Thursday 24 December 2015

Does Love Exist?



I came home and was about to take a nap, as I was tired from the daily chores, when my cell phone rang. It was my friend. She wanted to meet me at the basketball court. I said I was tired but then her voice restless and agitated. Something was definitely not right with her. I rushed as soon as I could.
She was banging the ball hard and kicking it, as if the ball had done wrong to her. I ran towards her, holding her hands, I hugged her tightly and she resisted. I still hugged her, “Everything is all right, I am here now. Calm down.”
She sat down, but within no seconds started hitting the ground with her fist. It has been long since I had seen her this angry. I threw some water on her face and asked her to drink some. I held her arm and collected her luggage and kept in the car and drove to a calm place where she could scream out her pain.
Her: Love doesn’t exist right?
Me: Who broke your heart now?
Her: Love doesn’t exist right?
Me: It exists.
Her: Where?
Me: Inside the heart.
Her: Only in myths and books.
I looked at her and as far as I knew she did not have any boyfriend. She preferred being single and was the only girl in my view, who kept herself reserved for her future husband.
Me: Somebody had someone special in their life and I didn’t know!
Her: My mom; how do you find her?
Me: Best of the best mother I would wish to have.
Her: And?
Me: Hmm... A simple lady who is happy with her life.
Her: That's the problem.
Me: What?
Her: She is simple. And men need somebody who can satisfy their thirst.
Me: Mind your words please.
She stood, as anger took over her again, “Bitch!” she shouted. I didn't know what to do, I felt scared. She wasn’t in proper state of mind. Her temper rose and I started to panic thinking what she would do next. “Fuck!” she bolted. “Calm down, please.” “No! You listen to me now. I go home every day, and everyday my so called ‘simple’ mom asks me to get married. The moment I deny and start revolting, she gives me the example of her ‘happily married life’ with her husband and my dad. She acknowledges themselves as the ‘Best couple in the entire world’. Best couple, my foot! *gasps* the simple lady has got no idea about her caring husband who is cheating behind her back, having an affair with another woman. The worst part is that her daughter, even after having known about the crappy shit can’t tell her.”
Everything came so suddenly, I wasn’t able to collect all of it. I remained silent and went on listening to her. “Do you know what the mistake of that simple lady is?” she asked me, looking at the mud beneath her feet. I thought twice to reply her or not and then I said, “No.” “The mistake is that she cannot talk seductively. Her legs aren’t sleigh or skinny which she could show off nor does she wear a short skirt which could attract men. She talks about her household chores, complaints when a glass gets broken or about a dish which isn’t well cooked. She dresses patiently and wishes her husband notices. Her face is covered with acne and dark circles, her hairs have turned grey which she tries to turn into black but unfortunately they turn red due to henna. She wishes to wear sandals with pointed heels but cannot because of her weight. She cooks different kinds of food watching that damn YouTube to keep her husband happy, cleans the house so that when her husband comes home, he can sleep well. That and all of that is her mistake.” She said breathing heavily.

My tears couldn't resist dropping and a pool was created. “But men will be men; they want somebody who talks cheesy; somebody who flaunts her thin waist and her fucking cleavage. Bloody prostitute!” “Please stop talking all of that.” I couldn’t listen to all that and see her going through such pain. She pulled me up, held me by my shoulders and shook me, “Do you know? that bitch knows that he is married! Yes, that bitch knows he is somebody’s father. And still… I curse her to fall in love with a person who would betray her in a way worse than this.” She sighed. “No! I take that back.” Tears flowed like a river, “I just want my mom to be happy.”
She sat for a while. Her anger took over again, “What if tomorrow, my mom goes out to those networking or dating sites and talks to some guy. Even if it was just a hello to some random guy, would my dad let their marriage survive? Wouldn’t he ask for a divorce? Because a man can get a girl and a woman has to preserve her chaste.”
She raged with anger and started throwing all the stones she found on the ground. All I could so was stand there, watching her get out of control. “I guess a wife is just for the night's pleasure and may be when the pleasure loses its charm, she can be replaced.” I did not speak a word but just cried over again. “My mom wants me to get married but who would wish to get married, when they have seen their parents’ loose love. The guy I would marry might be the same, right? He will love me till my body responds and later, watch out other girls, for more satisfaction.”
I started puking as her words crossed the limit of mine. I couldn't stand on my feet, as I felt that everything was revolving. She held me up and took me to the car. I sat on the seat closing my eyes. “I am sorry.” She said with her head lowered. I placed my hand over her head. She gave me some water, “I know you are very sensitive, but you’re the only one whom I can lay my trust upon and share stuff.” “Just pray to God. Everything will be fine.” “I hope so.”
She stopped her sentence conquering her anger and closed her eyes. I could feel her pain but I was helpless. She was calm now but the pain wasn't gone. She drove the car this time, as I was unwell. “When I will enter home, my mom will open the door and ask if I am fine? Or do I need anything to drink?” She wept; this time, softly. So did I; watching her.
As we reached her home, I sat on the driving seat pulling the seat belts. She came to the window after she got down, “Listen.” I rolled down the glass, “Yeah.” “You are a writer, right?” “I do not know exactly.” She smiled slightly continuing her talk, “Can you write my story? All that I told you today.” I didn't know why she wanted the world to know, “But why? It's your family problem and shouldn’t it be hidden?” She smiled, “I know. I just want to make some people realize that it is not always bright during the day. They need to take care of those who take care of them.” I didn’t know if I could do it, “I will try.” “Thank you.” She smiled and I smiled back at her. “Take care.”I said. I drove to my house, not knowing what to do. I took out a paper and wrote her words before they get blurred.



Writer: -me$hal-
Editor: StyZie


Photograph By: Mohammed Khusro Parvez. (https://www.instagram.com/khusroparvez/ )


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