The Rabbi's Daughter

"Avraham, we need to discuss something important, We have a huge problem" he stated woodenly, almost weary.

A cold dread crept through my body, fearing what this call might entail.

"Come to my office immediately even before your job today," he instructed curtly, ending the call without waiting for a response. I drove over to his office, confused as to what I had possibly done wrong. Upon entering his office, I took a seat opposite him, attempting to mask my anxiety.

He cleared his throat, hesitated briefly, and finally spoke. ""Someone has reported seeing you with Rivka, the Rabbi's daughter. I was told by the Rabbi's inner circle that word of this cannot get out" he explained gravely.

"They say it would ruin the reputation of the Rabbi's daughter, and tarnish the image of the entire community. Therefore, they ordered me to send you away somewhere else. I've gotten you a job with one of my relatives in New York City, and he also arranged an apartment for you. I wish it were different, Avraham. But I haven't been given a choice"

"When do I leave?" I managed to ask, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears.

"Today. Pack your belongings and go to the train station. Your ticket is already paid for. You'll receive further instructions once you arrive."

Without another word, he dismissed me, signaling the end of our conversation.

This news hit me like a punch to the gut. Not only was I losing my family and friends, but I would be forced to part ways with Rivka. Without a choice however, I gathered my few possessions, loaded them into a suitcase, said goodbye to my mother, and left my home behind forever. Arriving at the train station later that afternoon, I boarded the train with a leaden heart, watching the scenery gradually transform into urban landscapes as I neared my destination - New York City.

The entire way, I kept thinking about what had just happened. I had lost my family, and I had lost my opportunity to avenge my father's death. But most of all, I lost my relationship with Rivka. Even though I knew that I really had no chance with her, I felt as if I was leaving her to the wolves. Now she'd have to marry into a loveless marriage, where her talents, intellect, and beauty would be unappreciated. I got off the train and called my boss. He gave me directions to my new apartment, as well as the contact information of his relative, my new boss.

At first, everything appeared foreign and strange, but slowly, I adjusted to the rhythm of daily life in the big city. One day, during lunchtime, I met two coworkers named Moish and Simcha. Both were friendly and welcoming, eager to help me navigate the intricate web of social connections in the city.

Over time, we became close friends, and part of the hole in my heart began to fill. But part of me remained broken, and no matter how hard my buddies tried, I just couldn't open up to any marriage partners. No one held a candle to Rivka, and even though she was distant and obviously unachievable, I still could not let go. Years passed, but I could never forget my first love.

One afternoon, as I was trying to get Moish off my back (He was trying to set me up with a girl I had zero interest in dating, mostly because she wasn't Rivka) I received a mysterious text message from an unknown number. It read simply: "Meet me at Central Park, by the lake, like the good old times."

I typed a quick reply. "Who is this?" I asked.

"An old friend," Came the quick response.

My curiosity getting the better of me, I decided to take the stranger up on their offer. I left for the park, heading to the spot the stranger had said they would be at.

As I drew closer to the lake, I could see a figure standing by a tree, gazing into the water. As I got closer, I could see it was a beautiful woman. wearing a halter-top dress that showcased her curves elegantly, making her stand out among the trees surrounding the lake.

Drawing closer, I observed the woman intently. She appeared familiar, but I could not place it. I cautiously walked toward her, trying to glean more information about who she was. Finally, reaching her side, I offered a warm smile. "Hello," I greeted tentatively.

The woman turned around and smiled. "HI Avraham, Missed me?" Her twinkling, laughing eyes shifted to mine, and recognition dawned in me.

"Rivka? What are you doing here? How did you find me?" I stammered, surprised and elated all at once. Rivka laughed lightheartedly, answering my questions. "Well, it wasn't easy finding you, dear Avraham. Let's just say I made a few discreet inquiries to track you down."

"But what happened to you? You used to be so religious..." I questioned, concerned.

"That's right, Avraham. I used to be very religious. However, when I discovered the truth about my father's actions, how he not only was behind you leaving but also behind your father being sent to prison, I got into a huge fight. I ran away from home and went to a friend, who let me stay by her until I got on my feet. I went to college and studied psychology. Now I work as a therapist helping people overcome trauma and abuse." Rivka answered proudly.

"After years of studying and learning, I realized that religion isn't the only way to find meaning or purpose in life. There are many paths to enlightenment and self-discovery. So, I stopped following the traditional path, embracing a broader perspective on faith and belief. That doesn't mean I don't believe in God anymore -- it means I've evolved spiritually. And you know what? I think it's okay to change and grow. Isn't that what life is all about?"

I couldn't believe what was happening. The love of my life, freed from her shackles. Rivka looked like the weight of the world was off her shoulders. Almost as if she were floating.

"Whatever happened to your father?" I found myself asking, wondering how the old Rabbi was coping after having his only child leave the faith.

Rivka took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing as she recounted the tale. "After I left, my father had a massive argument with his brother. He claimed that since I was no longer in the picture, he should have my cousin - his child become the next Rabbi. My father preferred his student. They got into a huge fight and no longer talk to each other, which is unfortunate but how these things go sometimes."

"Do you still speak to him?" I asked, hoping I wasn't going overboard and prying into her personal life.

"No, not at all," Rivka said. "A few months after I had left, when I was already in university I heard through the grapevine that I had apparently suffered from a mental breakdown and had spent time in a psych ward. I don't want to speak to my parents from a place of rage, so I will keep my distance for now." But it's so nice to see you! I really, really missed you. You were the only person who saw me as human, it's ironic that I was at first afraid to have a relationship with you because you were a man. But now, I'm less religious than you!"

"I'm so glad you're here, Rivka. I can't believe it's been so long," I confessed, my heart swelling with joy and relief.

"I've missed you too, Avraham. You know, I thought about you often during those lonely nights. Thinking about how we could have been together, but life took us on different paths."

"Well, I'm just glad you're back now."

"So am I, Avraham. So am I."

As we continued to chat, I couldn't help but revel in the warmth of her presence. It felt like we'd never been apart, and the years we spent apart were mere blips in time.

"Would you like to go out for a coffee sometime?" I asked, hoping she would accept. "I'd love to catch up with you some more"

Rivka responded eagerly. "Let's meet tomorrow at the café across from the park, shall we?" she suggested with a cheerful grin.

"Agreed" I nodded, smiling in agreement. "Tomorrow sounds perfect."

"But first, I wanted you to meet someone." Rivka said. She waved someone over, another woman. She was taller and skinnier than Rivka, with curly hair, glasses, and wore a simple black skirt and top. She had a shy smile, and gave off bookworm vibes.

"Avraham, I'd like you to meet Katie, my fiance." Rivka said, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Katie, this is Avraham, my old friend I told you about."

"Your Fiance?, that's amazing" I stammered, feeling a bit uneasy. "You seem really happy together."

"Yes, I am," Rivka replied, her eyes meeting Katie's loving gaze. "Avraham, you taught me to follow my heart, and I did. I met Katie, and we fell in love. I knew I couldn't live a life of lies and pretense, so I left my old life behind. Now, I'm free to be myself and love the person I choose."

Her words resonated deeply within me, reminding me of the words I had spoken to her that fateful night in the park. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, but I pushed it aside, focusing on my happiness for Rivka.

"That's wonderful," I said, forcing a smile. "When are you guys getting married?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Oh, we're planning to tie the knot early summer," Rivka replied excitedly. "Can you imagine? A summer wedding in Central Park. It's going to be magical!"

Katie joined in the conversation, her voice soft and sweet. "We've already begun sending out invitations. You're invited of course!"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world" I replied, still overwhelmed at the unfairness of it all.

We chatted for another few minutes, but I was in a haze. I went back to the subway to head home and started thinking. Why couldn't I just have a happy ending to my story? why couldn't I be lucky for once?. I thought I had lost Rivka as a friend forever, and now, when I finally had her back, I would be losing her once again? After a few minutes I realized I had it all wrong. It wasn't my story I was experiencing, rather it was Rivka's. She was going to have a happy ending to her story, and it would be up to me to write my own next chapter.

I got off the train and walked through the New York evening. After arriving at home, I sent Rivka a quick text. "So nice to see you tonight. I hope we can keep in touch!". Then I called my friend Moish. "Hey Moish, can I have that girl's contact info? I'm interested...