The aroma of freshly made hilsha wafted through the air as Reza fiddled nervously with the edge of his menu inside Padma, the small yet beloved restaurant in the heart of Amulia. Sitting across from him, Nafisa noticed the telltale signs—his tapping fingers, bouncing knee, and distant gaze. She reached across the table and placed her hand over his.
"Everything will go well, Reza," she said softly, her voice a blend of assurance and prayer. "Just believe in God. We’ve worked hard. Trust our journey."
Reza mustered a small smile, but his thoughts churned. It had been six months of uphill battles since they started their clothing business in this modest Cumilla town. Both of them had left cushy tech jobs in Dhaka to follow their entrepreneurial dreams, but the road had been far bumpier than either imagined.
When Reza and Nafisa first met at the tech firm in Dhaka, one thing connected them instantly: their shared ambition to build something of their own. After six months of marriage, they decided to take a leap of faith. Reza’s hometown of Amulia—known for its blend of tradition and simplicity—seemed the perfect place to start their clothing line, focusing on modern ethnic wear.
With Nafisa’s flair for design and manufacturing and Reza’s skills in marketing, they launched their business online. The first month brought a handful of sales but little profit. The second month was even harder. They poured their savings into marketing campaigns, but the results were disappointing. Every passing day began to feel like a trial.
Eventually, Nafisa proposed opening a physical outlet, but their funds were running dry. Nafisa suggested they approach Mr. Riaz, a well-known investor, for help. After initial hesitation, Reza reached out, and to his surprise, Mr. Riaz agreed to visit Amulia. However, there was a new problem: where could they host the meeting?
Nafisa had an idea. She suggested they ask Rahim Chacha, the owner of Padma, for space to hold the meeting. Though not a high-end venue, the restaurant was a landmark in Amulia and had been serving its signature Bengali dishes for over two decades.
Rahim Chacha, a kind and cheerful man in his sixties, was more than happy to help when Reza explained the situation. "This town has always supported me," he said. "If I can help you chase your dreams, I’ll do it gladly."
When Mr. Riaz walked into Padma that afternoon, his face wore a mild expression of skepticism. The restaurant was a simple affair, with checkered tablecloths, ceiling fans lazily turning, and the warm hum of locals enjoying their meals.
"Is this… where you wanted to meet me?" Mr. Riaz asked, looking around.
Reza felt a lump form in his throat, but Nafisa stepped in confidently. "It may not look like much, sir, but this place is the heart of Amulia. It’s where people have celebrated milestones, shared meals, and created memories. You can’t truly understand this town—or its people—without experiencing Padma."
Rahim Chacha appeared at that moment, flashing a wide grin. He offered Mr. Riaz a plate of Shorshe Ilish, served alongside rice, fried brinjals, and daal.
"Please, sir," Rahim Chacha said warmly. "You’ll get your answers after you taste this."
To Reza and Nafisa’s relief, Mr. Riaz seemed to enjoy the meal, nodding appreciatively as he savored every bite. Once the plates were cleared, the couple launched into their pitch. They narrated their journey—how they left their tech jobs to chase a dream, the struggles of running an online-only business, and their vision of creating a brand that brought modernity and tradition together.
Mr. Riaz asked tough questions: "What are your margins? How do you plan to scale? Why should I invest in you?" The couple answered with conviction and clarity, their passion shining through despite their challenges.
For a moment, Mr. Riaz leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, and spoke slowly. "It’s a compelling story. But the numbers… they aren’t exactly promising. Why should I take the risk?"
Reza felt his heart sink, but Nafisa’s voice cut through. "Because we’re not just selling clothes, sir—we’re selling stories. Every piece we design comes with the spirit of towns like Amulia, places where tradition meets progress, where dreams take root in simplicity. And just like this Sorshe Ilish," she gestured to the now-empty plate, "our brand isn’t about luxury—it’s about authenticity. That’s why you should invest in us."
Mr. Riaz’s lips twitched into a faint smile. After a moment, he spoke. "Alright. I’ll invest 50 lakhs for 5% equity."
Reza and Nafisa exchanged a quick glance. Nafisa, ever sharp, leaned forward. "We appreciate the offer, but we believe 3% would be fairer, considering our long-term growth potential."
The negotiation continued, eventually settling at 3.5% equity for the 50-lakh investment. The couple walked out of Padma that day feeling like a weight had been lifted off their shoulders.
As Mr. Riaz shook hands with Rahim Chacha before leaving, he quipped, "To be honest, your cooking is half the reason I’m investing. I’m counting on being invited back for another meal soon."
Rahim Chacha laughed. "Anytime, sir. And next time, try the Ras Malai—it’s just as unforgettable."
As Reza and Nafisa walked home hand in hand, the setting sun casting a golden hue over Amulia, they felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead was still long, but they had taken a significant first step.
"See?" Nafisa said with a smile. "I told you everything would go well. Just believe in God—and maybe a little in Shorshe Ilish."
Reza chuckled for the first time in days. "You were right, as always."
They knew challenges would come and go, but together, and with the support of their town, they were ready to take on the world—one stitch at a time.