Chapter One
Terminal Two, Dhaka
It was a long haul flight, and Zaynab was now on the second leg of her trip to Bangladesh from Manchester, England. The aeroplane left from Dubai International Airport and had now been flying for nearly four hours. Zaynab was at the start of her adventurous gap year from school.
“This is your captain speaking, we are now descending towards Shahjalal International Airport. Please remain seated after landing, until the aeroplane comes to a complete standstill.”
“It looks like we're almost there, Zaynab,” said Mum. Zaynab's mum was sitting right next to her. It was a crystal clear view through the window and the lush green vegetation and trees could be seen all around the airport.
“Yes, we're almost there. Mind you everyone, just get prepared for the heat wave that will wallop us when we get off the plane,” warned Dad.
It was May, and the heat in Dhaka was extreme and at its peak. There was clear blue sky and dazzling sunshine that beamed down with intense brightness.
Zaynab and her family had now landed, and were calmly walking off the aeroplane.
“This is like an oven, my God! I can't even breathe properly,” gasped Zaynab.
“Yes, indeed it's hot, its like the scorching heat's pounding on us,” shared Dad.
“Get your water bottles out, we don't want anyone collapsing in this heat!” instructed Mum.
Zaynab and her two brothers plodded along with their mum and dad and finally got inside the air-conditioned airport lounge. It was much cooler inside, and more than anything, it was a relief. Zaynab had barely been out in the scorching heat for ten minutes, and she was gushingly sweating and dripping.
“Welcome to Dhaka, Bangladesh,” greeted Dad as he sat down, exhausted and weak. “We've still got to collect our luggage and then wait for our local flight to Sylhet,” he added.
“This is not an easy trip, is it Zaynab!” exclaimed Zaynab's brother.
“It sure isn't. Bayyah! The trip seems to be going on forever, and it doesn't help when it's this hot and sticky either!”
“Don't worry children, it'll be worth all the trouble, once we arrive in Sylhet. You'll soon forget the hard and tiresome experience,” reassured Mum.
“Why, what's in Sylhet that's gonna be different from here, Mum?” enquired Zaynab.
“In Sylhet, you won't be carrying dozens of bags and waiting around for hours in one place. You'll be free to begin your holiday fun, as we'll be stopping for a week in a luxury apartment. There's a swimming pool, lots of children's activities, and of course, lots of shops. You'll be having plenty of fun, I assure you,” explained Mum.
“Yeah, that sure sounds good, how long before we get there Dad?” Zaynab asked.
