10/E Purana Paltan

Dhaka 1000

9 June 2013

Dear Sohel,

I am sorry I could not reply to your letter earlier. This is because last week there was a tragedy in our family. My father died of lung cancer.

He used to smoke heavily. He got the bad habit from his college days. Recently my mother and I were very worried about Father's worsening health condition. He was having continuous chest pain. The doctor showed him his chest X-ray plates. There were dark marks on his lungs. The doctor explained to him that the marks were the signs of lung cancer. He also explained that a poisonous substance called nicotine is in tobacco leaves, and cigarettes are made from tobacco leaves. When a person smokes cigarettes, this nicotine enters into his lungs with every puff. If anybody smokes cigarettes for years, this deadly nicotine causes lung cancer. Both Mother and I tried to stop Father from smoking. He never listened to our requests and warnings. He died an untimely death.

Let me tell you the truth. My father's death is a great shock for us. You know, We are a big family of seven. My father was the only earning member in the family. We are now broke and we don't know how we are going to survive.

Anyway, God is merciful and we are trying to recover from the shock. Write me when you have the time. Give my regards to your parents.

Love

Rabi