Raisha texted Dhrubo,
“When did you take my picture? You shouldn’t take someone’s photo without their permission.”
Dhrubo replied,
“Wait. I didn’t take only your picture. I am a professional photographer. I took many photos at the wedding. Every guest’s picture is there. I sent your pictures only to you. Instead of thanking me for such beautiful photos, you’re scolding me.”
Raisha was taken aback and replied,
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were a photographer.”
“It’s okay. Did you like the pictures?”
“Yes, every photo is beautiful. Thanks.”
“Well, finally, I got what I deserved. I assure you that I am deleting your pictures from my storage. No one else has these photos, and they won’t be used anywhere. You are the sole owner of these pictures. Take care.”
After reading the message, Raisha wanted to thank him again, but from his tone, she felt he didn’t want to continue the conversation. So, she refrained from sending another message.
After working out for several consecutive days, her body felt much lighter. Every day, after returning home, she kept thinking, Why didn’t I join the gym earlier? She felt mentally refreshed and physically extremely fit.
Since joining the gym, she felt a priceless sense of achievement. Her instructor created a meal plan for her, making her diet very selective. But within a month, she noticed an incredible transformation in her body. She was happy with this change.
After a long time, Raisha did a big grocery run and visited her mother’s house. Seeing her daughter, Rehnuma Begum stared at her for a long time and said,
“How did you lose so much weight?”
Raisha laughed and replied,
“Am I thin, or have I become slim and attractive?”
Rehnuma Begum smiled,
“So, you’re on a diet?”
“Not just a diet, Mom. I run a lot. And I exercise a lot.”
“Good! Don’t stop exercising. Regular workouts keep both body and mind in good shape.”
“I feel like taking you for a run every day too!”
“Where do you run?”
“By running, I mean… I joined a gym, Mom.”
Rehnuma Begum stared at her daughter with wide eyes. She caressed Raisha’s cheek and said,
“Your face is glowing! What do you apply?”
Raisha laughed out loud. Her mother was still staring at her in surprise.
Raisha said,
“I can’t say everything I use. I spent almost my entire last month’s salary on skincare products.”
“Be careful not to ruin your face with random products.”
“Why would they be random? I consulted an expert first. I’m following their suggested treatment and using the recommended products.”
“What’s the point of all this?”
“So that your daughter looks even more beautiful.”
“My daughter is already beautiful, MashAllah.”
“I want to look like an actress, Mom.”
“Why? Are you planning to act in movies?”
“Hahaha! It’s about satisfaction, Mom. Self-satisfaction is above everything.”
“So, if you look like an actress, will you be satisfied?”
“Of course! I took this as a personal challenge. You know, people do many things out of determination. I decided to become extraordinarily beautiful!”
“I don’t understand today’s kids. You don’t want to get married, but you want to be beautiful. What do you really want?”
Raisha burst into laughter.
“I’ll get married if I ever feel like it. You all think women need to look good just to please their husbands. Why, Mom? Why should I change myself for someone else? If someone wants to create a better version of themselves, they will do it for their own satisfaction. But changing oneself just because someone else wants it—that’s not right. No one should ever change for another person.”
Rehnuma Begum stared at her daughter, struggling to comprehend her logic.
“Are you staying the night, or are you leaving?”
“I’ll stay the night, Mom. But don’t take any extra hassle cooking for me. I’ll eat whatever is already made.”
“Why would I? Are you a guest?”
Raisha grinned. But at the dinner table, she saw that, despite her mother’s teasing, she had prepared Raisha’s favorite dishes. Mothers must be like this, she thought.
At the dinner table, Raisha chatted with her father after a long time. Seeing their daughter so lively, both her parents felt secretly delighted.
After spending the night gossiping with her parents, Raisha finally went to bed. For the first time in a while, she felt at peace. Standing on the balcony, she watched the stray dogs barking on the streets. Even the night seemed more beautiful than ever.
One day at the office, senior officer Shayla Apu casually suggested,
“Why don’t you do the shoot for our product? Why should we hire an outsider when you can do it? You’ll get good remuneration too.”
Raisha laughed and replied,
“Why me? There’s Urmi Apu, Snigdha Apu—let them do it.”
“But you have a model-like face. I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while. We always hire outsiders for office promotions. Are you uncomfortable with this?”
“Oh no, not at all! I’ll think about it.”
“Shooting is always fun, Raisha. You saw it the last time we did one in the office. We’ll provide everything. You just have to show up like any other day, dress up a little, and pose for the camera. It’s very simple! I’ve done some myself, though I’m not as pretty as you. Let me show you.”
Shayla Apu showed her some pictures on her desktop.
Raisha was surprised.
“Apu, you look unrecognizable!”
“Let me show you some behind-the-scenes clips. You’ll have so much fun, Raisha. Just do it; we’re all here for you!”
Wanting to fulfill Shayla Apu’s request, Raisha finally agreed.
Shayla Apu was overjoyed.
“What will you wear for the shoot? Let’s go shopping after office today!”
Raisha burst into laughter.
She was really enjoying her workplace these days. After office, she went shopping with Shayla Apu. Despite being her boss, Apu was incredibly caring, treating her like a little sister. After shopping, she even bought Raisha an ice cream.
“Apu, aren’t you having one?”
“I have tonsillitis, dear. I can’t eat ice cream.”
Sitting on the stairs of the mall, Raisha ate ice cream with her boss. Then, carrying a bunch of shopping bags, she returned home. Trying on the new outfits, she did a mini fashion show for herself before going to bed with a happy heart.
On the day of the shoot, Raisha was shocked to see the photographer—Dhrubo Chowdhury!
She asked Shayla Apu,
“Is he the cameraman?”
“Yes, why? Any issue?”
“Not an issue, but I think he’s Urmi Apu’s relative. I saw him at her wedding.”
“Yes, he’s an amazing photographer! I told Urmi to contact him.”
“Oh, I see.”
Raisha sat at her desk, a bit unsettled. She had been so prepared for this day, thinking she’d be cheerful and confident. But seeing Dhrubo made her nervous. Was it just because he was a familiar face?
As she sat ready but gloomy, Dhrubo came and sat beside her.
“Feeling nervous?”
She forced a smile,
“No, not at all.”
“You seem a bit nervous. Is this your first shoot?”
“Yes. I’m not into these things. I rarely take pictures. I only agreed because of Shayla Apu’s request.”
“You’ll do great. I’ll be right by your side. Just have fun with it.”
Dhrubo made her coffee and showed her some reference pictures. His casual and supportive attitude eased her nerves.
Later, Raisha received a large payment for the shoot. She was still processing it when she got a message from Dhrubo,
“Check the pictures first. I’ll send the official mail after your approval.”
Raisha was surprised. Who else would ask for the model’s approval before sending the photos to the client?
