The Myth Of A Local Healer

Even after hospitals and basic health units have covered almost every corner of the nation attending to the needs of the sick citizens, some still believe the myth of the powerful local healers. They usually seek the help of local healers when they lose faith in the care from health care workers when they suffer from chronic morbid diseases and malignant conditions. They hear rumors and stories of how the local healer treats those hopeless sick people and free them from the chronic illness. Their faith and trust are doubled by these magical and astonishing stories. Being a health practitioner, we advise patients to never opt for local healing as it is hazardous to health. For instance, for chronic stomach ache some prefer to go to the healer to ease their pain, whereby their belly is cut opened with unsterilized blades and blood is drained out. It further increases the chances of sepsis and injury to the underlying veins and arteries which the local healer is unaware of. Medicine is based on scientific proof and clinical investigations, whereby the patients are treated accordingly.I came across my patient who had circular marked bruises on his right cheek, which was due to a procedure done by the local healer to ease his severe tooth ache. I advised him to forbid visiting local healers when we have health care workers. They don’t read anatomies, they don’t do investigations and they don’t have the competency to heal others. So on what basis do the people still seek their service?? I had been wondering and I still wonder. It’s even harder to convince them to avoid getting treatment from the local healers.

After crossing miles of ranges and few rivers, I came across a two storied house. The lower storey was build with stamped mud and the upper with kneaded bamboos. A tap was build just in front of the house. The toilet was build outside with another water tap near it. Beside the tap was an open shed like structures most probably for wood work. After sitting for a while on his sofa, we were offered cup of tea each. The patient wished him and he was all smiles. The patiemt offered him plastic bag filled with fruit juices and biscuits. He says "you should not have taken all this trouble." He had the sleeves of his gho tied on his belly exposing his blue, black and white stripped polo shirt. His head was grey with white hairs signifying he has passed his youthful days. He had two black rubbers rings worn, one on his each wrists. His smile unveiled those brownish doma-stained teeth. He had varicose as his leg revealed those tortuous veins almost ready to explode and spill out those venous blood.  It seemed he doesn’t rest after long tedious hours. When kids were having fun shouting and teasing each other, he warns them and they climb up through the ladder to the upper storey. He was strict with his nephews and nieces. 

He enquires the patient what sickness had befallen on him. The patients slowly explained his chronic stomach pain which tortured him for years. He showed his belly and pin pointed how the pain radiates. The patient tells the healer that even the medicines from the hospital wasn’t effective to relive him from the pain. “I have heard stories of how you treat and heal patients; please do a check up as you please”. The man listens carefully to his patient’s every word. Meanwhile I stayed quiet and observed every conversation between them. The man sat beside him and held his arms for few seconds; I knew he was kind of checking his pulse. The vitals come first in medical set up and I assumed that he was doing almost the exact same thing as health professionals. But I doubted his accuracy of checking vitals.

He gently places his fingers over the stomach and palpates all the way through abdomen. Then he explains that it is probably due to poisoning just as the patient had believed. He explains that due to poisoning the blood flow is restricted towards all the parts of the body and that the stomach pain radiates towards abdomen and gives a feeling as if stomach is lifted. And that the patient will not have a good satiety even if he has his fill. He convinces the patient that due to poison, the blood is impure and circulates all over the body, with his medicine the patient will frequently experience numerous times of loose stool such that the impure blood would be washed along with the poison. He compared his medicines to be like ante venom or an antidote. The healer explains that the poison clots the blood and obstructs the smooth flow of blood.  It was comparable to the thrombus hindering the blood flow through the arteries and blood vessels in patho physiological context. I related his explanations to be like lecture during the pathology session attended during the college days. His medicines were probably going to act like the laxatives relieving constipation. 

It was now time for him to dispense his powdered medicines after explaining the patho physiology, referred pain and the mechanism of actions of his medications. He takes out two small containers filled with his medicine. He takes out a dispensing plastic and fills it, he explains that it will cause loose motion and clear out the poisons absorbed by the body. Next he wraps small pinch of powder in a paper and advises the patient to take that much amount thrice a day for a month. He calls them Chirika(Dhugmen) and Drakponagtsho. In our context it would be like administering the correct dosage for a correct duration. The healer carefully hands over the medicine to the anticipating patient. Again for the next medicine he does the same procedure and this time he explains that it will act like an anti-ulcer medicine which will relive his stomach ache. Since the patient had mentioned that he is hypertensive, he advised to have the medicine an hour before he takes antihypertensive medications. The healer advises to avoid radish, dry fish and citrus fruits which may probably contraindicate with his medications and aggravate the pain. The patient was eager to take the medications and thanked the healer. The healer denied thousand bucks that the patient handed him, but on repeatedly insisting he just accepted only 500 bucks.

From the basic examinations of vitals, going through patho physiology of disease, blood circulatory system, poisoning and clotting of blood, and referred pain, mechanism of action of the medicine and at the end the dispensing and advices, the local healer amazed me not because he was convincing, but due to the way I perceived his actions and speeches in the medical context. I was also in a dilemma to believe in his cure or just take it as a mere person trying to act as a magical healer. But all in all, I could never be persuaded and fall into trap as every other layman. The encounter with the magical healer was quite a thrilling experience yet I urge all to think of medical advances where the scientific researches take years of animal and human trials to find a cure for a disease. And how could a mere person without a medical knowledge and competency treat a patient with some random collection of herbal medicines? This should ring loud and clear in your head whenever you hear stories or even happen to visit a local healer. Maybe the faith of some society for the local healer can’t be waivered but individual opinions and decision making plays a pivotal role. “Think before you act”, this cliché should click and it will always come in handy to save yourself from the myth of the local healer.

Storm Of Fate

As the cold was worsened by the oncoming breeze, they took few steps to get inside their old but peaceful home. It had never failed to keep them safe. It didn't abandon them even in very harsh climates that nature experimented on them.It was the most faithful of all, no wonder the couple survived decades.In the neighborhood, innocent figures were fully engaged in exchanging balls of ice and avenging their opponents with cheerful giggles and hysterical laughs.The older siblings were guiding their younger ones inside their homes after much resistance, tantrums and sharp wails. Perhaps the children weren't aware of the hazardous affects of cold to their bodies as they were fully hypnotized by the snow ball play.Fun was the most important thing they seeked after.And life was a fireball of excitements and adventures for them. The natives of the city were emptied by the chilling cold after forcing them to return to their cozy rooms. The shopkeepers shut down their business as the customers began to reduce in number.

The old man wrapped himself up with his favourite gray sweater and comfortably sat with his legs crossed on the bed. He rolled his prayer  beads as he chanted his usual mantras.Through the partially frosted window pane, he could see the garden to his right,  the still prayer flags soaked in ice in the front yard and his parking garage to the left. He took a glimpse to the high ranges drawn with rivers of highway that lead towards the capital city.Unlike those roads, he was travelling through the twists and turns of life with an unknown destination. Every path leads to an end point, the finish spot but the journey he was undergoing seemed endless like a hollowness of an unknown universe. His body was kept warm by the glowing red hot iron rods of the electric heater kept nearby the bed.

The rainy storm had worsened the night. The foot paths were murky and slippery. Pools of stagnant mudfilled rainwater lay scattered like potholes on the road, piling up hurdles for him.Tshering could hear her warm breath fading and her shaggy eyes shutting down. He carried his only world on his back. He was alone and frightened. Yet, he kept pushing his heavy feets and gathered all his courage to keep him moving." Hang on a bit longer mom, we are almost there!!!" , his voice was desperate yet breaking. His watery eyes were drained of by the rain drops.Her breathe constantly produced vapours which instantly disappeared into the showers of rain. The tall dark figures of tress stood in silence but the rustling leaves added noises which was absorbed into the hollow darkness of the night.

He could see the dim Red Cross brightened by the glowing tube lights next to it. It was a late late night.Wait, no, it was an odd and a very early morning to be more specific.The clock struck at 1, everyone had been peacefully lost in their wonderful dreams. He didn't have time to think and act rationally because every second was precious like a drop of water in the middle of the dessert. There wasn't a minute to call for help. He was facing the condemnation of the aggressive night.The insects were singing chorus of songs, maybe their cries or excitements,  it  always sounded familiar but with strange purpose underneath.The serene moon helped him conquer the fearful darkness and it showered him the strength to still see his goal, beautifully waiting for him and promising him a hope. Despite the howling wind and heavy rain hiting and shaking his body, he had dragged himself for an hour to reach  his destination. As he reached the emergency ward, he implored, " Please , help me!!!  Anyone here?? " The fat old guard walked clumsily, probably still in his sleep with his red weary eyes he opened the gate and went back to continue his unfinished business. The nurses on duty had already rushed towards him and helped him to get his mother on bed.

They immediately checked on the vitals and resuscitation was under process.One of the beautiful nurse quickly took down the history of the patient. "What Happened ?" " I was just turning of the lights when my mom suddenly coughed harder. "He was stammering. "I... gave her salbutamal spray and she was better.When I was awakened by the flashing thunder, my instinct wanted to check on my mom". " Your mom had a history of Asthma, right? " Her voice was soft and soothing. "Yes, I thought she was in a sound sleep but I saw her pale. I went closer but didn't feel her breathing." his voice was getting worried. He talked nonstop and more than he was asked. "You have any previous medical records and papers? "She interrupted."Ah... Umm...Yes" He wasn't himself,  he felt unusual and unsure.He fumbled out a paper wrapped in polythene plastic envelope from his pocket and handed over to her with his slippery hands.She saw him all drenched,his folded pants upto the knee and mud paint all over his legs. She pitied him.She assured him,  "We will do want we can.Calm down okay?" The Doctor was notified and he arrived after few minutes.He compressed the chest numerous times to bring back the body to life. He was sweating and the assisting team was also alternatively compressing the chest. They were the saviour and sometimes they brought back people from dead and that's why people always worshipped and respected their noble profession.

The monitor graph ran straight and beeped continuously "Ti-Ti-Ti" They immediately stopped the procedures. For them this was very normal but saddening as they failed this time.The hospital not only gave new lives but also took away lives at the same time. Heaven and hell was seen in the wards and hospital beds,  indeed it was the place to witness both sufferings and happiness. In the other ward,a couple was celebrating the joy for the birth of their new son. The husband thanked the gynecologist and planned to throw a party that night.He had invited all his friends,  family and neighbors for a dine. All were cheering and singing with joy for the greatest gift.But here, his mother wasn't even taking a breathe and was fighting between the two realms of life and death.She didn't even get a second to say a final goodbye to his beloved son. And finally she succumbed to the cruelty of icy hands of the death.
The doctor was dejected and his paramedical team noted down the time and date of death.The doctor frowned and tightened his lips.He walked towards the boy and patted on the shoulder to convince him to stay strong. The boy's face whitenened with shock and fear.He was frozen and confused. His eyes breamed with tears and each time he closed his eyes, a drop ran down his cheeks. There wasn't need for any consolation or comfort now.For a moment, he wanted to shout out and throw out all his frustrations at once and let the piled up sadness flow out until every thing drains out of empty his heart. Something held him back and all he could do was to just shed out his tears of sadness only to swollen his eyes and momentarily wipe his runy nose.

The world was always cruel. Why the god always takes everything from the poor soul like me?? What have I done to not please god?? Is he not satisfied after taking away my dad??  Are there still more turmoil I have to undergo? Don't I deserve some share of my happiness?" Thoughts mixed up inside his mind and he was lost. His tumultuous mind blamed his own fate.He remembered his late father who always advised him to face everything but to never blame and loathe anyone, for it is a sin and that everything happens according to one's karma.

The old man's eyes were still fixed on the red iron rods that gave him warmth.The red lights reflected on his eyes taking him back to the cremation day when the fire engulfed his mother's body and evaporated every bit of the remains.People had come for consolation and like him,  many had gathered as they had lost their beloved member of the family. The rituals were performed on the ominous day as fixed by the astrologer.He was just fifteen and his neighbors had contributed for the funeral rites after he went door to door to ask for the donation.He was helpless and pathetic soul. He cried most of the nights and he couldn't sleep well. He was alone and frightened.For the first time he was emotionally weak as he couldn't handle the harsh reality of the incidence which repeatedly played like a movie in a theatre.He felt heavy responsibility for he must survive alone now. No one was going to feed him anymore but himself.He would always feel his body shivering whenever the storm hit the place provoking nightmares and he would wake up to the long continuous rumbling of the sky in the middle of the night.

Even that remained behind was  handful of  ashes which were blown away by the wind making sure that nothing remained back and all,rightfully returned back to the earth, the origin of life. The old man wiped his wet eyes and took a long breathe. He sighed though his heart still ached. May god see the truth.He continued his prayers. Though melancholic days consumed him, he always thanked god for giving the best mother in the whole wide world. No one could replace her. He could  still choose her over anything.Her late night lullabies,  the gifts toys,  her sweats for the family , everything was still fresh yet unreachable. Samsara is the home of every single living creatures and forever it will be. The soul lives on, we shall meet again dear mother. He made a final wish with his pure heart. The crimson sun was partially blurred with cumulous clouds appearing like a giant candies floating freely in the blue sky and frequently bumped onto each other by the oncoming breeze. Life resembled those puffs of clouds pushed up and down by the daily struggles and obstacles, only to disappear into the thin air.

IS MONEY EVERYTHING??

Sometimes deep down my heart and deep inside my head, there lives a doubt, a kind of fear about the things around me.It feels as if I am stepping into a world of wonders where everything seems simple and inviting yet complicated and dangerous.For a second I feel everything going smooth and my life looks good for me.After a flick of second when I lie down on my bed alone and as my mind wanders off, I often get distracted with every little scenes and situations occurring around, some from present and some adds from the past.

One thing which literally keeps striking hard on my head is the word "Money" Everytime, anywhere and everywhere its impossible to live our life without it.Indeed it has become the source of our happiness indirectly, it has been an important asset to be worshipped.But its consequences are the unending greediness and desires for wealth and pleasure.Now the time is not like those days when our ancestors used to have barter system to fulfill the needs and wants.There is drastic change which all of us can see with our very own eyes.As high as the post of prime ministers and as low as the beggars all look for money, the difference between the two is the former is rich and works for more money to improve living standard but the later is poor and begs for money to have single meal a day to survive.However the ultimate goal is "Money"

My college life demands me more money and time, the Dental course costs me lots.From the pen to those instruments for clinicals, I have to arrange everything.I often get broke and my account stays dry.Moreover to keep my scooty running I do have to refuel it which doesn't come free.I do get financial assistance from my family and I am happy to have their support.But amidst their help sometimes I literally get broken down with only a hundred rupees in my bank account.Those days I start to wonder about "Money"- The ultimate source of wealth and pleasure.Money can buy a little share of luck, a little deal of time and a little share of happiness.When my account is smiling me with those shiny new notes, I go out for dinning with my friends, buy my stuffs, or go around with my glowing new shirts and bright shoes.Even my scooty sparkles in the sun,looking perfect after a good refuelling and servicing.

Money is a powerful mood-maker or mood-breaker.When you are so broke without even a good amount to have a good meal, it literally and morally makes you feel low and brings down your self esteem.The other way round, if you possess wealth, you can walk with your head held high, becoming an exhibitionist and enjoying all the comforts it showers upon you.Now there is something called as "Debt", the money due to be paid to the lender.Either friendship breaks or the borrower gets insulted for not returning it back on time.Sometimes it becomes the root cause for misunderstanding within families.Some sell their bodies for money and some kill for money. Money can lead us upto such an extent as high as heavenly comforts or as deadly as the insecurity of life.
Once everyone might have tried to think and wondered what would have been the situation in absence of it. What if there was no such asset as "money"? Would there be jobs? What about developments or change in the world? Will people become active or lazy? Would there be any greediness or desires? Would there be any buy and sell? Will there be still love and care in family? Would there be distinction as rich and poor? How will the people cope up with each other? How will the nations stay united and friendly? Will there be happiness? Will the life be as adventurous and worthwhile?The chains of questions are uncountable.

Now the final question all needs to ask ourselves is that, "Is money everything??"I can neither give a definite answer to this nor I can  conclude regarding it.Everyone needs to give one thought about it.It is aptly said, "Money will buy a bed but not sleep; books but not brains; food but not appetite; finery but not beauty; a house but not a home; medicine but not health; luxuries but not culture; amusements but not happiness; religion but not salvation; a passport to everywhere but heaven."Depending on the situation, money can be everything or it can be nothing,we need to remember it and act accordingly.

Dawn Of My Legacy

Tashi wakes upon the call of the noisy alarm he had set the night before. The rooms had already been lit up bright and the sun’s rays revealed the dusts floating freely in the air. After a quick shower, he turns on the oven and toasts some bread. He enters his alter where the walls could be seen decorated with Thangkas, the religious scrolls and the fresh smell of the burning incense sticks purified the room. The aroma filled the entire apartment. He chants his usual prayers and performed few prostrations. In front of the giant dressing mirror, he adjusts his outfit, the white coat over his light blue collar shirt. His navy trouser was a good match with his dark brown shining shoe. He takes out the plate from the oven and sandwiches the omelette in between the loafs of bread. He dips it in jam and digs in with a momentary sip of his coffee.

He smiles to every new faces he meets in the hospital compound. The two storeyed buildings seemed to be still holding strong. Everyone looked busy with their schedules and work pattern. He walks over the dispensary counter and greeted to a familiar face. He was his senior back in college. Tashi was glad he knew at least a face among dozens. His senior helped him to get the key to the work unit. Tashi opens the door to find it spacious with well equipped cupboards, chairs and the tables neatly arranged. He enters another door to the left to see the working chamber. All the necessary instruments were arranged and the room looked convenient for the work. Tashi sits on the revolving arm chair and goes through the register to kill his curiosity. Just then a nun enters the room with a prescription; he quickly notes down the details and does a filling for her. Two more patients come seeking for his service and he renders it with enthusiasm.

He was astonished to see numerous missed calls from his brother and he calls back. . “Why aren’t you receiving my call?” Wangchuk barked. “I was engaged with few patients”, he responded softly. “Come to get blessing from Garab Rinpoche. Be quick!!” Beside the highway, everyone was perfectly lined up in a long queue. He rushed out quickly and found a space in between where he gently squeezed in. He smiled after a fortunate blessing on his first day of work.He receives an invitation for a soccer match after the working hours, which he gladly accepts. He joins hesitantly with the hospital staffs and drove off to the ground. The match started in a dry sandy ground with chilling breeze of winter sweeping across the faces and occasionally leaving behind storms of dust. He tries to fit in and coordinate with the team. After a wonderfully competitive match, his goals also contributed to their deserved victory over the opponents. Tashi enjoys the treat with the team.

The darkness slowly consumed the sky as the sun slowly glided down the edges of the mountain ranges. The chilling breeze produced swooshing roars as it brushed past the dried tree leaves. The chilling winter haven’t stopped its effect of keeping most of the villagers at home and harvest of crops at bay. Tashi lied in his bed satisfied with the good start of his career which he has anticipated. A good beginning to the lifeline of his career indeed made his day unforgettable.

Winter Whispers

The breeze grew more chilling to the bones that kept all the dwellers at the mercy of bukharis and electric heaters. The moonlit night adorned the empty sky with millions of twinkling stars gazing down the earth, each one brighter than the other. The naked branches of the trees rustled against each other as the last of the remaining leaves fell down helplessly. The withered grasses were nearly at the brink of an extinction. My every gasps of breathe got humidified by the bitter coldness. The window panes were blurred. The droplets of dew slides down after it is saturated and pulled down by its own weight. The water from the tap numbs my hands as I do the laundry which remains hanged for more duration than usual to get dried by the sunlight. The food served warm needs to be gobbled down fast along with fuming warm cup of water, as the warmth disappears quickly. It’s then, the perfect season to protect and prevent my delicate body from frosting . The dwellers do all the possible tricks, ranging from wearing  mufflers, caps, socks and gloves  as an additional attire. Even the mattresses and the blankets fall victim to the raging coldness that creeps inside the building.

The distant ranges are freezing and the coldness sweeps across the entire nearby valleys . The midday sun shines brighter only to be hindered with never ending candies of standstill and adamant clouds. The night falls earlier providing more time to enjoy a peaceful sleep but turning my body into an old lazy log. The joy of cracking the walnut and digging out its creamy brain-like contents with my loved ones was one of my favorite hobby during my innocent childhood life. I still remember the delicious taste of suja filled with walnut served by my mom, which always made my day.  Some of the villagers can be seen making a bonfire, singing and dancing around it in a circle. I learned that chewing betel nuts and drinking a cup of locally brewed aras are the favorite tricks to warm up the body and hypnotize it for a peaceful nap. One and half hour  of running around the field with balls in my feet is enough for me to forget the bitter coldness. The intense heat weaves in my college days left me almost half-cooked and dehydrated. The glimpse to those surviving days gives me shivers, yet a rooted experience remain with me always. The amazing feeling of the winter!!! This was what I always  wanted, just as my body yearned for. God had never failed to grant my wishes one way or the other.

Vaticination of The Golden Anniversary

There was something unusual about this winter. It was neither the chilling cold nor the creeping fear. It was the dead silence. It was the hysterical plague of silence haunting and provoking nightmares. No one had the clue to what was happening. It was once a peacefully crowded city with melodious music and laughter spreading out into every inns and apartments. Now, it turned into an abandoned place. People seemed to take less interest and many moved to other places in search of better life. It left voids in the hearts of the city dwellers and everybody gossiped about it. But some managed to cope up with the changes and continued their daily chores despite the emptiness bringing an unknown ruthless darkness.
All the fun! All the smiles! All the celebrations! Where are all these gone? Is this some kind of sorcery? Or a kind of curse inflicted upon the happy land? Does this resemble the aftermath of a war? The innocent farmers had been bereaved of their harvest. The mothers had been assigned with additional works to feed hungry mouths. The roads seemed less travelled and the shops less visited. The old prayer flags fluttered weakly. The sounds of the temple bells were fading. The usual  howls and cries of the packs of stray dogs were becoming less frequent. Even the birds were flying off towards other side of the valley. Happiness had unfortunately faded into the thin air, spreading a melancholic shivers throughout the city.


“I will come back”. The husky voice still lingers in his mind. The promise was not kept for a sake, it was determined with a strong purpose. He slowly rocks his old dusty chair as he sips his hot coffee in the balcony. He had aged more than he should. It was the stress and the longings that kept him awake most of the nights. His intense gaze was focused to those peaks adorned with thick creamy ice unfolding its beautiful scenery as the sun slowly distributes its rays upon the ranges. He could still breathe strong and walk miles. That kept him mentally youthful. He feels a soft gentle pad on his shoulder. Before he could utter a word, he is handed over a beautiful new sky blue muffler. “Thank you darling”. “phew…I could finish it just a minute ago. It took much longer than I anticipated. Try it now” He slowly adjusts it as he wraps it around his neck. “How do I look?”  “Always handsome. Indeed, more and more every day.” She teased with her hand holding his chin and swaging it. Her voice was still soft and soothing to his ears and he could listen to her words thousand times over again. He had a surprise too. “open it”  It was  a blue colored wrapped square frame. Her eyes beamed with tears and her wrinkled face reflected on the frame showing her photo of her first date with him, her only lover.

They were both eighteen. His shy face and her funny pose made her miss those youthful days more. Even to these days, she was strong, always a beautiful soul to listen to his sorrows and dance over his happiness. What was his was equally hers. And what she wanted was exactly what he wished too. It was the coincidence of true fate and trust that blended them. Today was their golden jubilee of married life and it wasn’t like any other ordinary days. No celebrations of parties, no invitations. But they had it their own way. Reminding and being grateful for being the life’s best companion. Each unusual year had never been able to separate their thoughts. They had endured every bit of both the worst and the best days together with warm smiles across their faces without breaking their hopes for upcoming days. Time hadn’t flawed their hopes and places haven’t unchained their trust. They weren’t perfect but their sacrifices and understandings for each other was what made their days perfect.

The frost consumed most of the landscapes, damping the places filled with yellowish dried grasses. The dews evaporated with fumes as the intensity of the sun increased bringing warmth and hope to the living beings including ants and every other tiny living creature you name it. For some it was the perfect time for hibernation and for others to grow thick furs to protect themselves from the chilling winter. Plants and flowers withered yet some evergreens still lay untamed and undisturbed by the cold. Some situations tested us but some were blessings in disguise making us stronger.

The Ride

The drive was refreshing as the cool breeze wiped off the stress in their busy heads and it had an additional affect, it cooled down their over working hot heads. The minutes of drive turned into hours as she slowly hugged him from behind and he felt his body with waves of electric impulses triggering a genuine happy smile across his face. The silly talks added with passing by greeneries and warm vapours of her breathe  fogged on his ears as she spoke. Strands of her silky dark hair occasionally brushed across his face and he felt it as the magic brush sweeping away his melancholic and stressful days, promising a beautiful time with his love.Her body warmth keep him conscious all the time, protecting him from the chilling wind.

After turning of the keys of the beautiful dark R-15 motorbike, they stopped near the highway filled with busy hawkers selling fast food and fresh juices. She immediately went over and ordered for 2 pieces of roasted chicken. They digged into the hot meat slowly and in between the hungry bites, quenched their thirst with freshly prepared apple juice which smelled as if it was still rippen, unplucked and hanging by a stalk in the orchard.He asked for a plate of vegetable dumplings stuffed with cheese and cabbages. And they had another couple of rounds and when it came to dumplings, those tasty pieces reflected on their eyes like diamonds, it was their favourite and they ate in different fashion like kung-fu Panda, the dragon warrior. He turned his key into ignition and she slowly hopped behind. The tire seemed to be pressed little more on the road and they both giggled as their weight seemed heavier with full bellies. He zoomed off to another unplanned destination.

They day was getting consumed by the approaching darkness, he needed the headlight to guide him further. They were compelled to halt on hearing the mela shops crowded with kids.She insisted him to take a walk around and have a look.She grabbed a pair of earrings and asked if it suits her.He nodded with agreement. They found their common interest,the large rotating wheel, they were both looking at each other when their minds clicked with a wide grin across their faces. They both seated on the large wheel which was about to turn 360 for several minutes.They were both nervous and had interlocked their fingers, the other hands holding the seat.The enormous wheel slowly turned, it shook and started turning faster. They were beautifully raised several feets above the ground, their hearts felt dizzy as they were pulled down near towards the ground. She screamed with fright and enjoyment. He needed to be strong in order to let her feel safe. Inside him,  chills of fright consumed him and made him pale. But he tried to stay calm though he closed his eyes occasionally , distracting his mind to think it as a game. She began to hold his hand more tighter.Her heart felt happy as it ascended but when it descended her heart felt cold and numb with fright. The other riders were screaming loudly creating a chorus of shrills. As the wheel slowly came to stop, they laughed at how it could scare them yet they enjoyed. Some were throwing up and they felt pit. He whispered her that luckily it was not them,if it was, all their lunch would be wasted. Another round of giggles.The first experience was still the best.

They rode back to their apartment,took shower and wore their pyjamas.They stood near the swimming pool with their legs immersed little above the ankle.They clanked their wine glasses and took a sip each.They had endless talks,  giggles and she patted on his shoulders whenever she laughed out so loudly that she was unable to control her excitement.She swooped out and splashed a handful of water on his face and he wiped it. He immediately avenged with handful of ice cake he had on his other hand, he smashed it on her face.He always had answers for her surprises.He mocked her as she was dumbfounded. She had that "seriously??" expression. Feeling stupid, she laughed.He handed her a tissue and she wiped it off. He could feel the happiness in her eyes and the warmth of love in her heart.He pressed his lips onto hers and she held him closer. They lay frozen in each other's embrace.The serene moon reflected on the pool, glittering it and casting their shadows on the pool.