Page 105 - FATE & DESTINY

FATE & DESTINY

“Are you sure?”
He nodded. “Let’s go.”
We trudged up the trail along the rough terrains and crossed the same river six times. The journey was
ruthless, but I made it.
The school was far below the village. Staff quarters were close to each other. And a stupa was between
the academic block and the principal’s quarter. Behind the principal’s quarter were tiny makeshifts in a
row.
“What are these for?” I asked.
“Makeshifts for the students coming from the neighboring villages,” replied the porter.
“Are the neighboring villages far?”
“Two hours’ walk. They stay here as informal borders.”
A lean man scurried toward us. “Kuzu Zangpo la.”
“Kuzu zangpo,” I said, shaking his hand. “And you are?”
“I am Pechen, the caretaker of this school,” he said. “How was your journey, sir?”
“Arduous. Where should I put up tonight?”
“The NFE has arranged your stay in the guest room.”
“I am not feeling well,” I said, leaning on my staff. “I should get some rest, please.”
“Take care, sir,” said the escort. “See you tomorrow.”
I waved at him and trudged after Mr. Pechen to the NFE’s place. There, the NFE Instructor said,
“Dinner is ready, sir.”
“Thanks, but I am too tired for dinner. Please show me the guest room.”
At midnight, I groaned and coughed. The host didn’t wake, but the students sat up and watched me.
Two weeks later, I went to Nganglam with Mr. Pechen to get my stuff.
“Madam Karmola has come,” said the caretaker.
“Who?”
“Our late principal’s wife. She came to take her things.”
“You mean Mr. Bunor’s wife?”
“Yes.”
“When is she going to Kerong?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Should we travel with her?”
“I think we should,” he said. “I ask her.”
The next morning, I greeted ma’am Karmola at the suspension bridge, below the school ground. “I am
going to Kerong Community Primary School as an in-charge, madam.”
“I am glad,” she said.
“Sorry to hear about Mr. Bunor, madam. My deepest condolences.”
She hung her head.
Up along the mountains, the downpour lashed us with thunder. And leeches sucked our blood.
Ma’am Karmola sobbed as we entered the school gate. When she saw her quarter, she fell on her knee
and wailed. “Oh, Bunor! I can’t believe you left us.”
Students flocked around her and helped her cry. Part of me wanted to cry as much as they did. So, I
shuffled back and watched them from a distance.
Her uncle held her up. “Come on, Karmola. Dry your eyes now. There’s no use crying.”
Mr. Pechen unlocked the door for her. She wailed louder and shuffled inside. I could hear her cries
from outside.
The next day, we did the handing-taking of the school. In the afternoon, they started their journey back
to Nganglam.
105