ChatGPT has left no sphere of life untouched by its versatile, quick-fix presence. From being the nightmare of educational institutions to the deliverer of online boredom (careful though, it might cheat in a game of tic tac toe), the AI language model provides answers to all your burning questions on a silver platter. All you have to do is ask. So, I asked ChatGPT to write me a desi love story. Could it give me something as dramatic as Romeo and Juliet or as heart-wrenching as Sassi Punnu? Keep reading to see what the American-headquartered bot had to say about a tale of romance set in Pakistan.
Childhood Sweethearts
“Aisha and Ahmed had known each other since childhood. They grew up in the same neighborhood, went to the same school, and spent many afternoons playing in the local park.
As they grew older, Aisha began to see Ahmed in a different light. She noticed his kind smile, his gentle demeanor, and his passion for helping others. She found herself drawn to him more and more each day.”
Falling head over heels for someone’s kindness and generosity during puberty? I’m not too sure how many of us can relate to that; regardless, it’s like a sweet coming of age so far. Kudos to ChatGPT for picking two of the most generic Muslim names out there too.
The Confession
“Ahmed, too, had feelings for Aisha but was hesitant to express them. He knew that their families came from different backgrounds and that some people in their community might not approve of their relationship. But he couldn’t ignore the warmth in his heart every time he saw her.
One day, Ahmed gathered the courage to tell Aisha how he felt. He took her to their favorite spot in the park, under the old banyan tree, and confessed his love.
To his delight, Aisha felt the same way. They hugged and laughed and promised to be there for each other no matter what obstacles came their way.”
Hold up, are we sure ChatGPT isn’t desi? It really gets how desi uncles and aunties are all about “no love, only study” and keeping things Halal. The story’s got us all nostalgic for a classic Bollywood-movie romance under a banyan tree. Still, I wonder if there’s a possibility for the plot to move beyond cultural tropes towards something more subversive, more exciting.
Family Drama
“Over time, they faced some challenges, as their families were initially hesitant to accept their relationship. However, they persevered and continued to show love and respect to everyone around them.
Eventually, their families came around, realizing that their happiness mattered more than societal expectations or prejudices. Ahmed and Aisha got married in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by loved ones, with the banyan tree in the park as their witness.”
Did ChatGPT forget that societal prejudices can be pretty traumatic and overcoming these is not as simple as showing “love and respect”? Regardless, I’m happy for Ahmed and Aisha—and let’s not forget the trusty banyan tree; it’s like a character in its own right.
A Happy Ending
“Years later, they still visited their favorite spot under the tree, reminiscing about their childhood and how far they had come. They knew that their love had withstood the test of time and that nothing could ever come between them.”
Awe, this is kind of heartwarming. ChatGPT has its rose-colored lens on for sure, and it could have relied on more than traditional stereotypes and the banyan tree to characterize the story as Pakistani. Even though it might not have a heart and soul like its author, the tale does evoke imagination and a sweet, easy, happy tale of persistent love that most of us could only wish for. Don’t worry, though—you can always generate another.
