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.