Zubaida had the first five star experience of her life that night. Zanobi took her to a dandy restaurant, which had a maître d'° and four different meal courses.

They got a table near a water fountain, depicting two nude lovers embracing each other. Zanobi pulled Zubaida's chair and waited for her to settle in, before going over to his own, opposite her.

A waiter approached their table, handing a menu card to each of them and filled their glasses with wine.

"Are you ready to order?" He asked courteously, "Or I can come back later."
"After you." Zanobi said, smiling at Zubaida.
"Would you take soup or salad, madam?" The waiter asked, turning his attention to Zubaida.
"Creamy vegetable soup, please." Zubaida replied, consulting her menu.
"And you sir?" He asked Zanobi, writing on his pad.
"Spicy tortilla° for me." Zanobi replied.
"This will take a few minutes." The waiter said,"You can ask for me if you need anything else."

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"You are looking absolutely gorgeous." Zanobi complimented her, "The color suits you."
Zubaida blushed in reaction and he laughed.
"I am glad you accepted my request." Zanobi said.
"You didn't leave me much choice," Zubaida asked in reply, "did you?"
"Fair enough." Zanobi responded with a grin.

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The waiter appeared, to take orders for their second course.
"What would you have for starters, madam?" This time he asked Zubaida first.
"Eh...Cheese plates." She said, her answer sounding more like a question.
"Sir?" The waiter then asked Zanobi.
"I will take honey chicken wings." Zanobi replied.

After the waiter left, Zanobi picked up the conversation again.
"I never saw you at Wilson's before," He commented, "just that day."
"That is because it was the first time I was invited there." Zubaida said warily, "Emma is my class fellow."

....................
"So, tell me more about yourself." Zanobi said casually.
"How about we play twenty questions?" Zubaida suggested cheekily.
"Sounds fun to me." Zanobi replied ,"Can I ask the first question? "
"Okay. Sure." Zubaida remarked.
"Are you Christian?" Zanobi asked her.
"No," Zubaida told him, "I am a Muslim."
A flicker of surprise came over Zanobi's face but disappeared just as quickly.
"Are you related to Emma?" Zubaida cautiously queried him.
"Her father and my dad are business partners." Zanobi replied, matter of factly. "Where are you originally from?" He inquired.
"Pakistan." Zubaida replied.

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"Your main courses, please." The waiter asked them.
"Mushroom and chicken risotto°." Zanobi replied.
"Grilled fish for me." Zubaida ordered.
"Any drinks to go with the food?" The waiter inquired.
"I am not very good with alcohol," Zubaida replied shyly, "so no drinks for me."
"I will have red wine." Zanobi stated.

"It's your turn." Zanobi reminded Zubaida, once they were done ordering.
"Were you born in the States?" Zubaida asked him.
"Italy." He simply replied.
"Really?" Zubaida curiously implied, "How did your parents meet?"
"Hey, you already asked your question." Zanobi teased her.
"But I want to know," Zubaida protested, "you can ask two questions together next time."
Zanobi smiled at her persistence, "My mother was a fashion model and my father photographer. They met at a photoshoot. My mom slipped and fell while attempting a pose and my dad rushed for her assistance." He replied with affection, "It was love at first sight. They got married soon after and created me."

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"What would you like for dessert today?" The waiter inquired.
"I am already over stuffed," Zubaida uttered, "I suppose I will just skip dessert."
"A mango tart for me and a chocolate mousse for her." Zanobi ordered for both of them, ignoring her remarks.

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° Maître d': This is a french word which means, 'head waiter'. It refers to the person who manages the public part of a formal restaurant. His responsibilities generally includes supervising the waiting staff, welcoming guests and assigning tables to them, taking reservations and ensuring that guests are satisfied.
°Tortilla: Is a Spanish word referring to a thin, round, unleavened bread prepared from cornmeal or sometimes wheat flour and baked on a flat iron plate or earthenware.
°Risotto: Is a north Italian rice dish cooked in a broth to a creamy consistency. The broth can be derived from meat, fish or vegetables. Variations can be made by adding butter, onion, wine, mushrooms, etc.