An Off Day Evening: The Taste of Haleem and Nusaiyba’s Smile

Hello dear friends,
I hope you all are doing well and spending a beautiful life with your loved ones. I wish you all happiness and peace.

Today was my office off day. Usually, I like to spend my day off going out somewhere or spending quality time with my family. But unfortunately, since last night, I’ve been feeling unwell. I caught a bad cold — my nose is completely blocked, and there’s an uncomfortable heaviness in my head. It’s such an annoying feeling because it ruins my concentration and mood throughout the day.

Actually, I had a nice plan for today. I was thinking of taking my daughter Nusaiyba to visit the National Martyrs’ Monument and then the Lalbagh Fort. She’s just a year and a half old, and every outing with her brings me immense joy. But since I wasn’t feeling well, I had to cancel the plan. I spent most of the day lying down and resting. After lunch, I took a nap, and when I woke up in the evening, I realized that staying in bed all day was making my headache worse.

So, I decided to go out for a short evening walk with Nusaiyba and her mother. The air outside was cool and refreshing, and the evening atmosphere felt calm and soothing. As we walked around, I noticed a restaurant called “Mizan Haleem House.” It’s quite famous in this area, especially for its delicious haleem. I thought to myself, why not try something tasty after such a dull day?

I ordered two full bowls of haleem and two naan breads. When the steaming bowls of haleem arrived, the rich aroma instantly lifted my mood. The haleem, made with beef, looked thick and flavorful. It was topped with fried onions, sliced green chilies, and a touch of ginger — a perfect combination for a mouth-watering meal.

The first spoonful reminded me why this place is so well-known. The spices were balanced perfectly — not too spicy, not too salty — just right. The soft, slightly crispy naan paired beautifully with the warm haleem. Even though my body was tired, the taste of that meal felt almost healing.

After finishing our food, we got ready to leave, but Nusaiyba spotted a nearby toy shop and started asking for a toy car. Seeing her bright little face light up with excitement melted my heart. I couldn’t resist, so I bought her the toy. Watching her play with it on the way home made me forget about my cold for a while.

On our way back, I felt surprisingly content. The day didn’t go as planned, but the evening turned out to be wonderful. The taste of haleem, a warm family walk, and my daughter’s happy smile — these small things made the day special in their own way.

In the rush of daily life, we often overlook such simple joys. Sometimes, even when things don’t go as planned, a warm meal and a few happy moments with family can turn an ordinary evening into a beautiful memory.