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Linking Young Minds Together
     Volume 2 Issue 146 | December 6 , 2009|


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Feature

Of Pastoral Eid

Syeda Nafisa Nawal

LIKE most other people, Eid has always been very special for me. Every year, I keep waiting for the Eid vacation as it gives me the opportunity to free myself from humdrum schedules and hard work. It gives me the chance to fly high into the sky of my dreams, far away from the hostility of daily life. And sometimes, it takes me into illusion amidst the harsh reality of life.

It all began with a plan to spend the Eid vacation in a rural environment. Banshkhali and Anowara, pastoral homes to many of my relatives, were chosen as the spots. These two villages are quite near and well connected to the urban area. Day after Eid was chosen as the date for our craved trip. Despite being a short one the journey was really exciting. We reached our first destination Banshkhali soon, had a good rest and exchanged greetings with everyone present there.

I remember drooping when mom and one of my cousins woke me up at four the next morning. Without having the least explanation of what was going on, I was sent to wash up and get ready for a walk. I worked accordingly; we three got out from the house. An elderly village woman, who served as a guide, accompanied us. It was dark and misty. Everything was still, moistened by tiny silvery dewdrops. We four began to march through the quiet village roads, stopping at every step to have a look around. Soon the sun came out to awake nature from the night's rest. And that's when I flew into an illusion. It seemed like everything yawned with charming laziness, getting ready to host the day. Slow and steady, the bleak fog melted away and the blue sky exposed itself shyly, blushed by white clouds. The red sunrays cozily hugged everything and the surroundings began to vibrate. The illusion seemed to come true. It seemed like everything was talking to me, everything was telling a different story, everything was happy. Walking through the empty roads, we soon reached the last end of the village where several ponds were cut out for fish culture. It was an amazing sight to see those tiny creatures swirling and swimming through the crystal clear water. The warmth of the blazing sun seemed to energize them. The wild flowers appeared wilder, flushed with the prettiest colors and hues. I was completely lost in a conversation with nature. I can't recall how I reached home unknowingly amidst such gossip.

Back home, I had a great shower with ice cool pond water and then had a delicious breakfast with the tastiest bread and meat. We packed up hurriedly and soon set off for our next destination Anowara. And perhaps, I had the least idea of what more surprises it held for me!

An hour after our stoppage at Anowara, I set off to taste some more experiences along with my mama, mom and cousin. We went a short distance through the narrow village roads and came to a shallow mud filled ditch. This way linked to the outskirts of the restricted KEPZ area. We four jumped into the ditch and began walking. In the evening we all went to Parkee beach, another site for nature's exquisite beauty. I remember very vaguely of how the time in between passed by. At Parkee, The sound of the tide called me back to nature, back to where I belong. The irresistible gravity of nature pulled me with all its force. My mind gained momentum but I remained still, gazing at the horizon.

A bit later I found myself returning to the din and bustle of Chittagong city. I could not forget the illusion that haunted me for so long; the unending tranquility, joy and satisfaction nature had offered me.

(The writer is a student of Ctg Sunshine College)

 

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