“The autotrophs began to drool, Neanderthals developed tools, we built a wall (we built the pyramids), math, science, history, unraveling the mysteries, that all started with the big bang!” It was the song, which was playing as my favorite show, the big bang theory was on TV.  The big bang always reminded me of America. I never thought what it was like over there because I lived in Pakistan and I loved it. I had friends, family, a home and I went to a good school. But of course I would give anything just to get a good glimpse and experience the lifestyle and culture over there.
My name is Ahmed Baqai. I am an ordinary Pakistani kid who sometimes loves and hates his life just like you. I lived in the beautiful city of Lahore. I don’t know if you’ve visited or even seen Pakistan but you’ll probably think that it’s just a small country in the middle of Asia with no awesome stuff. By that I mean Nike stores, Burger King, Starbucks etc. but no, it was not like that. Anyhow, as my father was a computer science professor in LUMS (university), we had the privilege to live in the faculty houses. But why live there, what’s so awesome about that? LUMS wasn’t just an average university you would find in Pakistan; it was one of the best. From cafes to stores, from libraries to computer labs, from ponds to sports grounds and most importantly, everything especially friends. Just like our family there were others. And so you know, everybody had a friend. My mom had her own group, my dad (who was in America at the time being) had his colleagues and I had my own friends.
They were actually like my brothers. They knew me since we shifted to LUMS and when my dad first started working there. Also, they only lived two blocks away and some went to the same school as mine. As it was summer, we would play soccer, cricket and some other sports. At night we would ride our bicycles to a soccer club, which was from seven to nine. Sometimes we would bring some money and stop at our favorite café, Jammin Java. So basically we used to see each other everyday which was pretty awesome because of that we never got board.
‘Time passes when your having fun’, well I hate that saying. Suddenly July was right on our heads and that meant no soccer club. You see, 98% of the population was Muslims and so in July the holy month of Ramadan (a month in the Islamic calendar) came. It is an obligatory for Muslims above twelve to fast (not drink or eat) from dawn to dusk and of course we were way old then twelve. But that did not mean any soccer. We stopped playing in the evening as we would be pretty thirsty but we played at night, midnight. You may think its stupid but almost half the majority of Muslims had to wake up at two in order to prepare for the fasting. But in the summer we would sleep at two and at in that month you had to wake up at two, it was kind of weird. So we just used to wake up till dawn.
It was a hot July evening when I playing Call of Duty Black ops 2 while lying on the bed in an air-conditioned room (each air-conditioner for one room as there was no system of vents), pretty awesome right. Not for me. I was so thirsty that I was daydreaming about getting some water but religion is religion. And then there were my small and noisy little brothers who barged into the room followed by my mom. “Mom, this is my room, not the longue.” “I know but we also want to enjoy the cooling,”  she exclaimed. “ What’s wrong with the other air conditioners”, I asked. “ Ahmed, we don’t want to waste your fathers money, if we have the opportunity to turn on one AC while everybody can share the cold air then why not.” My mom stated. “OK”, I said as I went back killing the terrorists in my game. The room experienced a long moment of silence when my mom had to break it up.” Oh how could I forget?” Her tone was so loud and happy that I knew something big was coming. “ You know its been almost one year since your father went to America. He was on a sabbatical to find a better job over there, and he found one like 6 months ago.” I didn’t like where this was headed. “ And now it’s permanent. Your dad got all the stuff we need, a car, a home and other things”. I seriously didn’t quite understand what she said and that forced me to ask, “So”? “So, Ahmed were migrating to America on the 15.” My mom said. “ What”, was the only word I could think of. My mom kept staring at me like I was supposed to say something. “ But why? We have perfectly normal lives over here.” “ We’ve talked about this. We want you to get an admission in a good college so you can lead a good life. Its very hard to get enrolled in college from here to there.” “ But why cant I just go to a university or college over here like LUMS?” I asked. “ There are so many colleges better than LUMS”, she said. “ But I have friends over here and you have yours, you have your job too.” “ We can always make new friends and I can always find a new job. And I’m sure we will come here annually to visit your friends.” She said that and went out of the room. I just had this weird feeling. As much as I wanted to go to America, I did not wanted to leave my friends who I’d known all my entire life. I was confused and depressed.
Days went by like smoke disappearing into the air. I didn’t want to tell my friends that I was going. I didn’t even want to think about it but the thought was just stuck in my head like a prisoner in a cell. Only two weeks were left and I decided that my friends deserved the truth. I mean they were going to find out eventually. I gathered them at the duck pond. I still remember the weather and atmosphere. It was windy and dark but not night. “ So Ahmed, what did you wanted to tell us? It’s not everyday we come here at 6.” Adam asked. “ Guys listen, this is something very important. As you are my four closest friends I think I should tell you this first. I know we have been friends for years but I don’t think your going to like this. I’m migrating to America on the 15.” I stuttered as I said that. There was this awkward silence except for the annoying noise of a cricket. Then Mohammad spoke, “ Why are you going”? “ Well my parents said that it’s best for my education”. I replied. “ Well then, that’s good,” Adam said. “How is it good?” I asked, “ Dude, you’re going to get a good education. I mean, I’m sure your sad but you’ll visit, right?” Adam said. “ Yeah of course”, I exclaimed. “How about a game of soccer?” Khudayar offered. We all agreed and played our favorite sport to cheer us up. I was a little cheered up by the pep talk and going to America didn’t seem so bad.
Unfortunately, I had to say goodbye, as I had to go. My friends came to the airport to say one last goodbye and drop me off.  Then Adam gave his whole talk, “ Listen Ahmed, I know this doesn’t come only from me but from all of us.  You’re the best soccer player for your age I’ve seen in my life. I hope to see you in the USA international soccer team.” We all said our goodbyes as I walked towards the boarding area. I looked back at my friends who were waving their hands; I did the same and then caught up with my mom. There was this song I listened to last night, which kept wandering, in my mind, ‘The Gift of a friend’.