Page 127 - FATE & DESTINY

FATE & DESTINY

“He is okay. The operation went well.”
I sighed a deep relief. “What was the case?”
“Rectum prolapse.”
“Any discharge plan?”
“Dr. John said after one week.”
“Thanks, heaven. Sorry I couldn’t make this time too. The summer vacation isn’t far now.”
“Are you coming?”
“I am coming. Take care of the baby. It’s getting dark. I must go back now.”
Soon after the last exam was over, I left for Nganglam. There I phoned Choki. “I am coming
tomorrow.”
“Okay. Travel safely.”
The next day, we arrived at Phuentsholing early. So, I took a taxi to Paro, and as soon as I alighted from
the taxi, I scurried to Aunt Choden’s house.
My mother-in-law was rocking a chubby baby in her arms, outside. Its hair was long and chick. I smiled
but couldn’t ask whose baby it was.
“Direct from Nganglam?” she asked.
“Yeah,” I replied. “Where’s Choki?”
“In the kitchen.”
I sneaked in and whispered into her eyes. “Doing dishes?”
She turned back but didn’t smile. “What took you so long?”
“I took so long? I am coming straight from Nganglam,” I said, glancing at her overweight body.
“You’ve gained so much weight.”
“So what?”
“You look like a sumo wrestler.”
She gawked.
She was slim the last time I saw her. I couldn’t control it. So, I chortled, glancing at her plump body.
“Are you not happy with my body now?”
“Sorry. Just that I am a bit surprised. Ha…ha…ha… Aunt Choden has fed you like a swine.”
She chortled.
“Where’s the baby?” I asked.
“You mean Rinchen?”
“Rinchen?”
“Our baby. I told you over the phone, remember?”
“Oh, you did?” I scratched my head and grinned. “Oh, yes! You did.”
“Rinchen Zangpo. Khyentse Rinpoche named him.”
“Oh, really? It’s a beautiful name. Where’s he?”
“With Mom, outside.”
Eyes popping out, I said, “But that baby has long hair and—”
“That’s Rinchen Zangpo, our baby.”
Mother-in-law slogged in and handed over the baby to me. “Oops, I am worn out, carrying him all
day.”
I lifted him into my arms and said, “You’re growing too fast, dear.” I carried him to the next room and
pecked all over his face. “Wow, you have plump limbs. You’re—”
“Did you touch the flames?” said Choki from behind.
“What flames are you talking about?”
“Fire flames. I thought you knew this.”
“What do you mean?” I flashed her a sheepish grin. “Why must I touch it?”
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