A Day in the Life: Routine, Aspirations, and a Dash of the Unexpected

Sharif Adnan, a well-educated professional working for a private company, lives with his family in a rented apartment in Dhaka. His daily routine includes waking early, reading the newspaper, and shopping for essentials before heading to work. His young son, Shovon, questions what teachers give them, contrasting the usual answer of 'new things' with his own idea that teachers give homework. His elder son, Shawon, expresses a desire to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, a notion met with skepticism from a friend who argues against working against a virus that facilitated easier academic progression. Sharif, though taken aback, encourages his sons to study diligently. He then heads to the market, where he finds prices for fish, vegetables, and chicken have remained unusually high, similar to the previous year. He purchases some vegetables and a medium-sized Mrigal fish, and upon inquiring about the price of eggs, is met with a dismissive response about the size of the eggs. At work, Sharif encounters the same old files, office politics, and his boss's poor behavior. The commute home reveals familiar scenes of crowded footpaths, garbage piles, and chaotic traffic. Feeling stuck in this monotonous 'life cycle,' Sharif contemplates immigrating to Australia and begins researching the application process, which involves significant preparation and fees. Before committing, he decides to consult an astrologer, palm reader, and Vastu expert for guidance on his future. After a two-hour wait, the astrologer predicts creative ideas, potential absentmindedness leading to pickpocketing, a possible promotion at work requiring networking, and the importance of diet and sleep. The astrologer also advises taking necessary vaccines from foreign-trained doctors, warns against facing creditors without a mask, cautions against tax evasion, and suggests frequent password changes for Facebook security. The year may bring opportunities for emigration, though international travel might involve complexities with flights, visas, and border security. The astrologer concludes with good prospects for entertainment and romance throughout the year. Sharif approves of the advice and reaches for his wallet to pay the 500 Taka fee, only to discover it's missing, recalling the earlier jostling on the bus and the astrologer's warning about pickpockets. Suddenly, his wife, Shyla, wakes him, and he realizes the entire day's events might have been a dream as she invites him to enjoy the sunrise over Sydney's Brighton Beach and Botany Bay from their balcony. The story is explicitly stated to be fictional.