Rupa had just entered the admission room with a correctly filled admission form. Around her, other students were busy filling out their forms-some with focus, some with indifference. Among them was Rupam Sarker, who, hesitating and battling his shyness, asked Rupa for help. Without a second thought, and with quiet grace, she took the trembling form from him and began to fill it out.
It was perhaps the first time in Rupam's life he had received help from someone of the opposite gender.
Rupa, an extraordinary beauty clad in a simple costume-a violet shalwar kameez with a blue scarf over her head-appeared like a painting as the scarlet rays of the sun fell through the window and danced around her. She was beauty wrapped in dignity and modesty. Despite her elegance, she harbored no pride and never looked down on anyone, whether poor or socially insignificant.
It took a while to finish the form. Rupam couldn't help but glance at her face repeatedly. Oh God, what a graceful creation! he thought.
"Here's your form. It's done. You can now submit it to the concerned desk," she said, breaking his trance. Her voice pierced through the crowded silence of the admission room.
With a polite smile, Rupa handed the form to Rupam and left the room, heading home after submitting her own form. University life offers a broad outlook for every student. It's the final phase of academic grooming, where political, social, and intellectual skills are nurtured. The architects of society-statesmen, reformers, and leaders-are born here. Yet, many lose their way in illusion, only to fall hard from imagined heights.
That night, Rupam found himself unable to concentrate on his studies. An unknown mental restlessness haunted him. He tried to focus but failed.
Who is that lovely girl?he wondered. Her intelligence, manners, and charm are beyond description. Who wouldn't admire her? Her grace speaks of a noble upbringing.His mother interrupted his thoughts.
"Why haven't you eaten yet? Are you feeling unwell?" she asked. "It's late. Go to bed."But Rupam couldn't reply. He couldn't reveal the mental storm within. He lay in bed, sleepless, waiting for the morning.
At dawn, the world slowly awoke. Birds chirped joyfully, and the eastern sky spread its rosy hue. The smell of burning incense from the nearby hermitage mixed with the sounds of morning prayer, creating a divine atmosphere.
Rupa had just been admitted into the B.A. (Hons) in English program at Dhaka University, often called the Oxford of the East. She came from a respectable Muslim family, her father being a senior bank official. As the only daughter, she was brought up with care and privilege. Yet, she carried no arrogance-only modesty and humility.
She was a bright and gifted student, well-regarded by everyone in her locality-rich or poor, high or low. Expectations were high for her future.University life, while full of opportunities, also risks leading some astray. There's a wise saying:"Some flowers are born to blush unseen."But Rupa was determined to flourish. She aimed to become a person of substance-ambitious, talented, and grounded.
At the fresher's reception program, Rupa was invited to give a speech. The auditorium was beautifully decorated, the atmosphere vibrant and lively. The Vice-Chancellor presided over the event, and the hall was filled beyond capacity.
As the program began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, Rupa prepared herself. Then she stood up to speak.
A pin-drop silence followed.
Her voice, soft and melodious, captivated the crowd from the very beginning. Her words, laced with elegance and intellect, drew admiration from all corners.
"Who is she? Where's she from?" someone whispered.
Rupam, seated nearby, replied quietly, "That's Rupa, first year English honours."
Her speech ended in thunderous applause. With quiet poise, she returned to her seat. Her face glowed-not just with sweat and nervousness, but with the quiet confidence of someone destined for greatness. In that moment, Rupa shone not just in beauty, but in character.
Some are born beautiful-but they shine brightest when crowned with merit. Rupa was one of them.
