Five years had passed. Dada‑Abrar's Tea Hangout was now famous throughout the entire city of Dhaka. The small stall had transformed into a large shop—a two‑storey building: the tea shop on the ground floor, and Abrar's small library upstairs. On the walls hung old photographs—Arian, Raisa, Nurul Islam, Abrar, Zarif, Mayra, Emilie, Tasnim, Anonnyo—all in one frame. As if a single, colourful family.Today was a special day: the fifth anniversary of Abrar's tea shop. From morning, the shop was being decorated. Raisa was putting up flower garlands, Arian was blowing balloons, and Nurul Islam was reminding Abrar of the secret recipe for making tea. Zarif and Mayra arrived. Emilie had flown in from Canada. Tasnim, Anonnyo, Sajid, even Principal Sir and Mr. Rahman were present.Abrar wore a shirt and trousers today, with his grandfather's shawl over his shoulders. His hair was combed. He had grown up a lot. He stood on the shop balcony, looking at everyone. In a low
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