The dense mangrove forest on both sides of the road to the Bang Ben bay through Laem Son National Park is indeed intriguing.

Afia (not her real name) was not accompanied by any of her family members, but she showed no signs of jitters. While many in the vessel turned pale in panic due to want of food and water in the perilous sea, the beautiful young girl held her nerves.

The four were in a hurry, had little time to bargain for the cricket bat's price. Most excited among them, Nur Alam pulled out his moneybag hurriedly, paid Tk 300 and almost snatched the bat from the salesman.