Part 1


Hakim was an average student in school. He participated actively in activities in school, just to open himself up and gain more self-confidence, and it really worked .Though having done quite well in his exams, he graduated with a heavy heart; he was going to go on a pilgrimage with his peers for 22 months, away from the Afgan city's hustle and bustle.
However, Hakim didnt moan and sulk for the remaining 2 months he had after his exams. He made an effort to catch up with all his friends, spend time with his parents, as well as have fun.
He was very close to his class, and he often went out with them. little does he know that this little amount of free time he had will develop into something he will never forget.
It all started one day, where the class went to the garden by the sea, to have a sumptous meal together. It was practically free-flow of dessert and meat waiting to be cooked. everyone had a great time eating and talking about the fun times they had in classes. the Afgan sunset graced the event, where they ate to our fullest, till the late night. While thinking about where to go after eating, Suraini(Hakim's classmate) suggested that they all stay over at her house. It was a great idea, since everyone didnt want to go seperate ways yet. Thus, they took a walk down the mud paths through the rubber plantations, till they reached the plateau where we climbed 13 steps up to her home.
"Suraini, serve your guests Naan and hot water. keep your volume down, Amir Jan has slept soundly", whispered Suraini's mother, who was still clearing the left-over dishes from dinner. They sat on the wooden floor, and started playing Afgan traditional games, while some sang Afgan contemporary tunes, trying their best to keep their emotions down to avoid becoming a nuisance.
Having ate alot from our dinner, Hakim excused himself to the corner of the room, resting his left arm on a make-shift couch. He was in a comfotable position, but as he was about to close his eyes, Suraini came to his side. She started to talk, and they had a great conversation. Both were talking about fun places that we had gone before, nice food, and the little time he have to spend with them. There were moments when they didnt talk, and she would just look at Hakim, straight into his eyes. at first he felt awkward, but her warmth and friendliness overwhelmed him. He was eager to make sure that they meet up again soon, so he asked her out for a date the following tuesday. "Suraini, will you come with me on tuesday? I will bring you around the village's most beautiful places, and we can chat till night fall and sun rise. i will also cook my best dishes for you!", said Hakim. Suraini hesitated at first, saying that she was worried it would set tongues wagging. but after little persuation, she agreed to meet. Hakim was estatic. She was a wonderful young lady who had the sweetest smile. Hakim couldnt wait for that day to come.
for the next few days, Hakim tried to borrow a motorcycle, but no one in the village dared to lend it to a 16 year old boy, who wore large-framed glasses and straight-cut pants up till his shin level. Hakim had to make do with a bicycle. For that much awaited date, Hakim started training his leg muscles and muscle resistance to be able to ride her around. Suraini, on the other side, was also nervous of her first date with Hakim. "which blouse should i wear? shall i wear a hijab?"
were the questions swirling around Suraini's head.
Soon, the day was here. Hakim was all ready, right below the plateau that Suraini lived. Suraini came down, and stopped by him, staring at the two-wheeled vehicle. From her eyes, Hakim can tell that she was worried, that she might fall, or that they might meet up with accidents on the way, since pillion-riding through the harsh terrain was quite dangerous. But Hakim assured her by displaying his great sense of balance and speed. cycling through the berry plantations, the sweet scent allured our attention, and the cool wind was comfortable for the sweaty Hakim and Suraini who was tugging closely to Hakim's back. Her hair was blown neatly to the back, while she grabbed Hakim harder everytime he bumped on the road. Hakim was enjoying every moment, which was passing so fast. they went to the famous merry-go-round, the durian plantations, as well as a beautiful lake beside a park. Suraini sang for Hakim, and he gave him massage throughout the ride, feeling guilty to make Hakim do all the job. before he knew it, he had rode all the way back to her house. Suraini's mother was very worried, standing by thee plateau, watching as he let Suraini alight. With no more then a goodbye and a thanks, Suraini was running back home, trying to soothe the anger of her parents. Hakim rode back slowly, with his thighs in pain, but feeling that its all worth it. that night, Hakim slept so soundly. He promised he never forget that day. A promise that he will later regret making, a promise so difficult to break.

(to be continued)

(Part of a story read from an Afgan storybook, re-vamped by me)