Feature
Pial: Out of life's network….
Zannatul Lamea
 JUNAID RAHMAN PIAL was a vibrant young boy, with an everlasting smile on his face. He used to study in Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET). Only son of the family, Pial had high hopes for himself. According to Pial, his reason to choose KUET over Air force( He got chance in both) was “I want to make aeroplanes myself, not just ride them” [Source: Prothom Alo]. I feel strange writing this piece, really. My fingers freeze when I type “was” each time. Pial was like my younger brother- a sibling to me.
We met atamadergaan.com; Pial took active part in organizing AG unplugged concert for SIDR victims, the event news with his photo was published in the issue of Star Campus on January 20, 2008. After seeing the coverage, he complained I didn't put his full name- if he only knew he would be on every newspaper after a couple of months.
Pial's e-mail address was “pial_is_dead”; His msn nick was “Either way…I had to leave my home”; His signature was “Dying in your arms”; His first AG nick was R.I.P; His favorite quote was “Give me a reason to live, I swear I will never die”. He seemed to have had a fascination for death, I teased him couple of times for that, since the very word “death” became his trademark everywhere. Replying to the teasing, he would smile and say, “Bujhba Ishipu, ekdin bujhba”, and in a skeptical tone I always added, “Ha, tui more gelei bujhbo.” The words now cut deep inside me. The boy took a revenge, a bit too cruel one. Pial used to send greeting sms's on each occasion, somehow he never skipped any until now. I know I would scroll though my inbox on every occasion, but from this day onwards, I never shall get one from him anymore Pial left us all on May 2, 2008. He got drowned in KUET university pond.
When I heard the news I thought it was another prank of Pial. With an intention to scold him hard, I kept on dialing his number, hoping he would receive. The phone kept ringing, he was out of the network of life by that time. All the people who knew him were in complete state of shock. It was too much to take. I met him last on February 2008, at Ekushey Book Fair. Somehow we kept bumping into each other in whichever stall we went. At last, I frowned at him, meeting again in another stall, with the same old smile he replied “Cholei to jacchi Khulnay apu, erpor ar kokhono jekhane shekahne dekha hobena jao.” Those were his last words to me. The words still echo in my ears.
When it comes to death, the agony goes far deeper than words can actually comprehend. Its something we never can explain, nor we should even try to. I missed his janaja, it's a tremendous regret that I will have to endure through my entire life. But then again, when I come to think, I realise I don't want to distort the image of the ever-smiling Pial that I have in my mind, let him remain like that - fresh as ever. Death is a journey we shall go through one day, Pial's train was scheduled a bit too early. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. And as far as Pial is concerned, I know we all would love him the same way- doesn't really matter where he is. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.
Six ways to stay cool and trendy this Summer
Samiya Tasmeen
IT's more than 30 degrees out there so I'm going to give some advice (since it doesn't cost anything) on how to keep it cool and also to stay trendy this summer. First and foremost drink lots and lots of water. Opt for natural drinks like coconut water (daab), sugarcane juice (not the ones that are sold on roadsides, those are really unhygienic). While drinking daab sprinkle a little amount of it on your face. It really does wonder to your skin and it is cheaper, better than your expensive cosmetic products. Try and avoid carbohydrate drinks for they tend to harm your body, make you fat, ruin your teeth and the list can go on and on and on. Secondly, wear light colours. They will keep you cool. Don't even think about wearing black because that will make you really sweat like hell. Thirdly, wear chappals, sandals and literally anything that lets air pass through your feet and plus they make you look smart. Check out Almas, Priyo, Aarong, they have lots of varieties of shoes starting from Tk. 150. Go with natural look. Just apply a little bit of kohl and some powder. If you have oily skin take a bit of powder in a tissue paper for later use. Wet tissues are also very effective and can be found in any super market. Tying your hair will be more comfortable. Always apply body spray before going out.
Try to avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you have to then cover your head since sun damages your hair. Never go out in the sun without an umbrella, a sunscreen lotion and a sunglass. If you can't avoid the sun at least you are now well prepared to face the sun. Bon Chance.
(Student of AUST)
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