Faruque Ahmed has enjoyed a long and celebrated career across television and film. Still, few creative partnerships have shaped his journey as profoundly as his association with legendary writer and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed. Having appeared in more of Humayun Ahmed's dramas than perhaps any other actor, he shared not only a professional bond with the celebrated storyteller but also a deeply personal friendship. He has even chronicled those memories in a book.

Faruque looked back on his final meeting with Humayun Ahmed—a memory that, more than a decade later, remains as vivid as ever. "There is no end to my memories of him," he said. "I couldn't possibly recount them all. I acted in more of his dramas than anyone else. He cared for me deeply, appreciated me and loved me. In return, I respected him immensely throughout his lifetime, and I continue to do so today."

After being diagnosed with cancer, Humayun Ahmed travelled to the United States for treatment. Before returning there, he briefly returned to Bangladesh to spend time with his mother and visit Nuhash Polli. "I went there to see him," Faruque recalled. "On the way, I kept wondering whether he would be the same person I had always known. After chemotherapy, I didn't know what he would look like or whether I would be able to cope with seeing him in that condition. I feared it would only deepen my sadness."

When he arrived, however, those fears quickly faded.
"I found him sitting with several people, chatting as cheerfully as ever. The moment he saw me, he said, 'Faruque, come and sit beside me.' I sat next to him, listening as he spoke. The more he talked, the more captivated I became. After all, he was a magician with words—a true legend of Bengali literature."
As they spent the afternoon together, Humayun Ahmed enjoyed slices of mango while sharing one story after another. Then, unexpectedly, he turned the conversation towards Faruque himself.

"He looked at everyone and said, 'Listen, let me tell you a story about Faruque. Once, we were celebrating my son Nuhash's birthday in Gulshan, and I completely forgot to invite him. Yet he arrived carrying a gift. In front of everyone, he said, "You didn't invite me, but I've come anyway." That day I realised what genuine affection really means. Faruque truly loves me’."
The actor paused before recalling what happened next.
"After saying that, Sir removed his glasses and quietly wiped tears from his eyes. Seeing him become emotional made me emotional too."

Their conversation continued, punctuated by Humayun Ahmed's characteristic humour. "At one point, he showed me a pair of glasses and said, 'Look at these. They don't break. Have you ever seen glasses like this?' He twisted and bent the frame, trying to snap it, but it wouldn't break. Then he smiled and said, 'See? I told you they don't break’."

Before Faruque left Nuhash Polli, Humayun Ahmed spoke enthusiastically about a new drama he was writing."He said, 'I'm making a drama, and you'll be in it. When my assistant calls you, come along.' Later, the shooting was scheduled, and I worked on it for two days. Sir had written the drama, but by then he was too unwell to direct it himself, so someone else took over. Even so, he would occasionally come to the set, sit quietly in a chair and watch the filming."Their final farewell came after the shoot had wrapped."When my scenes were finished, I went to ask for his permission to return to Dhaka. I said, 'My work is done. If you allow me, I'll head back. If you want me to stay, I'll stay.' He asked whether I had a car with me. I said yes. We spoke for a little while longer, and then he looked at me and said, 'Goodbye, Faruque. Take care,’ and it was the last time we ever met."Not long afterwards, he left us forever," he said softly. "We never saw each other again. Whenever I think about that final meeting, it still hurts. I miss him deeply, and I continue to hold him in the highest respect."