The Wild Ocean

Harsh waves were crashing over the shore; Raheem was roving his boat over the wild tides, trying in vain to reach the land, safe and sound. With every thunderclap, Raheem's heart skipped a beat.

He had not known what the fear of the ocean was until that day, when he had set out without his father to catch a good batch of crabs, to make everyone proud of him, to become an eligible member of the fishermen tribe.

He should have listened to his brother, and not taken the boat amidst a brewing storm. He was foolish to not take heed. A huge wave rolled over, toppling his boat, and throwing him into the deep ocean.

"Learn from your brother," Raheem's father whispered in a deep voice, hauling Raheem to the present.

Raheem looked up at Samad, who was rolling over the waves as if the waves and his surfing board were dancing rhythmically to a beautiful summer song. Their coordination was very right, very perfect and very dangerous.

Raheem watched his brother with envy and sadly thought about last year when he had stupidly risked his life to explore the sea.

He wondered when he would be able to feel the same freedom, when his fear would die out and allow him to take the same course that his older brother Samad was planning to take - become an official security crew member of the bay.

After all, it was a matter of great honor and dignity for the fishermen tribe's young boys to become a leading member of the harbor security team.

That night, when they all sat around the campfire, Raheem announced, "I will start surfing from tomorrow."

Everyone cheered and clapped.

Raheem's friends patted him on his back. Raheem silently looked at his father, who had not reacted but was watching the ocean with an eye of scrutiny.

Next morning, at the crack of dawn, Raheem pulled out his surfing board and ventured towards the ocean.

He was experiencing mixed feelings, fear and excitement. The waves were welcoming and calm, and at the same time humongous and wild.

Raheem reluctantly jumped over his board, into the water and began to surf. His balance was steady but something in his head was making him struggle to remain steady.

It was not minutes before he flipped and fell into the water. Gasping in terror he scrambled out of the water. Raheem tried his luck the entire afternoon, while the tribe men watched him with a hint of disappointment.

There was a team coming to recruit the boys the day after, and Raheem so wanted to be selected, but he was not ready. Feeling dejected and sad, Raheem returned back to the shore as the sun went down. He sat on a stone watching his brother and other surfers practice for the big day.

The day arrived and all the important people were at the shore for the selection of the security team. Samad was ready for the selection and Raheem not sure if he would ever be able to enjoy that adventurous life. The boys began showing their stunts surfing the ocean. The waters were not very welcoming and that was necessary for this test.

The waves became harsher and Raheem stood at the onset while his brother showed his skills to the spectators. Raheem could not meet his father's eyes. Suddenly a huge wave trolled over, taking Samad down. Before anyone could reach the water, Raheem was there to help his brother. The water was no more scary; his main ambition at that point was to save his beloved brother.

Minutes had passed, and both the boys had disappeared with the water; no one was able to see any sign of their presence when suddenly two heads popped out. Raheem was triumphantly hauling his brother out of the water. He was grinning because his adventurous journey had started.