The Cultural Landscape: Traditional Roots vs. Western Modernity
The true conflict arises over politics . Shamol’s family supports the local Jamaat-e-Islami leader. Fabiha is a leftist. When a political clash erupts, Shamol’s brother is arrested. Fabiha uses her Dhaka connections to get a lawyer. Shamol is grateful but humiliated. He says, "Apnara purbider shudhu bosonto niye ashen, barkhau niye ashen" (You people from the East bring only spring, but also storms). She replies, "Aar apnara pashchimer manush shudhu misti kotha bolo, kintu kichu koro na" (And you Westerners only speak sweetly but do nothing).