LK INNOVATE

Short Story

By Dr Lokman Khan

The rain hammered against Asif’s tiny London flat, mirroring the storm brewing in his heart. He stared at the barely touched plate of curry, his appetite stolen by worry. A year ago, he had arrived in London, a bright-eyed Bangladeshi student with a scholarship and a dream of becoming a software engineer. Now, that dream felt like a fading mirage.

Asif Rahman, a 22-year-old computer science prodigy from a small Bangladeshi town, was on a quest for autonomy and professional fulfillment. Awarded a scholarship to study in the UK, he sought to escape the traditional life preordained by his family. An introverted and contemplative soul, Asif’s modesty and aversion to conflict render him susceptible to manipulation, despite his earnest ambition to forge his own path and succeed as a software engineer. His unassuming appearance—marked by a slight build and simple attire—belies a steadfast determination to achieve self-determination and realize his fulfilment

Meera Shah, a 28-year-old British-Bangladeshi, adeptly bridges the divide between her dual heritage. Raised in London, she’s become a master at maneuvering through the intricacies of immigrant life to her advantage. Assertive and shrewd, Meera wields her pragmatism like a weapon, manipulating circumstances with a deft hand to fulfill her ambitions. Her fashion-forward attire and poised demeanor are the outward manifestations of her bold, commanding essence. Driven by a thirst for financial prosperity and the allure of power, Meera’s machinations are primarily fueled by her desire to sustain a lavish lifestyle and assert dominance in her interactions.

Asif’s “marriage” to Meera Shah, a distant relative his family had found, had initially seemed like a perfect solution. Asif could stay and study, Meera could get a visa sponsorship eventually. But the comfortable life they portrayed to the world crumbled behind closed doors. 

They share a home and a life that the outside world believes is a happily married couple. This forced proximity leads to moments where they let their guards down, revealing vulnerabilities to each other. Asif, with his earnest nature, sometimes sees glimpses of what he believes is the real Meera—someone who, like him, is trapped by circumstances. Meera, on the other hand, is occasionally caught off guard by Asif’s kindness and his genuine concern for her well-being, despite her manipulative behavior.

Meera’s demands escalated – more money, more hours working late shifts at the curry house. His studies suffered, replaced by exhaustion, attendance faltered and an excruciating fear of deportation.

“Meera, we need to talk about the money. I can’t keep doing this. My grades are slipping, and—”, Asif said with hesitation.

Meera interrupted, “Your grades? What about our agreement? You know what’s at stake if you don’t hold up your end.”

“I know, but this isn’t what I signed up for. You said it would be simple—just a formality.” Asif’s frustration evident.

Meera coolly interjected, “Things change, Asif. And sometimes we have to adapt. Besides, it’s not like you have a choice.”

“There’s always a choice. I just… I thought you were different.” defeated Asif mumbled.

Meera, softening slightly, said, “Look, Asif… I’m not the villain here. We’re both just trying to get by. But if you want to keep your little life here, you’ll do what’s necessary.”

“And what if I refuse? What then?” Asif suddenly found some resolute voice. A note of defiance.

Meera, with a hint of threat, replied, “Then I guess we’ll both find out just how far you’re willing to go for your ‘freedom’.”

Few days later, in an evening, the fear had teeth. Meera had returned with a new “emergency” and a chilling ultimatum: help her smuggle untaxed electronics or face exposure. 

Asif’s world tilted. This wasn’t the life he signed up for. Despair threatened to engulf him, then a familiar voice echoed in his mind – Professor Jenkins.

Professor Jenkins, his computer science mentor, had noticed Asif’s decline. Sensing something deeper than academic struggles, the professor had offered a safe space to talk. Asif, hesitant at first, had confided about the sham marriage. Professor Jenkins, a man of unwavering ethics, had listened intently, concern etched on his kind face.

Suddenly, a plan, risky but necessary, began to take shape. Asif called Professor Jenkins, his voice trembling. The professor listened patiently, then a determined glint entered his eyes. “We’ll get you out of this, Asif,” he promised.

The next few days were a blur of meetings and hushed conversations. Professor Jenkins contacted immigration authorities, revealing Meera’s involvement in the smuggling ring. A sting operation was set up. Asif, wired with a hidden microphone, would meet Meera for their usual “shopping trip.”

The weight of the recorder felt heavy in his pocket as he and Meera walked through the crowded electronics market. The air crackled with unspoken tension. Meera, oblivious to the trap, handed him a package. Asif’s stomach churned, but his voice was steady as he whispered, “Professor Jenkins said we should check the quality before we pay.”

Moments later, plainclothes officers swarmed them. Meera’s mask of composure shattered, replaced by a venomous glare. As they led her away, she hissed at Asif, “You’ll regret this!”

Standing in the bustling market, now free from Meera’s threats, a wave of relief washed over Asif. But it was mixed with a new understanding of freedom. It wasn’t just about pursuing his dreams, it was about having the freedom to choose his path, free from manipulation and coercion.

The road ahead was uncertain. Immigration would investigate his case, and rebuilding trust with his family wouldn’t be easy. Yet, Asif no longer felt alone. Professor Jenkins stood beside him, a silent beacon of support. A new determination filled him. He would face whatever came next, on his own terms, with the hard-won degrees of freedom he finally possessed.

9 June 2024