my lovely readers,
i am so sorry for the late update. I hope that you will all enjoy this chapter. the picture shows Kiran, jasmeets cousin.
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Enzo's POV:
"Did you even listen to me, man?" the voice of Aiden pulled me out of my deep thoughts, startling me with his deep masculine voice and reminding me where I was currently, and looked at me in a curious and slightly unnerved manner. After the small fight with Jasmeet, I felt bad and also sorry because I had to accept that my girlfriend was not like other british girls with whom I could go out or hang out at any hour. However, this was not so easy for me, as I did not anticipate her to be so conservative in some matters. Her traditional upbringing prevented her from acting like any normal female teenager would do, which proved itself by the early hour I had to take her home each and every time we hung out or had a date.
I had never regarded it as something which annoyed me, just with this small confrontation with her, it suddenly hit me like a car. I could not expect her to act like any other girl I dated, I had to be considerate about her cultural upbringing. But to my dismay, my small frustrations turned into a bigger thing, almost similar to anger and exasperation, and I felt the need to do something about it as it was becoming something big, putting my relationship with this wonderful girl in peril.
It was also not as if I loved going out, I just felt the desire to go clubbing again, because, as soon the real stress would start and I would not have any time left to blow off some steam by dancing the night away, having to study very hard for the upcoming finals. I replied to him, sounding annoyed that he disturbed my thoughts: "No, sorry, I spaced out. Jasmeet is mad at me. But i would love to go out with her and be with her like with any other British girl! It is somehow hard for me to accept the fact that she is so different from me!"
Aiden glanced at me in a shocked manner and I just shrugged it off, ignoring the stare on my friend's face. We were still standing in the parking lot, which Jasmeet just left with her best friend after planting a soft and chaste kiss on my cheek, and I let the moment replay, remembering the way Jasmeet's eyes were filled with anger and annoyance when I asked her to go out with me. Maybe I did something really inconsiderate and insulted her culture? Maybe I had to try to be more considerate and understanding?
Aiden's response surprised me, pulling me out my thoughts: "Enzo, she is Indian, not British. Her passport may be British but she is in her heart Indian. When you asked her to be your girlfriend, you did not think about these things?This surprises me, although it is said that love can make you blind!" His words made me halt in my movements and I put my hand behind my head, scratching it, and trying to remember if this thought ever crossed my mind. However, the search for the answer soon proved to be false as I never paid any heed to our cultural differences.
With one last thought, I answered him: "Actually, I never thought about this. I just fell for her and did not regarded this fact, that we stem from different cultural backgrounds!" On Aiden's gaze a frown appeared and he opened his mouth to speak something, but closed it then, not uttering a single word. It seemed as if he was deep in thoughts and I let my mind wander back once more to the words I had exchanged with my girlfriend, an image of her glinting and sparkling eyes which portrayed her apparent aggravation, imprinting itself in my head.
"Well, maybe you need to learn that some things you can do together and some you cannot! You do not need to go out with your girlfriend, you can also do something with your male friends, for example, me!" he said, while pointing with his thumb on himself. He made a valid point, why did I have to go clubbing with my girlfriend, I could also hang out with my friends and in this way Jasmeet would not feel pressured to do something which her culture forbade.
Aryan's POV:
I could see on Jasmeets face that my statement shocked not only her, but me as well. How could I say that the bully of my best friend might be more accepting than her own boyfriend? I should say this about Enzo, however, something made me think otherwise. It was apparent that Enzo did not seem comfortable in the foreign culture and all the customs while attending the wedding of her sister, which surprised me because when he asked her out, he should have thought about her cultural upbringing and their cultural differences; and I had the slight hunch that love blinded him, preventing him from making sound and good choices. Shawn on the other hand, seemed to have enjoyed himself at the wedding, as he appeared to be quite content and happy in this environment. This did not mean that he was someone for her, however, it showed that he was more open towards our living style.
"Jasmeet, let us go to Gurdwara Sahib ji (Sikh temple), we have not been there for ages! It might give you also some relaxation and peace of mind?" I exclaimed, when we drove past Southall Station and my best friend nodded in agreement, turning into the small road where the spiritual place was situated, and parked the car, turning it off. It had been so long, since Jassy and I went together to Gurdwara as we were so busy in our daily lives, which saddened me as we used to go there at least once a week. After covering our heads we took off our shoes and washed our hands, heading then into the praying hall, where currently a priest read a passage from the holy book. I felt immediately very calm and a glance at my best friend showed me that she also relaxed visibly.
Sitting down for a few minutes, I thought back to the small fight Enzo and Jasmeet had. I really worried that despite him caring for her and liking her that their relationship was destined to fail. My thoughts were pessimistic I knew this, but something convinced me that this was their fate. Maybe it was the fact that they hailed from different countries, I had a gut feeling that my best friend needed someone who could challenge her and loved her for who she was and not what she could be made into. Since the wedding, I had my doubts concerning her boyfriend, I could not put my finger on it, but something was off with this boy; he was too perfect, at least he was until today. A waving hand brought me back and pulled me out of my thoughts, making me realize where I was and that I was lost in the deep sea of my mind.
Heading to the langar hall, where free food was served, with Jasmeet, I decided that I had to talk to her cousins if they noticed something strange with this boy. Maybe they could prove my thoughts wrong, hopefully they would. Enzo, he became even kind of a friend to me and I liked him so I did not wish that my fear turned out to be true. He was nice and all, however, I could not shake the feeling off that something was completely wrong. I could not fathom how right my assumption were and that despite him being a nice guy, he was definitely not the one for my dear friend. My instinct was right from the start, I thought silently, remembering the days on which I had warned Jasmeet to stay away. . Although it pained me that Jasmeet would soon experience pain.
Once I reached my home, I found myself dialling the number of Kiran, Jassy's Cousin as I wanted my intuition to be proven wrong. After the third ring she picked up, saying: "Hi Aryan, nice to hear you! How are you?" I answered her with a smile: "Hi Kiran, I am fine and you?" It must surprise her for sure that I called but I could not detect a hint of amazement in her voice. When all pleasantries were exchanged, she wanted to know the real reason I called her and I started to share my worries with her by saying: "You know Enzo, Jasmeet's Boyfriend right? I have a bad feeling about him, he wanted her to come to a club and it seems like he is not comfortable with the indian culture. Do you also think this?"
Kiran thought for a few moments and then said with evident hesitation laced into her voice: "Aryan, I saw something at Samarpreet's wedding and I also told Jassy but she would not listen to me. What I tell you now, please promise me not to say anything to anyone!" Her words surprised me and I was now very curious what she witnessed which confirmed my suspicions. However, my curiosity was not satisfied as she was not able to formulate the next words and I was getting impatient. "Kiran, are you there?" I reminded her that I was still on the other end of the line.
A loud sigh proved to me that my partner was still there and then she started to speak: "You know, when Jasmeet danced with Shawn, Enzo was very jealous and he stormed out of the hall. To my utter surprise Aiden followed him and I also decided to trail after them, just to see if he would calm down or not!" I almost feared the next words as I suspected Aiden to be homosexual, it was not like I had something against people who preferred their own sex: but when it concerned Jasmeet, I could get very protective of her and I wish harm never came her way. The next words Kiran uttered, surprised me and I could feel a slight panic arising.
"Aiden managed to calm him down and they seemed to be very intimate and comfortable with each other, making me think twice about what I saw. And then it happened, their hands touched for the faintest of second and I was really doubting my eye sight. Her words surprised me and I was now very curious if what she witnessed would confirm my suspicions or not. However, my curiosity was not satisfied as she was not able to formulate the next words,fearing my reaction, and I was getting impatient by each second passing."Kiran, are you there?"
I reminded her that I was still on the otherend of the line. A loud sigh proved to me that my partner was still there andthen she started to speak: "You know, when Jasmeet danced with Shawn, Enzo was very jealous and he stormed out of the hall. To my utter surprise Aidenfollowed him and I also decided to trail after them, just to see if he would calm down or not!" I almost feared the next words as I suspected Aiden to be homosexual, it was not like I had something against people who preferred their own sex: but when it concerned Jasmeet, I could get very protective ofher and I wish harm never came her way. The next words Kiran uttered, surprised me and I could feel a slight panic arising upon hearing them.
"Aiden managed to calm him down and they seemed to be very intimate and comfortable with each other,making me think twice about what I saw. And then it happened, their hands touched for the faintest of second and I was really doubting my eye sight!" The second the words fell from her lips, I felt my worst fantasy becoming true and I was not able to form any comprehensible answer. My best friend Jassy was with the wrong person, I had the feeling from their first interaction that he would mean trouble. Guys like him were not made for Jassy and apparently he could even possibly like boys instead of girls. Enzo and Aiden were also really close, too close for my liking as the last two weeks I observed them and could sense something not purely friendly.
"Kiran, are you sure that you saw this?" I asked her once more, hoping that the things said were untrue, but Kiranresponded to me in a firm and strict voice: "Aryan, I wish I could say otherthings, but that was what I saw! However, please do not jump to conclusion, atleast not yet. Just observe the whole situation between Aiden and Enzo and alsohow Enzo treats Jassy! I wish that I was just wrong and that he truly is in love with her!" Kirans words warmed my heart, as it was clear how much she cared for my best friend and I agreed with her, by answering her: "Kiran, yes you are right! Let us just keep a close eye on Enzo and see if something suspicious happens!" Once the serious talk about Enzo and Aiden was over, Kiran and I talked for some more minutes about so many different things. I realized that we have never really talked as Jassy was always with us, the times we met,or it was not proper for us to interact in a friendlier manner, and that I wanted to change this as this girl truly sparked my interest. I wanted to find out more about her.
Shawn's POV:
After the moment with Jasmeet I felt fuzzy and slightly confused. It was clear to me that it was not only me who was affected by this. Her surprised eyes, when I told her that she should finally accept that she was feeling something for me, was something, which stayed longer in my mind. I truly harboured great feelings for this girl and a small part in me knew that I was not the only one who felt this way. Despite our previous hostile interactions the small ones full of kindness created a type of bond between the two of us. Why else would she stare at me so surprised when I uttered those words? It was as if she had been caught, and felt embarrassed, that she could not conceal her true feelings. Why was she with my best friend if the real thing and passion was missing? It was clear that they looked great together and everyone wanted to be in their place. However, I could not help but feel that the real exciting thing was not between them.
I sat down on the kitchen stool and put my head onto the counter, in order to clear my thoughts. I did not know how many minutes passed when suddenly a voice startled me: "Brother, what is wrong with you? You seem so lost and absented-minded. Share your troubles with your dear sister! I am there for you!" I lifted my head up and saw my sister Gracie standing in the doorway, glancing with a worried look in my direction. Her kind words warmed my heart and I felt blessed to have such a perceptive and caring sister. Instantly I also felt bad that she was worrying about me, and that I was not able to conceal my emotional state in front of her better. I could talk to Gracie about everything and she became someone who knew everything about me. It was clear that she also had her own demons to deal with and that it must be tiring for her, listening to my emotional state and me.
However, one look in her eyes showed me nothing but pure kindness and love for me. This encouraged me to start talking about everything, which happened today. I left nothing out and described the whole situation with Jasmeet in detail, also mentioning how flustered she looked and how shocked she was by my observation. My sister remained silent while I talked and just listened to the words I said. Once I uttered the last word, Gracie gave me one long look and told me in a happy and sincere voice: "Shawn, I know girls, I really do know them and if you can turn them in a mess, it usually means something. Moreover, it was her who cornered you and this can only say one thing about her and her feelings: That she is affected by you and that the whole dance with you was something which stayed in her mind, confusing her as she is supposed to hate you and to love Enzo. Enzo also seems kind of odd to me, I could not help wonder what is going on between the new guy and him!" "What? Can you please elaborate this!"
I exclaimed in shock, what could she possibly mean with this? I had a slight hunch but no, this could never be true. It just could not be. However, when I thought deep about Enzo and Aiden, they seemed kind of very close. But they were also friends and Aiden was my new best friend. Suddenly I remembered that Aiden shared with me in the beginning that he fancied boys. But Enzo was definitely not gay, I was positive.
"Shawn, think about it! It could be true! I mean what you say about their relationship is just too perfect; no boy is such a gentleman and behaves in such a good manner. Something has to be up!" she explained to me, giving me a pointed look. Despite the ferocity in her voice, I was not ready to think about this, as it seemed so unlikely and not very true.Moreover I had come to terms with the fact that my dream of being with Jasmeet was just going to be this, merely a dream, not something which was very likely to happen.
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My lovely readers,
I am so sorry for the late update. I have just been so busy working and therefore I did not have the time to write or relax. I will do my best to update from today on more regularly. I still plan on continuing the story as much more is yet to come. What do you think will happen next? do you think that Aryan will find love as well or do you think that he will remain alone? Let me know about your thoughts in the comments section below.
Love
Sarah He.