More Than Skin Deep

Title:* *More Than Skin Deep*

In the heart of a busy city filled with lights, noise, and ambition, lived a young man named *Rayyan*. He was admired for his looks, charm, and success. Wherever he went, people noticed him. But behind the confident smile and stylish clothes, Rayyan carried a shallow heart. His idea of love was flawed — he thought attraction and desire were enough. To him, beauty was everything.

Rayyan had dated many women, all beautiful, all elegant. But his relationships never lasted. As soon as the excitement faded, so did his interest. He never cared about their stories, their dreams, or the struggles they hid behind makeup and smiles. He only saw what met the eye — not what lay beneath it.

One evening, Rayyan met *Noor* at a friend's gathering. She wasn’t dressed to impress, didn’t wear heavy makeup, and stayed mostly quiet. While others laughed loudly, Noor listened, smiled gently, and spoke only when needed. Something about her presence was calming — yet strong.

For the first time, Rayyan felt something different.
They spoke for only a few minutes that night, but it stayed with him. Unlike the others, Noor didn’t seem interested in his charm or success. She asked thoughtful questions. She looked at him as if searching for depth — not glamour.

Intrigued, Rayyan sought her out again. He invited her for coffee. Noor agreed.

In their first meeting, Rayyan tried his usual ways — compliments, jokes, casual flirtation. But Noor didn’t respond the way others had. She remained polite, but not impressed. She asked him, “Do you always speak like this? With words that decorate but don’t mean much?”

Rayyan was stunned. “What do you mean?”
“You say beautiful things, but I wonder if you ever say honest ones,” she said with a soft smile.
That moment struck him.

Over time, Rayyan began to change. Not to impress her, but because Noor’s presence challenged his thinking. She wasn’t moved by gifts or attention — she wanted sincerity. She shared her passion for books, her work with orphaned girls, and her dreams of building a home filled with peace and meaning. She listened deeply, and expected the same in return.

Rayyan found himself truly falling — not for her looks, but for her *soul*.

He started opening up — about his childhood, his loneliness despite success, and how he’dnever truly known what love meant.

One day, as they walked in the park, Rayyan said, “Noor, I’ve never met anyone like you. You’ve changed how I see love. I don’t just want you — I want to grow with you, learn from you, care for you.”
Noor paused. “Rayyan, are you sure it’s not just another desire?”

He shook his head. “I used to confuse desire with love. But now I know — love is not about owning someone’s body. It’s about understanding, respect, and seeing the person even in silence.”

Noor smiled gently. “That’s the first honest thing you’ve said since we met.”

They both laughed.

Months passed, and their bond grew. Rayyan met Noor’s family, learned about her work, and volunteered at the shelter she ran. He saw beauty in things he’d once ignored — kindness, loyalty, depth.

But then came a test.

One night, Noor told him, “There’s something I must share. I had a severe accident in college. It left a scar on my stomach — deep and visible. I’ve never shown it to anyone outside family. I’ve been afraid it would push people away.”

Rayyan looked at her in silence, then held her hand. “Noor, your body doesn’t define your worth. Your soul is already more beautiful than anything I’ve ever seen.”

Tears welled up in Noor’s eyes. “Then I know your love is real.”

They married in a simple ceremony surrounded by people who knew their journey.

Years later, Rayyan would often tell others, “Real love begins when you stop looking at someone with your eyes — and start seeing them with your heart.”


*Moral:*
*True love isn’t born from desire for a woman’s body — it grows from respect for her heart, mind, and soul. Beauty fades, but character remains. Seek a partner you can connect with beyond appearances. That is love that lasts.*