January 2008! Winter breeze
tosses my jackets collar and softly slams my ears. Tightening my skin frame and
clogging blood passage through veins. It was curving my fingers like leafless
deciduous tree and my hairs like spikes of fork. Everyone in my house was
making warm and comfortable near heater while I was dialing number to call
Zangpola.
I couldn’t connect him, so I
texted him asking about results. Shortly my phone beeped, “dude I am not
qualified for higher studies, study well brother and I will be missing your
company” he replied. ‘Without Zangpola life is boring’ instantly his dialogue
flashed and picked up my cell.
Hi, Zangpola! Are
you sure about the results that you didn’t qualify?
‘Hi, yap bro! I
knew and was sure about that because my exams were horrible’
Why don’t you apply
for recheck?
‘It would be
useless and just wastage of money, thought of joining as a NFE instructor in my
village and moreover my mom is very old, she needs an attention too’
I know dude your
mom is too old, but I think it would better you continue your studies. Dude you
got lots of relatives to look after your mom.
‘Umm yap its true
brother, but feeling ashamed of brothers and sisters they have been helping me
a lot. By the way you study well and give my regards to Pembalas and all!’
Ok then brother, I
will miss you and I will let all group friends know about you. Bye will see you
dude.
I hung up call and joined family
for breakfast.
“This
is Mr. Zangpo. Though it is unfortunate for him that he couldn’t continue for his
higher studies but we are lucky to have him in our family as NFE instructor and
he will be teaching music and coaching games and sports too. So once again let’s
all of us cordially welcome Zangpo to our school and wish him a happy stay with
us.” Principal introduced him to students and teachers in morning assembly the
day he joined.
He
used to call me, and I still remember asking him for recharge voucher most of
the times. It was sometimes in December; I met him and visited his school. His
small hamlet school was full of harmony and peace.
2009!
It was a New Year, new students and new teachers. Euchung Lhamo was one of
them. She was a New English teacher.
Autumn
picked up! Season for farmers to harvest their cash crops and it was season of
love for Zangpola. Where he was madly and deeply in love with Euchung (he never
told us when he was in relationship). “Sweetheart, I’ll C U in library B4
Assembly. Be on time baby” every morning Euchung used to text Zangpola. They meet
in library, talk awhile hug and kiss for starting a day. Euchung was one who has
added tremendous elixir on Zangpolas life. She gave him wings of hope, inspire
to soar high. He was completely engulfed in her love; he could just give her
enormous feelings of his love.
It
was pouring down heavily, nailing drops on Zangpolas CGI rooftop. Summer (Midterm break of academic year 2010 ) again,
he tried to call Euchung but network denied him. After awhile he discovered phone
was switched off. Heavily loaded heart has beaten faster than a normal rate.
Next
day, early morning he waited for text. There was neither a message nor Euchung Lhamos sign of return from break.
The intense thud inside and day became gloomy.
“He
is my husband Zangpo” said Euchung. Hi and hello, murmured. It was a worst
introduction he ever did. He couldn’t do anything. He was just a class X pass
out simple boy, who is compare less to son of contractor and English madam.
There
after he started drinking and smoking. His punctuality and honesty has faded. Interest
of teaching lost and finally he got fired.
Standardization of equality
defines here. Scale of false unity he assumed. His dreams got shattered. Presuming
initial formulae of goodness answers the worst. Best thing is you give your
best and expect the worst.
Zangpola is loyal friend and
simple legendary man I will ever meet. He is currently a final year student of
Sherubtse college undergoing bachelors in BA English dzongkha.
