A Reason to Remember

A Reason to Remember

Genre: Short story                                                                     (21/11/2012)

The prayer flags were fluttering in the cool morning breeze. It’s winter in the southern foothills of Bhutan. The lonely but lovely Yangzom was taken aback, when the prayer flags whispered into her ears. It brought back the beautiful memories of the past; explained the present situation, and reminded her of what the future has stored for her. She smiled to herself, after it left whispering and kissing her chubby cheeks.

Suddenly, Yangzom found her looking young and fragile. She was studying in one of the remote schools in Trashigang, the eastern part of Bhutan. One day, on her way to school, Samphel said, “Hi! Beautiful.” “Hello! Are you in need of something from me?”She asked. This was their first encounter. From that moment, they became good friends but both of them were unaware of their names. They didn’t dare to ask each other but Yangzom named him as ‘Beautiful Eyes’ as Samphel’s eyes were big, elegant and sexy too. He became her dream boy at the first sight. Samphel knew nothing about her feelings.

However, on a beautiful day, Yangzom received a chit from Samphel saying he liked her. It was as if he read her mind. She was amazed at this. Thus, they became closer but the time flew away faster. The leaves fell off the trees and Samphel too bid farewell to Yangzom. After that, she never heard from him. The letters she sent vanished unanswered. Yangzom thought, “What happened to my beautiful eyes? Where did he vanish? How could he forget me? Didn’t he like me?”  Hundred and one questions kept crossing her mind. Her schooling days were punctuated with his thoughts.

Despite of being lost in the thoughts of her lost lover, she did well in her studies and later became a dedicated health worker. She came across many beautiful eyes; fell in love with them; exchanged their feelings and enjoyed their company but Samphel was the most unforgettable page in her life history.

Almost two decades after, Yangzom met Samphel on her way to Phuntsholing. They were dumb, didn’t know from where to commence. “Long times no see, how have you been?” Yangzom broke the silence. Samphel said, “I’m good as always, how about you?” Then they exchanged their stories and said goodbye once again. This time they exchanged their contact numbers too which kept them in touch. They were good friends once more.

Yangzom and Samphel remained as good friends for three more decades. After that, a wave of change came in their lives. Both of them were in their 60s but they felt young like in their teens. Once again, they fell head over heel in love with each other and later got married leaving their family behind. Thus, Yangzom’s love at the first sight turned out to be the last too. They lived three more decades happily together until they bid farewell to the world.