Page 131 - FATE & DESTINY

FATE & DESTINY

“You can’t leave your school in the middle of the year. Who will take the charge?”
“I am sorry I must leave. My baby is important to me.”
“You got to be serious about this. It’s not a child’s play.”
“What’s that supposed to mean, sir? You understand my situation, don’t you?”
The Assistant Dzongkhag Education Officer and Office Assistant watched us in silence.
“Tell me, where would I manage a principal for you?”
“I must go. My baby needs me there.”
“I can’t relieve you.”
“You have to. What would you do if you were in my situation?”
“That’s what you should understand about my situation.”
“Sir, I beg of you, please.”
When he remained silent, grimacing, I slouched towards the door. “I am sorry, but I must go.”
At Kerong Community Primary School, I called Mr. Tengyel and other staff. “I am transferred to
Babesa Primary School, Thimphu.”
Mr. Tengyel smiled. “Oh, really, sir?”
“Yeah.”
“When are you leaving?” said Mr. Pechen. “There’s only a few months left. Why don’t you go next year,
sir?”
I grinned. “I must go,”
Mr. Somgyel said, “Who’s replacing you, sir?”
“No idea, but don’t worry. Someone better than me would come.”
Mr. Tengyel’s beady eyes glistened as he said, “I can adjust with anyone.”
“Glad to know that,” I said, grinning. “Mr. Tengyel, take over the charge. You must run the school
until the new principal joins.”
“No problem, sir.”
“Thanks for your cooperation.”
The next day, my colleagues invited me to a farewell party they had arranged in the ORC, behind the
NFE’s quarter.
“Just a simple farewell party for you, sir,” said Mr. Somgyel.
“I am honored, but I must go,” I said.
“You can’t leave today, sir,” said Mr. Pechen. “You must attend a farewell party.”
I longed to leave the place right away, but I shrugged. “Ok. I’ll come.”
Sad music floated in the air, aided by the chirping of birds around, but it didn’t move me. About ten
village girls ushered me from my place. I sort of blushed to walk like a VIP with them.
“My goodness,” I said as I sat on the guest’s chair. “That was not necessary.”
“Our pleasure, sir,” said Mr. Somgyel. “It’s a simple arrangement.”
“I am honored.”
Students danced in a circle, and village girls performed traditional dances.
“Ara, sir?” said the prettiest girl in the village.
“No, thanks,” I said. “I don’t drink.”
“Serve him bangchang,” said Mr. Pechen. “It’s his favorite.”
“Goodness me,” I exclaimed, blushing, but she poured into a bamboo cup. “I can’t finish it.”
Mr. Tengyel joined the village girls and danced to his full contentment. Students laughed at his jokes.
They guffawed when Mr. Tengyel jumped around, teasing village girls.
After the party, I said. “Thank you, everyone, for making this moment memorable. I won’t forget your
consideration.”

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