Today was the day of the geometry course presentation. I arrived dressed in formal attire—pants, a shirt, a tie, and polished shoes—looking like an officer. My shirt sleeves were rolled down, and the tie was tightly fastened. It was stifling. The lack of ventilation made the entire outfit uncomfortable. To make things worse, there was a long walk to the classroom, and walking in such attire felt like a challenge in itself.
As soon as I entered the classroom, four students surrounded me. From their expressions, it felt like I had an invisible microphone attached to me. For a moment, I felt like a VIP.
One of them asked, "What did the teacher ask you?"
Another quickly added, "How many questions did he ask?"
Before I could even respond, another blurted, "Please tell us something! We're all so stressed out."
To calm their restless curiosity, I raised my left hand, closed my eyes dramatically, and said, "I just got here. My turn hasn't come yet."
They left me alone after that, grumbling about how hard their lives were—though it seemed they made things harder for themselves.
Inside the classroom, small groups of six or seven students were engaged in round-table discussions. Some groups were practicing their presentations, while others were busy memorizing their parts like parrots. Watching them took me back to my school days, memorizing lessons for coaching classes. One group, however, caught my attention. It was larger, with about twelve students. Among them were Rima and Saurav. Tonni led the group and gave a lecture. Judging by her satisfied demeanor, her presentation had gone well.
I quietly walked to the back of the room, took out my headphones, and started listening to music.
After a while, Meem approached and pulled the headphones off my head. "When did you get here?" she asked.
I looked up at her. She was wearing a sari with a green base and intricate blue patterns. "About ten minutes ago," I replied.
"Your turn is coming up soon. Why are you listening to music?" she scolded.
"I'm not listening to music, the noise around here makes it impossible to focus on my manga, so I'm just wearing these."
Meem sighed. "There's no point in talking to you. Fine, tell me, how do I look?"
Her question caught me completely off guard. Staring at her innocent face, I was stunned. The way she asked made it sound so casual as if it were the most normal question in the world.
Avoiding her gaze, I muttered, "um! You look nice."
It was the first time I'd complimented a girl's outfit. I felt awkward.
"What? What did you just say?" she asked, clearly irritated. "I couldn't hear you. Say it louder!"
Instead of repeating myself, I bolted like a defeated king fleeing the battlefield.
Was she annoyed? Or did she just not hear me? She should've heard me, right? Or… did she expect me to say something else? A thousand questions swirled in my mind, and it felt like my brain wouldn't rest without answers.
The presentations continued. The student whose ID 25 was present in the room now, followed by ID 26. My ID 27 was next.
When it was finally my turn, I entered the room and greeted Sharif Sir and Nazimuddin Sir. I was surprised to see Nazimuddin Sir there since it wasn't his course. Connecting my pen drive to the computer, I opened my PowerPoint presentation.
Before I could begin, Nazimuddin Sir asked, "Aren't you a fourth-year student? I think I saw you in their class recently. Why are you presenting with first-year students today?"
The fact that he remembered me was surprising. Thankfully, Sharif Sir answered on my behalf, saving me from an awkward explanation.
They asked me a couple of questions after my presentation, and I managed to answer them well. Relieved, I left the room.
Outside, a few more students surrounded me, bombarding me with questions. After a few hasty replies, I escaped to the classroom to grab my bag. I was ready to head home.
As I was leaving, Meem spotted me. "Where are you going?" she asked.
"Home."
"Aren't you coming to hang out today?"
"It's presentation day," I replied, confused.
"So what?"
Muttering under my breath, I said, "Even on a day like this?"
"Yes, even on a day like this," she said firmly.
Disheartened, I sighed. "Fine."
"Come on, let's go sit there. You'll be able to read your cartoons in peace."
It was true that staying in the classroom would mean constant interruptions. It was better to wait with her group. Though I wished she'd understand that they weren't cartoons.
"Alright, let's go," I said.
As we walked together to our usual spot, something felt different. We'd walked side by side many times before, but today felt unusual. Walking next to a girl in a sari was… nerve-wracking.
The stares from the people around us didn't help. It felt like we were actors in a movie, and they were the audience, watching us with amused smiles. The embarrassment was overwhelming—29 times worse than usual, I estimated.
For the first time, I realized why grooms sometimes hide their faces with handkerchiefs at weddings. I could've used a mask right then.
Finally, we reached our spot.
"How was your presentation?" Meem asked suddenly.
I was still feeling awkward. Looking away, I said, "It was fine."
"Got it. So, you think I don't look good, right?" she replied while pouting her cheek.
"No, that's not it," I replied with no hesitation.
"What? You don't think I look good? Is that why you didn't look at me even once?"
"That's not the reason," I admitted hesitantly. "um! I think You look really beautiful."
"Then why aren't you looking at me?"
"It's just…" I hesitated. "It's my first time walking so close to a girl in a sari, and now sitting next to her. It's… a little overwhelming."
I gave her a nervous smile, hoping she wouldn't press further.
Before she could say anything, her phone rang. Saved by the phone call, I thought. To be honest, though, she looked really beautiful today. After ending the call, Meem said, "Rima, Saurav, and Tonni are coming."
"Oh, let them come."
"Hey, what's up?" Hasan greeted us as he joined us.
"Good," I replied casually.
"Where's everyone else?" Hasan asked.
Before I could respond, the three of them arrived.
Rima said, "Here we are!"
Tonni looked at us and flashed a thumbs-up. "Nice couple," she said.
Without missing a beat, I replied, "Thank you for your nice compliment. But I also feel very sorrow that you are still single."
Tonni puffed up indignantly, while Meem turned beet red with embarrassment.
Hasan jumped in, saying, "What are you two starting now? Anyway, I have some news for you all."
"What is it?" Saurav asked.
Hasan grinned. "Tomorrow's my elder sister's birthday, and you're all invited."
Everyone seemed excited to hear the news. Glancing at my phone, I muttered, "I'm not going."
Hasan frowned. "Why not?"
"You didn't tell me the address," I replied with a smirk.
That made everyone laugh. Hasan chuckled and said, "Don't worry, I'll guide you."
"Okay then."
After hanging out for a while longer, we all headed home. Tomorrow's Hasan's sister's birthday party. Finally, an invitation—it's been a while.
The Next Day
Morning classes are always dull. There's no escaping them. Sharif Sir is teaching, and as usual, Meem is sitting next to me. Lately, I've been noticing her in a different light. Maybe it's because of her recent change in behavior since her birthday party—or is it me who's changed? All I know is she seems different now.
Suddenly, I realized my right hand was raised. Meem was supporting it with her hand from underneath. But why?
Sharif Sir called out, "Come to the board and explain this math problem."
What math problem? What's going on? Meem was grinning mischievously, clearly having set me up.
Sir called again, "Hurry up!"
With no choice, I went to the board, solved the problem, and gave a brief explanation. Thankfully, I had studied straight lines and conics thoroughly before.
"Good," Sir said. "Looks like you're studying seriously now."
"Yes, Sir," I replied.
"Go back to your seat and keep it up."
Back at my seat, Meem whispered, "Good work. Keep it up."
I slumped back in my chair, defeated.
Later, Meem leaned over and whispered, "Today we're going shopping for gifts together, okay?"
"For whom?" I asked.
"Did you forget? We have a party to attend today," she said.
After thinking for a moment, I said, "Oh, yeah. I remember. Wait, who invited us again?"
She sighed. "Seriously? Don't you remember who invited us?"
"Sorry, remind me?"
"Hah! It's Hasan's sister's birthday."
"Oh, right. Got it."
After class, instead of our usual hangout, we went shopping for gifts. Meem glanced at the watch I had gifted her, saying, "It's already one o'clock."
I followed her gaze and replied, "Yeah."
She smiled and said, "This watch is beautiful. You have great taste. So, what gift are you planning to buy today?"
"I'll get an anime series DVD," I said confidently.
She gave me a stunned look. "Are you crazy? Do you even know if she watches anime?"
"No idea. But isn't she older than us?"
"Yes, Hasan said it's his elder sister's birthday."
"Then maybe a book would be better."
"What kind of book?"
I don't read books. Watching anime leaves no time for that. But back in school and college, I wrote story essays during exams. Those were usually Aesop's Fables. I told Meem, "I'll get a collection of Aesop's Fables."
Meem looked surprised and laughed. "But that's a children's book!"
"I'll pair it with another book," I added.
"What book?" she asked.
"We'll see when we get there."
We entered a bookstore, and I picked up *Aesop's Fables* and *Rajmohon's Wife*. Meem picked up *Rajmohon's Wife* and said, "This is a great book."
"No idea. Never read it."
"Give it a try if you have time," she suggested.
"I'll read it if I get enough time."
After that, Meem bought an attractive, intricately designed paperweight. She also picked up some cosmetics for herself.
After shopping, I was walking Meem home. Suddenly, she said, "Let's go to the party together this evening, okay?"
"Okay. That works for me—you'll guide me there," I replied.
Meem laughed and said, "You don't know anything, do you?"
Smiling, I teased back, "Then how do I know your home address?"
She hesitated before answering, "Well, you know it because you have to."
I said, "Hmm, it's better to forget everything except what's necessary."
After that, she went silent. When I glanced at her after a while, I saw her walking with her mouth slightly open, staring at me. I told her, "Look ahead while walking, or you'll fall."
She was still quiet. I waved my hand in front of her eyes and asked, "What happened? Why are you silent?"
"Nothing," she replied.
A little later, we reached her house. Before entering the gate, she said, "See you in the evening, then."
"Okay," I said.
She waved her right-hand goodbye and went inside. I also returned home.
It was 8 PM, and I was standing near the Shyamoli bus stop. There had been heavy rain in the afternoon, leaving the sky clear but the roads muddy. Shortly after, Hasan arrived.
He asked, "Why are you so late?"
"Got delayed for teaching my younger brother math."
He said, "I thought you and Meem would come together."
"We were supposed to. I called her at 6 PM and told her to go alone by 6:30."
Hasan nodded. "Oh, I see."
"Has Meem arrived yet?"
"Yeah, she's here."
"Okay, let's go."
We entered an alley on the right and then turned left. After passing two buildings, we reached a six-story one. Hasan's family occupies the ground and first floors. We entered through the ground floor gate. Many guests were present, around 25 to 30 people. I saw Rima, Saurav, and Tonni sitting together and chatting, but there was no sign of Meem. I asked Hasan, "Where's Meem?"
Hasan replied, "On the way here, her dress got ruined, so my sister Hena took her to help. She probably hasn't finished changing yet."
"Oh, I see."
I sat next to Saurav. Across from me sat Rima, with Tonni on her left. Saurav asked, "Why were you late?"
Before I could answer, Tonni mocked, "Today he's late because of four percent. See? It's consistent as always."
I frowned and asked, "What four percent? And what else is going on?"
Tonni made a face and said, "Don't need to cover your damn fish by acting clueless."
I told them, "I don't even eat fish and what do you mean by acting clueless What's the story, tell me?"
Then Tonni, with a mischievous expression on her face, smiled oddly, pointed at the blue T-shirt under my white shirt, and said, "Today, Meem is also wearing this color dress."
Oh, so Meem is also wearing blue today. What's their issue with matching outfits?
After a moment, Saurav asked thoughtfully, "Bro, there's one thing I don't get—why don't you eat fish?"
What a strange question! Before I could answer, Rima said sarcastically, "It's a waste of time. Honestly, he can't pick out fish bones, so he'll make some lame excuse. Today they matched outfits, and they didn't even let us know."
I gave her an annoyed look. What an insult! But yeah, she's right—I struggle with fish bones, which is why I avoid fish.
Hasan approached me with three or four people, saying, "Hey guys!! Are you having a great time without me?"
"Nothing much," Saurav replied.
Hasan introduced his school friends. The one on the left said, "I'm Robin."
The one in the middle said, "I'm Nafi. I work for the police now."
The last one said, "I'm Tanin. I'm studying EEE at BRAC University."
We finished introductions, and Hasan said, "Let's go meet my uncle."
"Why?" I asked.
"He hasn't seen you in a long time."
"Okay, let's go."
We found Hasan's uncle, Mr. Anisul Islam, chatting with Hasan's father. Mr. Islam greeted me enthusiastically, "How are you, young man? It's been a while!"
"I'm good," I replied.
Mr. Islam introduced me to Hasan's father. He thanked me on behalf of Hasan's grandfather. Suddenly, Hasan's father received a phone call and stepped out to take it.
I asked Hasan, "Why are Meem and your sister so late?"
Hasan said, "I don't know. We'll have to go and check."
Mr. Islam asked, "What happened?"
After a moment, Hasan's father came back looking concerned and scared. I asked, "Uncle, is there a problem?"
He said, "I just received a call from an unknown number. The caller said they've kidnapped my daughter."
Mr. Islam was alarmed. "What?" he exclaimed.
Hasan's father was broken, "Oh my dear Hena, what happened to you?"
The lively party atmosphere froze instantly. Everyone fell silent, gathering to hear more details. I said, "We should first confirm whether Hena is in her room."
Mr. Islam said, "Go check."
Before leaving, I informed Rima, Tonni, and Saurav. We went to Hena's room on the second floor. At the door, decorated with colorful paper spelling "Hena," we found no one inside. Hasan looked devastated. Rima asked him, "Do you have any pictures of your sister?"
Hasan took a photo from a drawer and showed it to us. That's when it hit me—Meem was with Hena earlier. Could it be that both of them were kidnapped? Anxiety surged, but I had to stay calm. I needed to find Meem too.
I stepped out to check the washroom. Heading to the north side of the flat, I found one. As I approached, a girl stepped out—it was Hasan's sister, Hena. I quickly covered her mouth and pulled her into a nearby room. She struggled, but I whispered, "I'm Hasan's friend. Stay calm. We've been looking for you because your dad got a call saying you were kidnapped. If you calm down, I'll call Hasan."
She relaxed, and I called Hasan to come alone.
"Sorry for covering your mouth," I said.
"It's okay. I didn't mind, I just got scared. Hearing you're Hasan's friend made it better."
"Thanks."
Hena asked, "Who would spread such a false rumor?"
"I don't know. But where's Meem?"
"She's in my room."
That means they mistook Hena and kidnapped Meem instead!