Page 76 - FATE & DESTINY

FATE & DESTINY

She rolled her eyes.
The institute sent us for teaching practice. We had the school of choice from Paro, Thimphu, and
Chhukha. So, I consulted Lambu about it.
“Lambu, are you going with me?” I said.
“Master told me to join him,” he said. “You can join us if you like.”
“Do you think Master would let me?”
“Why not? He said he would talk to you.”
I sighed in relief. “Oh, really?”
Master was short but handsome. He held a black belt in Taekwondo. In the afternoon, he said, “I think
we should go to Isuna Community Primary School, what do you say, guys?”
“Where is it?” I asked. “How far from here?”
“On the way to Chuzom,” he replied. “About ten miles from here.”
“How far from the road point?” I said.
“Maybe, half an hour from the bridge.”
“Why Isuna Community Primary School when we have other schools nearby the road?”
“The principal is my relative.”
“Fine,” I said with reluctance.
The next day, we took a taxi. The principal and a few students were waiting for us at the bridge.
“Welcome, sirs,”
We shook his hands. “Our pleasure, sir.”
“I have arranged your stay in a village house near the school,” he said. “Ground floor.”
“That would do,” said Lambu. “We appreciate your support, sir.”
“Mention not, please,” said the principal. “The onus is on the principal to ensure you feel at home.”
Up along the hill, Master conversed with the principal in their vernacular. Khengkha.
In the assembly the next morning, the principal said, “I, on behalf of the school, welcome the three TP
teachers. They will be with us for one and a half months. Students, you must cooperate with them. Is that
understood?”
“Yes, sir,” said the students in unison.
Three female apprentice teachers next to the principal smiled at us.
We bowed and began the introduction, one after another.
On Blessed Rainy Day, the principal came to our place. He had a deck of cards in his hands. He flicked
them and said, “Let’s play Marriage.”
Lambu said, “Why not?”
“I don’t know Marriage,” I said.
“Let’s play Flush,” said the principal. “You will like it.”
“I am not ace with it,” I said, “but I would try, sir.”
The principal plucked the cards and shuffled us in a circle.
After half an hour, I got brassed-off with the game. “I think I should stop here.”
“We’ve only started,” said the principal. “You’ll enjoy it soon, sir.”
“Um, I think it’s lunchtime,” I said. “I will prepare lunch.”
Master glared at me. “Principal wants you to play, so play!”
Furrowing my brow, I said, “I am not playing now!”
“It’s okay,” said the principal. “You can take rest.”
As Master glared at me, I sneaked into the kitchen. After lunch, I strolled away to my favorite spot and
watched cars plying down the road. I sat there on a rock the whole afternoon. I tried to avoid the incident,
but it came in bits and pieces. “Why must Master roar at me? He crossed the limit with me, today.” The
sun reached low on the horizon. As dusk fell, I traipsed back home.
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