It was the year of 1995. Admission at different universities and institutes were going on. Arman, a friend of mine and me appeared for the examination at Medical College. We were anxious as there were about 12 competitor for each place. At last the day came. The result was published. Unfortunately my uncle, who was known to be angry, came to visit us from Ghorashal with my cousin. However, I went to Dhaka Medical College to see the result with another friend and my cousin. I was in great tension. I could not find my roll on the list but was able to find my friend’s, which was just after mine. Now I have a broken heart. But I was strong enough to hide it from others and to do this I bought Ice cream. My cousin was waiting in the car. He was quite sure that I was allowed when he saw me with the ice cream. Soon he realized the truth. Returning home, I had to face father and ferocious uncle. Surprisingly uncle was polite. He tried to give me some support. I called Arman and gave him the result. He did not believe my case. He went to see it himself. He came to our home and seemed irritated. He directly charged me. The conversation was as follows:

Did you have to do that?
What?
Making fool of me?
What did I do?
Didn’t you know you are selected for viva?
No!
Again? Do I look like a fool?
I saw with my own eyes.( he seemed to believe me)
Then let’s go and find out.
Then we went to our coaching center where there was one copy of the result. I found my name there. That was a great filling. It felt like I’m on the top of the world. Returning home, I gave the news to mom and went out. Uncle heard it from mom. He was angry as was supposed to be. So I came home just after Mugrib and started to say my prayers to save my skin. The storm went over my cousin. Soon he cooled down. Then I came out and faced him.

Now I am 5th year student of Sir Salimullah Medical College. The memory is still as fresh as new. Sometimes I wonder, what would happen if I never knew that I was on the list? Thanks to Arman, my unfortunate friend, who could not survive the viva.