Act 2
Scene 1
The restaurant is thick with the aroma of barbeque sauce and grilled steaks. The dimly lit hall is filled with people enjoying the informalities of a laid-back dinner. The soft music blends perfectly with the sound of hushed conversations, to produce a sound that isn’t capable of bothering or distracting anyone in the hall. Orders are being placed and food is being served. Mr. and Ms. Saquain are skimming through the menu as they wait for Ali and Ahmad to show up.
Ms. Saquain: (takes a sip of water) Tariq, I wonder what's taking the boys so long.
Mr. Saquain: Oh he left the home at eight to meet Ahmad at the station. It’s takes a while to get here.
Ms. Saquain: I think you should give him a call, I hope he remembers that he has to meet us for dinner here.
Mr. Saquain: (laughs) Oh, of course he remembers. He is the one who invited us. He’ll be here soon. Why do you worry so much?
Ms. Saquain: I am not worrying, Tariq. I know they can take care of themselves. I was just asking.
Mr. Saquain: Oh well, I am sure they’ll be here any... there they are (he waves at them)
Ms. Saquain: I see that they are not alo..
Ali, Ahmad and Sara greet Mr. and Ms. Saquain and then exchange tentative looks.
Ahmad: Sara, meet mom and dad (looks at Mr. and Ms. Saquain) Uncle. Aunt this is Sara.
Mr. Saquain: (Stands up) it’s a pleasure to meet you Sara. I am Ahmad's dad. And this is my wife Nilofur.
Ms. Saquain: (hugs her lightly) I am so glad to finally meet you. I have heard a lot about you. Take a seat.
Ahmad and Ali smile at each other and then take a seat on the same side of the rectangular table.
Sara: (gleaming) It’s a pleasure to meet you too. I am sorry to intrude like this, I was not planning to come but Ali convinced me.
Ali: Intrude? Come on, it’s perfectly fine. Mom and Dad always welcome good company.
Mr. Saquain: Sara, dear, don’t worry about a thing, in fact it’s a shame that Ahmad took this long to introduce you to us.
Ms. Saquain: Tariq is right. Whenever he’d mention you, I would ask him to bring you home for dinner, but oh no! He’s just too busy to indulge in such formalities. (looks to smile at Ahmad)
Ali: (His cheeks going red) Come on, last year in university isn’t a piece of cake. And now that I am done with that, it’s the job search that keeps me occupied.
Ali: Oh yeah the job search. Did that firm get back to you yet?
Ahmad: Nope. I am still optimistic about it though. But then again in such a competitive environment you can never be too sure about anything. What if my efforts were not enough?
Sara: Ahmad, well, that was not the end of things. The job fair today proved to be fruitful too. You have an interview next week. Just keep trying.
Ms. Saquain: Oh I agree with Sara, Ahmad. One interview was not the end of the world. You’ll have more chances to prove yourself right, honey. Don’t lose heart.
Ali: See mom, now that is where you are wrong. (grins)
Mr. Saquain: Ali? (perplexed)
Ali: You are wrong because, to lose heart you need to have one. Ahmad is absolutely heartless! (laughs)
Ahmad: See, that is why I did not want to bring her home. That is why! (Turns to Sara) You see Sara, how respectfully my brother treats me?
Sara: (giggles) Ahmad, he is just joking.
Ahmad: I was talking about such a serious thing. Way to kill the mood Ali!
Ali: It always is a pleasure! (winks at Sara)
Everyone laughs
Mr. Saquain: Oh, our boys! Anyway, I was just wondering since all of us are sitting in this beautiful restaurant; wouldn’t it be appropriate to order something? I don’t like being kicked out of restaurants.
Ali: Oh yeah, I agree dad. I am starving anyway. Let’s order. What do you want Ahmad?
Ahmad: Oh I think I will have that steak I had last time when I came down here.. Remember the one that was way better than yours..
Ali: Oh yeahh! I have no idea why I ordered a Hawaiin one.. It suc..
Ms. Saquain: Boys, boys! Sometimes, I doubt if I have taught you any manners at all. Sara, honey, what would you like to have?
Sara: Oh they can order first. Umm.. I think, I will just have pasta.
Mr. Saquain: Pasta? Is that it? Are you not hungry dear?
Ahmad: (laughs) Dad, she doesn’t eat much.
Mr. Saquain: Doesn’t eat much? But pasta is too little. I think we will order something for her. Sara, I reckon you are just being really shy.
Sara: Oh no, I am not shy at all. Pasta would be enough for me.
Ali: (smiles) Sara, you don’t know, eating is serious business in this family. If you don’t eat like us, it means there is a problem with you.
Ahmad: Oh yes, it’s serious business Sara. You should have steaks or chicken wings or anything that weighs more than yourself. (Laughs) You should try the steaks, it’s awesome.
Sara: (smiles) That’s just really nice of all of you but I think pasta would be good for me. For sure!
Ahmad: Oh well, since we can’t shove food down your mouth. It’s your choice. You’re gonna be missing out on some good stuff!
Sara: I will take a few bites from yours.
Ahmad: Alright, if you like it that way.
Ali: Alright then, I think I should call the waiter and place the orders.
Ms. Saquain smiles at Mr. Saquain reassuringly.
Ms. Saquain: (sighs) I was just thinking that how Ahmad and Sara make me reminiscent of those days when we got married, Tariq. Everything was so different in those times, you know Ahmad the only time I was allowed to talk to talk Tariq was when he was introduced to me. And then the next question was: is it a yes?
Mr. Saquain: Oh and I don’t even consider that talking. What are you supposed to say to this stranger who, you know, might possibly be destined to marry you. What are you supposed to say? (laughs)
Ahmad: Oh God! That is insane! How did you know that he was the right person mom?
Ms. Saquain: Ali, you know I think that is the power of centuries old traditions. When the right person comes, you just know. And your family knows! That is how we have been marrying for centuries in our society.
Ali: Are you kidding me? How can you 'just know'?
Mr. Saquain: Well, we just knew. And our families knew. That is how my mom and dad got married. And that is how our grandparents got married. And our great grandparents.
Sara: I guess that is something close to magic. It’s almost fairytale-ish!
Ahmad: But you know mom, I don’t think that it would work today. I mean, I can’t imagine being with someone I don’t know at all.
Ms. Saquain: Ahmad, back in those days, we followed our ethical codes. Our moms would never let us mix up with boys as frequently as you people do these days. Times change and with time practices have to change.
Ali: Well, I like the change. I mean, I am better off knowing the girl first.
Mr. Saquain: Well, these are your times. And you like things the way they are. We liked them the way they were.
Ahmad: I think I am with Ali on this one. I like it the way it is.
Ms. Saquain: Honey, you would never get it. But I am glad you have found the right person. (smiles at Sara)
Ahmad: (color rising in his cheeks) Yeahh.. (Smiles at Sara and then turns to Ali) So when are you returning to work, exactly?
Ali: Next week InshAllah. But umm.. I have something to tell you. It’s a big news, I just wanted to tell everyone at once.
Ms. Saquain: Oh Ali, did something happen? (confused)
Ali: Oh no mom, don’t freak out. It’s nothing bad.
Ahmad: You always do that! You freak out before even knowing what it is. (chortles)
Ms. Saquain: Making fun of your mom. You know I have a weak heart!
Ali: Is anyone still interested in listening? (amused)
Mr. Saquain: Go ahead son. Let’s hear it!
Ali: Okay, so the magazine I work for… They want me to do a travel feature about countries in South Asia so like India or Sri Lanka.
Ahmad: South Asia? Woah! I thought you just did features in Canada. But that’s like, half way around the world. And India... India is all mystic, you know. I have seen some movies. (pauses) This sounds so exciting. You lucky bastard (hits upper arm lightly)
Ms. Saquain: Ahmad (sternly)
Ahmad: What did I say? (pauses) WHAT? Are you still going to point out swear words?
Ms. Saquain: Why not!
Ahmad: Oh God, it doesn't matter how high my numbers go I would always be treated like a 4-year old. But anyway, I am overwhelmed Ali. This is a big step ahead in your career, and your life.
Sara: I agree with Ahmad. Congratulations Ali. This is wonderful!
Ali: Thanks. Appreciate the support.
Ms. Saquain: We are all very proud of you Ali. You know that, don't you? (smiles warmly)
Ali: Thanks everyone. I am blessed to have you guys (smiles) but I have been thinking that given the enormity of the opportunity why not use it the way I want. I mean, rather than going to India or Sri Lanka, why not go to Pakistan or Iran or Afghanistan or the UAE? I mean since we are from Pakistan, I would personally prefer going there it would be interesting. I have never explored those regions so... yeah! But, but I have just been thinking about it, I will talk to them and see what they think. They were more inclined towards India though but (pauses) let’s see!
Ahmad: Ali, that’s a big decision. I mean, those places are dangerous and the West hasn’t been on particularly healthy terms with those nations for a long time now. I mean, Iran? Afghanistan? It’s risky.
Mr. Saquain: Ahmad, there are many aspects to countries at war than death. I thought you knew that.
Ahmad: Well, I know that but why should he risk his life? Risk his life for work?
Ali: Oh they won’t send me to war zones Ahmad. I would probably go to more protected or urban regions. And I won’t be alone, you know Jeff, our photographer I think he got the offer too.
Ahmad: Go to India Europe, Australia or Spain. I don’t know where ever. Why are you travelling to dangerous places?
Sara: I think I agree with Ali on this one. (Smiles at Ahmad) I think visiting such countries always turns out to be a very interesting experience. Although I have only been to Iran only twice in my life, I would give anything to go there more often. Those places, they are like separate entities. Culture, traditions, lives! And you know what’s most appealing? The fact that we belong to that piece of land, like for me Iran would always be that place where I belong. And for Ali that place is Pakistan. And for you Ahmad, it’s Afghanistan.
Ahmad: But Sara, we belong to that place but going back their again, knowing the risks that come with the journey. It just doesn’t make any sense in my head. And Canada is where we belong now.
Ms. Saquain: Canada can’t change the blood that runs through your veins Ahmad. Your blood is Afghani, and it will be Afghani till the day you die.
Ahmad: I know and I don’t want it to change. But I just think it’s risky. Ali, just go to India okay?
Ahmad: You don’t need to worry. And I haven’t made any decision yet. I was just considering my options.
Ms. Saquain: Oh well, by the end of the day, its Ali’s decision. This is a big opportunity and I believe that Ali would use it wisely. That is all I have to say.
Ali: InshAllah, mom. I will try my best. (Looks around) Our food is taking very long.
Ahmad: I know! I am starving. So Sara (grins) Are you enjoying the evening, so far?
Sara: Why wouldn’t I? It’s a pleasure to be with your family!
Mr. Saquain: It’s a pleasure to have you here. I have always wanted a daughter, just like you.
Ms. Saquain: Oh yes, all our lives we have been surrounded by these hooligans! Boys!
Ali: I have noticed, daughters are way more popular than sons.
Mr. Saquain: And why shouldn’t they be? But I will leave that question for when you have kids.
Ms. Saquain: Oh yes, you boys gave us a good run for our patience during your childhood days. There were times when your dad and I gave up on you and watched you guys charge around us like sleepless Chihuahuas!
Mr. Saquain: I remember once Nilofur and I decided to sleep in late on a Sunday morning since it was really cold. We assumed that the boys would be sleeping in late too. But, obviously, Ahmad and Ali were never the predictable kind. (turns to Sara) You can’t imagine the sight we witnessed when we finally woke up because of the noise. (looks at Ahmad and Ali) The two of them were down on the kitchen floor, pulling at each other’s hair. Ahmad was screaming and there were cookies scattered around the floor. Cookies everywhere!
Ahmad: I remember that! (Laughs) Ali and I turned vicious when we fought.
Ali: I got pretty aggressive too, but Ahmad has always been so temperamental. You never know what little thing might provoke anger in him.
Ahmad: Yeah, sometimes I hate my anger management skills!
Sara: I hate them too. But I think you are getting better at it. So it’s all good!
Ali: I don’t believe it! (staring at something distant) I didn’t know it was possible with in this century! Our food is here!
Ahmad: (Laughs) Ali, my man! You got me. I am so hungry. (Rubs his hands together)
The food is served. Instantaneously, the clinking of the forks and knives joins the sounds of laughter and chatter around the table. And another summer night ticks away.
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