Hesitant Farewell
Chapter 30 of Hold On: Meatpacking District NYC 2016
(N.B. I’m writing a novel, a chapter a week, here on Medium. Find out why I write here, start from Chapter 1 here, and always feel free to give me feedback in the comments. I write here for the community.)
Before their departure from New York City, Ahmed suggested to Lizzy that they should have dinner over the weekend. They had both been engrossed in work at the library, laying out the steps to launch their new startup in Silicon Valley. Smiling at Lizzy, Ahmed said, “We’ve done well for ourselves now, Lizzy. How about a fancy dinner before we leave NYC? We’ve had our fill of street food and never got to experience the fine dining here. I’d like to treat you to a fancy dinner this weekend.”
Lizzy responded warmly, “Sounds lovely, Ahmed. I’m leaving for Minneapolis next week, so it will be nice to celebrate what we have managed to accomplish so far”
The Meatpacking District in NYC was their chosen spot for dinner. They had strolled with friends around this stylish neighborhood, occasionally popping into bars, but never had the chance to actually sit down for a formal dinner due to their student budgets. Now, however, the tables had turned and they were co-founders of a startup that had earned them a decent sum after a successful venture during their undergraduate years. Ahmed made a reservation at the RH rooftop restaurant, a place they had previously only dreamed of visiting.
As they reached the restaurant around 5 pm, Ahmed was reminded of his initial culture shock upon moving to NYC. The early American dinner time, starting around 5 pm to 6 pm, was starkly different from the usual 9 pm in Pakistan. But he had adapted over time. Dressed in khaki pants and his favorite navy-blue half-sleeved shirt, Ahmed was a picture of comfortable elegance. Lizzy looked stunning in her short light purple skirt and an off-shoulder white top, a departure from her usual attire. Heels were practically an unspoken rule in the district, so she wore a pair of fashionable silver strappy heels, elevating her ensemble. Lizzy, who was already tall, looked even taller in her new heels and a high ponytail. Couples around them were taking selfies against the backdrop of the city skyline, some engaging in public displays of affection while savoring expensive wines. Ahmed noticed how comfortable he felt in these surroundings, which would have seemed alien and utterly perplexing to his younger, less-experienced self.
A smartly dressed server, Susan, greeted them as they settled. She asked them to place their orders. Ahmed looked up and said, “This is a beautiful restaurant, Susan. You must be proud to work here.” Susan expressed her gratitude for the compliment with a smile.
Turning to Lizzy, Ahmed said, “Would you like to choose?” Lizzy scanned the menu and decided on a crisp and dry white wine to start, maybe a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay. For the main course, she opted for pan-seared salmon with lemon butter sauce, a side of truffle mashed potatoes, and a suitable wine pairing to complement the dish. Ahmed, in contrast, chose a Virgin Mojito to start, followed by a vegetarian main course of quinoa-stuffed bell peppers with a side of steamed seasonal vegetables. Lizzy was familiar with Ahmed’s preferences; he didn’t drink alcohol and often ordered vegetarian or seafood dishes in places where halal food wasn’t available. Ahmed had also introduced her to many halal street food spots in NYC, and Lizzy enjoyed the barbeque with hot sauces.
As they waited for their food, they chatted about their experiences in New York City. Ahmed expressed how difficult it was for him to leave this wonderful city that never sleeps and shared his initial challenges and eventual adoration for its vibrant culture. Lizzy talked about moving to NYC from a mid-western city, expressing her initial overwhelming confusion and eventual adaption to the fast-paced NYC lifestyle. Lizzy said, “However, I’ve decided to spend at least a year back in my city before joining you in San Francisco. The fast life can still be a bit challenging for me. But rest assured, I can travel frequently to San Francisco whenever we need to meet any partners or investors.” Their conversation was punctuated by laughter and nostalgia until their food arrived.
A couple next to them, probably in their mid-40s, was celebrating something special, cutting a small cake. The woman, elegantly dressed in a mid-length wrap dress in a jewel-toned color, paired with heeled sandals, offered a piece of cake to the man in a suit.
In the middle of their conversation, Lizzy asked Ahmed about his plans for moving to San Francisco. Ahmed said, “I’ve got it all sorted out. Initially, I planned to live downtown, but considering the high crime rate and increasing homelessness, I’ve rented a studio apartment in Redwood City. There’s a sizable Pakistani community in that area, many of whom work in the tech field. It will be good for me to connect with them. There’s also a network of the Pakistani tech community, OPEN Silicon Valley, that can help provide networking opportunities for our startup. However, I’ll have to buy a car as it’s almost impossible to live in the Bay Area without one.”
Ahmed further shared his plan to stay in Pakistan for two weeks before moving to San Francisco. Lizzy nodded in agreement and said, “That sounds like a well-thought-out plan, Ahmed, just as I would expect from you.”
After they finished their meal, the server brought the bill, which amounted to $100. Lizzy looked at Ahmed and said, “You shouldn’t have to pay for dinner alone.” But Ahmed insisted, “You know we’ve always split the bill, but this time is different. I invited you, and it’s a custom in Pakistan for the one who invites you, pays the bill. So I am used to this.” Lizzy thanked him and said, “That’s very kind of you. I hope I can visit Pakistan someday. I’ve heard so much from you about it, especially the remains of the Gandhara and Indus civilizations.” Ahmed replied, “Definitely, we can plan something like that.”
After dinner, Ahmed suggested a walk to the nearby High Line Park. Lizzy agreed, and they strolled towards the park, which was a favorite spot of Ahmed’s. As they walked, he began to share the history and unique aspects of the park with Lizzy.
“Did you know, Lizzy,” Ahmed began as they entered the park, “the High Line wasn’t always a park. It was actually an abandoned rail track. This elevated railway was used to transport goods along Manhattan’s industrial district, without disrupting street-level traffic.”
He pointed towards the modern, sleek walkways and the beautifully designed seating areas. “It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? By the 1980s, the tracks had become obsolete and were left abandoned for quite some time. There was even a plan to demolish them.”
Under the city lights, the park looked stunning. There was an abundance of greenery, interrupted occasionally by art installations and various viewpoints. He continued, “But in the mid-2000s, a community-led effort transformed these tracks into what we see now, the High Line Park. It’s been a cherished space for locals and tourists alike, a green oasis amidst the urban jungle.”
Lizzy just looked at Ahmed and said, “How do you know so much about every space in NYC”. Ahmad laughed and said he had always wanted to immerse himself in the local society here and had watched numerous movies and documentaries on NYC and then discussed these things with many of his local classmates. He said that most Pakistanis just hung out with each other but he spent a good amount of time with international and American students to know about other cultures and societies.
Lizzy invited him to visit Minneapolis and do the same research on her city. Ahmad said that he had already done much research as he had been reading about Minneapolis-Saint Paul, the twin city, ever since they had met. Lizzy was amused to hear him about the Minneapolis Skyway system of interlined pedestrian bridges connecting the buildings of downtown in 15 KM. It really fascinates me how one can walk across the city safely through these covered bridges regardless of weather” Ahmad said. “You should definitely plan a visit sometime to see everything that you have been reading about. My parents are also eager to meet you as I have told them so much about you”. Ahmad replied that he would soon plan a trip from San Francisco.
As they walked along the path, he highlighted the unique features of the High Line. “What’s fascinating is how the park is designed. It’s linear, running along the west side of Manhattan, yet it incorporates spaces for various activities. There are spaces for art, performances, relaxation, and even gatherings. All this, while maintaining a semblance of the wild, natural landscape that once overtook the abandoned railway line.”
They spent a while longer strolling through the park, enjoying the unique blend of history, nature, and modern city life that the High Line offered. “It’s places like these,” Ahmed said, “that makes it so hard to leave NYC. It’s also these hidden gems and the city’s ability to help people achieve their dreams.”
And so, their last night in New York City drew to a close, filled with rich food, nostalgia, and the serene beauty of High Line Park. They left with heavy hearts, their departure bittersweet, but looking forward to the adventures that awaited them in their next chapter.
