became lax. Suddenly, his eyes began to flutter, and
slowly opened. I was taken aback as I saw those aquamarine seas once
more. Stepping back from the bed, I watched as the boy sat up looking
simply terrified. Those innocent eyes of his quivered as they flicked
between me and the door. He was visibly shaking, and he backed himself
against the headboard. For the longest time, we stared at one another, our
gazes never faltering. Khaled returned then, and the boy grew even more
fearful.  His only means of escape were extinguished right then, blocked by
a formidable man. I watched as the soldier pondered his options, and a tear
ran down his cheek. His breath became labored, and our contest of stares
continued. It was he who broke the silence.


He spoke with a trembled voice, but I sensed courage behind it "W-who.. who
are you people?"

I tried to speak as calmly as possible, he was already frightened enough
"My name is Jahan Ebadi, I'm the local physician. The man over there is my
assistant Khaled. Don't be afraid, we're not here to harm you bachem (dear
child)."

He was taken aback "You speak E-english?"

I nodded "We're not with the Taliban, you're safe here."

The boy's face still held suspicion, but his eyes softened "W-where am I?"

"We found you in an alley, and took you here to our clinic."

The boy clutched at his chest "Did you find anyone else?"

I felt bile rise in the back of my throat as the dead flashed in my mind
"No, you were the only one we found. However, I promise that we'll keep you
safe until your people find you." I dared to take a cautious step forward.


	The boy allowed me to approach the bed, and I saw the sweetness in
his eyes. There wasn't a single drop of malice within them, and I sat on
the edge of the bed. Khaled felt comfortable enough to approach and laid
the tea tray on the counter. Bringing a cup to the boy, he handed it to him
with a shaky grip.


Khaled gave one of those charming smiles "Drink this, it will help you
relax."

The boy took it gingerly "Thank you."

An idea hit me then, and I turned towards Khaled "Khaled?"

"Yes agha?"

"Please go set a room for our guest."

"Ne dangyunhajiyo" (yes of course), and he hurried off.

The boy looked towards me in surprise "I get a room?"

"Your wounds were minor, but it will take some time to heal. Let us at
least make your stay comfortable."

The boy smiled for the first time "Thank you Dr. Ebadi, I'm not sure how to
thank you."

"You can tell me your name for now bachem."

The boy turned towards me timidly "My name is Amal."


"Amal..." I repeated it as I pondered "that's not a typical name, isn't it
Arabic?"

Amal nodded "It means Hope."


Hope.... what a suitable name for someone who still held purity and
kindness, things that have long vanished from this country. Perhaps it was
Allah's will that brought this boy to me. But before I pondered it further,
I realized a rather embarassing fact, and my eyes struggled to not stare at
the boy's bare skin.


"Amal?"

"Yes sir?"

I stood and headed towards the door rather flushed "Unfortunately, your
uniform was too damaged, but I laid out some fresh clothes.  Come out when
you're ready."

Amal noticed his bare skin, and covered his boxers "Oh... thank you sir."


Nodding, I fled from the room and met Khaled on his way in. "Agha, the room
is ready."

"Which one did you choose?"

"The one near the hamman next to yours." I felt oddly excited with that
statement.

"You did well Khaled, merci."

	For a moment, I thought I saw a flush flash across Khaled's olive
skin, but the clinic's door swining open caught my attention.  Emerging
from the clinc was a strikingly handsome Afghan boy, his sky blue payraan
tumbaan complimenting his eyes. Giving a shy smile, the boy donned a
taqiyah, and approached us.

"Thank you for the clothes sir."

"You're welcome, Khaled has set a room for you. Why don't you go see it,
it's down the hall to the left. Then, we can have a meal to rebuild your
strength."

Amal nodded "Thank you Khaled."

Khaled blushed again "You're welcome bachem."

"Can I do anything in return?"

Khaled looked towards me in suggestion, and I nodded "We'll discuss it
later, but perhaps you can tell us about yourself, and maybe things about
America as well."

He nodded eagerly "Of course."

With that, the boy made his way to his temporary home.

_____________________


			     End of Chapter IV


	I apologize in advance for any missed typos, and hope that you
enjoyed this chapter. Please send emails if you have any questions, and I
promise that there will be no further hiatus.