God's Gift

Telling my Parents

The week at camp went by like a second. I was sad to leave Bashar. If my parents disapprove of us, I wasn't sure if I would see him again. I placed everything into my car and was about to get in when I heard the steps of a very familiar pair of hiking boots. I realized they belonged to Bashar and turned around. He was about to say something but I wasn't ready to listen. I immediately pulled him into a kiss. I broke out of it and kissed him again. This time grasping his hair which forced him to grasp my lower back, feeling my curves and down to my waist and up again.

He broke away and said," Hey, I just wanted to say good bye but this was even better!" and started laughing. I cried tears of joy and said, "I'm gonna miss you so much... I'm also really anxious because I don't know what my parents will say."

"You will be great. Just pray and have a positive attitude. Everything will be ok." he said.

I smiled because just hearing him talk makes me warm and cozy all over.

I waved good bye and got into my car and started driving. As I looked in the rear view mirror, I saw him still standing there, still waving...

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" So, how was your week camp? Did you have fun?" asked my dad. We were sitting in the dining room while my mom was making noodles and my sister was on her laptop. " Yea, tons of fun.. It was nice meeting new people-- " "out of them how many are boys and how many are girls?" asked my dad. If you are reading this and are Desi, then I am sure you can relate.

" I don't keep track dad. I met people that's all." "Aey!! Why are you raising your voice on your father? Because you are grown up and have a job? No no no. This is not right behaviour. Tell sorry!!" scolded my mom. "hmmmm.... I am so sorry." "Good." said my mom.

" But I have something to tell you both. It's really important." I started. " What? Is it about your job?" asked my dad. " Is it about your marriage?" asked my mom.

Wow, how do they know? Especially my mom, she's a freaking mind reader...

"Yea mom... yea. I... met someone at the camp and we really like each other.. so I thought--" " WAIT!! So you went to look for your husband all by yourself? Without your parents' consent? Oh how long we have raised your ungrateful self just so you could betray us like this? Is this the respect we get from you? What will our family think back home?....

on and on went my outraged father. Both him and my mom have no idea about the 'meeting someone and getting to know them' concept because they went through an arranged marriage. Which I have no problem with. As long as I was given time to get to know the guy and date him for a few months, then if I like him we can keep going. If not, there is no choice but to break up with him. Now that I met someone, my parents feel 'betrayed' if you will. It's not like I'm gonna run off with him. I actually wanted my parents to know that I am dating Bashar more than anything. Soon enough, my mom joined my father while serving the noodles.

....." Yes, your father is correct. Who is this boy? Tell us about him---" started my mom. "oooh.... Thanzeela has a boyfriend---'' began my immature sister. "Faazeela, if you don't stop I will say some unpleasant things that I am sure will make you cry." I shot back. " Ok girls. Please be quiet. So Thanzee, tell us... who is he?" inquired my dad.

So I began. I spilled everything from the start to the end. His name, what he's like, his family and what they are like. Everything. (Except the times where we made out. NOTHING would make my parents reject our relationship more than that) After I finished, I had a calm expression on my face and said," I am so sorry if I hurt you both in anyway. I did not mean any of this. Even though it's only been a week since we met, it feels like I've known him for years. Bashar said he will talk to his parents and they would probably want to meet our family. Please trust me mom and dad. I want your consent because I am your daughter. I would never do something that would break you or ruin your name. "

I had no idea what came over me but I started to sobb then cry. My parents gave me a bear hug and cried with me. My dad then said," We know chellam. It's just we want the best for you and we believe that only we can give you the best." "But we have realized that you are old and mature enough to make life changeing decisions like these based off of the things you have said about this boy Bashar." said my mom. " Thank you so much for understanding !!" I said happily. " Do you have his number Thanzee? Please ask for his father's number and we will talk to them. Sound fair to you?" asked my dad. I gave him a small smile and said, "yes pa. That sounds like fair to me." I could swear that I heard my sister scoff as I started eating my noodles.