AFTER over a decade in New York, he returned to Guyana on a summer vacation, and he attended the 2010 Rupununi Rodeo. It would change his life. A dream came through but at a price. Certain decisions had to be made. His life was turned upside down. But he would do it all for the love of Melba.

He emigrated to the USA since he was 30. He was a civil engineer. He lived in a penthouse apartment in downtown Manhattan. He had money, a Trans AM Posh car and job security. He loved New York, especially at night. But when all the fun was over, he slept alone. He searched around for Miss Right. No one qualified. The women were all pretty and flamboyant but not sincere with love. He wanted a wife – a soulmate. He promised to scout for one in Guyana. And he found her – Melba, the only daughter of the village Tashao
He had a front seat on the viewing pavilion. He happened to sit beside a pretty woman all bedecked in Amerindian costume. She sat near to her dad, who was in traditional garb as well. He was the patron of the rodeo which was their prized gymkhana of the year. At the end of the games, he invited the captain to a drink while Melba went home with some friends.

He told the head man about his love for his pretty daughter and asked for her hand in marriage. The man burst into a guffaw. He then said “My daughter is a mascot of the tribe, only a brave can marry her when I approve. No marriage yet, and she will remain in the tribe.” The captain enjoyed the vodka and stumbled out the bar.

He grumbled, “Not my daughter, New Yorker, she is my pride and joy.”
The next day Rohan went to the trading post and bought gifts for the captain. He was warmly received by the tribe, the Toshao said something in his native tongue and they all laughed looking at Melba who smiled modestly.

It was decided that Rohan must live in the village and prove his love for the maiden. He must adhere to the Indigenous culture. He must show proof that he will live near the homestead. For the love of Melba, he accepted all. The captain agreed to the marriage as the tribe loved Rohan’s social and humble attitude, even assuming the name Tamaka.
He went back to New York and gave back his posh apartment, sold his cars, withdrew his bank account, gave up his lucrative job and said farewell to the Big Apple. He was not sad. In fact, he was eager to return to Lethem to his loved one. He felt born again.

He established a troolie hut, got married started a cattle ranch and enjoyed life with the woman he always dreamt of. He had no regrets in re-migration because the concrete jungle was now replaced by nature and happiness engulfed his life. And he did it for the love of Melba.