The Black Album by Hanif Kureishi Read Free Book Online

us.
     
    Chad You’re right. ( Blows his nose .) You stubborn but sensible. We here to defend the man terrorised by racists. Bring ’em on! United in defence of West Compton Estate!
     
    They finish their drill. Tahira clears a study area for Hat as the guys lounge after the work-out. Shahid looks to slip away but Chad holds him back .
     
    ( To Shahid, watching Tahira at work .) This great sister here, Tahira, she been with us from day one. Riaz like a father to her. Her old man threw her out because she wanted her mum and sisters to cover up.
     
    Tahira Park yourself here, Hat.
     
    Hat Ta, Tahira.
     
    He moves to the space Tahira’s cleared for him, takes out his books from his duffel bag and starts on his homework. Tahira sits with the others .
     

    Tahira ( to Shahid ) Hat always studying. His father – he’s putting too much pressure on him to be an accountant.
     
    Shahid He’s here with us tonight.
     
    Tahira But the father thinks Hat visiting his auntie in Sunderland today.
     
    Chad He think we stopping Hat being an accountant. But we ain’t. We only say accountants have to meet many women. And shake hands with them. They expected, too, to take alcohol every day and get involved in interest payments. We not sure Hat won’t feel left out, you know?
     
    Tahira And you’re expected to take drugs in the City. And meet strippers at lunchtime. Chad, could you close your legs, please?
     
Chad brings his knees together .
     
    Tahira I see you like wearing tight trousers.
     
    Chad I do, yes.
     
    Tahira Can’t you wear something looser? We have to look modest. Think it’s easy wearing the hijab? Yesterday a man on the street ripped my scarf off and shouted, ‘This is England, not Arabia.’
     
    Chad ( sheepish, looking at Shahid ) I’ve been looking out for some Oxford bags for a while.
     
    Tahira That will be progress. And aren’t you thinking of growing a beard? Look at Hat, his is really coming on now. ( Feeling Shahid’s smooth-shaven chin .) Even Shahid has got something bushy on the way.
     
    Chad My skin needs breathing space, otherwise I develop an itchy rash.
     
    Tahira Vanity should be the least of your concerns.
     

    Chad ( to Shahid ) I’ll put something bushy in your face if you don’t stop smirkin’!
     
    Shahid Sorry, brother. How long is this vigil going to last?
     
    Chad Could be days, you know – them racists sometimes clever.
     
    Shahid I have to go off for a few hours – family business.
     
    Just as Shahid is about to leave, Riaz enters, wearing the red Paul Smith shirt and jeans. The gang stare at him .
     
    Chad All present, brother Riaz.
     
    Riaz I am very happy you are with us, Shahid.
     
    Shahid ( appraising Riaz ) Suits you.
     
Riaz is puzzled. Chad steps in to explain .
     
    Chad ( to Riaz ) Your clothes needed washing, brother. Shahid lent his shirt and trousers. ( With pride .) Brother Riaz look smart, eh!
     
    Riaz Thank you. Thank you. ( Diffident .) I just picked up what I saw on my chair – fashion passes by me.
     
    Tahira You look like a general.
     
    Chad Or a chairman. When the racists see the brothers strong, they whimper like dogs with tails between their legs!
     
    Riaz Time for prayers.
     
    There is a loud bang on the door. Startled, they pick up their weapons, as Chad pushes Shahid forward .
     
    Chad Check it out. Don’t fear – you reinforced up!
     
    Shahid opens the door and sees an eager Strapper, looking around curiously .
     

    Strapper Want anything?
     
    Shahid What?
     
    Strapper Skunk, trips, E? Don’t worry, all the Pakibusters are indoors watching the match.
     
    Shahid Show us where they live, then. You know who they are.
     
    Strapper What’re you gonna do, burn them out? I can fire places up, if you like.
     
    Shahid Who are you?
     
    Strapper Strapper. An Asian family left their flat and I’m squatting here for my business.
     
    Shahid What business?
     
    Strapper You name it, man, I’ve had experience of it. Police,