Nestled within the southwestern expanse of Bangladesh lies the enchanting city of Magura. As the morning sun gracefully filtered through the window, casting a warm, golden glow upon the cityscape, she assumed her position at the heart of it all with a natural, effortless poise. Her hair, meticulously bound yet with soft tendrils framing her face like delicate brushstrokes on a canvas, hinted at a woman of both strength and determination. With the precise arrival of 8:30 AM, she orchestrated the lively symphony of the kitchen.
Beads of sweat glistened on her brow as she attended to the steaming pots and sizzling pans, infusing the air with the rich aroma of spices. Draped in a vibrant saree, each fold seemed to whisper tales of her resilience and strength, as she moved with a determined grace. Her sharp nose pointed defiantly towards the heavens, while her eyes, aglow with love and affection, bore the name Lata. Her voice, a melody that echoed through the house, broke the morning silence with a gentle yet firm reminder,
"Babu, wake up. You will be late for the exam."
After a spell, her brows arched, recognizing he wouldn't stir from slumber at this pace. Ascending the stairs, she found his chamber ajar and ventured in, her bark breaking the tranquil silence. He lay immersed in serene repose, his lengthy lashes gently grazing his cheeks, framing eyes akin to pools of midnight. His complexion radiated with a warmth reminiscent of gilded hues, while ebony locks cascaded around his countenance, accentuating its refined contours. Each soft exhalation seemed to emit an aura of youthful vigor and graceful composure.
Her ire soared to new heights as she clenched her fists. "Still in the embrace of sleep!" she muttered, yanking the curtain aside. The first rays of dawn bathed his golden-hued skin, yet despite the advancing light, Niloy stirred only faintly, protesting with murmurs as he instinctively drew the blanket closer, seeking solace from the encroaching morning.
As dawn's light filtered through the curtains, a tender smile graced her lips as she observed him, reluctant to relinquish the embrace of slumber. With a gentle sigh, she extended her hand, fingers tracing the soft strands of his hair, a whisper of encouragement escaping her lips. "Wake up...Your English exam awaits," she murmured.
The persistent call of his mother's voice cut through the hazy veil of dreams, coaxing him back to consciousness. Slowly, Niloy stirred, confusion knitting his brow as the weight of his impending exam settled upon him. With a surge of adrenaline, he propelled himself from the comfort of his bed, limbs moving in a blur as he hastily donned his clothes. Disoriented, he lashed out, his words tinged with frustration and fear, accusing his mother of neglecting to wake him on time.
His mother, startled by his sudden outburst, endeavored to calm his agitation, reassuring him of her earlier attempts to wake him. However, her explanations fell on deaf ears as he hastily made his way outside, settling onto his bicycle and pedaling towards his exam center. His countenance bore a pallor, tinged with a hint of sorrow. As he navigated the narrow road, each vendor and passerby inquired about his well-being, to which Niloy responded with a weary smile. His gaze drifted, taking in the bustling scene: rickshaws, autos, and a scattering of cars and trucks weaving through the congested thoroughfare, flanked by buildings on either side.
As he pedaled along the bustling street, a herd of cows meandered across his path, prompting him to halt his cycle with a frustrated sigh. The tantalizing scent of various foods and spices wafted into his nostrils from the roadside eateries, teasing his empty stomach. Regret washed over him as he realized he should have stopped for breakfast. But time was not on his side, and before him loomed the imposing façade of his college, 'Govt. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Magura'. With a quick stop, he purchased a humble loaf of bread for 10 TK and a handful of ripe bananas for 5 TK. Parking his cycle in the designated area, he sat down to savor his simple meal before disappearing into the confines of his room.
In the hushed confines of the examination hall, time trickled by like grains of sand through an hourglass for Niloy. Despite the two remaining hours, he had only addressed a few questions, a testament not to his lack of capability but rather to his disinterest in chasing after perfect scores. As his gaze wandered, laden with palpable remorse, he observed his peers fervently engrossed in their papers, some perhaps even succumbing to the allure of deceit.
With each passing moment, Niloy's countenance grew heavier, burdened by an unspoken weight. His fingers idly toyed with his pen, betraying the storm brewing within. Meanwhile, Professor Ahmed, a figure of middle age with an air of authority, cast an observant eye over the hall, his attention drawn repeatedly to the motionless form of Niloy. Fifteen minutes slipped by, each one amplifying the professor's frustration until, finally, he could tolerate it no longer.
Marching purposefully towards Niloy's desk, Professor Ahmed seized the paper, ''Leave...''
With a heavy heart, Niloy rose from his seat, a sigh escaping his lips like a whispered lament. He offered a polite apology, his head bowed in deference before he exited the hall with a despondent gait. As he traversed the campus pathways, adorned with an array of vibrant blooms—roses, marigolds, Chinese hibiscus, and exotic imports from India—their beauty seemed to mock his somber mood. Unlike the blossoms that thrived around him, Niloy's spirit was clouded with gloom.
Niloy, a youthful adolescent, found himself surrounded by life's comforts: a caring family, stylish attire, delectable meals, and quality education—everything one could desire. Yet, a subtle emptiness lingered within him, evading comprehension like an elusive whisper. Despite the abundance around him, a profound yearning stirred in his heart, an insatiable thirst for something greater, something beyond the mundane. Lost in the labyrinth of his own uncertainties, he grappled with the elusive specter of his dreams, uncertain of their form or significance.
In the soft amber hues of a 4:30 pm afternoon, Niloy retreated to the serene embrace of the Nabaganga river, his spirit burdened by the weight of unresolved queries and aspirations left unfulfilled. Settling upon the verdant carpet of grass adorning the river's edge, he cast his gaze thoughtfully upon the boundless canvas of the sky, seeking solace and insight amidst the expansive heavens above.
As Nil gazed upon the scene, a tableau of life unfolded before him, each element contributing its own rhythm to the mosaic of being. Nearby, children danced and played with carefree abandon, their laughter harmonizing with the gentle cadence of the river's flow. Women, bearing pitchers with an air of grace, moved elegantly as they collected water. With a weary sigh, Nil's brow furrowed in contemplation as he muttered to himself, "Ah, fatigue weighs heavily upon me..."
"I'm adrift in uncertainty," he continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "I once believed contentment had found me, yet this lingering sense of emptiness persists."
Mid-thought, a football collided with his form, prompting a sharp intake of breath. "Ouch!" Nil exclaimed, momentarily startled.
"Apologies, brother," came the contrite voices of the boys responsible for the errant kick.
Nil waved off their concerns, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he returned the ball.
On a fateful day, Niloy found himself ensconced in the comfort of his bed, captivated by the boundless depths of YouTube's offerings. His eyes, pools of wonder and intrigue, mirrored the myriad worlds unfolding before him, their depths reminiscent of precious gemstones, framed delicately by lashes that swept gracefully across his visage.
As he languidly sifted through the infinite expanse of online videos, a sudden spark of intrigue flickered within his captivating eyes. A realization washed over him, tugging him from the digital fog into a realm of astonishment. With newfound intent, he drew nearer to the screen, murmuring, "Why are these two men kissing?"
"But they exude such effortless charisma. What's the genre called?"
"BL!"
"TharnType! Thai gay love. They radiate such endearing chemistry together!"
He felt an irresistible pull towards it, his very being yearning for more of 'TharnType.' Yet, time proved a fleeting companion, offering only twenty-four hours within which to indulge in this newfound passion. Resolute in his determination to relish every moment, he selected the silent hours of the night, sharing quarters with his sister. Beneath the comforting embrace of a blanket, he embarked on a spellbinding odyssey through the entirety of the series. As the final scene unfolded before him, a fervent flame ignited within his heart, casting light upon his path. In that ephemeral, moon-kissed night, he discovered his destiny, a burning ambition to become a BL series actor. Niloy proved a quick study, mastering the basics of the Thai language within a mere month and a half. Now fluent, he could navigate the intricacies of Thai dialogue without the aid of subtitles.
With his HSC exams behind him, Nil found himself on the terrace, idly scrolling through YouTube. Suddenly, the melodic strains of a soulful song captivated his senses, causing his fingers to come to a gentle halt...
***[Song 1] Letter of Dream
(Verse 1)
In the stillness of the night, my dreams take flight,
But they never let me rest, they burn so bright.
I take a sneak peek, searching for my path,
Through the shadows of doubt, I feel the aftermath.
(Chorus)
Yet I'll work hard, despite the pain I feel,
Listening to my heart's silent appeal.
Let's join hands, let our dreams intertwine,
Together we'll reach that pinnacle divine.
(Verse 2)
In the depths of struggle, where tears may flow,
Love and motivation, in our hearts, they'll grow.
We'll climb the mountain, each step with care,
Until we meet at the summit, our dreams are to share.***
The voice swept through the air, gentle and soft, a melody that seemed to caress the very soul. Nil's eyes drifted shut, surrendering to the spell of each word as they danced delicately upon his ears. Bathed in the cool, soothing light of the moon, a smile tugged at Nil's lips, teasing at the corners of his mouth. "Is this song meant for me?" he mused quietly.
"I've heard countless beautiful melodies, but his voice... it's in a league of its own."
"If only I could cross paths with this singer someday."
Nil bowed his head, fixating his gaze on the screen, intent on uncovering the identity of the singer. His sister, Sonali, a woman of twenty-three, draped in a resplendent yellow salwar kameez, adorned with a pointed nose and delicate features, called out to him, "Babu..."
Responding, Nil's voice drifted from the terrace, "I'm up here..." Despite his efforts, the elusive singer's name remained beyond his grasp, prompting him to download the song for future reference.
Approaching him with a glass of milk in hand, Sonali reminded him of their mother's directive, "Mom said you need to finish the whole glass..."
As she prepared to depart, Nil's sudden query caught her off guard, "Sis, what are your thoughts on homosexuality?"
Halting in her tracks, Sonali pivoted to face him, her eyes clouded with suspicion, "Why do you ask?"
Her brow furrowed, she pressed further, "Are you attracted to men?"
Flustered, Nil's cheeks flushed crimson, his embarrassment palpable, "What? No, that's absurd!"
Sonali continued to regard him warily, caution lacing her tone, "Just be careful. Our society isn't quite ready for such openness yet."
Intrigued, Nil probed, "And what about you? Have you ever...?"
Her countenance paled, Sonali averted her gaze, exhaling a heavy sigh, "I... I don't know."
On the flip side, Niloy's resolve surged, each attempt at securing a visa from the Bangladeshi Thai embassy marked by unwavering determination. Yet, the bitter twist of fate, his tender age of eighteen, acted as an insurmountable barrier to his dreams. In the depths of anguish and desolation, he wrestled with the heavy burden of disillusionment, enduring endless nights devoid of sleep.
As Niloy lost himself in the strokes of his canvas, his mind sought solace from the turmoil within. Each brushstroke brought Bangladesh's villages to life, a riot of colors amidst the monochrome of his own existence.
In the midst of his artistic reverie, a soft interruption stirred him from his thoughts. The gentle rustle of a saree, and the delicate sway of his mother's curls, whispered of her approach. With tender grace, she reached out, her hand a soothing caress upon his troubled brow.
"Babu..." her voice, a melody of concern, broke the silence, "what captures your attention so fervently?"
Niloy, his irritation masked by a veneer of nonchalance, replied, "Nothing of consequence, Amma, just passing the time."
His mother's tender touch on his head filled Niloy with a mixture of affection and surprise. "My spirited one," she began, her voice soft with love, "it seems your passion only deepens with each passing day. Could you indulge me, my dear? Please fetch a kilogram of carrots from the market. I have a delightful plan to create Gajar ka Halwa."
Taken aback, Niloy looked at her, momentarily caught off guard. "Amma, can't you see I'm occupied?"
His mother, ever understanding of his commitments, responded with a gentle smile. "I understand, my dear. But if you could be so kind as to fetch them, I promise you an extra special serving. You are my cherished Moni, my Raja Beta."
Warmed by her words, Niloy couldn't help but smile in return. "Your powers of persuasion are truly remarkable, Amma."
Returning his smile with one of her own, his mother spoke softly. "Now, go and return promptly."
With a bag of carrots in hand, Niloy set off on his journey homeward, the weight of evening descending upon him. Yet, amidst the slight sense of disappointment, the memory of his mother's affectionate gesture enveloped him, casting a gentle warmth upon his heart and dispelling any lingering regrets.
Amidst the chaotic rhythm of his daily existence, his attention inexplicably gravitated toward the sleek silhouette of a helicopter. A bag of carrots dangled forgotten in his hand, suspended in mid-air as he became entranced by the scene unfolding before him. Swathes of laborers bustled about, methodically loading hefty crates into the waiting aircraft. Upon inquiry, he gleaned that this mechanical marvel was destined for the vibrant city of Chang Mai, nestled in the heart of Thailand.
Niloy's countenance betrayed the tumult raging within him, his brow furrowed with the weight of indecision. His gaze flickered restlessly, torn between diverging paths, each vying for his attention. The lines etched upon his face spoke volumes, a testament to the inner turmoil churning beneath the surface. Lips drawn into a taut line, they betrayed the conflict roiling within his soul. Yet, amidst the storm of uncertainty, a steely resolve glimmered in his eyes, a silent pledge to conquer the obstacles that lay ahead. Though his features bore the strain of his predicament, they also radiated a quiet strength, a resilience poised to weather any storm.
As the weight of the bag of carrots pressed against his palm, Niloy's grip tightened, the tension visible in his white-knuckled grasp. Amidst the heaviness, a haunting whisper caressed his ear, a voice both familiar and enigmatic.
"Niloy, go... your destiny beckons."
A solitary tear traced a path down his cheek as he questioned, "How could I?"
"You can..."
With a surrendering release, the bag slipped from his fingers, surrendering to the inevitable pull. Determination etched across his features, Niloy sought refuge within the confines of a nearby crate, becoming one with the cargo, a silent observer amidst the bustling activity.
As the helicopter's engines roared to life, its cargo of laborers prepared for departure, Niloy grappled with the tumult of emotions swirling within him, torn between the ties of familial obligation and the siren call of ambition. Amidst a whirlwind of thoughts, exhaustion eventually claimed him, coaxing him into a fitful slumber within the confines of his makeshift sanctuary. As dawn approached, he stirred, awakening to the eerie silence of the midnight hour, a telltale sign of arrival at an unknown destination. Thailand sprawled out before him, a tapestry of shadows illuminated by the faint glow of distant city lights.
With the laborers preoccupied with unloading the cargo, an opportune moment presented itself as he noticed the unguarded box. Swiftly seizing the chance, he slipped out into the unknown terrain, each step echoing the uncertainty that tugged at his heartstrings.
Lost amidst the vast expanse of a foreign highway, he trod cautiously, his journey guided by equal parts longing for the warmth of familial embrace and the relentless pursuit of elusive dreams.
As the night unfolded, Thailand's skies mirrored Niloy's tumultuous journey, enveloping him in a tempestuous embrace. Rain cascaded down in sheets as if nature itself conspired to test his resolve. With each step through the rain-soaked streets, an unsettling sensation prickled at the nape of his neck, a silent whisper of being shadowed.
A formidable presence, cloaked in the darkness of the night, trailed Niloy with unwavering determination. The figure, rugged and imposing, moved with predatory grace, its intent shrouded in mystery. Sensing the weight of scrutiny, Niloy hastened his pace, navigating the labyrinthine streets with urgency, the rhythm of his heart matching the cadence of his footsteps.
As the heavens unleashed their fury, the deluge served as a backdrop to the unfolding drama. Amidst the relentless downpour, the enigmatic figure's actions took on an air of urgency, adding another layer of intrigue to the already charged atmosphere.
With a swift and powerful motion, he seized Niloy and, in a moment of confusion and fear, plunged him into the depths of a shadowy alleyway.