Star Diary

Not Guilty

While chatting with my siblings the other day, one of them asked me if I needed “short suggestion” on my subjects for the SSC exams. It took me a while to understand what she really meant. “Short suggestion” actually translates to “question paper”. She was waiting for my response, as I could see that she wanted to understand whether I was honest and diligent about my education or was ready to take the dishonest way. But I still considered her question. I remembered the long nights that I would spend studying for exams, and realised that all my hard work would go to vain if I were to accept this offer. More importantly, I would never be able to look at myself in the mirror, remaining disappointed with myself throughout my life. Why suffer in the long run for the sake of a few minutes of fake pleasure of getting good grades in my exams? I said no to her offer confidently and therefore, was found not guilty of being a lazy cheater.
Shamima Tasnim
Via Email

So-Called Love

It happened on Valentine's Day. I could see a curly haired boy eagerly waiting with a bunch of red roses, waiting to cross the busy road that was bustling with traffic. At the other side of the road stood a beautiful girl, waving at the boy, directing him to where she was standing. It was obvious that the two were lovebirds who were meeting up for a Valentine's date. From the girl's face it was even more evident that the boy was really late. Despite the heavy traffic, the boy wrestled his way passed the honking cars and busses and headed towards his girlfriend. Unfortunately, the bouquet of red roses he was holding slipped from his hands and scattered all over the road. The boy crossed the road with despair but still tried to gather the roses from off the road but in vain. Most of the flowers were crushed by cars speeding down the road. As I observed from the other side, I could see the couple arguing over the accident. The boy was trying desperately to convince his girlfriend that he was not at fault but she turned a deaf ear to his pleas. All of this was indeed strange, as on that special occasion of love there seemed to be room for everything else but love.
Naome Syed
Mohammadpur, Dhaka