Forbidden Love

by Manik written last 2009-05-11
Manik felt Bad when this was written

My girlfriend’s family objects to our relationship. They don’t like me for being an Asian and for belonging to a broken family.

Though most of my life was spent in U.S., I was born in Bombay, India. I was single-handedly brought up by my mom who was a teacher. She and my father separated when I was only two years old. My father was a serious gambler. He left us for another woman.

My mother worked hard for both of us. So when she was offered a teaching job in the American Indian College of the Assemblies of God in Arizona, she accepted it. It was also her way of keeping me away from my father.

I’ve had two girlfriends before I met Gaia in a friend’s party. I couldn’t forget her warm smile and heavy Italian accent. Gaia studies in the University of Phoenix while I am going to a less famous school. But she’s so friendly and humble. I instantly liked her and made sure she would like me too. We talked the whole night and eventually exchanged numbers. The next day, I called to ask her out. And guess where we had our first date—at the Phoenix Art Museum! We both share same interests including art. When we’re not in museums, we’d go hiking or hang out at our favorite resto.

Exactly after two months of dating, we made our relationship official. We were happy. I love Gaia so much. I brought her home one day and introduced her to my mother. My mom told me later that she liked her and suggested that I should also see her family. Next day, I told Gaia about my interest in meeting her family. She agreed. A week later, she invited me to their family dinner. As soon as her family saw me, smiles disappeared on their faces. They hardly spoke to me except for her dad. He asked me all kinds of questions especially about my family. I did not lie about my father. I thought I will win their trust if I won’t hide things from them. I was wrong—so wrong. The very next morning, Gaia called me to let me know her family is forbidding her from seeing me again. They want Gaia to break up with me coz I’m not Italian and according to her dad, I belong to an “unfortunate family.”

It’s been two weeks since I last spoke with Gaia. She begged that we should lay low first until she convinces her family that our relationship is real. I trust Gaia but I’m having a hard time waiting. I’m also afraid she would give in to her family’s request. I’m worried and I miss her so much.