As Onik leaned his head against the car window, a beautiful memory flashed before his eyes. It was a few days after their daughter was born, when life felt peaceful and filled with family warmth.
In the flashback...
The house was festive. After the long struggles of Ira and Onik's relationship, both families were finally trying to reconcile. Ira was holding a Milad (prayer ceremony) for the baby. The scent of incense and rosewater filled the air. Relatives and neighbors gathered to bless the new guest.
Ira wore a light blue cotton kameez that day, her face glowing with the aura of motherhood. After the prayers, sweets were distributed in small bowls. Their whole family was there—Ira's mother and Onik's mother sat side by side, chatting—a sight that was once unimaginable.
The Moment of Naming:
When everyone gathered in the drawing-room, Ira's mother said, "Ira, dear! The Milad is done; now tell everyone the name of my granddaughter."
Ira looked at Onik, who smiled and signaled her to speak. Ira kissed the baby's forehead and addressed everyone:
Ira: "We have named her 'Nilima' (Blue Sky). Because the color blue is a great witness to our life's journey. And her nickname will be 'Nil'."
Everyone was delighted. Onik's father, who had initially opposed their union, stepped forward, placed his hand on the baby's head, and said, "Nilima... may her heart be as vast as the sky."
That was the most fulfilling day of their lives. There were no divisions, no grudges. Ira was conducting the Milad, and Onik stood at a distance, watching his home finally overflow with light.
The Final Moment at the Airport
The car pulled up at the main gate of the airport. The memory of the Milad and naming Nilima brought a peaceful smile to Onik's face. He saw Ira looking out the window, perhaps thinking of the days they were leaving behind.
Onik gently took Ira's hand.
Onik: "Ira, let's go. Our new life is calling."
Ira wiped her tears and smiled slightly. Onik took Nilima in his arms. Nilima was fast asleep, unaware that her parents were taking her across a vast ocean. As they pushed the trolley into the airport, the late afternoon sun hit Ira's white scarf. The blue dress underneath had now become the color of their future.
At the Immigration Counter:
Ira looked back one last time. The soil of Bangladesh, the affection of her mother, and the memories of her father—she was leaving it all behind. But there was no fear in her heart because she had the person she loved and their symbol of dreams, 'Nilima,' with her.
Onik (Excitedly): "Ready? The cherry blossoms of Japan are waiting for us."
Ira: "Yes, Onik, perfectly ready. From now on, our identity will be defined only by our love."
As they sat in their plane seats, the runway lights began to flicker through the window. As the plane lifted off, Ira rested her head on Onik's shoulder. A single melody played in their hearts—the successful completion of the blue dream that started back at Dhaka University. Inside the Flight: A Helping Hand
Inside the plane, there was a continuous low hum of the engines. Just as everyone began to settle in, an uncomfortable moment arose. Nilima began to cry loudly. Perhaps due to the change in altitude or air pressure, little Nilima got scared.
Ira tried her best to calm her. She pressed Nilima to her chest and rocked her, but the crying wouldn't stop. Ira panicked, wondering how they would manage the long journey. Right then...
A female crew member approached them.
She was smiling sweetly, dressed in a neat uniform with her hair in a tidy bun. Noticing Ira's distress, she stepped forward calmly.
Crew Member (Softly): "Hello! Is your little one scared? Don't worry, she'll be fine once we reach cruising altitude."
The crew member pulled a small, colorful soft toy from her pocket and waved it in front of Nilima. Nilima stopped crying for a moment and stared at the toy with wide eyes.
Crew Member: "May I hold her for a moment? You should take this warm water; she might be feeling discomfort in her ears."
The girl took Nilima and paced a little. Nilima became strangely calm.
Onik (With a sigh of relief): "Thank you. We were getting quite worried."
The crew member handed Nilima back to Ira and said, "Everything will be fine. Have a wonderful journey to Japan."
Father and Daughter: The Bond
The gloom inside the plane had vanished. Nilima leaned over from Ira's lap and stared at Onik. Curiosity filled her tiny eyes. She began to play with Onik's hand. Onik offered a finger, and Nilima gripped it tightly with both her hands, bursting into a giggle.
Onik (Smiling at Ira): "See, Ira? She already knows whose hand to hold to stay safe. She's stubborn like you—she won't let go of what she catches!"
Ira: "She knows her father is going to Japan as a high-ranking officer! That's why she's holding on so tight."
Then Onik picked Nilima up in his arms. He held her close to his chest.
Onik (Nuzzling Nilima's nose): "What's wrong, my princess? Were you scared? Don't be. Look, we are flying above the clouds. We are going far away where beautiful cherry blossoms bloom. You will play there so much."
Nilima made a small sound and kicked her legs. Onik laughed heartily.
Onik: "Oh my! So many words already! You know, your mother was very naughty. At Dhaka University, she used to drive me crazy wearing blue sarees. And now, you've come to fill our lives with blue."
Onik kissed Nilima's forehead. "I wanted to be a big officer for you and your mother. Today, we go to Japan not just for us, but for your beautiful future. You will be our princess."
Nilima touched Onik's cheek with her tiny hand as if assuring him she understood. Ira rested her head on Onik's shoulder. Before touching Japanese soil, their small world had become an impregnable fortress of love.