A Close Observation about an incident, written on October 26, 2012 at 5:24pm

                             OBSERVATION

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It’s 12.00 or approximately 12.00 on Friday; tomorrow is Eid-Ul-Azha. I am sitting at my balcony and observing the animals which are going to be sacrificed for the satisfaction of God. A little bit earlier, I was sitting before the desktop and checking the recent activities of my face book friends. I observed that people are very excited regarding the animals of Eid-Ul-Azha. Some have given pictures of their cows; others have given pictures with their cows; there are some other people who have updated their status regarding the prize of their cows'…..etc….etc…..  It seems to me that these animals have become the postmodern models or the models' assistants. I could not but laugh to go through a status of a highly educated person, it is;

                                                   “I have come back home after tied  up my cow with a pillar. I don’t know what my cow is eating, where is it, sympathy my cow” something like this. I am apprehensive whether this intellectual shows same kind of sympathy towards human beings or not.

        Whatever, I am sitting and thinking about something. I can see two cows from my balcony. The prize of the first one is 95,000 and the second one costs 85,000. A retired government employee of Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (DESA) bought the first one, who is the owner of five flats (the owner had a piece of land. He gave his land to a development company, in return the company handed over some flats to him) is owned the second one. The son of the government employee was sitting just beside the cow. Some people might be confused which is the cow since the body of the government employee’s son is fleshier than the cow. I know little about the government employee, but I am sure that he was the bribe taker of the first water. The son is very excited; he is taking pictures of the cow. His wife is laughing and making fun with him from their balcony. People are passing and asking the prize of the cow. He, with a boastful smile replies 95000 only. I am surprised to hear the word only.

           It’s 2.00; after taking my bathe, again I go to the balcony to keep my towel there. I am amazed to see that the son of the government employee is still sitting there. He has sacrificed his Friday’s Prayer for the purpose of the cow. I cannot but laugh by thinking of the funniest activities of people. Suddenly he calls a cobbler (calls the cobbler tui, who is much older than the employee’s son). He is bargaining with the cobbler to repair a pair of shoes. At last, it is fixed taka 40. The cobbler goes to the garage to repair the pair of shoes. The employee’s son calls his wife to give him 40 tk. She throws a note of 50 . But he shouts to give taka 40 in cash; otherwise, the cobbler will not return 10 tk. I am anticipating that he will give extra 10 taka to the cobbler since of the Eid. But he does not do so. He cashes taka 50 from a departmental store and gives 40, in return of the cobbler’s wage. By this time a van has arrived with deep fridge, and he becomes busy with the helpers to take it to their home.

        It’s 4.00, I am waiting in the main road for one of my friends who is supposed to come by this time and observing that the owner of the flats is requesting to his friend to give a look to his cow. The person in reply says that he does not have the age to do so and he is in a hurry. But the owner adheres to his childish insistence. At last, the person with an angry mood goes to give a look to the cow of 85000.

     It’s 4.15; I have come back home since my friend has not come to meet me. Again, I am sitting at the balcony. By this time, my neighbor along with his wife (lives next to our flat) has returned from the haat with their cow with 110000 taka. My neighbor has a shop where refrigerators are being repaired. He was not a moneyed man when he took the possession of his flat. But within 5 years he has piled up huge money. HOW? That’s a burning question! Oh ,sorry I am beating about the bush. Let’s come to the point, I can see a sort of mini picnic of my neighbor’s family. They are gossiping with the people regarding the cow. My neighbor is taking picture with a DSLR. I don’t have any idea regarding the price of the DSLR, but I can guess that it’s too expensive since of the long lens. My neighbor is individually taking photo of his children, wife, and his wife’s sister with the cow. At last, he orders his driver to take a family photo with the cow. It seems to me that the cow is one of the family members of my neighbor.  My neighbor and his family members are still enjoying their picnic. They are eating, drinking, and gossiping. Suddenly, I hear that the driver is proclaiming that because of the red color of the cow  they had to pay 10000 taka extra. How funny this is!!!? In this postmodern globe, the color of a cow makes it more expensive. The passersby are asking the price of the cow, and every time the driver answers. It seems to me that the owner has kept an assistant to tell the people about the price. The children of my neighbor are constantly irritating the cow. Suddenly, the cow unties the tie and  starts running. My neighbor along with his driver is trying to stop it, but in vain. A jeep hits the cow and it is severely injured. Whatever, I don’t know whether my neighbor is going to sacrifice this injured animal on the behalf of God’s satisfaction or not .But, everything is possible in this postmodern world! Isn’t it so??!! Let’s wait till tomorrow. I have not written this short piece of writing to hurt anyone. If any one hurts, I seek your apology. I have written this to expose our inherent tendency to show off. The above three human beings, I mentioned have never distributed Eid-Ul-Azha’s meat according to the rules and regulations of Islam. You can say, I have written this out of anger. But, if you want to criticize or censure this piece of writing, you are most welcome to do so, but in return I will also defend my position

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Translation of Jahir Raihan's Ekusher Golpo written on September 14, 2015 at 6:04pm

          

                          Ekusher Golpo (Story of Ekush)

We could not even think mistakenly that we would find Topu again.Yet, Topu has come back amidst us. I become astonished, the man whom I saw four years ago for the last time at Highcourt intersection and even never imagined in my dream that I would see him again-that Topu has come back.We can’t sleep a sound sleep at night. Though, there comes a little slumber, but we become stupefied when I look at him at night; become motionless after his return, we have become a sort of concerned; our bodies tremble under the quilts.
At daylight,we gather around him in a small group . Having got the news, many people come to see him. They look at him with amazement. We also become surprised. There also rises a startle in our eyes. Two years ago,he was even with us. Now, we cannot even recognize him. Call his mother, I can say with assurance that even his mother will not recognize him.
How would she recognize? Rahat asks from a corner of the gathering, also says she could recognize if there is anything to identify him. In this state, no one can identify anyone. He says with a great sigh.
We become unmindful for a while. We collect the address of Topu after a lot of hardship and sent Rahat to inform Topu’s mother and brother. After wandering all day long from pillar to the post, Rahat comes back at evening and informs us that none has been found. We become worried at this. Say, what can we do now, none has been found? I look at Rahat’s eyes.
All on a sudden, Rahat sits on the bed and says, his mother died.
Has died? Alas! Last time, here, she cried a lot for Topu with tumbling. I could not help shedding tears to see her to cry.
What about the wife?
Don’t talk about her anymore. Rahat bents his face. She has got married to another place. What! The girl has got married by this time? Topu loved her from the core of his heart.Najim mutters with a restrained voice. Sanu says, will the girl be a widow for the rest of her life? And, Sanu looks at topu.
We bring back our eyes on him.
Really, who will say that, that Topu of four years ago, who always used to wear a smile makes my blood cold, when I look at him.
He was with us for two years.
We were three people.
Me, Topu, and Rahat.
Topu was the youngest guy among us. Though he was junior to us by age, but he was the only person who was married.
After admitting to the college, he got married to Renu. The girl was their relative. The girl whose body was well-proportioned and slim, apple colored skin used to come to see him often. Every time when she used to come, we raised a subscription for sweets. Everyone was remained busy in gossiping. Topu was the king of storytelling.The boy was used to smiling a lot as well as the master of confabulation.
Nobody was allowed to speak when he used to start his stories. I was telling about that man on that day. That ugly-fat man, with whom I had a conversation at the capital, who said that he would be the Bernard Shaw, died yesterday night, when he was run over by a car. …. and that girl, who promised to marry him …. next day, after his death, eloped with a foreigner … Renu knew about that girl! What, you can't recognize Renu? She was the best dancer in the town, but now-a-days she is busy with politics. I met her a few days ago. Earlier, she was very skinny. Now, she has become quite burly. She fed me in a restaurant. Having heard of my marriage, she inquired about the appearance of my wife.
Enough, now you may stop. Ah, you can’t keep your mouth shut, once you start talking, Rahat tried to stop him.
Renu used to say, you can’t even think, how much he can talk-
Having said this, she used to blush.
But, Topu did not stop. Having spread an inconsecutive smile, he used to speak again, no problem, if you don’t want to hear about others, let’s speak about myself. I am thinking that I would go to village, if pass the medical exam.I would build a small home. And, you would be able to see that there would no splendor in our home. It would be so ordinary, yes, there would be a dispensary, would be nothing more. Topu was habituated to dream this dream.
Once, he dreamt about joining in the military.
But, luck was not in his favor. He was a born lame. The right leg was two inches shorter than the left. But, the hill of the left shoe was made two inches longer,so that nobody could detect this defect. And, our life was robotic.
We used to rise from bed at dawn. Topu was the first riser. He made us to awake from sleep, wake up, can’t you see that it is already morning? Why are you sleeping like a buffalo, wake up. He,forcefully took away our quilts and made us awake from sleep. Having opened the window near head, he said, look, what a sweet sunshine. Don’t sleep anymore, wake up.
After making us awake, Topu used to make tea. After finishing the last sip of the tea, we used to open our books. Then, we took our bathe by 10 and went to class.
We used to pass our evening delightfully. Someday, we went to visit Eskaton. Someother day, we went to visit the other side of the Buriganga. And, When Renu accompanied us, we lost in a far distant village being walked by the side of Azimpura.
Sometimes, Renu brought peas for us from her home. We munched those peas while walking in the rural pathway.Topu used to say, listen, Rahat, what do I think sometimes?
If this zigzag red soil pathway would never end. If we could walk like this endlessly.
What, when have you become a poet? Rahat asked the question by raising his eyebrows
No, no, why would I be a poet. Topu answered vacillatingly, yet, sometimes I think…….
His dreaming eyes were filled with dreams.
We were three.
Me, Topu, and Rahat.
Our days were passing good.But, there was a sudden incision.
On that day, outside the hostel, there clustered innumerable people in the green field. Outrageous People of all ages gathered there since morning. Some were holding placards, many were holding small pipes for slogans, and some others were raising some bloody garments hanging to the long sticks. They were showing those garments with their forefingers and randomly uttering something amongst themselves. Topu pulled my hand and said, come.
Where?
Why,with them.
Having looked there, we saw the ocean of people was moving slowly.
Come.
Come on.
We started for the procession.
After a little while, Renu was coming towards us gasping. It was like that I thought, She came towards Topu running and hold his hand.Where are you going?Let’s go home. Are you in your senses? Topu took away his hand from her clutch. After that, he said, let’s come with us.No, I will not go, let’s go home.Again, Renu hold his hand.Why are you blabbering? Now, Rahat flew into a rage. You may go home, if you want so. He will not go.
Having turned back her face, she outrageously glanced at Rahat for once . Then, with a shivering voice she said, for God’s sake, let’s go home. Mother is crying.
I have already said, I can’t go, you go. Again,Topu took away his hand from her clutch.
I felt compassion to see her gloomy face. I said, what’s the matter, why are you behaving like this, there is nothing to worry, go home.
After that, she went back vacillatingly with sobbing eyes.The procession then came near Karjon hall after crossing Dhaka Medical.
We were walking side by side.
Rahat was giving slogan.
Topu was holding a large placard. We want Bangla as a state language, was written with red ink on that placard. When the procession proceeded near high-court, all of a sudden, the people in front of us were running scatterdly with a shout. Before, understanding the matter, Topu laid on the street with the placard. We could see a hole in the middle of his forehead.From that hole, blood was coming incessantly.
Topu, Rahat began to howl.
I was then standing motionlessly.
There approached two military men and took away Topu’s body before us. We did not move a bit, could not make any obstacle. My body turned as cold as snow, in spite of being that, I shouted, run Rahat while returning.
Where, Rahat looked at me with astonishment.
Then, both of us began to run breathlessly.On that night, Topu’s mother cried a lot here.Renu also came,tears were shedding like a fountain from her unblinking eyes. But, she did not look at us for once.Renu did not utter a single sentence. Only Rahat whispered to my ear, it would be better if Topu would not die.See, what a surprising incident, we were side by side. But, nothing happened to us, the bullet pierced his forehead, see, what a surprising incident it was!
After that incident, four years have passed. After four years, it is beyond our imagination that we have found Topu again. After Topu’s death, one day, Renu took away all his belongings.She took away two suitcases, a trunk of books, and a bedding. Renu was looking gloomy even on that day.
She did not talk with us. Having looked at Rahat for once, she asked, there was a warm coat, where is it? O, that coat, that is in my suitcase. Rahat, began to take out that coat slowly.The seat of Topu remained vacant for some days. Sometimes, we felt, having touched our bodies; someone was calling us at the end of the night.
Wake up, don’t sleep anymore.
Having opened our eyes, we could not see anyone; rather, having looked at his bed, the mind became filled with pain.
Then, oneday, a new boy came to possess Topu’s seat. That boy remained about three years.
Then, came another. Our new room mate. He was quite jolly minded.
On that day, he was turning over the pages of Anatomy. He was trying to find out the similarities with the book after taking out the skull of the skeleton. Suddenly, he looked at Rahat and said, Mr. Rahat, please take a look at this and tell why there is a hole in the forehead of my skull? What have you said? Both of us looked at him with astonishment.
Rahat, went up and took the skull in his hands. He began to scrutinize the skull.
Yeah, there is a hole in the middle of the forehead, Rahat looked at me, it was not difficult for me to read his eyes. I muttered, the bone of the left leg was two inches smaller.
Before finishing the sentence, Rahat took away the bones from the basket. His hands were trembling. After a moment, he anxiously answered, the tibia fibula of the left leg is two inches smaller.
Look, look.
I was trembling because of nervousness.
After sometime, he raised the skull and said; Topu.
His voice began to shake while saying.

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A Short Story which reveals how an incident can change life ,written on August 29, 2011 at 5:09pm

                      ACCCIDENT or INCIDENT

         
                                                    21st January,2009


Zeny, Bindu, Rono, and Zeny’s boyfriend Siam are passing their time at a coffee shop. Siam is looking at the running vehicles. He is thinking that life goes on like these vehicles. On life’s journey, sometimes, we have to encounter some major and minor accidents and those accidental journeys become memorable in our life. He's thinking about life, but suddenly a beautiful girl draws his attention who has just entered with her boyfriend. She takes a seat just beside them.

Bindu says, Siam vai, you should do something if you want to marry Zeny.
I will replies Siam.
There is no parents in this world who are going to give their daughter's hand to an unemployed person. Do something, am I right Rono? Bindu asks.

Hmmmm, sounds Rono though he listens in distinctively. He is too busy to observe the girl. He thinks that the boy is not eligible for this girl at all.The girl deserves much better. But, suddenly he comes to the conclusion that the boy is quit eligible because he is holding the keys of his car. He tries to remember Marx’s excerpt:
“I am ugly but I have money. I can buy the most beautiful girl through the medium of money. So I am not necessarily ugly” something like this,he says to himself..
Zeny opens her mouth, dost I am fed up to make Siam understand for the last two years for doing something. I am fed up.
Ufffffff…I have already said you that I am going to open a business within 3 months, replies Siam.
huuuuuuu…You are saying this for the last 3 years, Zeny accuses Siam.
Bindu interrupts and says,ok Siam vai, give me your word that you will do something within the next six months.Give us your word.
Are baba…I have already said it to Zeny that I am going to start a business within 3 months, Siam replies.
Suddenly, Rono opens his mouth and says, whatever she is going to give you six months …So try to do something at least think about Zeny, think about your's 8 years relationship.
Hmmm..this time I will do something, Siam, further says.
All of a sudden, Zeny begins to unloose her bun. Rono notices it, and he finds that a smart and appealing boy is writing something just beside their table. Two girls are looking at the boy at an oblique angle.
Siam does not have any headache to notice it because he is thinking about his future. He says to himself, what is going to be happened if I fail to open a business. I have given my word to them though I have no business plan. Zeny is not going to be kicked me off because she is emotionally and physically attached with me. He suddenly feels thirsty for a cigarette.Cigarettes are not sold here though smoking is allowed here. For buying a cigarette he needs to go outside bu the does not want to do so.
Are you thirsty for a cigarette? asks Siam toRono.
Hmmm,sounds Rono.
Then wait for a little and see, says Siam.
At first Siam seeks a cigarette to a boy of 16. The boy is digesting his girlfriend's scold. The girl is roaring like a lioness and the boy is listening like an obedient student. It seems to Siam that the girl wants to proclaim before the people that “look I have a boy friend and I always keep him under my control. Can you?”Rono smiles unconsciously to see this immature couple.The girl shows an irritating gesture when Siam seeks a cigarette because she has lost her flow of speaking. Whatever, the boy takes the box of the cigarette and shakes it to show that it is already emptied.
Now, he comes to the handsome guy who is smoking, and at the same time flirting with the two girls.
If you have an extra cigarette, would you mind giving me a cigarette? Requests Siam.
Oh sure, replies the guy. He stretches the packet before Siam. Siam takes only one, and gives him thanks.
Are you a smoker? asks the guy to Rono.
Yeah,answers Rono with a smiling face.
Then please take one more, offers the guy.
It’s ok, we can manage with the one,Rono says.
Oh,man don’t be hesitate to take one more, the guy again requests.
Rono takes another cigarette and gives him thanks.
Zeny criticizes Siam by saying it as a “mean act”
Siam in reply says, I have taken a cigarette,and according to you it is a mean act.ohhhhh God, Where shall I go!!!!!”
The boy is writing, and pretending that he is devoted to his work but he finds interest to flirt with the girls.
You guys know, I have great enthusiasm in writing. I want to write something creative.Can I go to that guy for a conversation, Rono seeks permission from others.
If you wish so, you can, says Zeny.
hmmmmm, sounds Bindu.
Ok, then I am going for a discussion, saysRono..
He slowly begins to move towards the fellow’stable. The fellow notices it but he pretends that he has not. Rono approaches towards his table, stretches his hand and says hello, this is Rono. The guy also stretches his hand and introduces himself as Omi.
Are you a writer?asks Rono.
Try to do so,Omi answers.
I want to write but when I sit to write I don’t find appropriate words to express my thought.
OOO….I think once you start writing the language will come automatically.For this, at first you have to choose the topic that you want to elaborate. Then, make an outline toelaborate your topic. The process is just like the general process of writing. One more thing, you should follow the style of any particular writer. Who is your favorite writer? asks Omi.
Suddenly, Siam interrupts into their conversation and asks, are you Bangladeshi?
Yeah, I am Bangladeshi by birth but have been living in U.S.A since my boyhood,Omi answers.
After hearing it,Zeny suddenly wishes to marry a person like him. She thinks that the guy has everything……..money….external appearance….everything……..after all….America….Oh, every person’s dream.
Bindu thinks, if she could have married a person like him. She has married a guy who is good for nothing.
Rono says to himself, oh Siam we are discussing an important matter and you have started to interrupt.
Why have you come to Bangladesh? asks Siam.
I have come to visit my grandparents, replies Omi.
Siam suddenly dashes Zeny and asks about time.
It’s almost 7.00, she replies.
Ok, Rono need to go, Siam says.
Ok brother see you, can I have your contact number please,Rono requests Omi.
Oh sure, says Omi and gives Rono his contact number.
We should pay his bill because you guys have taken cigarettes from him,Bindu offers.
Not at all, Siam disagrees.
Yeah at all, shouts Zeny.
Then, as you wish, shouts Siam.
Ok guys, I am giving his bill, don’t quarrel, Rono shouts and pays the bill.
Bindu takes the receipt and rushes to Omi and says, we have given your bill. Don’t mind please.
ohhh.,what have you done guys!!,Omi says with a smile.
Bindu in reply says, don’t take it otherwise, see you, bye.

They leave the cafeteria. Siam is not talking with anybody. Rono does not realize why he is so angry with them. He asks himself, is it out ofjealousy or anything else? Whatever, he does not want to bother about it. He begins to bit this lips and regrets by thinking why he has offered to pay the bill. Today he has spend too much money and for this reason he prepares his mind to receive scold from his mother
Siam takes good bye from them ,and three friends start for Bindu’s place.
On the way,Bindu says, I don’t realize why Siam vai is so angry for this silly matter? We have just given the bill. We have not done anything wrong.
He is like that, mean minded, Zeny scolds.
Let’s give him an offer for a lunch, Bindu proposes..
Whom? Zeny asks.
Omi, she replies..
Not a bad idea, Rono gives his approval.
But it’s better to hide it from Siam.
Ohhh,foolish girl ,obviously we will ,Bindhu says in a sarcastic tone.
Rono give me his number. She takes the number and dials Omi.
After the conversation, Bindu shouts,Yeah hu. He has agreed.



                                                  22nd January,2010

Three friends are eagerly waiting for their guest in a restaurant, specially two girls.
Omi enters, and greets them.
Bindu says, you are late.
In reply Omi says, it’s not my fault, traffic jam.
They order their food.
Two girls are looking at Omi with a great fascination. Omi realizes it and he feels it quite embarrassing.
Zeny begins to weave dream with him while Bindu is regretting that if she wouldn't be married. Omi is thinking that these two girls are very flirtatious while Rono is waiting for the arrival of  food, because he is hungry.
After launch, they begin to wander the city. Omi comes to know from Zeny that Bindu is already married. Bindu becomes angry towards Zeny for letting him know about her marriage. Omi loses the interest to flirt with Bindu. It’s 11.00 at night. Everybody is preparing for going home. Zeny has already received threat from his father. Bindu and Rono live at the same area but Zeny lives far away.
Zeny with a cloudy face says, how will I go? My home is far away from here,shit. I should not spend too much time.
Rono is about to say to give her company on the way to her home. But, before that Omi raises his voice and says, if you don’t mind I can give you company.
Zeny is exactly expecting for this proposal. She becomes happy.
It’s ok. Don’t take trouble. I will manage it, Zeny pretends..
Trouble!!! Not at all. It’s my pleasure to give you company. Please don’t say no… Don’t spend time , let’s go,Omi requests.
Ok,then let’s go, Zeny replies.
Suddenly Bindus smiling face turns into a gloomy face. Probably she is jealous.
On the way Zeny takes Omi’s contact number.
                                                         

                                                29th January, 2009


Three friends are passing their time at their University campus.
We both are weak to each other, says Zeny.
Both means?asks Bindu.
Me and Omi,she answers.
That means Omi is also Interested in you, right?asks Rono.
Hmmmmm, sounds Zeny.
Then proceed forward,Bindu, advises Zeny.
But Siam? asks Zeny..
Is it not better to involve with Omi rather than an unemployed fellow? Opportunity is knocking at your door. So decide…. Decide Zeny,Bindu says.
Yeah I need to decide. For the last 7 days me and Omi are talking over mobile for the whole night, wandered together. I feel really weak for Omi. I think, he also feels in the same way,says Zeny with a sigh.
Please Zeny just proceed forward. Please bap, don’t hesitate to involve with Omi. He has come to your life as a good luck, advises Bindu.
Rono also agrees with it, and says, yeah friend you are right.
                                                   

                                                       30th January, 2009


Rono receives a call from Bindu, she says on the mobile, dost I have told everything to Siam vai.
What’s about,he asks.
About Omi and Zeny,she answers.
What are yoy talking about,he shouts angrily!
He further says, we had deal to hide everything from Siam.
Sorry,I was feeling guilty,dost. We are going to separate two people. Come to my home. Siam vai is also coming.
Rono starts for Bindu’s place. He finds that two people are talking to each other on Bindu’s roof.
So many things have already taken place and you're telling me everything today. I can’t believe it,how Zeny!!!!!!uffff,Siam sighs.
It’s reality. Accept it,Bindu tries to pacify him.
Tell me one thing, why  has she involved with that boy? Siam asks.
Simple, external appearance, money, and American Citizenship, she answers.
Rightly so, Siam agrees.
Yeah,Rono also agrees.
Rono is listening and flirting with a girl just beside Bindu’s home. The girl realizes it and closes the window with curtains, but the girl peeps at them between the space of the curtains. Looking at the window, he can’tbut smile.The girl realizes it and disappears from there.
Accept it, brother. We are sorry because we instigated her,Bindu seeks pardon from Siam.
Bindu thinks ,you are doing nothing so we instigated him to kick you off.Worthless-creature. I was also weak for Omi. But Zeny has taken the opportunity of my marriage. She has taken the possession of Omi. Bloody rascal
Rono thinks, you two friends have ruined my life, now you don’t need to pretend before me as good human-beings, ohhhhhh,God,why this curse on me!!!!

Omi is going to America tomorrow so today Zeny must have gone out with him,I am calling Zeny’s father to ask where is she ?Bindu calls Zeny’s father. She narrates everything to him.
When has she gone out from home? she asks Zenys’s father.
He replies, morning.
Bindu further says, now it is evening. Uncle, she has gone out with an unknown boy. You know, people always try to harm others. If anything happens, I am not-going to take any responsibility. Don’t blame me. The boy might black-mail her even with video clips and images..We don't know what is she doing with him? Allah mabud,maf koro. She cuts the line.
Bindu rebukes Zeny by calling him even harlot. Rono does not realize how Siam is tolerating this kind of criticism. After all, she is his girlfriend.Why?he asks to himself. Even he,(Rono) himself is not raising his voice against. Zeny is also his friend as like as Bindu. He suddenly realizes the cause of their silent instead of Bindus’s smutty words.Yeah,it is the power of money. Bindu has spent a lot of money for them. Most of the times she has given their communication fare, bills of their food and also kept parties for them.So, they can not raise their voice against her though they want to do so.


                                                             
                                                       30th January,2011


 Rono comes to the same cafeteria with his girlfriend. He goes back to the memory. He thinks about the separation of three friends, two lovers. He smiles himself because Omi also disappeared from Zeny’s life. Their life would be different if Siam vai did not take a cigarette from Omi.If Siam vai did not do so there would be no probability to go for a discussion with Omi and took his contact number. He, himself raises a question, taking a cigarette was an accident or incident. Whatever, an accident itself is an incident, and an incident is enough to change our life.
Suddenly his girlfriend interrupts in his thinking; Jaan,what are you thinking about?
Nothing jaan, can I smoke a cigarette,jaan?he seeks permission.
You have given me promise that you will quit smoking!!!she says.
I have not smoked for the last two weeks. Those boys are smoking and it increases my thirst,Rono replies.
Then take one but this is for the last time, she further says.
Ok jaan, I will remember it, Rono gives her consolation.
Rono smokes and thinks that he has smoked a lot for the last two weeks. He observes that his girlfriend is flirting with a boy just beside their table from whom he has taken a cigarette. She begins to unloose her bun. Rono says to himself it’s natural, proceed on dear..I don’t mind at all, because our instinct always looks for the better. You are with me but actually you are not. I know I am alone….alone in this world. Now you are with me because I am holding a better job. If you get a Nawabjada you will kick me off. Whatever, you are just flirting with that boy, but I am flirting and at the same time observing that girl who sits just in front of me. She is really hot……

A Short Story about liberation war and a war child ,written on August 26, 2012 at 12:51pm

                             MUKTI( FREEDOM)

      

                                                              10th  April 1971

  

It's almost midnight; time for a sound sleep. Dogs are barking outside and it is increasing tension among the people. Men, women, and even children are passing sleepless nights because the war has already started. The Pakistani Armies have already started to land on the Bangladeshi land. Everybody is fearful since everybody can hear the echoes of war.Mr. Bijoy requests his eldest daughter to give him the torch to inquire the reason of barking. He comes out from home and sees the headlights of vehicles. He hides in a corner of a tree. He is trying to see the people inside the vehicles. He clearly sees the Pakistani Armies, which means they have come to destroy their village Shopnopuri. Mr. Bijoy begins to utter the name of God with a shivering voice.He cannot think what type of catastrophe is engulfing towards the villagers of Shopnopuri. He hurriedly goes home. He warns his daughters to stay at home from the next day. He even advises his son, Ajay not to go outside since the atmosphere is very unfriendly for the people who are minority in numbers. 

                                                                11th April 1971

Next morning, he goes to the common tea-stall of the village. It is the place where people gather and gossip about the fresh news of war. He sits in a corner and asks Rahim( the owner of the tea-stall) about yesterday night. 

He replies, Allah you don’t know, Pakistani armies have camped in the school ground.Allah knows what is waiting for us? 

Suddenly, Jabbar Mia enters into the tea-stall with his followers.

Bijoy Dhor stands up and begins to walk. When he is coming out from there Jabbar shouts, sala, Malu , Indian Agent.

Mr. Bijoy comes out silently. Mr. Bijoy is horrified after hearing it.

He is uttering the name of God and lies in wait for leaving Jabbar and his group. 

After an hour they leave. Mr. Bijoy again enters and asks Rahim regarding their discussion. 

Rahim replies, sala harami ,traitor, Jabbar is trying to instigate Alif Chowdhuri’s younger son,Surjo to join in the Shanti Committee.He is showing the benefits in joining their group.

Ohhh,sounds Bijoy Dhor, and again asks if they discussed anything about the Pakistani armies. 

Rahim answers, yeah, yeah, the Pakistani commander ordered them to collect the names of those families who have young sons and keep an eye on them. 

Bijoy Dhor again sounds,ohhhh and starts for home. 

On the way, he is thinking about Alif Chowdhuri, who is a renowned doctor in the village. He took part in 1952’s Vasha Andholon.He says to himself, I am sureShurjo (Alif Chowdhuri’s son) will not join in the Shanti Committee ;he is not going to stigmatize his father’s reputation. He does not know when he has arrived at home. 

On seeing Mr. Bijoy, Durga( younger daughter of Mr. Bijoy) shouts, Baba has come, Baba has come;Baba, have you brought my bangles? 

Mr. Bijoy replies,I have forgotten. 

Durga begins to cry. Shoroshoti (eldest daughter of Mr. Bijoy) tries to pacify her, but Durga is insistently adheres to her demand.

Suddenly,Mr. Bijoy approaches towards Durga and gave her a slap. Shoroshoti and  her brother Ajay become astonish to see their father’s act. Their father has never hurt their psychologically retired sister. Even Durga is surprised atthis sudden incident.

Mr.Bijoy goes outside without saying anything. At evening, he returns home with a set of bangles. He gives these bangles to Durga, embraces her and utters,forgive me,child. When your mother died ,I have become your father and mother…..forgive me my child……I live for you….. I live for you….. 

Shoroshoti and Ajay are observing this scene from distance. Tears are rollingdown from their cheeks but these are the tears of happiness. Durga is the apple of their eyes, so her happiness is their happiness. 

                                                    

                                                                20th April 1971

People begin to suffer terribly with the passing of days. Mr. Bijoy goes toRahim’s tea stall for a cup of tea. The tea-stall is filled with the villagers.Everybody is praising West Pakistan. He cannot tolerate it and leaves the place without taking tea.He begins to walk and hears that Rahim is calling him from behind. 

Rahim says, are you hurt to hear their praise? They are not treacherous. They're praising West Pakistan since nobody knows, if there present any spy of the Shanti Committee .

Mr. Bijoy sounds,hmm. 

Rahim again asks, have you heard the news?

Mr. Bijoy asks,which?

About Alif Chowdhuri’s son Surjo? Rahim replies. 

MR. Bijoy answers,no, what happened?

Rahimsays, Mr. Chowdhuri has deserted Surjo since he has joined in the Shanti Committee. Mr. Bijoy again sounds,OHhhhhh. One more thing, I think you know about the disaster of Mondol’s family

Mr.Bijoy sounds, hmmm and starts for home.

Rahim shouts, Bijoy Babu, leave this country. It is better for you and your family. Mr. Bijoy does not reply.

Mr. Bijoy sits to take dinner with his family members at night. Ajay seeks permission from his father to say something.

Mr. Bijoy gives him permission to say his sayings.

Ajay starts, I want to go to war. 

On hearing it, Mr. Bijoy feels that he is sweating. 

He asks Ajay, have you heard about the tragedy of Mondol’s family?

Ajay sounds,hmm.

Mr. Bijoy says,think about the consequence of Mondol’s family; think about your sisters. If your conscience tells you to join in the Mukti Bahini then join. I have nothing to say. 

He enters into the room without taking any food and lies on his bed. He feels sick after hearing it. He is thinking about Mondol who was his pal. Last year,Mondol and his wife went to see one of their relatives by boat. But bad luck was their beck and call. The boat fell into the storm and they lost in the bosom of the river. They left a son and a daughter who used to live with their grandmother. After the declaration of liberation war Mondol’s son went to war.The day before yesterday Pakistani armies along with some members of the Shanti Committee paid a visit to Mondol’s home. The Commander asked Mondol’s 11 years girl about her brother.The girl answered, he has gone to war for killing the devils. The commander laughed and ordered everybody to wait outside for him. 

After sometimes, he came out from the room and said, if you want, you can enjoy the bitch. Four soldiers entered into the room and they all jumped on her. Her grandmother began to cry by holding their legs and requesting everybody for not doing gang rape. She said, if you want to rape her, does so individually since the body of the 11 years child was unable to tolerate it. But the soldiers were indifferent towards her pray. One of the soldiers ordered a member of the Shanti Committeeto take her away from the room. The body and the soul of the girl could not endure the torture. Ultimately, the soul came out from the body. Mr. Bijoy is thinking about the incident and goes to sleep. At night, Shoroshoti calls Mr.Bijoy for dinner.

During dinner, he says to his son to help him tomorrow.

Ajay asks, what kind of help? He replies, see it tomorrow until  then  don’t ask me any question. 

                                                           21st April 1971

Next morning, Mr. Bijoy starts to dig a hole behind the house. He orders Ajay to take away the soil and throw these soil into the river. Mr. Bijoy then covers the hole with the branches of twigs and leaves of trees. 

.

                                              

                                                            21st May 1971

Everybody is passing dreadful days and nights since of the echoes of fire and bombs. People even fear to breathe since of the war. Some Hindu families have already moved to India, some others do not have any option but to live in the village because they do not have any near and dear ones in India. Mr. Bijoy is one of them.Mr. Bijoy is obsessed with the fear of war.He is walking staggeringly. He does not know when he has come near house of Jabbar Mia. He quickly changes the direction and starts for home. On the way, he meets Ranjit along with his family members.

Mr. Bijoy asks him about his days.

Ranjit answers, ahhhh , days.Don’t ask about my days.

Mr. Bijoy also sounds ahhh and again asks where are you going?

On hearing the question, Ranjit begins to cry by holding him. 

He answers, jabbar’s house. 

Mr. Bijoy amaze sand asks Jabbar? Why!?

Ranjit answers, we are going to be Muslims. He cries and again says, I know that Baghban will never forgive me for this crime. I am going to discard my forefather's religion. I am going to do this not to save myself but to save my blood. He then makes a sign to his wife to follow him. He starts to walk without saying anything. 

Mr. Bijoy starts for home. On the way, he is thinking about Ranjit  who is a fanatic believer of Hinduism as well as a strong devotee of Durga. He thinks about his family. He does not know what's going to be happened. He does not want to think about it but every time it hits into his unconscious. 

                                    

                                                            30th May 1971 

He comes home and lies on the bed and thinking and thinking. Suddenly he wakes up because of the sound of fires and bombs. Durga is crying. Shoroshoti is trying to pacify her. Mr. Bijoy comes out from home and takes shelter with his son and daughters in the hole. Durga being tired of crying goes to sleep. By this time, the sound has stopped and Mr.Bijoy comes out from the hole to explore the matter. He approaches forward and clearly sees that the Pakistani armies along with some Rajakars are coming towards the Hindu community. He begins to run towards the cave and hides there again. 

Mr.Bijoy is shivering. Shoroshoti asks, what happened? Mr. Bijoy answers,I don't know…….I don’t know…….Ma Durga saves us……saves us….. 

Suddenly, they hear the sound of boots. The armies are talking in Urdu and scolding the Hindus’

Shoroshoti says, Baba they are breaking our door. 

Mr. Bijoy sounds sshhh. 

After sometimes, they see the spark of fire flying towards sky. Shoroshoti is crying since they have burnt their house. Ajay is biting his lip with anger.Bloods are coming from his lip but he is careless. Mr. Bijoy is still trembling and praying to God. All the members are passing sleepless night except Durga. 

                                                                         

                                                              1st June 1971 

It is dawn. The sound of the Azan is echoing everywhere. The rays of the sun are peeping inside the hole. Durga rises from sleep. She is crying because of hunger. All of them come out from the hole.Everybody is speechless. Durga rushes to the spot. Durga shouts,where is our home?

Shoroshoti is weeping and answers, Ma, Durga has taken our home towards the sky since She does not have any home to live. On hearing, this Durga becomes happy.She shouts, Ma, I do not have any complain against you. But where shall we live now, Ma???

Mr. Bijoy can not hold the tears of his eyes. Shoroshoti comes towards him and says, Baba do not ponder about it. Ma, Durga will make everything alright again. She will not abandon us. 

Mr. Bijoy only says, hope so.

Mr. Bijoy along with his family members starts to walk. Almost all the houses of this community have burnt to ashes. But the members of the community whohave turned into Muslims are still alive and safe. They enter inside Ranjit's home. Durga is still crying for food. Ranjit's wife gives her some fried rice with sugar. 

Mr. Bijoy asks, why the Pakistani armies have burnt all the houses? Where are the other members of the Hindu Community? What is going on Ranjit?

Ranjit starts to say, last night some Muktis came to spy on the movements of Pakistani armies. But , unfortunately the guards of the camp saw them and started  fire on them. In response, the Muktis also fired on them, 6  Muktis were killed on the spot. At night the Pakistani armies attacked on this Hindu community as a response of the attack. Only the converted Hindus’ could save themselves from the brutality of those beasts.They killed the young males and took away their wives and sisters.

Ranjit then requests Mr. Bijoy not to call him Ranjit since he is now Kalam Mia. 

Mr. Bijoy requests Ranjit to give them shelter. But Ranjit rejects his request and says, I can not, pardon me. If they hear, I have given you shelter I have to endure the same fate like the other members of this community. Pardon me. 

Mr. Bijoy comes outside; he is thinking where will he go with his children? He sees Bishas Chokroborty (neighbor) with his grand-son is going somewhere. Mr.Bijoy asks, where are you going Bishas vai? 

Mr. Bishas begins to cry, he says , I am ruined……..I am ruined... Those sons of bitches destroyed everything. When those animals attacked on us, my son requestedus to hide under the cot, inside the almira,  kitchen, and the other room. The armies knocked the door and my son opened it. They were asking about other family members. My son answered that all of them have gone to visit our relatives.Suddenly my daughter began to cough. The commander with a luscious smile asked who was coughing inside the other room. My son ran and locked the door from inside.My son told his sister to come out under the cot. He also ordered his wife to come out inside the almirah and told his sister to hide inside it. By this time the armies broke the door. My son said, my wife was coughing.  Please don't do any harm to my wife, she is pregnant. The commander made a sign to take away my daughter-in-law. When they were taking away my daughter-in-law, she did not say anything just looking at my son with astonishment. The commander then ordered to make a search of the whole house. They found my daughter and also took her with them. My son was begging to set his sister free. But, they did not pay any heed to his words .The armies killed my son on the spot. After killing my son they burnt our house. My son sacrificed his wife for saving his sister's chastity but he could not. When the house was burning, we two somehow managed to run away from the kitchen and took shelter behind the mosque. 

Mr.Bishas again cries and says, we can’t live in this country anymore. This nation belongs to the Muslims’ not the Hindus’.Don’t know what we will do in India since we don’t have any relative there. Ok, Mr. Bijoy, pray for us. We are already late. He then starts to walk and his grand-son begins to follow him. 

Mr. Bijoy is thinking about his children. He is thinking and thinking. Suddenly, he decides that he will turn into a Muslim. He rushes to Ranjit’s home. There,he tells his family members not to raise their voice against his upcoming decision. He then tells, we are going to be Muslims. Don’t worry my children;we are not going to discard our forefather’s religion. We will just act of being Muslims like the actors. It is the only option to save ourselves from the grasp of those brutal animals. Be prepare, we are going to Jabbar Mia’s house.He then snatches the idol of Durga from Durga’s hand, gives it to Ranjit and requests it to hide it into a safe place. 

Mr. Bijoy starts to walk to Jabbar’s house along with his family members. On seeing them, Jabbar shouts, look the prey has come with other preys.

He then asks, where were you yesterday night?Why have you come? To die! He then begins to laugh.

Mr. Bijoy says, we have come to embrace Islam by discarding our religion. 

Jabbar praises by saying Alhamdullih. May Allah bestow his benediction upon you and your family. He then requests Shoroshoti and Durga to utter Kalema with him.

But Durga rejects to do so. Mr. Bijoy says to Durga, Ma, if you utter the thing they will give you bangles. Then, both Durga and her sister begin to utter Kalema with Jabbar. Jabbar then orders one of his followers to take Mr. Bijoy and his son into the special room.

The father and the son begin to follow them and enter into a room. Mr. Bijoy asks, why have you brought us here? They answer, in order to be a true Muslim,at first you need to be circumcised. 

He then orders both the father and the son to lie down. They lie on the floor side by side. Some members hold their hands and legs. Two of them approach towards them with knives. Ajay is shouting because of extreme pain. But Mr.Bijoy endures the pain silently because of shame before his son. The pain which is going inside his mind is more intense than the pain of his body. After the circumcision, having taken off their dhotis they're thrown into the fire.  They give both of them two lungis' and of topis. Then they order both father and son to utter Kalema with them. Both of them do so. 

On the way, both the father and the son have not exchanged a single word. 

Shoroshoti asks, what happened? 

But both of them are silent. 

Mr. Bijoy only says, go home ,I am coming a little while. He then starts towalk. He sits under a banyan tree. He begins to cry like a baby. After sometimes, he comes back with some people to build their new home. The home is being built on that day. 

The relationship between the father and the son becomes more uncomfortable with the passing of time. They do not exchange even a single word. Mr. Bijoy and his family members have embraced Islam but they have not accepted it from heart. That is why, every night they worship Ma Durga. They perform  almost all the Hindu rituals. Both the  father and the son wear a topi and Shoroshoi draws a veil when she go outside. They have become the art of Islam but there's no Islam in their heart. 

                                                            

                                                              15th June 1971

It is dawn. Mr. Bijoy is sleeping. Suddenly, he hears the cry of Shoroshoti. She comes towards him with a piece of paper and gives it to him. He begins to read it:

                                                                  বাবা, আমি যুে৸ধ গেলাম। এতো অপমান, এতো গ্লানি, এতো কষ্ট,এতো ঘৃণা নিয়ে আমি বসে থাকতে পারব না।পরাধীনতার গ্লানি ভেংগে মুক্তির স্বাদ নিয়ে তবেই ঘরেফিরবো। এ দেশ যেমন মুসলমান এর তেমনিই হিন্দুদের।আমার দেশ কে আমি স্বাধীন করবই।পারলে আমায় ক্ষমা কর। ইতি, অেজয়। 

Tears are rolling down from Mr. Bijoy’s face. He wipes his as well as Shoroshoti’s tears. He says to her, dear don’t cry. For the first time I feel proud for my son. Your brother has gone to war to save his mother, father, and sisters. You should be proud of him. Mr. Bijoy begins to cry again like a child by holding Shoroshoti. 

                                           

                                                           
                                                                20th July 1971 

A month has already passed but Mr. Bijoy has not received any news regarding Ajay. He does not know whether Ajay is dead or alive. Sometimes Durga asks about his Dada. Every time she gets the same answer that Ajay has gone to buy bangles for her. Sometimes this reply irritates Durga and says I don’t want bangles; I want my Dada. 

Mr. Bijoy is sitting in the Rahim’s tea-stall and thinking about his son. Jabbar Mia with his followers enters into the tea-stall. On seeing Mr. Bijoy, he asks him, ohe  Hasan Mia ( Mr. Bijoy’s converted name) how are you? Have you said your Fazor Prayer?

Mr. Bijoy answers, fine and yeah. 

Jabbar praises, Alhamdullah and says where is your son? I have not seen him fora long time. 

Mr. Bijoy with a shivering tone answers, he is busy with  house-hold works.

Jabbar sounds, hmmmmm and praises, good boy. 

Jabbar then goes back to his conversation with his followers. Their topic is Islamic rules and regulations. Mr. Bijoy notices that Surjo Chowdhury islaughing. It seems that he is very happy. He does not want to see the face of this black sheep. His mind becomes filled with hatred for Surjo. He gives salam to Jabbar and starts for home.

On the way, he is thinking about the tragedy of Surjo’s family. Few days ago Surjo’s eldest brother, Raha Chowdhury, who was a freedom fighter came to pay a visit to his parents. Somehow, Jabbar was informed about it. Jabbar did not say anything to Surjo. Jabbar gives a letter to Surjo and orders Surjo to go to another village  and deliver it to one of his friends Keramot Ali. Surjo without wasting time starts. Jabbar, then informed about Raha Chowdhury’s arrival to the Pakistani commander. He with the Pakistani armies went to Chowdhuri’s home. There, Raha caught red handed. The Pakistani commander ordered him to put off his clothes .Raha did not want to do so. But Alif Chowdury requested his son to follow their order for the sake of Raha’s life. 

Raha answered, Baba they would ultimately kill me. 

Alif Chowdhuri said, whatever follows their order. It is the last request of a father towards his son. He was standing naked before the soldiers and his parents. They could not look at one another because of shame. Suddenly the soldiers started to beat them. 

Raha shouted, beat me….. Kill me…..but don’t beat my parents….they are old enough….they can not tolerate the pain of your torture.

Alif Chowdhury was also shouting and praying to them to forgive his son. 

He said, one of my sons is working in favor of West Pakistan. For the sake of this,forgive my eldest son, please….please, show mercy.

Alif Chowdhuri’s words could not pacify their heart. The commander ordered the soldiers to beat them until their death and brought Raha to the camp. Some soldiers dragged denuded Raha before the villagers towards the camp. They wanted to know information about the Muktis’. They tortured Raha inhumanly for information. But Raha did not open his mouth. 

After some days, during the torture, Raha snatched a knife from their hands and cut his throat with it. 

Surjo returned by this time. Jabbar informed him about everything. Jabbar said Surjo, your father has deserted you. For what? You are working for your country.Your brother was a traitor. Don’t be sad for them. From now, I am your father.Surjo did not say anything. Jabbar warned him not to create any scene regarding this incident. What  happened has just happened. 

Surjo sounds hmmm. 

Jabbar takes him to his breast and says, I knew it my son you would listen to this father….. I knew it…….. I am proud of you son. Mr. Bijoy is walking and thinking whether Surjo is really the blood of Alif Chowdhury or not …… whether he is a human or not…. He then answers to himself, an animal is better than Surjo.

                                                            1st August 1971

It is moonlit night. Shoroshoti is looking through the window. Every night she looks outside and anticipates for the safe return of his Dada. Suddenly shesees that a shadow is approaching towards their home. She shouts, Baba, Dada is coming…… Dada is coming. She calls Durga from her sleep and says, Durga, Dada has come with your bangles. Arise… Arise…. 

Mr. Bijoy goes outside to receive his son. Two sisters are eagerly waiting for their Dada. But where is their Dada? His father returns with a stranger.

Shoroshoti asks, who is this guy with you? Mr. Bijoy answers, he is Ajay’s friend and says let’s go inside. 

But Durga says, without Dada I will not go inside.

Three of them go inside the house but Durga is waiting for his Dada like a lifeless idol. 

Shoroshoti asks the stranger about Ajay. But the stranger does not reply. 

After some moments, the stranger breaks the silent. He says that he is going to tell everything. But before that they have to give him words that they will hold their emotion. He then starts to tell, Ajay was working as a spy in favor of the Mukti Bahini. He was working in an Automobile workshop where cars were used to repair and spying on the movements of the Pakistani armies and the Rajakars. 

One day, one of the Rajakars came to the workshop and ordered him to go with him to the Pakistani camp since some of the vehicles were needed to repair. 

Ajay said to him that the head mechanic is not here. He is at home. 

He then requested him to wait for a while. He would  go to the head mechanics's home and come back with him. He ran towards the Mukti Bahini’s camp.He explained everything to them. 

Our chief commander was the only man who was an expert of repairing the vehicles. The commander took some time-bombs and hid them into the instrumental boxes. They came back to the workshop and started to walk to the Pakistani camp with the Rajakar.

They fixed the time bombs under the jeeps. They said to the Rajakar that they have repaired the jeeps and wanted their payment. 

The Rajakar in reply said, you sons of bitches, I am surprised to see your courage. No payment. Get lost.

The bombs were going to be exploded within 25 minutes.

Suddenly, one of the soldiers ordered other soldiers to get into the jeeps quickly. He shouted, two of the vans which are filled with weapons have got stuck on the road; we need to go to the spot quickly since the Muktis’ might make an attack on those vans. 

The Pakistani commander ordered to take Ajay and our commander with them to repair those vans. 

They did not have any option but to get into the jeeps with them. They knew that they were going to die with these animals. 

The jeeps were moving with a great speed. Ajay was looking at the clock anxiously. Time was racing with the speed of the jeeps. Only 15 seconds wereleft to explode. 

Our commander shouted to jump. But Ajay did not do so, he shouted, Joy Bangla. 

Just then, the bombs exploded. The blood of the animals and a freedom fighter were mingled together. 

Shoroshoti and Mr. Bijoy are crying. The stranger then said, Ajay was a good friend of mine. He gives Ajay’s bag to Shoroshoti . All three’s are silent. 

After sometimes, the stranger says, I have come from a long distance. I am hungry. Would you mind giving me some food?

Shoroshoti goes to the kitchen to cook something. 

Mr. Bijoy opens the bag of his son. He finds some red bangles for Durga, a panjabi for him, a sharee for Shoroshoti, and some clothes of Ajay. Mr. Bijoy again cries. He goes to the door, shows those bangles to Durga and says, your Dada has sent these bangles for you. 

Durga replies, I don’t need these bangles. I need my Dada… I need my Dada... 

Mr. Bijoy then says, if you don’t wear these bangles and go to bed, your Dada will be sad. Durga snatches the bangles and rushes to the bed.

It is midnight. The stranger sits to eat.Suddenly they hear that somebody is knocking at their door. Mr. Bijoy gives a sign to the stranger go inside the room. He opens the door and finds that Jabbar is standing with his followers. 

Without saying anything Jabbar orders his followers to search the entire house.They begin to search inside the rooms. The stranger is caught red handed with his gun. 

Jabbar again orders them to take them to the Pakistani camp except Durga. Shoroshoti cries for Durga. She does not want to keep Durga alone. Mr. Bijoy holds Jabbar’s legs and begs not to do any harm to his psychologically retired child.

Jabbar then shouts to take them away from here as soon as possible. Shoroshotiis still sleeping. Jabbar is looking at her sleeping body with lust. After sometimes, he jumps on her body. Shoroshoti cries out,Baba……..Dada…..didi……..help me……..help me………

Blood is coming out from her hands since her red bangles are broken down. Her red bangles become redder with the mingling of blood. Jabbar de-flowers the girl. Durgas cry could not resist the beast to prey her. Durga is lying and crying on the bed. She has realized that Jabbar spoiled her.

Jabbar returns to the camp. He whispers into Surjo’s ear to go to Mr. Bijoys home and throw Durga’s body into the river. 

Jabbar says to the Pakistani commander that Mr. Bijoy is a traitor. He gives shelter to a freedom fighter. 

The commander shouts, there is no place for the treacherous on the land of Pakistan. He orders the soldiers to kill Mr. Bijoy and take the stranger to the torture cell. 

He again orders to send Shoroshoti towards him tomorrow since today he is busywith another girl. 

Shoroshoti begs her father’s life.

In reply the commander says, see you tomorrow till then cry, darling. 

For the last time both father and daughter exchange their empathy through their expression.

Shoroshoti hears the sound of fire. She just sounds, ahhhhh… 

It seems that the bullet has pierced her breast. 

Shoroshoti spends the night sleepless. The sun is rising but the rays of thesun are not coming with the rays of hope. She spends the whole day crying. The sun sets with the end of her hope. 

                                       

                                                                     
                                                          2nd August 1971

The soldiers take Shoroshoti into the commander’s room. The commander is eagerly waiting for her. Shoroshoti enters into the room and the commander locks the door. He holds her tightly. Shoroshoti does not resist him. She is cool. 

Suddenly, Surjo enters into the camp. He wants to meet the commander. The soldiers want to know the reason. 

Surjo in reply says, I have to give him an important information regarding theMuktis’; it is urgent. Can I wait for him inside? 

The soldiers give him permission and warn him not to disturb the commander.

He goes inside, approaches to the door, and begins to knock it. 

The commander opens the door. Surjo holds a pistol into his head.

He then requests Shoroshoto to wear her sharee and follow him. He comes outside with the commander and Shoroshoti. He orders the commander to give command to his soldiers to keep their guns on the ground. Surjo gives Shoroshoti a letter and shouts, run.He holds the gun upon the commander’s head for about 30 minutes. 

Suddenly, he shots into the commander’s head and takes off two hand grenades from his pocket. He throws those bombs into the soldiers. In response the soldiers fire on them. Bullets pierce his chest. Surjo laughs and utters,Vengeance. 

Shoroshoti walks for the rest of the night. The rays of the sun are already peeping into this globe. She sits under a tree and begins to go through the letter. 

Shoroshiti didi,

I have never ever worked for West-Pakistan. I was a spy of the freedom fighters. But, unfortunately my father misunderstood and deserted me. I couldn't tell him that his blood have never learnt to make treachery against hiscountry. You should be proud of your son. Whatever, the important thing is that Durga is still alive. I have kept her in the Modhupur Mukti camp. I am sorry that I could not save her from the lust of Jabbar. Go to the following address and takes care of Durga. I know that my memory will always remain alive into your heart. Pray for me. 

Surjo Chowdhury. 

                                                                      

                                                            3rd August 1971

Shoroshoti without wasting time starts for Modhupur. She arrives there and hands over the letter to the freedom fighters. One of the freedom fighters takes her into Durga’s room. Both the sisters begin to cry by holding each other. Shoroshoti requests the freedom fighters to give them shelter.The commander replies, you can stay here until the war finishes. Two sisters begin to live in the camp. Shoroshoti cooks for the freedom fighters. Durga has lost the charm of her life. She hardly talks with Shoroshoti. Time  is passing with the anticipation of freedom.

                                                           10th December 1971 

Shoroshoti finds that Durga is pregnant. She requests one of the freedom fighters to call a doctor. The doctor checks Durga and confirms about it. Shoroshoti decides that Durga will give birth to this child.                                           

                                                       The Day of Independent

The freedom fighters are returning in the camp with the slogan of freedom. One of the freedom fighters says to Durga that now they belong to an independent nation.Nobody is going to interrupt into their freedom. Shoroshot is joys know no bounds after hearing it. She along with Durga takes goodbye from them starts for Shopnopuri. 

She enters into their home. Everything is scattered in the same way. She finds Durga’s broken bangles, Ajay’s bag and his clothes, a sharee, which was bought for her by Ajay,her father’s clothes, and the unfinished rotten food of the stranger. Now everything is only memory. Tears are rolling down from her pink cheeks. She wants to start a new life with Durga and with the upcoming child. 

                                                                 
                                                                 3rd April 1972 

Durga is crying because of pain. Shoroshoti goes outside and returns with some women. All of them are trying to make the delivery successful. 

Finally, Durga gives birth to a daughter. But unfortunately she cannot see the face of her child.

Shoroshoti shouts, Ma, You have taken away everything. Now you have taken awaymy sister from me. What kind of justice   is it ! You are not just……..You're not just….

At noon, she takes Durga’s body to the crematorium. Shoroshoti gives fire toDurga’s face and becomes senseless. 

At night she takes Durga’s daughter into her lap and says, you are the last inspiration to live. I will call you Mukti. 

                                                                           

                                                                    The year,2000 

Shoroshoti has not married for the sake of Mukti. Mukti knows that she is the daughter of a Rajakar. His father is a respected chairman of this village. Jabbar Miahas never given her identity as his daughter. In Shopnopuri, she is known as a war child. 

Mukti is studying in a university at Dhaka. There, she has fallen in love with a person called Akash. Mukti told him everything about her past. Akash givesher word that he will never spare her.Mukti returns home since Durga Puja isknocking at the door. At night, Mukti and Shoroshoti sit to eat. Mukti tells Shoroshoti about her affair with Akash. She further says, Akash and his parents are coming to their home to fix the date of their marriage. Shoroshoti asks,have you told them about your past? 

Mukti answers, yeah I have told everything to Akash regarding my past. He does not have any problem. 

After some days, Akash and his parents come to their home to see Shoroshoti andMukti. Akash’s parents are so happy to meet them.They fix the date of their marriage. Akash’s parents go outside visit the village.

Suddenly, Jabbar Mia appears before them and asks, I have never seen you. Are you new in this village?

Akash’s father answers we have come to Mr.Bijoy’s home to fix the date of marriage with his grand daughter. We are very glad to get such a goddaughter-in-law like Durga. Jabbar sounds, aha and says, such a good human being like you is rarely seen now days; Other wise who wants to accept a war child as a daughter-in-law?!

Akash’s father asks what! She is a war child!!? 

Jabbar replies, you do not know. The whole village knows that Mukti is a bastard. The Pakistani armies raped her mother. Whatever, I should not poke mynose into this affair. Jabbar then starts to walk. 

Akash’s parents come to Mr. Bijoy’s home. They find there Akash. His father asks, do you know that Mukti is a war child? 

Akash answers, yes. 

He again asks Akash, Why have you hid it from us? Also says, whatever I am not going to accept Mukti as my daughter-in-law.

Mukti is hearing everything. Suddenly,she raises her voice and says to Akash’s father, do you know that the freedom you are enjoying did not come very easily.You are enjoying freedom because my mother sacrificed her chastity, my uncle sacrificed his life, the Pakistani armies killed my grand father, and my motherwas pregnant with a bastard. Now you are enjoying freedom and want to reject our contributions by rejecting me. 

Akash’s father interrupts and shouts, stop lecturing. 

They say to Akash, we are going to Dhaka, come alone. 

Akash and Mukti are standing silently for a while. 

Akash breaks the silent and says, I cannot go against my parents.

Mukti says, I am already 4 months pregnant. What is about our child? 

Akash replies, it’s not ours. It’s yours. I cannot take any responsibility regarding the child. 

Mukti shouts, get lost….get lost……. I do not want to see your face………..get lost…… At night, Mukti is looking at the sky. Shoroshoti tries to pacify her.But her pacification seems futile before her grief……before her anger…….before her insult….. 

Mukti only asks to Shoroshoti , is this the gift of freedom!!!!!?????

It is late night. Everybody is sleeping since tomorrow is the first celebration day of the Durga Puja. But, some one like Mukti is still awake with pain. Mukti rises from bed and takes a bundle of rope. She starts to walk towards Jabbar Mia’s house. Just in front of the house, she ties the rope with a tree.She saysto herself, 

আমি মুক্তি, মুক্ত দেশ এর নাগরিককিন্থু মুক্তির স্বাদকেনও আজ ও আমি পাইনি?পরাধীনতার গ্লানি আজও কেন আমাকে স্পর্শ করে?আমি চলে যাচ্ছিমুক্তির স্বাদ পাওয়ার জন্য। 

She then hangs herself.

Mukti does so for freedom.

But, will she find freedom?

The question is absurd.