October 1, 2023.
Mid-Ashwin, a quiet autumn morning.
There's always a certain liveliness in the morning air. I've heard that morning air is the purest and most peaceful in the world. Since it rained a little last night, there was a different kind of coolness in the air—soft, gentle, and touchable.
Everything around was silent and serene. It was clear that everyone was still deep in sleep.
It's true that most people in Dhaka don't wake up before 8 or 9 AM—but in my area, 6 AM means children crying all around, elderly people going for a walk and chatting in groups, and housewives starting preparations for their husbands and kids. After that, no one can sleep even if they want to—unless they're in deep sleep.
But sometimes there are exceptions—on holidays, or when nature reveals a beautiful version of herself.
Today is one of those days.
I'm someone who loves to sleep. And if the weather and atmosphere are like this, then forget it. No one can drag me out of bed.
Wrapped in a light quilt, I lay snuggled in bed. I love this kind of cool weather because nothing bad has ever happened to me in this kind of peaceful chill. For instance, on such days, I can sleep peacefully till noon. And if I ask Mom nicely, she'll gladly cook hot, delicious Khichuri with different kinds of Mashed Veggies, Pickles, Fried eggs, or Beef—though I prefer khichuri with mashed veggies and fried eggs.
And during this time, eating hot fried Shirish Pitha is amazing—otherwise, Semai Pitha or Jhuri Pitha.
Ah! Just thinking about it makes my mouth watery like an ocean.
While I was deeply asleep, someone entered the room and pulled the curtain off the window.
As soon as the curtain was moved, bright sunlight hit my eyes.
A little annoyed, I pulled the quilt over my head and turned the other way.
Mom called me while opening the mosquito net on my bed.
— "Hey! Get up. You have college. Do you even know what time it is? I said get up!"
I didn't reply. Instead, I covered my ears and stayed curled up inside the quilt.
Then Mom started pulling the quilt.
— "I said get up!"
— "Ma, let me sleep a little more, please!"
I mumbled in a sleepy voice.
Hearing my pleading voice, Mom started threatening me.
— "Should I call your father?"
— "Do whatever you want. I'm not going to college. Let me sleep!"
I replied with irritation and pulled the quilt back from her, lying down again.
— "What's going on?"
Dad asked in a serious voice from their room.
— "Your daughter says she's not going to college. She won't get up."
— "It's her first day. What do she mean by saying she won't go?"
From Dad's harsh tone, I could already tell if I didn't go today, I'd be in for real trouble.
So I sat up at lightning speed.
— "Who said I won't go? I'm awake now!"
I looked at Mom with a pout. She didn't even glance at me and walked away with a "don't care" attitude.
I started fuming in anger.
Even though I didn't want to, I left my soft, cozy, and comfy bed. I was still walking with my eyes closed.
While walking, suddenly I felt like I bumped into something.
When I opened my eyes, I saw a wall. But there was still about 3 inches of distance between me and the wall.
So what did I hit?
Even though I had that question, I didn't bother finding the answer.
This time, I kept my eyes open and went to the washroom.
Half-awake, I stood in front of the mirror brushing my teeth.
Suddenly, I felt like I saw something black.
I blinked a few times and looked again.
But this time, I saw nothing.
Maybe it was just a sleepy hallucination.
I quickly freshened up.
I came to the table for breakfast.
As soon as I sat down, Mom placed a plate of Khichuri with three types of Mashed Veggies, A fried egg, and a jar of pickles.
I was filled with joy.
— "Yallah, this is a jackpot. Hot Khichuri on a chilly morning with mash—it's a delight."
Mom laughed hearing me.
— "If you want more, get it from the rice cooker. Only you and Ratri haven't eaten. Your dad and I already did."
Mom went back to the kitchen.
I started eating happily.
The Khichuri was delicious—perfectly fluffy.
I'm already a foodie—actually, a huge foodie.
When I have good food, there's no sorrow left in life.
And in this weather, with such tasty food—one of my favorite meals—and I'd already been craving khichuri for a while....
When such cravings are fulfilled suddenly, even a madman becomes sane!
And I'm just a regular foodie person.
While eating, I was also on my phone.
It was 7:50 AM.
Classes start at 9.
My college is close to home, takes 10-12 minutes to walk.
Getting ready takes max 20 minutes.
Doing the math, I still had enough time.
As I reached for the next bite, I noticed—
There was nothing in my hand!
I looked away from the phone and at the plate—surprised.
Is the food already gone?
It's only been 2 minutes since I started!
Sure, I'm a foodie, but not so much that I'd finish in 2 minutes.
And I usually eat slowly.
Not knowing what happened, I got more Khichuri.
This time, I didn't touch my phone.
Focused only on the food and enjoyed it.
But while enjoying, I lost track of time.
Where I should've finished by 8, it was now 8:15.
I quickly got up and started getting ready.
Threw on my college dress, wrapped my hijab and niqab, and dashed out.
If I'm late, they might punish me!
And anyway, just finding the right classroom is exhausting.
As soon as I stepped outside, I saw a rickshaw. I called out:
— "Uncle!"
As it stopped, I walked up.
— "Will you go to Suruzzaman?"
— "Suruzzaman College?"
— "Yes."
— "I'll go, but the fare is 30 taka!"
— "What? 30? It was just 10 a few days ago!"
— "Look at the road! You think my tires will survive this? I have to take a detour too."
— "Fine, let's go."
With no choice, I paid 30 taka.
That's what happens in trouble.
Besides, there's no other vehicle around either.
Our area's road is under construction.
They've broken everything down.
No clue when it'll be fixed—or if I'll live to see it done.
The rickshaw stopped in front of the college.
I got down and paid the fare.
While handing the money, I noticed a strange mark on the rickshaw driver's hand.
It was tiny.
Curious, I asked,
— "Uncle, what happened to your hand?"
— "Where? Nothing happened."
He looked at his hand.
I don't know what came over me, but I suddenly asked,
— "Do you have any health issues?"
He looked at me questioningly.
I realized he was confused and feeling strange by a stranger asking him this.
I didn't say more and just added:
— "If you can, see a doctor. Or at least drink black cumin and neem juice in the morning."
Without waiting for a response, I ran into college.
Inside, I saw both familiar and unfamiliar faces.
Mostly familiar—school friends or classmates.
But not all of them are my friends.
Some, I honestly can't stand.
I was walking towards the first room on the ground floor, when I came face-to-face with someone I never thought I'd see.
Forget expecting to see him—I hoped I never would, even in my final moments.
But there he was, standing right in front of me.
Yes, the very person whose path should never have crossed with mine—yet here we are.
Face to face.