Page 130 - FATE & DESTINY

FATE & DESTINY

“It’s too far,” she said. “We should look for a school near the hospital.”
“Okay, I should approach the personal officer again.” Straight away, I went to the personal officer’s
office. “Sir, can you direct me to Thimphu Thromde, please?”
He smiled. “Why?”
“Schools under Thimphu Dzongkhag are far-off,” I said.
“I don’t think there is any seat in Thromde School. Why don’t you ask the TEO?”
The TEO was at his computer.
“Can I come in, sir?” I asked, knocking on the door.
He nodded. “How can I help you?”
“Transfer case, sir.”
“Transfer case?” He crinkled up his nose. “Teacher or supporting staff?”
“Teacher.”
“Why in the middle of the year?”
“Very urgent, sir. On health ground.”
He read the note attached to the office order. “We don’t have seats in Thromde schools.”
“Please sir, send me to any school. I have to show my baby to his surgeon.”
“Um, I will see to it.” He stroked his goatee. “Come after three days. But I can’t assure you.”
“It’s urgent, sir.”
He nodded. “I’ll try.”
I visited his office after three days. “Any seat, sir?”
“Babesa PS principal has agreed to adjust you.”
“Oh, I am privileged to be there, sir. Thank you.”
Back at Paro, Choki was pacing the veranda with the baby on her back. “How did it go?”
“Good news.” I grinned. “I am going to Babesa Primary School.”
“Babesa Primary School? Where is it?”
“It’s above the Babesa expressway.”
“What about the lodging? Where will we stay?”
“I will look for it after I return. I am going back to Kerong to hand over the school tomorrow.”
She deepened her thought and said, “Meanwhile, you can put up with my cousin Demtshe. We’ll join
you after you’ve rented a house.”
“Demtshe? Where does she stay?”
“Changjiji Colony.”
“Where is the Changjiji Colony? I hope it’s near to Babesa PS.”
“You can commute by taxi from there.”
“Why don’t you don’t you talk to her?”
“I would.”
The next morning, I carried my backpack to the taxi stand.
“Take care,” said Choki. “It’s summer.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll come back in two weeks.”
Straight away, I went to the DEO’s office at Pemagatshel. The DEO was busy at his computer.
“What brings you here, Dorji?”
“I am going on transfer, sir,” I said.
He scrunched up his face. “Transfer? Who approved it?”
“Ministry of Education. I got the office order.”
He read it, furrowing his brow. “A transfer in the middle of the year? How could they issue such an
order?”
“It’s urgent, sir.”
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