Orooj Alam, an Indian national, married Amna Fatima from Pakistan 18 years ago. It was arranged-cum-love marriage. “Borders and boundaries are only for globes and maps, not for human relations,” he said. Alam and Amna are paternal cousins. The marriage ceremony took place in India. Later Alam obtained a Saudi visa for Amna and the couple settled here. But due to the cumbersome visa procedures to India and Pakistan, they have now shifted to Canada. Alam and Amna have their stands on issues and respect each other's viewpoint. “I am not very comfortable with the liberal society in India; vulgarity in movies and the likes,” Amna said. She said she doesn't like it when her country is criticized. Meanwhile, Alam says the turbulent political state in Pakistan turns him off. “Being an Indian Muslim, I have a soft corner for Pakistani brothers but it is sad to note that it is being victimized by its own leaders,” said Alam. On a personal front, their relations are cordial. “Generally I ignore any difference of opinion between us. This is something which is taught on both sides of the borders,” Amna said. Their children, Zuhair Alam, 16, and Zainab Alam, 14, were born in Saudi Arabia. “They have multicultural influence. I want them to evolve as good Muslims,” Amna said. Alam said the children enjoy living in both the countries but are slightly pro-India. “I love Pakistani cuisine, but the standard of living in India is better,” Zuhair said. Zainab said she has a good time in Pakistan as most of her cousins live there. “I like Pakistani dresses, especially shalwar qameez and the Indian Anarkali chudidar,” Zainab added. Alam said their home is like a live battleground in times of a Pakistan-India cricket match. “I threw a surprise treat after India's victory in a cricket match; Amna ignored it,” Alam quips adding that their children cheer for both the teams. “I miss some Indian cuisines like the Khatti Daal (a lentil dish specialty from Hyderabad) and Dahi ki Kadi (a curry cooked in yogurt), which Amna cannot cook,” Alam said. He also expressed his love for Pakistani cuisine which includes the likes of Kebabs, Tandoori chicken and Biryani. __
