THE LOVE (short story)3

3

Farabi

Growing up in a small village in Bangladesh, Farabi became a teenager with a very strong cultural belief. In fact, culture became stronger than the religion he was following. Coming to the States, made him more inclined to the culture than the religion. Even in high School, he had certain people he hanged around with. People who shared the same mentality, in other words, the same cultural belief. America is known as the melting pot of different cultures but this so-called fact never touched the people like Farabi. To them, 

America is a place where they need to uphold their cultural beliefs more than ever before.

Seeing May staring at him, didn't really bother Farabi that much. He is used to Bengali girls looking at him like that. He pretended like he didn't even see May. Girls like her, loves this type of attitude from boys. The more attitude they get, the more manly they are. But it's an undeniable fact that May is a very attractive girl. She has the right features in the right places. Her blouse and the high waist palazzo is accentuating her shape more than covering it. Very pleasant view for the eyes.  

Coming out of the living room, May started looking for Farabi. Gosh! This boy is just blowing my mind! So much attitude!

Walking down the hallway, she found Farabi's room on her right hand side. Started wondering whether she should go in and start a conversation or just leave him alone. 

"You don't have to stand there and block my door! If you want, you can come in." Farabi said in a thick voice.

May swallowed hard and said in a meek voice, " hey!"

Farabi replied, "what's up!",pretending that he didn't have any clue about what's going on in May's mind. For the first time in her life, May didn't know what to say. Mumbling, she asked," which college are you in?" " Haven't decided yet. Not sure, if I want to go through that path", replied Farabi. "Why not? I mean, that's what everyone aims for, isn't it? After finishing college, get a good paying job and settle down.", May said in a curious voice. " I am no comfortable sharing that much information with you", Farabi said in a ride voice. All the sudden, may felt humiliated and decided to leave the room. But her mind started talking,

  what about the number? At least tell him that you like him. Arrogance is part of a man's character. Just let it go! 

Giving up her self respect, she asked for Farabi's number. Farabi gladly shared.

It's been a month that May is talking to Farabi. It will be wrong if I just mention the conversation. Within this month, they went for for four dates. Each of them were absolutely beautiful, at least in May's mind. Farabi was never cheap in that department. His money, he can spend however he wishes to. A knock on the door, interrupted May's thoughts. " Where were you going in the evening and whose car were you in?" Jamila yelled. "Where did I go?" Said May nervously. " Don't you dare give me the face, next door neighbor saw you getting in the car with a boy. I am telling you, I am not going to let you choose a beggar like your sister. Now tell me who was that boy?" Said Jamila. With a ton of guilt, May replied" it is Syed uncle's son, Farabi." For few moments, everything was quiet, May looked up to see her mom's expression. It's very hard to tell what Jamila feels, as she is very experienced in hiding her true emotion. Jamila left the room but came back within a minute, " You don't need to go outside, just bring him in the house. Or else the neighbors will talk." May, with absolute disbelief, looked at her mom. Unsure of whether she should be happy or sad!

" Have you gone mad?" Shuruq screamed at Jamila. "Whatever you are planning for May, is absolutely disgusting. You should be the one protecting your daughter from these. Instead, you are pushing her into it. You are literally inviting that boy to come sleep with your daughter!!" Shuruq said, raged in anger. "I am doing whatever is best for her. Farabi belongs to a well respected family in our village. This will definitely improve our social status in Bangladesh." Replied Jamila in a calm voice. " There are other ways to start a relationship. May be, we should talk to Syed about getting them married." Said shuruq. " You think I haven't thought and tried that? Your dear friend refused. I don't have any other ways." With Jamila's reply, shuruq shook his head and left the room.

To be continued.....