Reflection Of Life

Chapter:5 - A Glimpse at Shanto

Shanto’s father was a very hot-tempered person. Normally, when he was in a good mood, he would go on long drives with his son, or maybe go to the Star Cineplex to catch a good movie. Or maybe they would go to a nearby restaurant to grab a hot Chili Chicken.


Shanto had lost his mother when he was just a three-year- old toddler. His father preferred to be a widower instead of bringing a stepmother for his son. Bringing up a teenage son all alone was not an easy job. He did take help from some of his relatives when Shanto was younger, but now neither he, nor his son liked to be disturbed by strangers except for a few close friends and relatives. Shanto’s father’s colleagues, preferably the senior ones, were welcome to their home.


“Heya, champ, wanna go visit Water Kingdom?” Shanto’s father suggested one day.

The roller-coaster ride called O-levels was finally over, and his son badly needed to relax. Water Kingdom was part of Fantasy Kingdom, an amusement park situated a little away from all the chaos of Dhaka city.


Shanto enjoyed jumping into the water, he loved to swim. So, Water Kingdom definitely got his vote for being one of the best places for amusement, and of course, hanging out with friends.


Soon after, Shanto heard his father shouting at someone over phone. He just could not match Papa’s two sides. The middle aged man was a very amiable person to be with, but once he became angry, he just lost his mind. He would start breaking things, or he became angry at people without reason.


“Come on, champ, gear up! We’ll be out in ten minutes.” Shanto’s father said, gathering refreshments to eat at the park. It was not always wise to eat out, save some good quality fast food shops or restaurants.


Shanto looked at himself standing in front of a full-length mirror. His thick, reddish-black hair needed one or two pulp full of styling gel, and tiny bits of beard peeped out of his oval, tanned face. Regular visits to the local gym gave him such a physique, any boy of his age would be envious of. He had a lot of admirers at school, but he preferred to keep some good friends. He had a good relation with all his classmates, but he did not like making new friends every two days.


“You know, friends are special relatives we make for ourselves. One wrong pick might lead us to destruction. So, I’m very choosy about friends.” He used to tell his father, whenever he was asked about the comparatively smaller group of friends.

Water Kingdom was a lot of fun. Jumping, rolling, swimming and sliding into the cool ripples were a real treat in the scorching summer sun. They also took a ride on the Santa Maria, a replica of one of Columbus’s ships, which would take the riders really high in a jiffy, and back down with great force within seconds. The train was a little childish, yet it was nice.


“So, it was a good day, huh?” Shanto’s father, Mr. Raihan Kader, asked as he walked into his son’s room to wish him good night.


“Papa, don’t you have class tomorrow? Why are you up so late at night?” Shanto questioned, as he put down the novel he was reading.
“Well, teaching Physics to a bunch of uninterested pupils is not so easy, son. I only have a few good brains like Fariha or Saima in my class.”


“Well, you can always quit teaching; you also have a little business to run.” The teen suggested.


“I had dreamt of teaching since childhood, my boy. I can’t give up so easily. I’ll have to brush up the others. I want the whole class to become good science students. If they enjoy arts or commerce subjects, they will enjoy science as well, God willing.” Mr. Raihan had a spark in his eyes, which showed faith in himself. He knew his work very well.

A huge photograph hung on one of Shanto’s bedroom walls. He did not have any memories of his mother, except for that one still picture. His mother had a very sweet smile, and happiness painted all over her face. It was taken when he was in her womb. Just after two years of his time in the mortal world, he mother left him forever. She died of post pregnancy complications on the day his sister was born. The three of them apparently seemed happy, and grief did not touch them that much, but at times Shanto really missed his mother.


“Hey Fariha, it’s been a long time since we last met Shanto. I wonder how he’s doing. Any news? What is he up to these days?” Parveen asked his daughter one day at breakfast table.


“He’s good, Ma, uncle’s taking him to those entire father and son trips lately, and sometimes the little missy joins in too.” Fariha replied.


Although Shanto’s sister was just two years younger than him, still she was better known as “The Little Missy” everywhere. She used to look a lot younger than she actually was.


“I wonder if you could invite them over to dinner today. Mr. Raihan’s daughter is at a study tour, so it’s just the two of them. Their maid’s not a good cook you see.” Monir recommended.

Shanto’s mother was Parveen’s college friend. Monir respected and adored that lady just like a younger sister. Right after matrimony, both the newlywed couples had spent most of their weekends together. Their favorite pastime was doing a little picnic at their village home as often as they could, because both the ladies enjoyed being in the rural atmosphere, in the lap of mother- nature as they would say. On the other hand, picnics allowed both the husbands to do just as they liked.

Quite often, Parveen would find Monir milking a cow, and Shanto’s mother spotted his father in poultry farms helping the farmers collect eggs. He would even take the eggs out to various shops to help with the selling. He called it his own social work. The wives did not restrict their husbands from doing what they liked, as the ladies got similar advantages from the gents.


“Wow! Aunty…so many dishes! I’m already salivating!” Shanto rolled his eyes at the sight of at least five of his favorite dishes at the dinner table that day.
“Sister, anything special today? Raihan asked, admiring the feast with his eyes. The tempting aroma of mutton and vegetables satisfied half of his hunger already.


Monir gave Raihan a meaningful look. Shanto gave his father a poke on the back, and Raihan almost choked.


“Oh, it was your anniversary a few days back, right sister?” Raihan asked. “Happy twenty years of tying the knot. I wish Shila was here with us today.


“She’s always with us, brother. She resides in our hearts. She’s the brightest star twinkling on the sky, watching over us like the guardian angel.” Parveen started, while Monir gave the finishing touch.


“How’s Mishty doing? I miss my little Missy, uncle.” Fariha tried to change the subject. She was well aware of the strong bond between her teacher and his deceased wife; she did not want anyone to look sad, especially in a family get together.


“Mishty’s doing just fine, dear; she’s really enjoying her study tour. She misses us though.”

Raihan tried to look cheerful, although his mind kept going back to the moments spent with his beloved Shila, his very own Juliet, his inspiration…the list of adjectives goes on and on. He would never be able to give her place to anyone else. He would live with her memories and her children for the rest of his life.


Shanto gave Fariha a thumb- up sign as the rather gloomy atmosphere became cheery again at the mention of his little sister. Raihan began discussing certain recent political issues with Monir between bites, Parveen and Fariha helped to serve the dishes. Shanto sat with a keyboard to play a favorite tune, as he had already completed dinner. He was not a voracious eater, but did not like spending too much time at the dining table.


After dinner homemade chocolate, a favorite amongst everyone who had tasted it was served. Shanto helped Fariha complete the incomplete lyrics of her song. The men relaxed on the divan in front of the TV. Parveen joined the teens after completing the domestic work. The children would go back to school just the day after, so that was a perfect ending to a great vacation.

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