My Concern

My Concern
It was just two years and Aakash could feel such a huge difference at his hometown at the very first sight. It was probably the weather that made him feel different about Pokhara. The window of airplane tried to describe him his home town and there was nothing abnormal for him to search for his house from such a height. When he could see airplane from his house, why can't he see his house from the airplane? Finally the airplane landed, and he got out. Pokhara! His place! His father, his mother and his two sisters were all thereby to welcome him. Aakash was happy for sure and in fact the entire family members were happy! Wow! He could see a new family car NAZA The vehicle was bought from his earning. So the family moved towards Srijana Chowk, their home.
'Babu, how long will you stay in Nepal?' his mom asked.
'Fifteen days mamu'
'I will take you to your thulomamu's house, mama's home as well, they keep on talking about you' his mom again said.
'First let our son to reach home, take rest' his father who was driving the car said.
'Bhai, what did you bring for me?' his elder sister asked.
'1$...you love collecting money haina?'
'Hya!!! Say it na'
'Okay, I have bought SLR for you happy?'
'Wow! Wow! Now that will just be mine and Aakriti now I don t need your stupid digital camera..; Aakriti was his younger sister. It was Aakriti's turn now
'And dada what is there for me?'
'Kurta Surwal' he said.
'Hya say na..'
'Now I am here, you want me or some other things?'
'But I said you for I phone dada'
'Yeah yeah...I have bought your I phone and the latest one!'
'Thanks Thanks and Thanks...where is it? In this suit case or this one?'
'Oh ho first let us reach home' his father said from the very first seat.
----


Nothing had changed in his room since last two years. The hanging Cobain's photo dusty guitar music player everything was everything was exactly the same. Hanging Arsenal's logo was still thereby. He had his lunch in the room itself, gave his sister what he brought from States and slept. No place in the world can provide a better place to sleep than their own room and own bed and beside that Aakash was tired. His father went office and then his sisters were busy with their new gadgets.
----
It was around four in the evening when Aakash woke up and turned TV set on. Now this was amazing, he could hear new voice..
'Aakash dai tea! Mamu sent it for you!'
Huh! Who is this young lady? He did not utter a word, she kept the tea in front of him and went. He tried to remember his entire family tree diagram, but could not predict who she actually ways.
'Okay, did Sraddha bring you the tea?' Mom came asking me. She saw the tea and said, 'Yah she did she is really obedient.. .'.
'Who was she?' Aakash said.
'Oh I forgot to tell you earlier, she is Sraddha...you remember Mama's kaka? He brought her here to work She gave her SLC year back, and now we are sending her to High School'
He now understood that his mom has brought her to work as servant. Mom was speaking continuously, and still Aakash could not divert his attention towards his mom's voice. He was not thinking about Sraddha either but nor was he giving his prime attention towards television and no one could ever say what he was thinking of maybe US or places

Next morning, the first thing he did was sent his bike for servicing. He had to keep his bike for almost half day there so he returned back to his home at Srijana Chowk. This was a get together place for all his friends few years back. His good friend Biplav used to stay at Prithivi Chowk, five minutes walk from his home but now he was at Bangladesh doing his MBBS. Bishal was at Kathmandu and the only good friend at Pokhara was Pratik. Pratik's home was near Gandaki Zonal Hospital and he would certainly need his bike to reach there because he hated using public vehicle.

He was walking towards his home and was even feeling that the place of his birth, where he used to rule sometimes back has been completely new. He could not recognize any girls of his place either. 'Hey wait! This face seems familiar to me Is not she Priyanka? Yeah she is! Oh my God!! She was so small and now she is grown up?' He was talking to himself. He ultimately reached home.

Mom asked if he was ready for lunch. He went to kitchen and sat on dining table. Everyone came, and the table with six chairs got just one empty after four years. Sraddha was offering food to us and just because of her presence he was kind of uncomfortable at his own home. First she gave it to dad, then to his mom, to his elder sister and to him and finally to his younger sister. She added vegetables to everyone and offered him some more rice. He was hungry, she was a good cook, but he could not accept just because of nervousness not exactly nervous but he was kind of unfriendly with her. Only after serving every family member Sraddha had her lunch sitting alone and Aakash noticed it.

In the afternoon, he got his bike and rushed to Pratik's home. Luckily, he was at his home and there was a ground. At first Pratik showed some dissatisfaction for staying completely out of touch, but later he was okay. Pratik shared everything from how he broke up with Alina to his sister's marriage. Both of them then went lakeside Pratik demanded treat and this was obvious. It was already evening and Aakash's family would definiately smell even if they had just a peg, so Aakash promised next day to give him a treat.

Aakash reached home at seven and he was asked where he was throughout the day. This was certainly not United States for him to gain freedom. But with true explaination of being with Pratik made everyone satisfied. All of them knew Pratik as he was old friend of Aakash. It was completion of second day out of fifteen. Again he could see Sraddha working in Kitchen.
'Dada you made girlfriend?' Aakriti came asking him.
'Nope! Why you need my girlfriend?'
'Just like that '
'So how are your studies?'
'Okay..'
'How much did you obtain in eleventh grade?'
'Seventy two '
'And you say okay? At least distinction is minimum requirement.'
'What will you study after twelve ni?'
'Nursing and you must send money for my studies.' She said teasing. Dad was again stuck with news. Everything is same in Nepalese politics what's there to watch? He felt. Again after dinner, it was the end of third night.

Next morning view of beautiful mountains consumed his morning. Mt. Machapuchre was till the same but why was there black spots? Mt. Annapurna he could see entire view from his window itself. He could not figure out and the time went so so fast.
Knock! Knock! Someone knocked the door.
'Babu today there is pooja at grandma's home all of us are invited we must go hai.'
'No mom! I will not go there, I had already promised Pratik.'
'But at least you should meet her!'
'I will go with Pratik after lunch.'
'Okay, but drop Sraddha at Prithivi Chowk, she will have to bring some vegetables today.'
This was great for him. He could get drunk. So after dinner he was about to go when Sraddha came
'Drop me at Prithivi Chowk no please 'she said.
'Okay, sit back!'. He could feel her hair and at sudden stop entire body he could feel something waking up something getting tight. His inner wear were good, but when one sit on bike, how can one get comfortable at such situation?
He dropped her at Prithivi Chowk and went to pick up Pratik. So they now made their way to their old poor bar, near Begnas Lake.
'So what do you want?' Aakash asked.
'Fed up with Royal Stag, and when you are there to sponsor Blue Antiquity.'
'Have fun buddy!'
They ordered the whiskey a quarter and started drunkards talk from politics to music to movies to old past days to current problems within three hours they were with four quarters.
'This is my last peg yaar, I also need to drive you home.' Aakash said.
'But I will complete it it had been so long I had not got myself drunk!'
They then went around the lake, enjoyed scenerios, applied the old style of chewing tea leaves, other leaves, a bite of Pudinhara, ate Paan to remove the smell from their mouth and after certain refreshment Aakash dropped Pratik till his home and went his home.

Sraddha was watching television when he reached home
'Did mom, dad and others come?' He asked.
'No aunty and all will be coming late night, almost at ten' she said. It was just five.
'Dai, you must be hungry, I have made kheer for you can I bring?' she asked.
'Okay!' He said just because he could not reject although he had his stomach full. She went to kitchen and was doing something when Aakash was watching television .
14. Kantipur TV Call Kantipur
15. Image Music of Your Choice
16. Sagarmatha News
17.NTV Something of village
18.SONY CID
He was changing the channels with remote at the time when it was
49.Fashion TV
She came in, smiled with shy and he automatically forwarded the channel list. She was still smiling and Aakash was nervous. He took two spoon of Khir and asked her if she had it. No, was her reply so he asked her to have joing him. She said no, but his pressure could not deny her. So they began having Khir from same plate with two spoons .
'What were you watching earlier?' She teased him
'Chup!' he said.
They had the Khir and she said she now needs to wash cloth and went. He was just alone, so went to bathroom and started talking to her. She was in pink maxi, washing cloths.
'Where are you from?'
'Baglung'
He did not have had any topics so talk of, so was just watching her. Everytime she bent down, he could see the breast separating line that made his pants tight He could even see her bra. Maybe she felt that he was watching it, therefore he even pulled it up, but again it fell down.
'I am feeling shy, please ' she said.
'Chup!' he said and threw handful water from the bucket to her.
She threw the water to him as well, and slightly bet him with her soapy hand. He pulled her hair and threw mug of water.
'Hya!! Now wait ' she said and was about to throw him water when he ran. She followed him with a mug and threw it near stairs at him. He now caught her, and hold her. She tried to escape, but he was bold He now kissed all of sudden at her forehead. She felt shy, and was not trying to run either. He now kissed her in her lips and was sensing her breasts from above the maxi within few minutes his hand was inside bra and he could enjoy the feelings of nipple. His pant was getting really tight kissing were going on
Knock! Knock!!
'Oh my God!' She said and ran away. He opened the door. It was his mom.
'Babu, I thought you were hungry, so I came fast!' Mom said.
'I had kheer mom!'
'What is that? Why is there water? What happened?'
'Mom it was m .'
Sraddha interrupted and said 'Aunty, I dropped water jug there.'
'Oh! You were never careless what happened? Are you alright?' Mom asked.
'I had headache so sorry aunty!'
'That s okay! Are you okay now? Go and rest, I will wipe it!'
'No aunty, I am fine now I will do it ' she said and wiped within no time. He had nothing to do except watching.

Fourth morning at Pokhara, his mother took him to his mama's house for lunch and thulomamu's house for dinner. They did not come that night. Now he was no so excited but social-ity becomes important when one is living in Nepal.
They went Bindabasini early next morning. This reminded him his old days when he used to come there with his girlfriend Pratistha, she was a batch junior and they used to stay on the corner seeing the range of mountains and making promises to marry at the very same temple. But after he went US, they could not maintain distance relation and hence they ultimately broke up.
After reaching home, Sraddha delivered lunch to family again and they had nothing to do this day. Aakash was completely uncomfortable now, because he seriously had no idea regarding how to treat Sraddha now, how to face her and what to talk to her now. He was drunk that day, but he was in complete control as he came in his bike riding such long distance. Aakash asked his younger sister to company to make around Pokhara, but mom insisted to take Sraddha as well as she never got opportunity to make a round to Pokhara.

Three of them now got into the car and went out. Sraddha was at back and Aakriti was in front of the car, sitting beside Aakash. Aakash however could make a clear view of Sraddha through the mirror from his driving seat itself.

Presence of Sraddha made him nervous, but he had no options. Now all he could do is drive without a frank talk to his sister. His elder sister was always busy at her college, and Aakriti was a good friend since very young, so he was much more frank with Aakriti. So, he first drove to Lake Side, did the boating and even reached Barahi temple. Sometimes he could feel Aakriti trying to watch him, but Aakriti's presence could not let it go smooth either. At least one had to be absent there. After being back from temple, they went to Devis fall and Gupteshwor. Aakash was excited to reach till the bottom as he had never reached there earlier. He was even thinking to go a short trekking up to Peace Stupa but Sraddha made his mood change. So without giving a thought, he took both of them to the caf nearby and had momo. After the mom, he ordered coke and after this they were back to home.

Fifth morning he was at the roof when he saw parachutes falling down. This reminded him of paragliding. He talked to his mom, but she suggested him not go ho there, however he was keenly interested. So he called the agency and figured out the price. It was around six thousand bucks and he took his bike after lunch to Sarangkot. He reached top, parked his bike and did it. Up till certain height and falling down He could feel bird within him Down Weather was clear He could see entire Pokhara from eagle's eye So he finally reached down at the Lake Side. Oops!! He still had got his bike up. So steps that he had to go through public vehicle to reach top consumed his entire day and again after reaching to his bike he finally managed to reach home. He was trying to forget that incident with Sraddha, but every time he had to reach kitchen, her face reminded him of that.

Three days and then, he continuously stayed at his home talking to his dad, to his mom and sisters. Television, movies, facebook, chat were his time consuming strategies. On the ninth day, at the evening time, there were guests at his home. Sraddha came to his room to give him tea after serving to every guests. Both his sisters were out and dad and mom were busy talking to guest. Her transparent Kurta made Aakash pant tight and since it was the only time Sraddha found Aakash alone, she told him
'You were drunk that day haina?'
He became afraid and could realized that at the time of kissing, she must have felt it.
'Don't worry, I wont say!' she said and smiled.
'Mom had said me to arrange your room as well see your room is so messed up why do guys always sit in this manner?' she said to herself and was arranging my books.
'Did you have tea?' he asked.
'No!'
'Okay, take this'
'No, again you will be naughty, if I had not ate that kheer last time, you would never be ' she said and smiled.
'Chup! Just take it!'
She sat on the floor and took a sip of it. He said him to sit on bed and have the tea in peace, she could arrange room later. She obediently obeyed and sat on the bed next to him. Both were looking each other's face, and again it was Aakash who first touched Sraddha's hand.
'Not again! Mom and Dad are just there' she said.
He said her to shut her mouth and kissed her.
'Please, mom and dad are just there!' she again said and was trying to run away.
'The door is not locked either, you are really naughty' she was saying this and by this time Aakash's hand was already inside her bra. Now Sraddha could not utter a word, she was just silent and was allowing complete freedom to him. It did not take him much time to open her kurta from her body. The door was shut, but not locked; anyone could come in, without realizing this Aakash even threw her bra. They were getting physical, and he could hear Sraddha's new tone
'Are not you going to open even this shirt?'
He smiled and opened his shirt, his vest his nipple could be felt by her, and her nipple could be felt by his chest itself Suddenly Aakash opened the less of Surwal. This made Sraddha damn nervous and she tried to protest, but how could she? She could neither run, nor could make any defense. She could feel his finger inside her underwear by now. He could feel that she was breathing with difficulty, and taking this a chance, he made her completely naked. She had nothing in her body except locket at her neck.
Aakash could no longer take control over the tight pant, and he undressed himself as well. Evening time, both could hear mom and dad talking to guests from the room itself but no one could notice how difficult it was for Sraddha to breathe. Soon both could feel each other as one living organism because there was something attached physically between them though for short period of time. Everything was over within fifteen minutes, and Sraddha was out of his room.
She was tired, but had to cook food for the family. She went her room, took longer nap and straightly went kitchen to cook food.

Aakash could not sleep till late night.
'Why did I do that? There were lots of brothels around, I could have gone there what now if she tells mom?' Thoughts were revolving in his mind.
'Again I had not used condom as well, what if she grows pregnant? Now what am I thinking? How can I use condom? Had I any clue that I would fuck her? But what if she gets pregnant? Oh I have thrown the semen out, and I am kind of sure it has not fallen in! Now, how can I be sure of? It might have fell drops in as well should I hand over pills to her? Oh no! Or should I marry her now?'
He was changing his directions, right left but no where he could bring the sleep! Finally after two, he fell asleep.

'Wake up babu, we need to go grandma's house, you did not go there on the day of pooja as well, don t let her feel bad, lets move! Get ready! Hurry up!!' Mom came early morning to wake him up. He could not reject this time as he had already rejected earlier. So he went bathroom, got fresh and both of them went to grandma's home for lunch. Grandma loved him a lot, and even he loved her, but yesterday's event was bothering him. Grandma wanted them to stay there that day, but it was his mom who opposed. So with the sad note of grandma 'I am old, I hope I can again see you' they departed. It was already evening, he desperately wanted to see Sraddha, and went straight to kitchen. But the presence of elder sister did not allow him to talk to her, he could only see her face. He had his dinner in the kitchen. With the hope that Sraddha will come into his room again, he slept without locking the room but she didn t.

Early next morning he went to kitchen, maybe it was too early that even Sraddha was not there. He tried to go Sraddha's room but since he had to pass his elder sister's room to reach there, he could not dare after few steps.
It was already seven, and now mom came to kitchen before Sraddha.
'What happened babu? Why are you here so early? Feeling hungry?' Mom asked me.
'Nnn No mom! I wanted to see the changes in kitchen so '
'Okay sit here itself, I will prepare tea for you.'
'Wont Sraddha prepare it?'
'She wakes up at five, and I have made strict rules for her to study till half past seven, so she will be here only after half and hour.'
'But mom, I am not in hurry! I can wait.'
'After all, I have to prepare it for your dad, your dad is going out today, so let me prepare.'
'Where is he going?'
'I don t know, but he will be back till evening.'
She then prepared tea for the family members. Sraddha came inside at seven thirty. She was surprised to see him, and maybe that made her nervous too. With mom's order, she served tea to every family member in the house. Aakash did not move from the place, with the expectation he would at least get a chance to talk to her. He had no idea what to say, what to promise, how to console, but still he wanted to talk to her.

Eight am, and Sraddha started peeling the potatoes, mom was with washing vegetables. Sraddha now got engaged in washing utensils, and mom started cooking vegetables. He had nothing to do except watching mom and maybe or maybe not her daughter in law working in kitchen. He did not move from his place seeking for opportunity to talk to Sraddha, but did not get any. Nine thirty, they had lunch Even she had it at the same time. After lunch, mom got engaged in cleaning tables when Sraddha was busy washing utensils again. Now Sraddha went towards her room and mom was just in kitchen. Within few minutes, he saw Sraddha in her uniform; she entered in kitchen and said
'Okay Aunty, I am leaving Bye!'
Mom bid her farewell, and she went. He could not even speak a word to her. He could catch her on the way, but what excuse would he make if he was caught on the road with her to his family? So he stayed silently. Watching televisions could not bring him out of his problematic thing. The event of that day was still running within him. He had nothing besides waiting for her again
She came at four in the evening, and took an hour to get out of her room. Finally at five she entered kitchen to help mom.
'Why don t any guests come today? I need to talk to her at least.' He thought.
Aakriti came from her classes and was busy in Internet. Mom was still busy in kitchen, Sraddha was helping mom. They cooked food and he did not even get to talk to her. The day went in vein. It was ridiculous for him.

Next day was Saturday, so he again woke up early. He again went kitchen, but remembering yesterday's moment, he returned to his room.
'I know you wanted to talk to me yesterday, but why did you come kitchen?' Sraddha came in bringing tea.
'Hhhh how did you know?'
'I could see it in your face, but how could I talk to you there if you had stayed in room, I would at least come either to bring tea, or even making the reason to arrange your room.'
Aakash had no clue regarding that.
'I am leaving or else again you might grow naughty' she moved.
'No no! Wait, I am not getting naughty, need to talk something' he said.
'I will come again with the reason to take your cup; we can talk for just sometime then, and don t expect any talks coming to kitchen.'

He actually had bought pills to give her, but since it had already crossed forty eight hours, it really was of no use. He had nothing to do except waiting her. She came after some times
'Okay say what you wanted to say '
'Umm how are you?'
'That s it? Vak I thought it was something serious.' Maybe she was thinking that he would propose him?
'I am fine' she said laughingly.
'I actually have bought you pills for safety, but it has already crossed the time limit.'
'Ohh now?'
'Symptoms of pregnancy vomiting any thing happened like that?'
'No!'
'I hope everything is okay '
'Dont worry, if anything happens, I will immediately let you know, because its only you whom I can share with' she said.
'And when ever you want to talk to me, just enter kitchen once, and making a reason, I will come to your room.' She said and left.

He was relaxed now, at least to some extent. Pratik's visit consumed his Saturday. Both stayed in the room, talked, played guitar, watched movies, and at evening went out for a long walk. After being back, Aakash dropped Pratik to his home on bike and came back. It was already late, plus he was tired. So he slept.

On the twelfth day, he woke up late. He opened his eyes when Sraddha entered
'Still sleeping? Wake up!'
'Why? To be naughty?'
'Ya be naughty now mom's there and she will not just kill me even you! Here is your tea, wake up and have it, else it will get cold.' She said and went
Things began to revolve in his mind now 'She is really innocent but what if she tells it to mom? How will sisters view me then? What will be dad's response? But who cares? I will be headed towards States within few days! No! But I have to come here again They are my dad and mom But should I marry here? This is not United States where I can fuck and hate a girl '
He went straight to kitchen, watched her and returned back. Sraddha probably understood the symbol and hence she came to room.
'What happened?'
'I am afraid, if anything happens to you ?'
'Don't worry, nothing will happen to me!'
'What if it happens? I will be going United States within few days '
'I don t think anything will happen to me, but if .'
'Let's talk turkey, if anything such happens, let me know, I will be sending you money for abortion.'
'Abortion? Oh!! I never thought such things would happen to me'
'And don t let mom, dad or anyone know it.'
'Don't worry about that, even if I got caught, I will never take your name!'
'I will keep on calling on landline, so if you happen to see US number in the phone, do pick it.'
'Okay, but will I be able to talk to you? Mom and Dad will be thereby '
'Let me think .give me hint in a word, and I will call you when there is no one at home, but you need to hit a miscall from landline or even you can call because no one will ever suspect that you called me even if they happened to check the bill, because mom and dad keep on calling from the landline.'
'Hya! Nothing will happen as such' she said and went kitchen. What did she think? Maybe designed the dream to marry him, or seriously took the case lightly, no one knew since then.

He had to leave Pokhara on the fourteenth day, because he had to spend some time even in Kathmandu. He needed to go through his college for some reference letters, Embassy for some official propose, and even meet his few relatives thereby, plus he had to meet friend if he got time. This meant that he had just two days left in Pokhara. He had to go shopping plus meet his relatives last time before departure. At afternoon, he went to market, did his shopping. He had to take medicines, had to go medical checkups as well. Medical expenses in States would be really expensive. In the evening, he went for medical checkup with his sister Aakriti. He reached home at seven, and had his dinner. Sraddha was looking fine, nothing seemed so troublesome.

Fourteenth day; which meant last day for him in Pokhara. He took his younger sister again and went to his relatives for last farewell. Completed his final shopping and returned home. He had to go through packaging. This consumed his entire day. Now, he wanted to talk to Sraddha, but every one were coming and going to his room. After dinner, he went kitchen to give Sraddha a symbol, but Aakriti already was in room
'Dada send me money for buying a scooty hai see all my friends has got it and its just me, who need to take lift of Neha always '
'Okay, if I will earn by that time, I will but I don t have money right now, my entire expenses for this visit were from my money, my bank balance is just enough for next one month.'
He could see Sraddha trying to come, but Aakriti's presence compelled her to return back. Finally at ten, when everyone slept, she came to his room.
'You are leaving tomorrow morning hai?' she said with sad face.
'Yes, but don t worry, I will keep on calling, and I have one more reason to call, you! Note my number, if anything happens just hit miscall from this land line, I will try to call you immediately!' He even gave his number to her. She noted it on piece of paper.
He slightly kissed her in her forehead and said, 'Don't worry, I will call you, and if anything happens let me know.' He felt if he at least would have brought something for her, how happy she would be, but how would he know that Sraddha was new member in his family? She left room, with last look to him from the door. He must have felt, she was not able to sleep comfortably.


8am, that was his flight time, which meant he had to reach airport by seven. So he woke up early at five got fresh had his morning breakfast served by Sraddha. Sraddha did not study that day, maybe mom made her aware earlier. It was already six, and he went to terrace to see the beauty of his home town for the last time He was alone, he cursed his life, when his entire happiness, his family was here at Nepal, what the hell was he doing at US? He seriously didn t want to return, but he had no other options
'Babu, come now' He could hear his mom screaming.
He went down stairs, everyone were ready to bid him farewell. He wanted to drop tears, but couldn t drop He had to show that he was happy at the states as well. His mom put tika on his forehead and gave him blessings.
Aakriti, Mom and Dad were to company him till Kathmandu. So, Elder sister and Sraddha will be at home alone for two days. They brought taxi, and waved hands to elder sister, he could see Sraddha waving hand from the terrace to him.

Kathmandu stay for two days and one night was kind of busy for him, he could not meet his friends. He accomplished his Embassy tasks, met relatives and on the fifteenth day he left Nepal at late night After two transits he finally reached United States
***

One Month Later, he tried to call Sraddha, to ensure her menstruation cycle was going smooth, but always either Aakriti or mom picked up the phone, he could never talk to her. He tried to call for months, but couldn t hear her and one day with strong determination he asked to his mom
'How is Sraddha?'
'Sraddha? Don t talk about that bitch!'
'Why? What happened?'
'Khai, she carried someone's baby! How shameless! We kept her with such love and respect, and she got pregnant! She probably did this stupid thing when we went Kathmandu to send you! No one could be trusted, and we were wrong to regard her innocent '
'Where is she now?'
'Who will keep such bitch? Who will bear such responsibilities? We sent her back to her home; now either she will throw the baby or will have to get married It is none of our concern now'

*******
















Babu: Representing the meaning of son with love and grief.
Baglung: Place that lies in Mid Western Region of Nepal.
Barahi: Temple in Pokhara that lies in the middle of Phewa Lake.
Bhai: Younger brother
Bindabasini: A famous temple of Pokhara.
Chowk: Street, like people say Williams Street abroad, people in Nepal use Chowk for this word.
Chup: Be silent
Dada/Dai: Elder brother
Devis fall: Waterfall of Pokhara
Gupteshwor: Cave in Pokhara
Hai: Nepali word representing okay.
Haina: Isn't it?
Hya: Ohh!!
Kaka: Uncle
Khai: Nepali word meaning I don t know.
Kheer: Delicious food prepared by boiling rice in water, adding sugar.
Kurta Surwal: Typical South East Asian dress
Mama: Mother's brother.
Mamu: Mom, like people abroad use the word mummy for mother, Mamu is kind of popular name in Nepalese context for mother.
Mt. Annapurna: One of the mountain of Nepal.
Paan: People of South Asia generally have it as dessert, made using edible leaf that gets mixed up with honey, cherry, nuts and other things.
Pokhara: Place in Nepal, esp. tourists prefer this place at their visit to Nepal.
Pooja: Praying or worshipping god, Hindus do it.
Pudinhara: Tablet made out of pudhina, medicinal shrub, used for cleaning stomach. The smell however helps to minimize the smell when one is drunk.
Sarangkot: Place in Pokhara from where paragliding is done.
Thulomamu: Mother's elder sister.
Tika: Religious belief says that putting tika on forehead will give blessings to him as per Hindu tradition.

'Death of French Tourist in Nepal'

'Death of French Tourist in Nepal'

It was mid September, when five of us from college decided to a trip simply to remove examination hangover. This was three nights trip that was towards north from Kathmandu. It was towards Jiri. No, don’t get me wrong, I am not going to explain the things we did there, the story is something different. However I need to begin with just certain portion of our journey.

Since we had already missed the first bus, we waited for the second one. The bus carried five of we naughty, fun loving guys along with various other peoples. We could also see tourist thereby. It was not that we were trying to tease him, nor were we expecting anything, but we began with a simple 'Hello' on our journey. We found that he was traveling alone and was heading towards Jiri like we were. We had few clues about the place since one among us had already been there earlier as well. We had the knowledge that before reaching Jiri, if we drop down with the willingness to walk for five kilometer we would see amazing animal 'Lama' there. It was the cross of camel and sheep and was brought from Africa according to the peoples there by.

So, when we reached there, we explained the reason of dropping there to the tourist who was in the bus expecting him to join us; and he did. So after seeing the animal, we walked together. We talked various things with him, we made fun of Biber, we praised Byran Adams. We talked music, we talked the politics, we talked of peoples, we talked of Nepalese, and we talked of Nepal. On the way there was a check post, and he was stopped there. We thought it was to suck money from him but we were wrong. The police in charge explained the exact reason.

'Last month a French tourist came here, and troubled us. He was not found and after days we found his dead body. So if these tourist insert their information here and such things happens, it would first help us to find them. Because their destination would be recorded, and after inserting their name and passport number here, their name and passport number will be checked with another check post, and if not found, it can be concluded that they are between two check posts. Plus we can know the name, and contact their peoples, embassy.' We thought it reasonable. The tourist with us was headed with his way towards Lukla, and we went up to Dairy next day. This was the place where the police earlier explained the dead French came and his life was formally noted by the people for the last time there. The story I am going with is on this basis. The incident is true, however every other things reflect a part of fiction. This truly does not match with his real things and is based under my imagination.

I would again prefer writing this story with first person using 'I' as things happened exactly to me. Don’t concern our trip; it was full of fun, full of drinks. Jiri, truly is the Switzerland of Nepal. Charikot is a great place and Dolakha would remind anyone of ancient Nepal. And we friends are always great for any great and memorable trip. Here begins the story of this French tourist as per my imagination.

***

My eyes could see the piles of match boxes from the window. Finally I got down to Tribhuwan International Airport at the morning. How could I check the time of here? My watch was showing the time of France. This was the first time I have been to Nepal, and all alone. My wife would be here after three months and I had to get well prepared myself before hand, so I collected lot of information from the Tourism Board's website, plus I had hand book in my hand. I took a taxi from the airport and went to Thamel. 'Kathmandu Guest House' was the name of lodge. Maybe, or I may have forgotten.

I could have taken a guide to company me, but I am not so rich plus six months of stay in Nepal, I could not pay him. Nepal is safe place, they may charge me high but at least they won't give me any physical touchier; I thought and since my wife would be here in next three months; I had to stay aware so I can be guide for her. My first night at Kathmandu was good. I could realize that lot of tourists comes here and my choice probably was not wrong. I wished if I could see some known faces at my evening walk of Thamel, but I didn’t.

Following the instruction of my hand book, I woke up early, next morning. The clock at my room showed the time four and thereby I arranged my French time to Nepali time. I had to reach Bus Park and the hand book said if I take taxi, it is ten minutes drive, and if I walk, it will take thirty to forty minutes. I choose walking.

After reaching there, I realized my first bus's tickets were packed. So I took next bus that started in seven am. Now I could feel many eyes staring at me. I knew I had white complexion and all the peoples could easily distinguish me from the crowd. Even my seat partner was staring at me. He was talking with some broken English with me. I could not remember the name of places, but my eyes tried to capture every scene from the window and they indeed were wonderful. The scenes of the bus probably were usual for people over here. How can these people stand on bus for so long? How does it feel to sit on the roof of the bus? I wanted to try, but could not dare as walking for six complete days to Lukla itself would be troublesome, I thought.

The time was moving, but still my eyes were not tired of watching the beautiful scenarios outside. I could not understand them, but I could make a well prediction that the people around were bargaining for few rupees. I had ear phone, I could listen to music but the environment itself was interesting so I didn’t bother to take it out. I was kind of afraid, because I was new to this place, this place was new to me, peoples were new, I had no one to trust upon. But I again thought it fun. I knew no one will be beating me or try to kill me, so I was relaxed. I had to get down at various check posts to let the cops know that I am in their area, to insert my passport number and name. Finally I dropped down to Jiri at four in the evening. The hand book had suggested name of few lodges thereby, but I rather went to cheapest lodge 'Namaste Lodge', that probably was the name or maybe I forgot. Evening walk probably was enough to make round of Jiri, I went to the Technical school as per the suggestion of lodge owner, then to few Gumbas there around and I was all set for tomorrow's Lukla walk. I had the map, and the hand book said I will get enough lodges around there.

During my evening dinner, I got to talk with the lodge owner. He explained about Jiri and his English was fine. He said I could go to the old airport, see the river there by, and even go up four kilometers to see the cross of Camel and Sheep, called Lama. He also explained be about the Dairy above.

'What's the use if I get out of this place without knowing the place properly?' I thought and made a plan to extend it for a day. Next morning, I woke up and first went to the river side, then went to see the animal Lama. I was surprised to know that its wool gets sold in around hundred thousand per kilo Nepalese currency. I tried to convert it into francs but, it was tough. Then I went back to my lodge and a short nap or maybe it was too long, it was already two in the afternoon. I tried to try few foods, but I don’t know why peoples here prefer oily foods? I really had problem in having food, so I had couple of apples that I brought from the shop nearby and started by short trekking.

'Excuse me; is this the way to reach up to dairy?' I asked this young guy.

'Yes, go straight, and you will reach there'

This made me walk up. It was wonderful. There was a bridge after just a short walk, and a clean river below it. I thought of spending some time there by. Yeah! The river was beautiful. After almost half an hour, I again started climbing up. Peoples were rare, and there were just few houses on the way. I could see few monks coming down; maybe they were coming down from the Gumba there above. After next twenty minutes, I reached Gumba. It was total silent, there was a house, but…I could not see any one. How did Adam feel before he did not meet Eve? I thought. All alone! And same thing was happening to me at that time. I spent few times at the Gumba, took rest and walked again. People in Nepal are good at farming, I could see their farms at various places, but could not make any prediction of what was planted. I wanted to ask, but could not see any one. This dairy walk was kind of interesting, felt like I am alone in the entire hill. I could only see rivers below, and ooh there was a house, I saw old man and asked him…

'How long does it now take to reach dairy?'

I could not understand what he said, but maybe he probably was saying twenty minutes, I understood this because he showed his two five fingers twice. I walked again, there was this guy, carrying bag, seemed school student coming down. He smiled, and I gave the return. The weather probably was not supportive. It was raining slightly. I sat down, and observed the scenarios. Oh! I even saw watch then, it was already five in the evening. It probably took me two hours to reach there. It was gradually getting dark, so I made my plan to stay at the Dairy there itself, thinking there might be some lodges to stay.

After half an hour I finally started my walk. I could feel something inside my shocks, maybe it was water. I thought…again I felt kind of cold in my hand! Oh! Leeches? They looked cute…but are they sucking blood? Yeah they actually were. Gradually I felt this kind of coldness in various part of my body, I stopped at the place to check them out…yeah! They infact were sucking my blood. I sat down to remove few leeches from my leg, but then saw other leeches were attacking me. I now thought it would be better if I reach up to Dairy and do this removing task.

'Suck my blood you suckers!' I said and walked as fast as I can. By the time it was six thirty, I managed to reach to the Dairy. I first saw myself in the mirror. Oh! There were leeches everywhere. The round shaped one on my ear was as if it was an ear ring on my ear. On my hand, on my body, they were sucking blood.

'Hey where can I find the lodge here?' I said to this young guy in white coat. I knew he was not a doctor, but a worker on Dairy there by.

'You don’t get any lodges here…hey…there is leeches in every part of your body!' he said.

'How can I remove them?'

'Come here, I will wash your body with salty water, and they will leave sucking your blood' He said, and removed all from my body. It was already seven, and I did not see any possibilities to return back to Jiri.

'Where can I stay here?' I asked.

'You don’t have any lodges here, but you can stay here with us if you want, you had to gather knowledge while coming up' he said.

'Okay, I will stay here itself.' He said.

'So what will you have?' he again asked.

I asked for some cheese there and did not eat anything. The foods there were all oily with lots of oil in it. I then slept without any complains on the bed I was provided. I paid him some money before sleeping.

Early next morning, at six, I woke up and started walking up. I thought of going up a bit and then drop down. So without giving a talk, I moved on. I saw a hut there, and went there. The old man and old woman provided me a glass of milk and then I began my walk again. I walked continuously without knowing the time; the scenarios were so beautiful that I could not even feel my hunger, the pain on my leg. I knew I had to walk up to Lukla as well, but I didn’t want to miss any vision from there as well. It was eleven, and I sat down near a stream thereby, and began washing my face and body. Then, I thought of nap thereby, and after a nap planned to return back down, took out my small carpet and took a nap.

By the time I opened my eyes, it was twelve and I could feel various leeches again on my body. I sat down to remove them, but they were sucking blood from my entire body. I could not see any houses for help. I shouted….Help! Help! Help! But no one listened me, and I did realize that I could not shout loud because I have not had a strong diet since last thirty six hours. I now felt myself weak; I could not even get up from my carpet. Leeches were continuously sucking my blood…and I could now not even manage to throw them out. I probably should have returned from the Dairy itself, I felt. I lied down….looked at the leeches sucking my blood…felt the pain….saw red blood all around my body….

Sky was blue…I could see this. River was moving…I could hear this. Grasses around my carpet were cold….I could feel this…and I could now not even move. I had nothing to eat, and I had no energy left. My eyes were tired of watching the things around….and I closed my eyes…that could never open and then.