"The beautiful combination of greenery and water has made Dhanmondi Lake popular with people of all walks of life," reads a tourist blog.

However, it is my earnest belief that this site is not doing its best to sell Dhanmondi Lake to people because it is failing to highlight its best feature — providing a great opportunity for people watching.

It has become a hobby of mine to observe these individuals in their natural habitat. If you decide to get inspired and pay a visit to Dhanmondi Lake, you are sure to encounter at least some of them.

THE BACHELORS

As a kid, I could never figure out why the Bachelors' Point was called so. I was certain that all the elderly and middle-aged gentlemen who frequented the cafes there in packs were far along on their path of domestication.

It was only later when I became capable of comprehending the little snippets of overheard conversations that I understood, they are wannabe bachelors. Tired of the abuse, or lack thereof, of their wives, they seek refuge in each other's company.

Photo by Ziba Mahdi

THE CULTURED

Chayanaut is the ultimate institution to comb out people educated in culture, heritage and everything in between. Being close by, a favourite haunt of its students is our Dhanmondi Lake.

Equipped with their knowledge of the classics and their immaculately curated outfits, the Chayanaut students can serenade you with their beautiful speech or melodious voice. And if you are lucky, some older guy with a man bun or an older apu in an Aarong sari might even mesmerise you with their poetry.

THE EXHIBITIONIST

No, it's not what you are thinking. I am talking about that one person who displays an overt enthusiasm for physical exercise.

Be it stretching or running or simply walking, their zeal in the activity appears exemplary, and they always make sure that everyone in a 300-feet radius gets a front row seat of their fitness regime.

THE STAR-CROSSED LOVERS

Dhanmondi Lake is definitely one of the most popular spots for romance. The picturesque albeit polluted water body with its dove-shaped boats and floating restaurants is ideal for dates.

It is also where young lovers who fear familial opposition come to maintain the clandestine status of their affairs. Cleverly construed disguises of burqas and niqabs seem to come a-flying as soon as the lovebirds become sure of their absolute privacy.

Read more

Types of people in a Rich-kid Friend group

THE GOSSIP GIRLS

Dhanmondi is home to a large number of schools. And where do the revered mothers of the students go after dropping their kids off at school? Dhanmondi Lake.

The environmental beauty provides a perfect backdrop to their conversation which somehow always seems to include the hottest gossip on the private lives of all the students of their children's batches (and the two adjacent ones).

THE ED SHEERANS

You never have to look too far for a random musician at Dhanmondi Lake. Carrying their acoustic guitars, pained expressions and deep words, usually belonging to a song by Mohon Sharif or Arnob, they sing only for their own satisfaction with little care for what others in the vicinity might think.

Zaima is a fake poet. Send her your sympathies at zaima2004adrita@gmail.com