Finding Freedom following Your Heart

Pangs of meetings and partings Thousands of young scholars returned to the highest peak of learning, Sherubtse College in kanglung in the eastern part of Bhutan after their month long winter vacation and newcomers too joined the epitome of learning. Students,parents and vehicles are in line, never ending like ants who never break their line, so amazing isn't it?. There were scenes of reunion among friends after a long time with immense joy and few even shaded oceans of tears as they parted away from their parents and loved ones, most probably the one joining the college for the first time are impacted by the pang of departure for the first time in their life away from parents. Dema, a stunning lady who also was a fresher to the college gazed in amazement, hunched on the staircase of the hostel as she and her friend Tendi reached little earlier than the others. They took advantage of the time and made necessary arrangements in their room and by the time other mates stepped in both were in a relaxed state as their dormitory was well sequenced and furnished. She was completely lost when her mate Tendi called her to have a cup of hot steaming tea. She walked and crept in like an innocent toddler dying to have her mother's milk. Both of them drank tea and ate spaghetti for dinner. They also discussed extensively on what they were going to wear the next day as specially teenagers they have concerns over their looks. Everything was made ready for the morning and both on the bed about to sleep. TENDI, her friend snored while she turned from one side to another as she could not sleep. She tried harder yet harder to close her eyes but no way. She did not disturb her mate, instead she picked up her favourite book 'Brilliant Moon' an autobiography of Dilgo Kyentse Rimpoche translated by Ani Jenpa Pelmo, one of the Rimpoche's closest disciples. After reading a few chapters she dozed off thanks to 'Brilliant Moon'. How fortunate Dema woke up early the next morning, went to the bathroom, made herself fresh, came back and chanted the mantra of the great Tara with immense faith and devotion. Chanting "OM TARI TUTA RAI SO WA HA" was her everyday schedule as a woman of faith and devotion to great masters and beings. She chanted for more than an hour, burned insenstic and lit butter lamps,offered fresh flowers on the altar and prayed sincerely. After the prayers she put on the water boiler and made the water hot to have a cup of tea and snacks before they kicked off the day. "Good morning Dema thank you so much I felt the power of mother Tara. Today I felt so uplifted and a sense of peacefulness ventured through my veins. I was so fortunate to be your roommate for the semester" said Tendi as she woke up from her peaceful sleep, rubbing her decorated eyes and spreading her make-up across her face. Dema prepared tea as her friend went to the bathroom to wash herself. They had tea with snacks and dressed decently yet with perfection. They saw other girls moving for breakfast but they did not. There was a knock on the door. Dema opened the door, there stood a giant lady with curled hair with the glass indicating double eyes. She introduced herself to be the college counselor named Lhazom informing every fresher in her block that the new scholars have a briefing from the college Dean in the auditorium at 9.30 AM. They looked at the world clock which was hanging on the wall and it was almost 9.00 AM with only 30 minutes left to strike the mentioned time. They made themselves presentable but Dema looked amazingly glamorous in a pink kira with pink tego with the green wonju with the high heels and her silky hair dangling over her shoulders was just perfect.She walked so majestically that even the girl friends admired her. Both of them joined the flock of friends at the briefing venue. Welcome note by the Director The Director of the college with the microphone in his hand accompanied by senior lecturers on stage were moving here and there while Dema and a few other freshers entered the hall. Multitude of boys remained dumbfounded, gazing at her beauty. Some even uttered the words 'wow' such a perfectly exquisite lady from where shall she descend? "Good morning and welcome each and everyone of you to the highest peak of learning in Bhutan. Tshering Wangdi is my name and I am the Director of this college.I fully anticipate that you all would abide by the rules and the regulations of the college. HOPE you all would become productive future nation holders with pride once you graduate from here, I would love to see you all in the high profile position serving our country with pride and dignity. Thank you and once again welcome ". He also introduced the lecturer who was with him as madam Yangzom the Academic Dean and another young man as student Dean whom students shall interact frequently for multiple reasons. Taking turns Dr. Yangzom and Dr. Thinley oriented on rules, do's and dont's one should be abided by once in the college. They also briefed on the module's, terms and conditions and also on Assignments and Examination criteria of the college. The beauty and decency fascinated everyone's attention and pervaded the whole vicinity of the college, especially among the newcomer boys. Everybody looked at her starting from her dress to the finest deposition of her submissive nature yet versatile potential she possessed. Many inquired what major she was in, from which school she came from and many others ... but nobody knew. Even senior boys wondered when they heard boys describing her and eagerly anticipated having a glance at such a flawless young woman. The dawn appeared with a clear sky with twinkling stars and morning moon brightly lighting the universe. Early birds chirped, cool breeze gently blew and petals from the bakayan tree fell on the ground.The early morning fresh air brought so much vigour and energy for the day. The rising sun in the east glittered spreading it's golden rays across the mountain ranges which showered love and warmth to the whole world. Tick , Tick....... the clock sounded, the time passed on as everybody got ready for breakfast and to start off their hectic busy schedule of the day. The boys who heard of the girl wished to glance at her, the gorgeous lady whom a whole lot of boys gossipped the previous night.However, Dorji, one of the most hilarious boys among them, farted so loudly that everyone burst out laughing and covered themselves from the stingy small and some even lost appetite that morning. Boys as they moved towards the kitchen unnoticed by their comrades looked right and left, up and down, hither and thither with the hope to see her but failed to locate. Irrespective of grade, each boy wanted to be part of her, never knew it would just remain as their wishful dream.As girls and boys walked through the pavement towards their respective blocks and classrooms, the majority of the boys talked about her absence. Tring...........tring...... the bell rang signalling everyone should enter the class. She emerged to be the beacon of charm and beauty. Along with her popped a few other girls into the Media Studies classroom where multitude of boys sighed 'WOW" and remained their mouths wide open .... totally mesmerized by her looks. "I am the luckiest of all. She is in my class" busted out by a tall skinny guy and made himself hilarious. Many thought let's wait but never knew her bravery was that of a roaring tigress and her cleverness that of a hungry lion. Back in the school she was a popular girl, an excellent student in Jigme Sherubling Higher Secondary school in Khaling, Trashi g**g where teachers and mates appreciated her. She was a role model for many with immense courage,confidence, and a talented student leader with decent manners. Her empathetic nature and kindness made her trustworthy. Whenever she was nearby her friends felt secured and loved. Besides that, her reading habit influenced others to become voracious readers and considered her to be an exemplary student. Dema had wishes to be fulfilled, dreams and aspirations to be achieved, parents and siblings to be looked after. No one dares to be like Dema, such a perfectly charming, strong willed lady trying to combat challenges in order to step up to the pinnacle of glory. Indeed her beauty is perfectly matched with her inner self and traits she possessed.Until date, she never gave up no matter how hard the situation was, she was indeed the most strong willed woman. Great sense of Hard Work Dema firmly believed in hardwork as it was the road to achieve success.Whatever she did she had complete control over it because she was a self disciplined person. She put her heart and soul into her work,burning midnight candles and perseverance was embedded in her DNA. She sacrificed and could change her weakness into strength, adversities into opportunities and failures into success. Nothing was impossible to a willing heart. She knew what was her primary duty, worked harder,focused on her goal, which was to top the examination. Everyone appreciated her and the way she studied triggered the sense and importance of hardwork in others. Everyone especially the girls were inspired by hard work and many followed her making fellow mates responsible and dutiful. Thumbs up for Miss Dema. Fascinated by her beauty, charm and renowned fame, suitors were in line for her. Everyday she receives a bunch of notes expressing their feelings to be part of her life but she never paid heed instead made them realized with time what was the sole purpose of them being in the highest peak of learning. Nothing could shake her willing heart and seldom friends referred to her as stone hearted as nothing changed her from her focus and track that she followed. Owing to her versatile capabilities she participated in every programme the college had scheduled which made her more popular and confident. One such activity was the Debate among the houses where her house topped and she was awarded as the best speaker. Her rebuttal techniques in debating even made lecturers astonished. Even the director of the college was proud of her,personally called her to his office, praised and encouraged her which boosted her self- esteem and inspired her to work harder. Even Though,lots of pressure especially from boys sending proposals over and over again wasted her time reading those notes but never moved her heart and finally emerged as a winner, never disturbed, never hurt those who admired her instead made them realized that the time was not right and everything would happen at the right time, place and with the right people. Her authentic self, witty ways of dealing with others made her wiser a step ahead from other mates in every aspect of her life. The essence of hard work and holding onto her dreams are persistent in her that would never change. That kept her going on and on. Her ambitious nature and determination never let her fail, instead earned the interest and reaped its fruit. She topped in the second year of her college as well with so much pride and honour. In the final year she was the counselor in the college. Everybody was delighted to have her as their representative and look up to as a great leader. Her leadership qualities drew great attention from the college authority.Further, her leadership skills inspired fellow mates in the college. Needless to comment on her academic excellence and extraordinary manners promised that she will be a promising productive citizen of the country. preparations were done for the graduation day under the guidance of the top leader of an institute. Eventually, the day of graduation is celebrated pompously and Dema was awarded with many categories of awards which made her proud with honour and satisfaction. For the one final time the college authority gave her an opportunity to address her teachers and friends Her Powerful Speech Respected Director, Deans, lectures and fellow mates. A very good evening to all. Indeed, I felt really honoured, blessed and privileged to say a few words though I am a little nervous in front of all highly learned intellectuals. Before I pay tribute to the guiding stars of my life, I would like to pay my hearty congratulations to all the graduating mates of the year. Well, Firstly, I would like to immensely thank the College Administration and revere lectures and professors for awarding me the best student award of the year. I would cherish it my entire life. This would be the most unforgettable day of my life. Thank you so much. Besides, I would also like to thank all my mates for greatly supporting me in shouldering the responsibilities of a councillor for last academic year. Immense thank you to all of you. Finally, from the bottom of my heart I on behalf of my friends and on my own behalf I would like to pay my heartfelt gratitude to all the amazing professors and lecturers for constantly guiding us and showing us the right way. On behalf of all the mates, we promise that we will be a productive citizen to the king,country, and the people. I also assure that we will be dutiful sons and daughters to our parents. Thank you one and all. A big round of applause from the audience cheered her. Everyone appreciated her. Though pervaded with fame she was still down to earth. People around her appreciated and drew inspiration." My wishes and aspirations were to be a productive citizen, a dutiful daughter to my old parents, a responsible sister to my only brother and role models for the younger friends. If I work hard I could attain the height where I wanted to be '' she assured herself to work even more harder in her upcoming phases of life . Her lecturers and mates congratulated and wished her the best of luck in her life. She thanked her teachers and mates wholeheartedly for their prayers and good wishes. Tranquil once again College premises once again seemed to become overpowered by silence and peace as many left for their sweet home to reunite with their family but for her, she had to spend one more night as it was her duty to hand over the hostel keys to the matron of the institute. She bid farewell to her mates and walked around the college vicinity along with her friend where they encountered a boy's counselor who also remained back for the same purpose. They chatted for a few minutes and walked a few meters away from each other. " Dema, Dema ,oh I nearly forgot to hand over the letter and a box someone has left for you, please can you wait for a while" exclaimed her co-captain running towards his hostel to get it. He quickly handed over the box and a letter to her and wished both Dema and Tendi safe travel the next day. They wished him the same and rushed as fast as they could as the night emerged. Both of them ran quickly to their room and packed the remaining things they left unpacked. The college surroundings looked desolate and empty yet both of them could spare no free time and did not feel bored as they had to make ready for their journey back to their sweet home and family. "Dema, will you not open the box and a letter given by a boys Captain. I am sorry to remind you if you are not comfortable opening in front of me. I fully understand and respect your privacy" said Tendi in a comical tone. " Oh! I nearly forgot about it. Thank you so much for reminding me. Do not talk of privacy or anything else, you are like my little sister and I would love to unfold everything today and here after" grinned and patted on her shoulder. " Come let's see who he is and what is wrapped in it". Both of them sat on the edge of the bed and opened the box. The box was filled with drawings of different flowers on various colour papers and in the middle of the drawings was the wooden Nightingales facing each other from the branches of the tree. "Wow such incredible birds" exclaimed her friend with great admiration for the wooden curved birds. " I am opening the envelope too for your sake as I assured you. Let's go through together". She opened it and was astonished to see Pema Chophel's name at the end with the bold letters. The letter reads as follows. " Dearest Dema, Congratulations for the awards that you received on multiple categories. Thank you for being my friend for the last six months. You made me feel complete and emerged myself as the strongest brave man I ever felt in my life. My heart literally melted When I departed from you. For me you are the queen of my heart and life. No matter what, I will always be part of your life. A person like me may not deserve you however, I will wait until I am with you and I promise to take care of your life. With love Pema Chophel" " He clinged with you wherever you were . That was the reason he did. Anyway he is not a bad looking man. Both of you suits each other if you accept him" said Tendi "Oh! I never expected such a thing and never imagined he had such feelings for me. Maybe he wanted to test my will power. Tendi, it is not a match to win but a game for life. I have to think deeply and follow my intuition". " You are right, I know you will make the right choice that you would never regret when your hair turns grey. You are witty and wise. You will never commit blunders, I need not have to worry dear friend. I would just wish you a great love life". " Thank you dear friend, I will do as I think". It was almost half past eleven and both lay on their beds to retire for the day. " You're the only one person whom I was treated with respect, support, care and above all you showered me with immense love. Three years in college will be my best part of life where I have learnt the value of hard work and I became a proud voracious reader. My deepest gratitude for you today and forever. Thank you so much dear" mumbled Tendi welling tears in her eyes. " You are my pride, my dear friend and my little sister. Never say that. If You Didn't have the strong will and positive attitude towards that, I might have failed to assist you. It is all because of your strong mindset. Today you should reflect back, see how much you have transformed and feel proud of yourself" said Dema as they entered the car to head towards the Trashi g**g. Along with the taxi driver they stopped on the way in a tiny restaurant about to have lunch where she was distracted by an old feeble man. Instead of eating she offered the man what she had ordered and continued their journey home. Finally after travelling for more than five hours of an arduous journey she could distantly see her childhood home where she had spent half of part of her life. She vividly recalled how she used to be chased by her little brother around the house with the stick and herself running so hard to avoid the hit. Crackling sound of the door reached her mother at the door to open it, finding her daughter made her immensely thrilled. They hugged and went inside. Her mother offered her a cup of milk with some snacks for her and Tendi and asked how their examination was and how their travel was. " I am happy that you are back home and I know you will shoulder more than half of my responsibility. My daughter is back home now" sighed with a deep breath. Her mother knew she would never bring her and family down. She was always proud and confident of her. Three of them had tea and snacks. " Dinner is almost ready, have it and then I will let Dema's father reach you home" said Dema's mother peeling up the potatoes to prepare french fry a delicious potato curry. " Thank you aunty for your offer but I will have to go as mother and sisters are waiting for me. I will visit you whenever I get free time" as she stood up ready to leave. Dema reached her home as they are from the same village and also a close neighbour. The moment her friend entered her house, without wasting a second she ran back home to her mother and started to help her prepare dinner. Lhamo, lhamo …. An unfamiliar voice called her mother's name from behind the house. Dema popped her head out of the window and gazed at who was calling her mother. Mr. Langtu stood with a spade on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Dema. " Oh! Dema is back home. Are you on holiday now?" Asked Mr. Langtu, a distant cousin of her mother. " Is mother at home ?" ," Yes uncle she is preparing dinner" . She invited him inside the house. " Mother, I called uncle to have a bottle of locally brewed wine. He seems to be tired". In between their conversation there was a knock on the door. Her mother offered him a bottle of wine and talked for a while. " Uncle, hope you are fine and working hard. Hope everything is fine with your family" asked Dema as it was a Bhutanese tradition to inquire about the well-being of their distant relatives. Father reached quite late from work but mother and daughter waited and waited till he was back and after his arrival they had dinner and chatted for hours on various topics concerning their family, work and importance of education and sense of competition in life. By the time they go to bed it was already 1 AM in the morning. Dema cleaned her parents bed, arranged their blankets, let them on bed and wished good night before heading to her own room. Home was a place where one's heart belonged and peace prevails spontaneously uttered Dema as she cleaned her bed before she slept which she missed for the last six months. Her mind was at peace and she had a peaceful sleep that night. Amazing feelings By the time she woke up it was already 7 Am in the morning. The luminous rays of the sun peeped in through the window her mother had already opened for her when she was in deep slumber. She folded the blankets and cleaned up her bed and ran to the living room where her parents were sipping morning tea. She greeted them with her lovely enchanting smile. " Go and clean yourself and join us for breakfast" told her mother as she picked the slice of bread from the plate. Quickly she did everything and joined them for breakfast. After having a cup of tea and a few slices of bread she helped her mother to feed the chickens, cows and milked the cows. It was already 11 Am when her childhood friend Yeshi came to meet her after hearing of her return. They spent a few minutes talking about their childhood memories. The entire day she helped her mother to harvest the tones of corn from the vast family field. Together, she also collected pumpkins and hoarded them for winter use. She worked so hard and went to bed early that evening. Dema and her parents are waiting for their little brother's unity back home from the school. Thereafter, once again the family of four would reunite after a year long separation. Hilarious Day Dream In the beautiful meadow there stood a mighty apple tree laden with juicy apples, it's branches drooping down and leaves making a rustling sound with the blow of wind . Sweat streamed down her whole body, face turned red and wished for the cool breeze to make her fresh. It was a hot day and it's heat was scorching. She ran towards the tree to protect herself from the burning sun. The moment she reached near the tree, she took solace to rest under the tree and felt as if her immense burden was realised.The fresh air made her fall asleep so peacefully like a cute little angel. Amidst the nap a big apple had fallen into her hand and picked up an apple and put it in her bag, rested under the tree and slept again. An apple tree shook with massive vibration and countless apples fell on the grassland which disrupted her sleep. " Oh! my god, what a funny day dream", exclaimed herself with a hearty laugh. Again she resumed collecting the pumpkins and gathered in the middle of the field with her little cousin sister aged 8 who accompanied her. After a few hours of work she was on the brink of exhaustion and sat to rest for a while. She took out her jacket from the bag, folded, put it under her head and started to rest. This time she was in the vast beautiful garden bloomed with varieties of flowers. She and an unknown young man lingered through the garden holding hands deeply engrossed in one another's company having a great time together. Suddenly, she was fascinated by a red tulip in full blossom along with a deep red rose that bloomed beautifully. She raised and extended her hand to those flowers but it withered the moment she touched it. Deeply saddened by the vanishing scene of the flowers she cried so hard to awoke herself once again but it was a comical dream. "The moment I close my eyes I dream about all those funny things. I think I should share with my mother in the evening" assured herself and collected a few more pumpkins before returning home. That night she creeped onto bed early and had a peaceful sleep. Her mobile beeped vibrating loudly and the entire room buzzed. Lethargically, She stretched her hand, picked up and glanced at the message. It was a text by Pema chophel after a week. It reads, Dear Dema, May this short text find you in sound health and peaceful mind having a great time with your parents. Everyday, I thought of you and still think of you. Wishing you happy days. Missing you greatly. With love Pema She did not reply. She turned her portable into silent mode and went back to sleep. In the morning, she re-read the text message and replied, " Hi friend, I am perfectly fine and helping my parents. Hope the same with you" . Everyday, he sent texts and called her. However, she gave no damn. She considered him her best friend other than that she totally lacked interests at romance and love affairs. Pema too was under the top ten category in academics as well as in other fields. The Multitude of girls admires him for being one of the handsome young man in the college with decent manners and was renowned for being kind. Though Dema exchanged texts and received his friendly call she did have much feeling for him.Back in the college she found him to be caring,trustworthy and helpful to many. Whenever he hints her of his feelings for her she would change their entire conversation to a different topic in which he would never get a chance to start. Pema Chophel loved her in the college days yet never dared to propose. On the eve of their graduation day his heart sank with heaps of doubt and fear of losing her to another person . His every move was to win her heart and be part of her life. He admired her and promised himself that he would take care of her and love the way she was. With great admiration he pondered every day and anticipated spending his life with her. Each time he had conversations, he was thrilled to listen to her sweet voice and heard her voice assuring her I am always yours but it was just a longing dream. He never missed a day to call and was in contact for the whole winter vacation. Despite tiresome work during the day she reads for hours as it was her habit that was deeply ingrained in her.