I reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Three pieces of luggage and I, all alone. I came a bit early because dragging these bags alone was exhausting. After entering the airport, I sat for a long time since I had arrived early, and pulling these bags had worn me out. My diary was on top of my bag, so I took it out, wrote today's date, and started writing:
"I'm about to step into a huge phase of my life. I don't know how it will go. For ten years, I've loved someone selflessly. Even for a day, that love never lessened. I had a dream to go to the Philippines and work at the agency where Alex works, but I never knew it would actually come true. For the first time, I'll be away from my parents. I have no idea how I'll manage anything. Allah is always with me, Insha'Allah I'll be able to do it. I'll miss my parents so, so much."
While writing, suddenly a boy came and sat beside me. I shifted a bit away. He came closer again. I moved away again. This kept happening until at one point I just said,
"Do you have eyes or have you eaten them up? Can't you see I'm moving away? Why do you have to sit so close?"
Hearing me, not only he but everyone around us went silent in shock. He said,
"Sorry, by the way, hi, my name is Tamim. People call me Tam."
I replied, "Did anyone ask?"
Tam or Jam or whatever his name is – what am I supposed to do knowing it? That idiot still kept talking to me even after I didn't respond. May Allah save me. After all this, he asked,
"Are you single?"
Hearing this, that was it. I had enough. I turned to him and shouted,
"Shut uuuuup! Will you be quiet or should I feed you a shoe? Which one?"
Hearing that, he said, "Calm down, babe."
Babe? Did he just call me babe?! I grabbed his shirt collar. Security came and asked,
"Ma'am, is there any problem?"
I said, "Please remove this piece of garbage from my sight."
They spoke to that idiot and started taking him away. While leaving, that fool turned back and said,
"Miss, I didn't even get to know your name."
Seriously? How pathetic can someone be to still want to talk after all this? I didn't even look back. That loser was still talking. I thought, I just came out alone, Allah, how many more weird people will I have to meet today?
Anyway, after all this, I realised there wasn't much time left, so I started my journey with my broken English. Looking back, I saw everyone had someone seeing them off at the airport – their parents, siblings, friends, cousins, relatives. But today, I had no one to say bye to, like always. Who would I say it to? I looked towards the gate, smiled, and thought in my mind, "There, that's my mom, dad, and my best friend. Bye to all of you." Don't know when tears came to my eyes. Anyway, let the journey begin.
After finishing all procedures, I boarded the plane. At first, I didn't notice, but later I realised yayyy I got a window seat. I felt so happy. I spoke to my parents and Sofy before it went offline. I prayed that the plane doesn't crash. My dream is finally coming true, after so much hardship. Bangladesh to Philippines is an 8-14 hour journey (including layovers). I had a transit in Bangkok.
The plane was about to take off. I closed my eyes, put my hands together, and started reciting surahs. After a while, I felt a cold hand over mine. I slowly opened my eyes and saw an old lady sitting beside me. She smiled and said,
"Don't worry, hold my hand."
So I did, and the plane took off. After a while, a boy sat next to the old lady. He looked very familiar. Suddenly my brain clicked – oh my god, isn't this that Tam idiot again? Allah, do I really have to tolerate him even now?
The moment he saw me, he said, "Hey curly hair, what's your name?"
That idiot never learns how to talk properly. I felt like breaking all his teeth while he kept smiling at me. I completely ignored him. But he kept talking from time to time. Seeing this, the old lady asked,
"Do you know him?"
I said, "No."
Hearing that, the old lady scolded him so badly. Ohhhh the satisfaction I felt. I was laughing so hard inside.🤣🤣
The old lady got furious and pulled his ear while cursing him. Her anger was no joke.
What a sight that was. Free entertainment! Finally the plane landed. I stayed a while at Bangkok airport. Wow, everything was so beautiful there. And in our country, all we have after so long is a metro rail. After that, the plane flew towards the Philippines again. It took 4 hours to reach.
Finaaallllyyyyyyyy I landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Manila. I cried seeing it. When people's dreams come true, it feels so beautiful. Ahhh Alex… ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Philippines.
From there, I booked a cab and headed towards my flat. On the way, I rolled down the car window, rested my cheek on my hand, and thought, "Ahhhhh Philippines." While looking outside, I saw a huge poster of Alex. I thought, finally we will meet. I closed my eyes and felt like we were breathing the same air.😌😌
I put my hand on my chest. My heartbeat was racing so fast. I slowly started smiling. Yes, this feeling… it's so strange. Only those who have loved someone selflessly will understand this. Yes, my heart ❤️.