The Story of an Ant (Story of Transformation 21)

One cold, frosty day in the middle of winter a group of ants was busy drying out some grains of corn, which had grown damp during the wet autumn weather.

A grasshopper half dead with cold and hunger, came up to one of the ants. "Please give me a grail or two from your store of corn to save my life," he said faintly.

"We worked day and night to get this corn in. Why should I give it to you?" asked the ant angrily. "What were you doing all last summer when you should have been gathering your food?"

Oh I didn't have time for things like that, said the grasshopper. "I was far too busy singing to carry corn about."

The ant laughed unkindly. "In that case you can sing all winter as far as I am concerned," he said. And without another word he turned back to his work.

*****

Preeti Lama

These were the types of stories that she used to write every day and show me for correction. I don’t know whether she loved writing them or not, whether she would draw morals from them or not as well. But what I do know is that she used to do and just as the hardworking ant, she used to work when she had to be working.

After her S.L.C, she shared that she wanted to learn something about media and communication, I took her to Sabin dai, my mentor. Sabin dai asked her to join his News Agency during her holidays and help him in his work so that she could learn from whatever they would do everyday and also help them in her ways.

In the evening of her first day at the agency, Sabin dai called and shared, “Bhawana, there is something in this girl. She would definitely make everyone proud with her works.”

I can’t express how happy I was listening him praise her. I wonder how she could prove herself in just a single day. But then, I realized how diligent she was.

*****

I knew Preeti Lama when she was in grade eight. She was the silent girl of her class. When everyone would be chatting and laughing around, she used to be in her own world of silence. I taught her for three years and I could see how much she had progressed in those three years from an average student to an outstanding one. It was all because of her labor. 

Rajkumari didi, her mother, the ayah of our school always used to share with us during our lunch hours how ill-fated child she was; frequent illness and lack of support from her father, she had to undergo a terrible childhood.

Preeti used to live in one small room provided by the school with her mother and daughter. Gas stove at one corner, dresses on the another corner, books on the small section of bed, sewing machine on the side of bed and all other utensils and vegetables scattered on the floor. That was the condition of

Preeti, after receiving prizes in school's extra curricular activites

their room. But out of all the mess, what really attracted us were the creations of her, pasted on those walls.

Each time I would peep into that small world, I could see one young psychologist Preeti playing a small radio by her side and reading.

But, whenever we used to chat, Rajkumari didi with tears on her eyes used to share, “Miss, Preety lai ta SLC sama matra padauna paucha hola, paisa nai chaina” (Miss, we can’t afford Preety to study after her SLC). 

I used to console her saying that Preety is a hardworking girl and she would pave her way herself and she shouldn’t worry much about her. 

Rather Rajkumari didi would say “Haina, miss yo ta ekdum abhagi cha.” (She is very unfortunate, so it’s better not to expect from her)

Though, I don’t believe in fortune, Rajkumari didi’s evidence would always win that she was ill fated. No love from family member, no support and guidance and mostly whenever, exams would be near she would suffer from diseases. I know there was nothing to do with her fate rather she was suffering from malnutrition. They couldn’t afford balanced diet. The doctors used to prove but that wouldn't satisfy Rajkumari didi. She was sure her child was doomed and isn't going to get any success in her life. 

Among all these odds, I could see her growing. I could see her zeal to achieve more. I could sense her hunger for knowledge and I could listen her soul which wanted to help several other broken families and children who are undergoing the same problems like her. 

She used to say, “I have seen many mentally disturbed people in my village because of several economic and social problem and being a psychologist, I want to help them. They need to rise above that. They deserve more.”

****

It has been a week that she has been studying Science in grade 11 at Pentagon International College with the support of Samaanta Foundation. She was among the 10 fellows Samaanta Foundation selected to help after a rigorous application process this year.

She loves her mom a lot and says whatever she would do in her life, it would be for her. Albeit, this time, I am happy that she proved her mom wrong that she is doomed.  I am happy that she proved herself the master of her fate and the captain of her destiny. I just wish that she would take care of her physical health and help many others to have a better mental health.

****

Courage isn't always a lion's roar... It's also the silence of ant working patiently, persistently and never giving up. Preeti, in my eyes is the ant; silent but persistent on her dreams.

मृगतृष्णा

एक दिन त कसो नआउलाउ तिमी

मेरो सपनीको दुनियाबाट 

उड्दै उड्दै, हरेक ती तुवालोहरु छिचोल्दै । 

खुर्र् खुर्र् दुगुर्ने मेरो मन, 

त्यसपछि त बुकुर्सी मार्दै उफ्रिन्थ्यो होला । 

कति रमाइलो हुन्थ्यो होला त्यो पल

जब म तिमीलाई आफ्नो नजिक पाउथे

मजाले नियाल्थे, तिम्रा आंखाका भाखालाई एकनासले निहार्थे

आहा, 

मेरो मन अनि त उफ्रिने मात्र कंहा हो र ? 

सिमलको भुवासरी माथि माथि आकासमा नाच्थयो । 

सोच्दा मात्र पनि कति रमाइलो ?

निद्रामा मात्र देखिने तिमी, 

नयनअघि नै भएपछि त, म कहां पो निदाउन सक्थे होला र ?

कति रात म टोलाएर बस्थे होला तिम्रै मुहार निहार्दै 

तिम्रा ती चट् मिलेका शुन्दर केशराशि, 

टक्क मिलेका ओठ, अनि सानो शुन्दर नाक

कुनै नायकभन्दा कम तिमी कहा छौ र ? 

ला्, 

कस्तो वर्णको छौ तिमी ? 

कृष्णा वर्ण वा गहुगोरो कि निख्खर गोरो ? 

सपनामा तिम्रो स्वरुप राम्रोसंग देख्नै पाउदिन

खै, 

के पो गर्ने होला? 

विपनामा तिमी आयौ भने नि म चालै पाउदिन ।  

चिरविर

(तस्विरमा आवाज भर्ने प्रयास)

चरा ः आजकाल तिमी आउन छाडिछेउ,
सुने अर्कै वनमा गुड सारिछेउ ।
निराश मेरो मन त भयो भयो,
यो वनलाई नी उजाड पारिछेउ ।

चरी ः संगै हुदा सोचेनौ कहिले,
यो मन मेरो पोल्थ्यो जहिले ।
तिम्रो मन त आजै मात्र हो दुखेको,
मेरो मनले धेरै भयो रमाउन छाडेको ।

Book Launch

I am really very happy that my short story has been published in print for the first time along with 16 other stories of different Nepali writers in book entitled CROSSROADS, Stories from Nepal. The book was launched yesterday and it will soon be out in the market. I am humbled to all of my blog readers who have helped me grow as a writer, my teachers and mentors especially Prof. Anand Sharma for his critical overview on my writings and dear sir Mr. Mahesh Paudyal, who also is the editor of this book for selecting my story as an eligible one for publication among so many other brilliant writers.
If you have time, do read the stories and comment us for our improvement.

To my Angel in Heaven

Dearest Shova,

People call me mad for celebrating your birthday every year. Let them give me names…but that’s not going to stop me. 

For a while, I think you aren’t any more, but then I realize, it’s not the truth. You are there with me. I can see you. I can listen your sweet voice even now. It’s already a decade since we haven't met, but…

I just wish you would buy a cell phone soon. Hey, hasn't internet started there? Why don't you join Facebook?  

Yeah, I know it’s difficult for both of us. Thus, I am writing to you as this is the only way I can express my feelings. So, whenever I share, I feel you may be reading. Reading and then smiling.

Sometimes, I feel how my life would change if you were here? People would surely not tag me as a lonely introvert, since you were the one who knew how naughty I could be?

How long I could go on chatting? Love, life, career, friends…bla…bla..

After you left, I could never ever get connected with anyone. Never ever tried to share my feelings. A fear always grips me that I would lose them if I get connected, just as I lost you. Sometimes, I reflect and ask myself why?

Why I couldn’t forget you?

When I don’t remember most of the incidents of my childhood why your memory is still crystal clear?

But then, again, I realize it’s good that it lingers with me that’s why I am what I am today; I am living your dream life; an independent life where you can have the right to take your own decisions. 

Departing with you was the first tragedy that I had to go through and that I feel was very early. So, my frequent question to God is, “Was it necessary?”, though I don't believe in Him. That may be the reason he doesn't answer it. 

Again, I already told you, when I say this, people call me crazy. They opine I am not able to move on.

The reality is, I think you know…

Actually, I have moved on but with every steps that I take towards my future, your space becomes bigger. 

  

Wherever you are, I hope you are singing as beautiful as you used to. Hey, haven't you thought about recording your song? You would definitely be a big hit. :)

I miss you. 

Love,

Bhawana

P.S. Many many happy returns of the day. Happy Birthday. :)