Bernd Leno
I did not sleep at noon. I thought I should wake him up and tell him to sleep in the bed. But his tired face says it all. I was glad listening to him that I did right. But I do not know what he was thinking while standing before the almirah. It was none of my business. But it was notable.
I was trying to sleep after lunch. But could not. I was looking at the travel offers my cousins and his cousins planned together to give us as a gift at our wedding. It was a miracle that he was also the younger of his family like I was. However, it was five honeymoon packages in five different countries. Huge!
But why honeymoon package?
I tossed those matte papers on the bedside table. Why were they acting like my stupid friends? I will never allow myself to face that I visited other countries after a long hour journey and will go to the hotel room just to watch the room filled with disgusting flower petals and candles? Same as the wedding night? That's not what a long journey costs.
I moved aside and closed my eyes. No sleep was showing there. For calming me, I started thinking about something.
I was thinking about the day when I first heard that mom and dad were finding someone for me to get married. I accepted their decision as I witnessed an arranged marriage in my family more than one single person in his entire life. They never were in a relationship. The tradition of my family says only arrange marriage is allowed. But I have heard my uncle and aunt speak about love marriages more often. As my family would allow me if I told them or confessed them. But I never found anyone to love or be loved. Thus, they think I am obeying the family regulation and maintaining the tradition as well. God bless them.
I smiled faintly and got myself back from the imagination. Looked at the sofa. I'm still wondering how they found him.
They have a good relationship in Croatia, that's cool. But I never knew it was with his family. He is footballer, I am a footballer. So, mom should tell me his name. I do not want to start an argument with myself. It went as I should be. I got a huge shock at the end. And things have started from that day.
I didn't want to get married, just never. I wanted to play football, and after retirement, I would give more time to my businesses. Dad will give the ownership of his company, and I will run it, too. Just chilling out and spending a busy life were only my targets. Not a wedding. But I couldn't react. I have no siblings. I could not tell them 'No.' I was always obedient to them and the family. Even the history of my family is well-known. I can not mix my preferences with it. It was my responsibility to keep it up as it was, forever. So, I confirmed them.
"Leno, my son. We have a nice bondship across the border. I want to convert it into in-laws. What are your thoughts?" I was chewing my food, no sooner had I heard it than I stopped. Across the border? Is he from military? I was thinking. "Leno?" My elder cousin brother called my name. I swallowed it. "Yes? I have heard." I answered. As my mom was looking at me irritatingly. "I asked what your thoughts are over our selection. And I would like to ask a bonus question, is there any problem with marrying one who's not German?" She asked me. Her look was like a revolver, pointing at me. A 'Yes' for a bullet. I was directly forced to say, 'No, I don't have.' Cause I can not break their heart. I would all the way admire it. At any cost.
Somehow, I realised I should have. I never gave them anything. I built my own carrier by my choice, my wishes. Nobody ever allowed me to choose my profession according to the family background. But they were there. They supported me and gave me much freedom when I needed. I could clearly measure. They wanted only one thing from me. And of course, without asking, I had to appreciate their choices. Even if it was not suitable with me.