It’s pouring rain like a monsoon. I remember watching the relentless downpour as a child. How many times did I write the translation ‘It is raining cats and dogs’ in my school exams? When this torrential rain lashed against our tin roof, it felt like cats and dogs were actually fighting on top. Not just in Bangladesh, but across India, Nepal, and even China, the rain’s fury was immense back then.
The weather department would predict that the heavy rain might continue for another two days, increasing the risk of floods. I left Bangladesh a long time ago; it’s almost like I’ve never been back. I wonder what it’s like there now.
Since morning, Sweden has been experiencing a blizzard. It’s like a relentless downpour of snow. In my forty years here, I’ve only seen heavy rain a few times, but blizzards are quite common. To translate ‘It’s snowing heavily’ into English, we say ‘It is snowing in a bucket’. I don’t understand why we don’t say ‘It is snowing cats and dogs’. Perhaps it’s because when it snows, the snowflakes fall silently like cotton, unlike the loud pitter-patter of rain.
Well, what can we do? We have to learn foreign languages the way they are. Along with the snow, there’s a full-blown storm, making it extremely cold. When it snows, the temperature drops to zero degrees. And when the snow is accompanied by a strong wind, the conditions are truly miserable.
That’s exactly what happened today. So, does everything stop when it’s cold? Not at all. Normal life goes on. But the conditions outside are absolutely unbearable, simply awful. I’ve spent almost the entire day today in such an intolerable situation.
I’ve just come indoors and I’m feeling a little warm. At the same time, looking out the window, it seems like the sky and the earth have merged. All of Sweden is shrouded in fog. I don’t know how long this will last. In Bangladesh, when it rains heavily, the first thing that would happen is a power outage. And the whole country would be plunged into darkness. Of course, in my village, there was no electricity before 1980. The experience back then was different. I’ve never seen a power outage in Sweden. But it’s very dark outside. No one’s home. Everyone is busy with their own work. My mind feels a bit unsettled. ‘Such a day to call on her, in such a downpour.’ No, this isn’t a song about heavy rain, it’s a song about a lazy drizzle. My heart doesn’t agree with this song. Then which song is suitable for me? ‘Helen destroyed Troy, someone destroyed the throne. Many have been broken, many hearts have been broken, it’s all the fault of women.’ Is that really the case? Are women solely responsible for heartbreak? Isn’t there any credit for women in building relationships? Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his beloved Mumtaz. We men are so selfish! So, this song is out too. Instead, let’s reminisce.
It was a new country. I went there on vacation many years ago. By country, I mean a few islands in the Atlantic Ocean under Spain, known in Spain as the Canary Islands. Despite being located in the African continent, the islands are under Spanish rule. In the past, just like the British, France and Spain also occupied many countries around the world. They established their colonies. In the same way, Spain still owns these islands. In total, these Canary Islands consist of seven major islands. Other islands include Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, Fuerteventura, and El Hierro. There are also six smaller islands here.
I went to Tenerife Island in December 1991. I landed very late at night. As soon as I got off the plane, I took a taxi directly to a hotel on the seashore. It was late at night. I quickly fell asleep. As soon as I woke up in the morning, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the island. Oh, what a wonderful beauty!
Tenerife, located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is a testament to the diversity of creation. The island’s southern coast, lined with the blue expanse of the sea, is adorned with settlements, businesses, hotels, and restaurants. The beaches here are renowned for their beauty, each competing for the title of the most captivating. The pleasant climate, with year-round sunshine and warm waters, makes it an ideal vacation spot. Water sports enthusiasts find paradise here.
Tenerife’s southern landscapes offer tourists additional delights. From leisurely walks along the coast to dining at seaside restaurants and enjoying the vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone. A shopping mall called Las Vegas Safari is a must-visit. Boat trips offer sightings of playful whales and dolphins. The island’s beauty is truly unparalleled. The beaches are perfect for sunbathing, and you can savor the taste of traditional Tenerife recipes. Swimming in the ocean is possible year-round. Tenerife is a family-friendly destination. Other popular beaches include Playa de los Cristianos and Los Tarajales. Los Cristianos harbor is located right next to the beach. To truly experience nature’s beauty, one must visit the southern part of Tenerife.
After two days of indulgence, on the third day, I spent the evening exploring the city. It was late, and I needed to return to my hotel. As I couldn’t find a taxi, I decided to walk along the beach. Suddenly, the sky darkened with clouds. The locals were saying they had never seen anything like it. Snow appeared on the island’s mountains, even though it wasn’t cold. My hotel was quite far from the city, about two to three kilometers. I started walking but was caught in a sudden storm. The streetlights went out, and it began to rain heavily. There was no one around, and it was pitch dark. The situation was terrifying. I felt a chill run down my spine. A dog ran past me quickly. I hadn’t seen any dogs during the day, but in the darkness, this dog passed by.
After a while, someone in white clothes was seen walking, just 15/20 meters away. Let’s find one in this difficult time. Fear was replaced by courage. I tried to walk very hard. But what is this, the distance is increasing! Meanwhile, the man left the road and headed towards the sea. So what is the man not human? What if not human? What courage I had is gone. Forty years ago I read Saratchandra’s novel Srikanta. Did I experience the same experience I faced when I passed by Srikanth crematorium late at night?
I need to know is it human or something else? I shouted in a scared voice, Hello, can you please wait for me? no answer I’m shivering from head to toe. I shouted the same question again. Now I got the answer. And comfort as well. He replied, OK. The tone of the voice seemed to be human, and female.
Meanwhile the rain has stopped, the cloudy sky has started to clear. The girl came forward. What is Oma? The girl has no clothes, completely naked, naked! The storm has subsided. The rain has stopped. the wind is blowing But the air is not too cold, rather nice, so there is no problem with no clothes on the body. But a girl completely naked, a beautiful beauty, standing in front of a young man in a togbog this hot night. I stood numb. So what else is the girl humanoid?
I live in Sweden. I have seen a lot of naked girls in the summer. Then seeing a naked girl on the beach is nothing new. Still surprised! First I saw a dog, then someone in white clothes, now suddenly naked women! I said, sorry to bother you. My hotel is a little further. A little scared because the light suddenly went off. All alone at night so… Before finishing the conversation, the girl started to answer in beautiful English, said, ok, no problem. Did you bathe in the sea early in the morning? Amata Amata I said, no, I mean… why tell me? He said, let’s take a bath, then I will drop you to the hotel. I have always considered myself quite brave. But now it doesn’t seem so. Calling Allah in my heart.
I am not afraid, I said smartly with such a mood, how do you know my hotel? He said, I also live in the same hotel. I said in the answer, how do you know that I live in that hotel? He said, now I know. I said, how? He said in reply, I have recognized you now. I see you every morning at breakfast at the hotel. There is no one in the hotel except you in brown color. So there was no problem to recognize.
Let’s go father! I said to myself, I have never been afraid, I am not a person to be afraid. Humans are probably like that. God takes refuge in danger. When the danger is over, it is what it is.
I became completely normal. I asked, where are your clothes? A while ago I saw you walking in white clothes? He replied, I took off my clothes while walking. Showing the clothes he was holding in one hand, he said, I thought I should take a shower before going to the hotel. Will you take a bath with me? Did I say this night? He said, where is the night, it is four o’clock in the morning, the sun will rise a little later, let’s take a bath.
The sky is getting clear. All apprehensions about him began to subside, this time completely. Bathing naked with this beautiful European girl he suddenly knows will enrich the memories of the young man from the remote areas of Bangladesh, an opportunity that should not be missed.
I said, let’s go. What is there in life, the thought is the action. I got ready even though I wasn’t 100% naked like him. He didn’t seem to like it. Pointing with fingers invites complete undressing. I hesitated at the gesture. He insisted no more. There is no lack of respect for each other. I saw its reflection here too.
I walked towards the water. On the way, the rest of the introductions ended. The girl’s name is Helena, the country is Switzerland, she will be the same age. He also came for vacation. Golden colored hair, blue colored eyes, then the rays of the sun hit the body in such a way, because of the sunbathing, that it looks like a beautiful woman made by the hands of the god, made of raw gold color.
We went down in the water together, we got up together after the shower, we started walking towards the hotel together. After walking for at least half an hour, we reached the hotel together. Then everyone’s room. Sleep when the tired body is brought to bed.
When I woke up, it was afternoon. Hastily put on clothes and went to the lobby and asked, is Helena in her room? The receptionist checked and said, no, but left a note for you. ‘Dinner together at night? I will be in the lobby at exactly 8 o’clock.’ I looked at the clock and saw that it was seven o’clock in the evening.
I came on vacation. Helena is alone, I am alone. I was introduced yesterday by chance, I agreed. I went to the room and got ready at 8 o’clock. I saw Helena sitting and waiting for me. Suddenly, I was stunned and speechless, I felt like I had known him for a long time.
As soon as we left the hotel lobby, Helena took my hand and started walking. How my whole body felt paralyzed. Inertia on one side and emotion on the other. Heart fluttered. However, I managed to get myself together and very naturally, the two of us walked along the Atlantic Ocean and reached the city of Tenerife.
Helena said, let’s go to Indian restaurant, I want to eat Indian food with you. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I realized that it is Bangladeshi, but it is known as an Indian restaurant. This is the same situation not only here, but all over Europe. My red green Bangladeshis are known as Indian restaurants. Just as people from small villages go somewhere far away in Bangladesh and identify themselves with the identity of neighboring big villages, Bangladeshis in Europe and America are also forced to identify themselves as Indians.
However, the waiter came to the table and asked what do you want to eat, I said, Bangladeshi can make something. After listening to Bengali, the gentleman said, are you Bengali? I said yes. He said, ok brother, I am the owner of the restaurant, I am arranging the dinner, but can Madam eat Jhal? I asked Helena, asking how Jhal will be. Helena said, ask to pay as you like.
The hotel owner is Bangladeshi. Already got his identity. He changed his name to David. After a while, David Bhai arranged fried eggplant, chicken broth and dal.
Excellent, I myself have not eaten such Bengali food for a long time, so I was very happy.
Helena put down the cutting spoon and started eating with her bare hands. I’m surprised! I can not understand anything! Doubts have entered the head since yesterday, with whom I am walking? I directly asked, have you eaten Bengali food before? He replied, No, but I have seen you eat in your country on TV. For a long time, the hobby of eating with hands, but the environmental conditions have never happened before. Today, when I have the opportunity to eat Bengali food with you, if I don’t eat with my hands, this opportunity may not come again in my life.
I didn’t like everything about Helena. Still, in this short period of time, how can I not like what is constantly happening around me? At the end of dinner, I will leave the restaurant after drinking Bengali tea. At that time, David gave a small Bengali gift to Bhai Helena and said, ‘We are impressed to see you eating food in Bengali style. If you go to Bangladesh, you can adapt for sure.’ Brother David took Helena as his own.
After the farewell episode, I went to the discotheque. When I was not old enough, my time with Helena began to fly faster than light. Walking alone in the dark yesterday was an age, this evening was about to end in seconds. When I was a child, when I sat before the fire for a minute in the heat, it seemed like I had been sitting for an hour, and today, after spending hours with Helena, it seems that I have only been with her for a moment. It is true that spending time with some people is boring and some people enjoy spending time with them.
However, there was entertainment for a while, there was dancing and singing. Suddenly, the song of ‘Pretty Woman’, a very smooth and beautiful love film made in 1990, started playing. Pretty Woman stars Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. In sync with the music, the two hugged each other and while dancing, Helena began to sing by her ear – It must have been love, But it’s over now, It was all that I wanted, Now, I’m living without…
