Solo Enigma

Real Entrance Examination

He was no more anxious with the place as it is second time, even when he cannot define a real color of the abode. He was proud that it is another moment with little cover page about Thimphu, compared to the first one. After half an hour, the twist and turn takes back to the bus terminal. Sampa was already there waiting for him right after the office. He wink a little and Lobzang greeted back him with respect. They hopped into the car a trailed back through the same road towards Taba.  

“I scanned your outcome” sighed Sampa, driving as well and continued, “it was a good challenge but you have to put up with double efforts with coming exam”, paused little and “Don’t lose hope, true things come to those who works hard”, concluded with raised eye brow and broad smile, nodding with affirmative expression. On the other hand, Lobzang got flabbergasted without any reply and knocked their destination without schmooze, only tape singing classical soft English.

Back at dwelling, mother was congratulating with sincere smile and feelings worn over her chubby wrinkled face. She got big mouth and talks much, while her hubby accompany her with few words and most with the nod. Lobzang was relaxed from every tense to sight a never ending love between those two couples even when nearing the old age. He was enjoying their company and was nearly midnight when they wished each other for best nights.

He submerged into a warm blankets, planning to rest for night as he got another three days to re-visit the subjects for the entrance test. In spite of his sketch in the mind, heart never forgets to remind about the words from Sampa on the way. It was not word, rather a priceless verses to be cherished in life. He jumped out from the bed and got along with books. He committed himself to sacrifice his leisurely time for next three days and nights.

He switched off his phone for next three days denying every calls. He was fully engrossed with the subjects to face test and join National Defense Academy. He didn’t make any sign from the room and worried Aunt would knock the door to make sure everything was well. Enclosed with golden heart family and peaceful environs to study, Lobzang made sure to never betray their faith in him. The three days and nights were in a full swing preparing for the test and finally the day came.

He launched the day with light heart without any spots left out. Lobzang got into one the best outfit and got out from the room. The breakfast is steaming on the dining table, Aunt waiting for me and her honey. “Today we have toast bread, butter, jam and mixed fruits for breakfast”, Chuckled Aunt, handing me fork and knife continuing, “Have up to your content and all the best for your test” ended handing me cup of coffee. She was buttering the bread for him.

Lobzang was bit uncomfortable with new breakfast set compared to his village. He made it short without appetites, picturing the fearful but significant war just next to the door step. After sometimes, he was dragged from the phone upon horn from the car. He hurried and zoomed towards Lungtenphu, Head quarter. On forwarding towards parking lot, there was many similar faces, yet much more are not there for the test. Lobzang knew that the one for the test are shortlisted ones.

The time was eight thirty to nine and almost everyone is waiting for the order from the higher up. Everyone is in time and Lobzang got familiar with the dedications and interest in each of them to become an Army like him. He also fear, recalling his ranking at satisfactory level in first round test. Lost with a lots of thought and wishing, break a leg to himself, Lobzang’s attention was grabbed upon calling and waving to come towards the Multi-purpose hall (MPH).

The buzzing with his comrades got pitched, panicked with an important and life deciding events in next few minutes. He was also going through the same trauma but does not wish to reveal even a little feebleness as a candidate to join an Arm Force. They were made to sit with quite a distance in-between and instructed about the timings for the test. Lobzang was placed in the center of the space in line with the ranking from the first round written and physical test. The exam was strictly monitored, lowering a cacophony into pitch silence with tip top footsteps in regular intervals.

The exam papers and content were as per their principles, outlaid in their page. It was a piece of cake for Lobzang and was more than satisfied on leaving the hall. He was informed to wait for the physical examination. He went through same but another one more different test. However, it was no different than first one and noticed everyone to wait for another three months for result and final health screening. Everyone was grumbling and mumbling behind prolonged and a series of test.

For Lobzang, he was aware with the protocols and headed to cafe for the first time, alone. As he possess minimal socializing skills, he could not introduce himself to the stranger friends. Back in the mind, he pictured ten of them becoming a cadets of the academy in coming winter. He ordered a cup of coffee and dumpling, celebrating himself with the written test. He was certain that the second score sheet would be good compared to first one.

The sun is nearly a quarter way down, almost touching the sky scraping hill. Lobzang was without any stress and wishes to walk back home. He wishes to explore the place on his own and discover a new things. After walking the sideways and scanning the place for an hour, he headed back home on foot, trying not to get lost with the path. After an hour, nearly towards dusk he was back at home. Everything was well and they dispersed for the night.

Yes, autumn is here and it is the moment for the agriculturist to stake the rations for winter, which is yet to come. The present place mirrors unlikeness with his village. There is no agriculture field, no humming, laughter and labors. Honking vehicles, towering apartments, knocking elbows and congested traffics sum up the features of the place. Even with ample resources and facilities, Lobzang was taken aback to serene abode, no other than his village.

He bid his family like neighbor back at bus terminal and they waved him on looming back to the village in the bus, again. It is one of the cheapest means of transportation besides double fee Cabs. It was a normal two days ride and was back to the countryside. His physical boost never fail with harvesting the cereals during daytime. Unlike past months, he never trouble with minimal sleeping hour, indeed making, at least an hour schedule time for books and novels. 

He was waiting for the results impatiently and time seems to be taking a turtle walk. He never miss to check the website every morning and evening, running end of the second month. He was waiting for the last month November to near its course for a year, 2017. The harsh winter was just creeping, turning ever thing into wither and dusty. Positive, nearly towards to end of month, final results for the written examination was declared. Lobzang could not visit the page that moment. He was just struck without any judgments.

With much trepidation and fear, he made up his mind to clear his worrisome after an hour. His name is in third place from selected twenty of them and have to again go through medical checkup as final test. From twenty, only ten of them will be carefully chosen as a real candidates to join NDA. He shouted at the pitch of his voice for coming this far. He never regrets for sacrificing his time in studying day and night.  It is clearly written that the medical test will be week later.

For the first time, he shared his mom about the result and his repeated reason for traveling Thimphu. Till date, mom was left behind, for it was never assured dream of him and was afraid for the objection. Mother was astonished with the news but geared up his motivation to do the best for, he have already decided with his future. He felt sorry for not sharing his dream to his mom, earlier. After exchanging a thoughts for an hour, mother started to prepare for a journey following, like bygone days.

On reaching Thimphu, the family was fond and recognized him for making this far. It was a graceful moment for him to get thumbs up from every known and unknown ones. However, he did not celebrated too early with the medical test as a final resort which is yet to come. Without anything to do for next few days, he wandered every nook and corner of the place. Most of the time got eroded with window-shopping. On the whole, finally after waiting for months and undergoing series of test, last medical test had been scheduled, next day.   

We are again made to stand in queue and called one by one. First gets start with NDA Physical Requirements. The minimum height has to be 157.5 cm for the Army and 162. 5 cm for Air Force. As he was tall enough, he went to next test without any problems. Next begun with Service Selection Board with a board of Service Medical Officers. Service Medical Officers screen every internal organs and external parts, drug test, blood and sugar test to ensure that she/he is fit for the training. There was nothing defect with Lobzang and his dream to join an army was full filled after year long.

 A nominated ten personnel was given instructions regarding whereas and whereabouts related to NDA, right after the test. They were asked to attend day long orientation following day and to get ready in next one month to depart and start carrier as a Bhutanese cadets in NDA, Pune, India. On that day, ten of them introduced each other and exchanged contact cards bidding for the day and wishing for next day. Among them, Lobzang and Dendup got close as they have a similar personalities. They also got proceeded into different direction, heading back home.

The main agenda for orientation covers ten life skills with visa processing, stipend, lodgings and foods. They have to get ready for the journey in the first month of coming year, 2018. Lobzang was picturing the facilities and hardships after joining an arm force on perceiving loud echoed from an empty hall. They were also provided with snack time and lunch for the day. It was a day long orientation and had took nearly dusk upon winding up the event.

Right after orientation, they dispersed into directions heading home in a shallow murky dim light. Lobzang and Dendup went together and took rest under Taxi stand, while bringing their thoughts and plans to leave Bhutan soon. He was lucky enough to get cab towards his home first and was out of the sight in minutes.  After few minutes, he rocketed towards his destination elated with piece of promise and contemplation in his life.