Farouq had a girlfriend. She was called Sumaya.

Whenever Farouq thinks of Sumaya, he envisions Asian beauty. Sumaya had long silky hair that fell to her waist. She was of light complexion. Farouq often played hide-and-seek with her in the potate garden with some other children. She was his favorite person. Everyone including both their grandparents knew of their childhood affection toward each other.

Sumaya’s home was a few minutes walk away from Farouq’s home. They visited each other often. Maybe Farouq should have married that girl. It was a childhood thing. No strings attached at all. There once was a Muslim wedding ceremony that both Sumaya and Farouq attended. Farouq thought that one day it might be the two of them dancing to the muslim ‘mataari.’ In his head, he saw them holding hands and the drums beating with such strength like they have never been beaten before as if to declare the intensity of their love.

That was then. This is now. Farouq went back to the village to visit his grandmother before her passing. His cousin Ali told him in a stammer, “Your girlfriend Sumaya is around.” Farouq inquired of where she had been. Ali told him that Sumaya had been away in Congo and had just come back. He told Farouq that he should go and pay her a visit. Farouq had gone to school. Seen a lot and was sure he didn’t want to start what he couldn’t finish.

Nevertheless, for old times’ sake, he went to visit Sumaya. Farouq was greeted by Sumaya’s grandmother. He was given a mat to sit with legs folded like Muslims do. He did exactly that. Sumaya came out after hearing a strange male voice. She couldn’t help but smile. They say with age certain things become finer. This was true of Sumaya. Farouq was awestruck. She knew it. They talked. Talked. Talked. And talked.

They exchanged contacts. The next and last time that Farouq would see Sumaya was during his grandmother’s burial. She would then go back to her other relatives from Congo. Life. Life. Life.

(Wait for a continuation of my Farouq’s Life Series next week) – It only continues on demand.