Chapter 5
"I have good news for everyone," Mr. Hashim said with a cheerful voice.
"Really?" Jamal asked in curiosity. "What is it?"
"You remember your cousin Baraq?" Mr. Hashim asked his son. "The one with the long hair?"
"Oh, that Baraq!" Jamal appeared to remember his close cousin. "What about him?"
"He is returning to Creamland," Mrs. Hashim said.
"And he will be coming here by the evening," Mr. Hashim said.
Jamal listened to his parents, and smiled. "Good to know," he said. "It has been a while since I last saw him"
Jamal was pleased to know that his cousin Baraq would be visiting in several hours's time. To him, Baraq is a very close cousin and friend. Sometimes, he was considered like a brother to the young man. In their younger years, they stayed together under the same roof, spending time playing many games that were memorable and fun.
Baraq was an orphan since he was at a very young age. He had no one in his life, but he would be taken care of by his uncle, the kind-hearted Mr. Hashim. From then onwards, the only child of the Hashim family, Jamal, would have a sort of companion in the house who was almost as old as he was. Baraq was only a few years younger than Jamal, but they got along just fine.
However, Baraq would soon continue his education in places far from his foster family's home. His education journey brought him to interesting, and even some historical, places where he learned a lot. Not only did he learn the usual science, mathematics, and English language, but he also learned more about life.
In his absence, the family still lived a happy life. In fact, it was Baraq who chose to take opportunities when it came. Jamal's cousin was gifted in some ways. He also did not care less to share his experiences with the slightly younger Jamal who, to himself, is like a little brother.
Anyway, Jamal was already full. Even two pieces of small drummettes were enough to keep him in good shape. There were still four more on the plate, which would be enjoyed by the elderly Mr. Hashim. Later, Jamal thought of borrowing his father's old camera.
"Father," Jamal said, "do you still have your favourite camera?"
"Which camera?" Mr. Hashim answered his son, and he looked lost, as if he did not remember the camera that he once used. However, it has been a long time since he last used it.
"The lightweight, orange and yellow-coloured camera," Jamal recalled.
Suddenly, upon hearing his son's description of the camera, Mr. Hashim remembered. "Oh, that camera? Sure."
"May I borrow it?" Jamal asked.
"Son," Mr. Hashim replied, "you can take it, because I no longer use it. It is in that drawer behind you. But please, take good care of it."
"Really?" Jamal said. "Thank you very much."
"You are most welcome, son," Mr. Hashim said with a laugh. Meanwhile, Jamal smelled delicious aroma coming from the kitchen. His mother seemed to be cooking something special. It turned out that the food was curry chicken, specially made for the returning Baraq and the whole family to enjoy for dinner.
"But mother," Jamal said, "the food might get cold. Dinner is many hours away from now."
"It is okay," Mrs. Hashim replied. "I can reheat them all in one plate and serve it all. I hope you all will enjoy it."
"I hope I will," Jamal said. He then shook hands with both his parents before leaving with his father's camera. Where would he be heading? Well, he would walk to several places and enjoy the scenery of the beautiful morning. Equipped with a camera, he decided to take beautiful pictures, the best that he could manage.