Haiku

I remember you

From a long forgotten dream

In which I died alone

Talash: A search for God

Act 1

Scene 5

The darkness is slowly blanketing the sky as Ahmad and Sara walk down the street in Downtown. The last traces of sunlight drench the horizons in lovely shades of pink and orange. The night grows cooler as the sun disappears. It has been a hectic day.

Ahmad: So, the day wasn’t a total waste? You got called for interview by two firms. I bagged an interview call as well.

Sara: I know right? See, I told you this job fair wouldn’t be a waste of time. But you wouldn’t listen to me. But I am glad we came here. I am excited to start a new career.

Ahmad: Yeah, hopefully you’ll get through your interviews. I don’t see a reason why you won’t. You are such a smart ass.

Sara: (Smiles) Smart ass? Me? Then what do you call yourself?

Ahmad: I call myself normal (laughs)

Sara: Wow, you are so funny!

Ahmad: I don’t understand. Even if I say nice things about you, you just go all sarcastic on me. Why?

Sara: I am not going sarcastic on you. But it’s just that your humour just doesn’t make any sense to me.

Ahmad: Oh yeah? Well then, I am sorry to inform you that your sense of humour is worse than a brick. And the funniest part is:  a brick basically isn’t even alive (chortles)

Sara: AHMAD!!

Ahmad: Hey, I was just joking but it’s pretty clear that you didn’t get it. Oh well (suppresses his laughter) it’s not like I was expecting anything otherwise (bursts into laughter)

Sara: How do you come up with such lame and stupid jokes?

Ahmad: I am a natural, aren’t I?

Sara: No you are not and as this conversation isn’t going anywhere, I am going to stop. Keep talking and joking and laughing on your own.

Ahmad: Okay okay, I am done.

Silence

Ahmad: No more jokes. That was it.

Silence

Ahmad: The silent treatment? Are you serious?


Silence

Ahmad: Come on, Sara...

Sara: What?

Ahmad: I was just kidding. I really didn’t know that I was pissin…

Sara: I know! (looks at him and smiles) I just like it when you apologize. You think your stupid jokes make a difference?

Ahmad: You are sooo EVIL.

Sara: And a smartass (grins)

Ahmad: (laughs) yeah and that too. Anyway, do you want me to grab something to eat for you?

Sara: Umm.. I am not really hungry. Are you?

Ahmad: Yeah kinda. But I am just going to wait. Ali and I are going out for dinner tonight with mom and dad.

Sara: That sounds fun. You have been having a lot of family get-togethers lately. Is something exciting going on?

Ahmad: Not really. It’s Ali’s week off and that lazy-ass has nothing to do. So he just drags all of us with him whenever he feels like doing anything.

Sara: (smiles) Well, he deserves the break. Travelling is not easy, you know. It wears one out.

Ahmad: It’s his job and he gets paid for it. (pauses) But, to tell you the truth, we enjoy these get-togethers and secretly, all of us wait for Ali’s time-offs. Every time, it’s the same: we end up eating a lot and we laugh our heads off. Mom and dad... They are the best people I have ever met. They never let me feel out of place. Never differentiate between Ali and me.

Sara: So it seems (smiles)

Ahmad: Yeah! They are as important as my actual mom and dad. Maybe more…Man, I love them so much. I swear I have no idea where I would have been without them. And Ali, he is just… awesome. Insanely awesome!!

Sara: I can imagine since you talk about him almost all the time.

Ahmad: I have been spending so much time with him lately, talking about him is inevitable. In fact… (pulls the phone out of his pocket) I should call him and ask him to pick me up at
Anderson.

Sara: I thought your car was parked at Anderson.

Ahmad: (waiting for someone to pick up the phone) Oh no, I didn’t drive to the station today.

Sara: What’s the point of owning a car when you never use it? Why don’t you just sell it off?

Ahmad: I do drive… Oh hi Ali, how are you? Oh I am good. Where are you right now? Huh, I should have guessed! Okay can you do me a favour? Can you pick me and Sara up at Anderson? (ignores Sara as she mouths ‘no’) ALI, stop being a jackass! Okay then, I will be there around 8. Alright, see ya there!

Sara: Why did you mention me? I could have taken the bus. I don’t want to be a bother for Ali. It’s kinda late too, I am sure he has other things to do.

Ahmad: Oh that is so thoughtful of you Sara, but seriously you can save all your thoughtfulness for someone else. Ali doesn’t deserve it. (laughs)

Sara:  Firstly, you ask him to pick you up at the station when you are fully capable of going home on your own. And then (raises her voice a little) you ask me to save my thoughtfulness.

Ahmad: Oh yeah?! Stop being so nice! Like you know what he does all day long. Ask me! All he does is sleep around, hang out with his friends and eat. He eats like an animal!

Sara: He is on a break. Do you want him to work?

Ali: No, but he should do some chores too. Like... like pick me up at the train station.

Sara: Yeah, and hang out with you when you are bored. And buy lunch for you when you don’t feel like eating at home. And le..

Ahmad: So he is my older brother. Looking after me is his duty.

Sara: Well, he isn’t going to be there forever. At some point in life, you’ll have to take care of yourself.

Ahmed: Yes, I agree! (grins) but until that ‘point’ comes, I am more than satisfied with this arrangement!

Sara: You know? I have come to realize (pauses) that talking to you (pauses) is as pointless as talking to umm...  a wall.

Ali: (laughs) But you’ve gotta admit, a wall can never be as charming and good looking as me!

Sara: Ahmad, you are utterly hopeless. (laughs) You are so lame I have no idea why I laugh on your jokes.

Ali: Oh shut up. I am hilarious!

They walk to the train station and find it crowded with people. Everyone seems to be out to enjoy the weather. And the homeless prepare to end their day, as the line along the station walls.

Sara: (eyes the people in rags with compassion) I feel so sorry for them.

Ali: Yeah (avoids looking at them)

Sara: I wish I had the power to change that. It’s so unfair, isn’t it? That some people in this world get everything and some get none.

Ahmad: Nobody ever gets everything Sara. That’s an over statement.

Sara: (still looking at the homeless) I find this so disturbing though.

Ahmad: No one’s asking you to scrutinize them and then feel disturbed. Oh! The train is here anyway. Come on, let’s go!

Ahmad grabs Sara’s wrist as they rush past the people to get on the train. The train is crammed pack. Ahmad and Sara end up standing on the train.

Sara: Gosh, now I can’t get their faces out of my head...

Ahmad: You don’t have to over-think everything Sara... Umm... I know something that might help. Do you want to listen to some music? I updated my collection a few days back and some of these songs are really good.

Sara: If it’s something like Wiz Khalifa or T.I or whatever, I think I’ll pass.

Ahmad: Ohhh... I wish! But trust me this time it’s different.

Sara: Alright then, I’ll give it a shot.

Ahmad takes out his iPod from his pocket and hands one of the earphones to Sara. As the song plays and he notices the change in Sara’s expressions.

Sara: This is good... In fact, this is really good! Wait a minute, this is Persian. I am impressed with the sudden swing.

Ahmad: You insert sarcasm with such skill in your sentences. Never fail to amaze me.

Sara: (chuckles) I am going to take that as a compliment.

As the music goes on, from one song to other, Sara’s expressions, to Ahmad’s fascination, vary with beat of the music. At one second she smiles and then the other second she seems lost. The commotion on her face is so engaging that when Ahmad finally hears the call for Anderson, the journey seems like a short dream. Ahmad stops the music, making Sara aware of her surroundings. The train comes to a stop and they get off.

Sara: That was some real good music Ahmad. Where did you get hold off this?

Ahmad: Internet.

Sara: Oh thanks for stating such an obvious fact. I meant, who told you about this?

Ahmad: Please learn to ask your questions in a more definitive manner.

Sara: Oh shut up!

Ahmad: Well, dad told me about this. He listens to classic Persian music. He told me about some artist and I searched them up and surprisingly, I liked them.

Sara: That must have been inevitable. This music is genius.

Ahmad: Yeah, it sure is... (looks around the parking lot) I should call Ali and ask him if he is here yet. I am sure that lazy-ass is still at home. (speed-dials Ali on his phone and waits for him to pick up)

Sara: You should be ashamed of taking him for granted! He has a li..

Ahmad: Hi! Where are you? I am at Anderson. Well, why am I not shocked to hear that? I told you we were going to be here around 8. Okay.. I am waiting. (shoves his phone in his pocket) See, I told you! He's glued to the TV.

Sara: Waiting for five minutes isn’t going to kill you Ahmad. Thanks for the ride though. I should give my mom a call too. (pulls her phone out and dials her home phone-number) Assalamulaikum* mom! I am good. Yes it went well. Right now, I am at the station with Ahmad. His brother is going to pick us up. I told him that but he insisted. Anyway, I will be home soon. Okay.... Alright.. Yeah mom, I understand! Okay, bye! (shoves her phone in her bag and turns to Ahmed) She was just worried. She was asking me why I didn’t call dad to pick me up.

Ahmad: Oh, it’s not such a big deal? Ali can drop you off. I don’t see the need for you to bother your dad.

Sara: Well, thanks once again.

Ahmad: (squints to make out the image of the car approaching them) I guess that’s Ali. Yeah that’s him.

Ahmad and Sara walk towards the car and stop right in front of it. Ahmad goes around the car to get seated in the passenger seat while Sara opens the door and gets seated in the back seat.

Ahmad: You are never on time! And hi.

Ali: Hi! It’s such a pleasure to be greeted with an insult!

Ahmad: (laughs) Oh and by the way (he turns to look back at Sara) This is Sara.

Ali: (turns back) Hi Sara. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.

Sara: Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you too.

Ali: You might not know this, but I have heard a lot abou...

Ahmad: I think we should go now it’s getting late. (glares at Ali)

Ali: Okay, okay. Sara, I wonder if you know this but our Ahmad is a very punctual man.

Sara: (laughs) yes, I can see that very clearly, indeed.

Ahmad: Oh come on... Enough with the sarcasm!

Ali: Whaatttt?

Ahmad: Forget it. Just keep driving, I’ll tell you the way to Sara’s house.

Ali: I thought she was accompanying us for dinner.

Sara: Oh no, that wouldn’t be necessary. I have to be home.

Ali: Ahmad; did you even ask her to accompany us?

Ahmad: Well, I was about...

Ali: Sara, did this jerk ask you about the dinner?

Sara: Oh no, I have to go home anyway. So that’s okay. Maybe some other time.

Ali: Why not today?  I am sure you haven’t even met mom and dad yet.

Sara: Oh, school and work usually keeps us so busy. Ahmad never got time to introduce me to Mr. And Ms. Saquain yet.

Ali: Ahmad, what kind of man are you? Sara, he would never have time to introduce you to mom and dad. I think you should come to dinner with us today.

Ahmad: I think Ali is right, I mean right about coming to dinner with us not about the other thing he said. I was planning to introduce you to mom and dad soon. But you should come; it’s going to be fun.

Sara: Ahmad I told mom I’ll be home soon.

Ahmad: Well, just call her again and tell her that you are going out on dinner with my family.

Sara: (purses her lips) Ahmad, I am not sure if my mom would allow that. Conservative Iranian family, remember?

Ahmad: It’s with my family. Come on, talk to your dad he will be fine with it.

Ali: Yeah, we’ll be home before eleven for sure.

Sara: Alright, I’ll give her a call. (searches for her phone in her bag and pulls it out) Thanks for inviting me Ali.

Ali: Oh, don’t mention it.

Sara: Hello mom. Umm... I was wondering if I can accompany Ahmad’s family for dinner. Yes, tonight. I know but his brother is insisting. Okay, yeah it won’t be late, I assure you. Thanks mom, love you. Bye. (puts the phone in her bag) She says I can go.

Ali: Awesome then! Mom and dad will meet us there.

Ahmad: Man, I am starved!

Ali: Me too!

Sara: Well, I hope they won't mind my company.

Ahmad: Oh don’t worry, mom and dad would love to see you there!

Ali: They sure will!

They drive through the city excited and hungry. Sara is about to meet Ahmad’s parents for the first time. Ahmad is about to introduce the girl he wants to marry to his parents. But Ali’s excitement stretches beyond the fun of the dinner. He has the knowledge of something that will change the lives of the people in that car forever. And he isn’t even slightly aware of that.

End of Act 1

*Assalamulaikum: A word used to greet someone in muslim cultures.

  

Talash: A search for God

Act 1

Scene 4


The transits are crammed packed. It’s around five in the evening and everybody is in a rush to get to home. Ali and Ahmad were a part of the crowd, desperate to get out of the transit and breathe some fresh air. They are on their way to Ali’s parent’s house to have dinner. 

Ahmad: Okay, so what is mom cooking?

Ali: How would I know? I talked to her this morning, but I was in such a hurry that dinner was the last thing on my mind.

Ahmad: Well, I thought that maybe she told you something about the food.

Chinook Station

Ali: (steps aside to make way for the passengers leaving) You know what I think, I think… (Pauses to smile) You are just a little too hungry to think about anything else right now. You just came back from a job interview and all you can think about is food.

Ahmad: Oh so should I just block all the thoughts in my mind and think about the interview which has long been over? Wow, Ali!

Ali: Ahmad, come on, I wasn’t the one who was yarning on and on about how well the interview went.

Ahmad: Okay, so the interview was awesome and yes, I have high expectations but how can I think about anything else when I haven’t eaten in five hours? (Puts his hand in his pocket and pulls out his phone) I don’t even know why we are having this conversation. I'll just call mom myself and ask her about the food. You, Ali, are good for nothing; absolutely nothing.

Ali: (laughs) Okay, then, as you wish. Just so you know, we are almost there anyway. Why ruin the surprise?

Ahmad: Why isn’t anyone picking up? I am sure they are home. Daanngg…

Ali: Dad must be offering his prayers and mom must be busy with something.  Just a few more minutes Ahmad and we are there.

Ahmad: Okay, yeah whatever. (Dials the number once again)

Ali: You really can’t be patient Ahmed, now can you? (smiles)

Ahmad: I am hungry Ali, really hungry. I can’t think of anything else right now. Do you have a gum?

Ali: Sorry bro. I don’t usually keep gum with me.

Ahmad: Obviously, why would you ever possess anything that could possibly work for my benefit?

Ali: (suppresses a laughter) Oh yes, now that is my fault too. Why am I not living my life according to your benefits? My bad!

Heritage Station

Ali and Ahmad walk towards the empty seats as the passengers walk out.

Ahmad: Okay whatever; I guess I can just wait. (looks out of the window for a while and then turns to look at Ali again) Anyway, so what’s your next destination? Any place interesting?

Ali: Ummm…. probably Halifax or Vancouver. I don’t know. I am not thinking much about it these days. This week it’s all about the family, it’s my time off! Why would I want to think about work? What about you, how was your dinner at Sara’s last week? Anything interesting I should look forward to finding out? (Grins playfully)

Ahmad: You know these stupid expressions of yours; I know they are meant to tease me. I am not a kid.

Ali: What expressions? (grins) Dang Ahmad! Should we just have this conversation after dinner?

Ahmad: Forget it. I am just going to answer your question. No, nothing interesting happened (pauses) I mean, I wouldn’t call the proceedings ‘interesting’ (frowns) It’s just that, I kinda lost control of my emotions and said a lot of things I shouldn’t have said, at least not on my first meeting with them.

Ali: What did you say?

Ahmad: Just something about mom and dad and their death…and… (plays with the phone in his hands) then some more things about blaming God for beings harsh to me. Not that they didn’t understand, they were really understanding…but..but.. Sara, she seemed kinda uncomfortable. Probably just cautious of what her dad might say… and I understand that… I don’t know Ali.

Ali: Ahmad, dude, so you said those things. What difference does that make? You weren’t lying. Things were harsh for you and you have gone through a lot. Why are you worried about it?

Ahmad: Umm... I don’t know. Ali, I am not uncertain about them, I am uncertain about myself. I don't know what to believe in, what to laugh at, what to call my own. It's just this conflict that has been consuming me these days. I have no idea what…(takes a deep breadth) Sara, she is the most wonderful thing… I don’t (shuts his eyes) I don’t want to lose her in my struggle to find something to believe in or whatever I am doing these days. 

Ali: Ahmad, there is no struggle. You are just caught in a conflict within yourself. It’s a temporary thing. We belong to one religion Ahmad. We believe in one God. What questions do you have about that? Where are you getting all of this from?

Ahmad: Well, a month back there was this speaker at the university. He was an Afghani too. So I went to his session, I wanted to see what he had to say. It was supposed to be a discussion about 'Radicalism and the world to come'. It started off all political but he ended up talking about families in Afghanistan and how everyday hundreds of families lose their children to the war. And for some reason, his words have not left me alone ever since. I keep thinking about it over and over.  I never gave it a thought before this but now that I do think about it, I wonder, why are things like that? Why can't it just friggin' stop? We belong to one religion but would it matter if we didn't belong to any religion at all? It all seems connected. All I want to know is, why is it like that?

Southland Station

Ali: Because it just is, Ahmad. We can't do anything about it. We just gotta be thankful to God that we are here, safe from all the brutality.

Ahmad: Thankful? For ourselves? Don't you think that's a little selfish? You, Sara.. you're all the same! Thankful to God for ourselves. What about those who are dying every single day Ali? What about my mom and my dad? And my family? My home? Does that leave any proof that an all-powerful being exists? 

Ali: Ahmad, Ahmad! You've got it all wrong. You can't deny the supreme existence.

Ahmad: I don't know why I shouldn't..

Ali: (sighs)You know, it's just a temporary thing, this conflict. You're gonna get over it. Till then, let's just not talk about it anymore.

Ahmad: Yeah okay.. You are right. I guess it’s just temporary.

Ali: (pats Ahmad’s shoulder) It’ll be fine. Trust me; you don’t have to worry about everything. Some things just fall into places on their own.

Ahmad: I don't see that happening but whatever.

Silence takes over. Ahmad pulls out his iPod and focuses his attention on the world outside rushing past him.