This is a novel that I wrote when i was a kid back in school, and this story is a fiction but based on facts. Yet, it not necessarily mean a story of my own experience, rather it is a life story of my people in my society. I was compelled to write this story by the experiences that i have gone under as a kid, as a teenager, and of course, by what i have heard from my friends, school mates, and by what i have seen in my own society. And i was inspired to write this story by reading books written by children like Annie Frank.
CHAPTER 1
‘amaaahhh!’ cried the newly born baby. An old woman in her traditional dress with her whitish hair flowing over her shoulder was the grandmother of the newly born baby. With great love and care, she cut the baby’s umbilical cord.
‘amaaahhh!’ cried the newly born baby. An old woman in her traditional dress with her whitish hair flowing over her shoulder was the grandmother of the newly born baby. With great love and care, she cut the baby’s umbilical cord.
It was uncommon for villagers to go to the hospital to give birth. Besides that, there weren’t any hospital in the locality.
“It’s a boy!” shouted the old woman.
“A boy! Thank god! Thank god!” whispered Dolma, the young mother. She was lying in her bed, sweats rolling down her beautiful face. It spoke of the great pain she’d under gone while giving birth. Despite this hardship, there was a gentle smile on her face.
“Dolma, as is our tradition from which *Lama, shall we beg for a name for our baby?,” asked the old woman.
“No, I want to give the name.”
“What, did you say something?”
“Yes, I said that I want to give the name!!”
“You want to give the name?” asked the old woman in a voice of surprise.
“Yes, I want to give him the first name of his late father, in his memory.”
Thus, they named their baby ‘Tenzin’ in remembrance of his late father Tenzin Dhondup. Tenzin Dhondup was a tall, slim, strong and handsome man.
[*Lama-A Tibetan word, which means Buddhist monk.]
Tenzin Dhondup was the only person in the village who could read and write properly. Thus, the Chinese district governor had appointed him to be the teacher in the village with a salary of 60 yen per month.
He was ordered to teach the life story of Mao Zedong and their policies in order to make the Tibetan children love the Chinese government. Yet, he used to teach the history of Tibet and encourage his students as well as the villagers to raise their voices against the Chinese government.
“Human beings are born to be free, free to think, free to act and free to express their thoughts” was one of his favorite quotes.
“It’s a boy!” shouted the old woman.
“A boy! Thank god! Thank god!” whispered Dolma, the young mother. She was lying in her bed, sweats rolling down her beautiful face. It spoke of the great pain she’d under gone while giving birth. Despite this hardship, there was a gentle smile on her face.
“Dolma, as is our tradition from which *Lama, shall we beg for a name for our baby?,” asked the old woman.
“No, I want to give the name.”
“What, did you say something?”
“Yes, I said that I want to give the name!!”
“You want to give the name?” asked the old woman in a voice of surprise.
“Yes, I want to give him the first name of his late father, in his memory.”
Thus, they named their baby ‘Tenzin’ in remembrance of his late father Tenzin Dhondup. Tenzin Dhondup was a tall, slim, strong and handsome man.
[*Lama-A Tibetan word, which means Buddhist monk.]
Tenzin Dhondup was the only person in the village who could read and write properly. Thus, the Chinese district governor had appointed him to be the teacher in the village with a salary of 60 yen per month.
He was ordered to teach the life story of Mao Zedong and their policies in order to make the Tibetan children love the Chinese government. Yet, he used to teach the history of Tibet and encourage his students as well as the villagers to raise their voices against the Chinese government.
“Human beings are born to be free, free to think, free to act and free to express their thoughts” was one of his favorite quotes.
In 1976, he along with three compatriots from his village went to the Chinese district office and had shouted, “We want justice, and we want freedom, free Tibet !!”
Suddenly then, the Chinese police officers came and ended them all into the local prison.
Suddenly then, the Chinese police officers came and ended them all into the local prison.
After two days, the Chinese police department in the locality brought them back to their village ‘Wadak’ and insulted these political prisoners in front of the whole villagers.
There, the Chinese police forces handed guns to each one of the family members of those young freedom fighters and commanded them to shoot at these freedom fighters. No one was shooting. So, the head of the Chinese police threatened, “If you people don’t shoot them, then we will turn your whole village into ash!”
There was great sadness in the eyes and pain in the hearts of every villager. At that moment, one of freedom fighters shouted “shoot us, shoot us…!”
With much reluctance and great fear the tearful family members of these young freedom fighters shot “Bang, bang…!”
Immediately, the news of Tenzin Dhondup’s death reached the ears of his sister. She grieved and sent a short letter through a man to her past brother’s wife, Dolma.
36-3-1967
Dear Dolma,
I’m the evil sister of you late darling. I was so sad to hear the news of my brother’s death. I was sad and I have no words to describe my pain but I am in a situation of trauma and sadness which is beyond your imagination. I regret that I could not help him. I couldn’t save him. But trust me, I really love him and I love our country ‘Tibet .’
There was great sadness in the eyes and pain in the hearts of every villager. At that moment, one of freedom fighters shouted “shoot us, shoot us…!”
With much reluctance and great fear the tearful family members of these young freedom fighters shot “Bang, bang…!”
Immediately, the news of Tenzin Dhondup’s death reached the ears of his sister. She grieved and sent a short letter through a man to her past brother’s wife, Dolma.
36-3-1967
Dear Dolma,
I’m the evil sister of you late darling. I was so sad to hear the news of my brother’s death. I was sad and I have no words to describe my pain but I am in a situation of trauma and sadness which is beyond your imagination. I regret that I could not help him. I couldn’t save him. But trust me, I really love him and I love our country ‘Tibet .’
Though, I’m working in the Chinese state office, it’s just for money; money to run my life and to send my children to school. I have bodyguards, but they are not of my choice, rather they are spying on me. I was forced to accept them by the Chinese government. They scrutinize my entire life and watch each and every action of mine. Hence, if I speak something about him to the district office, they will label me as a ‘splitist’, and I will be sacked from my job. I’m really so sorry for you. If you want any help from me regarding money, please let me know. If you write me through the post, please don’t write anything about Tenzin Dhondup nor about our country.
Take care of yourself and may god bless you!!
With best regards
The evil sister of
Your late darling
Dolma was surprised. She read the letter, but burnt it and sought no help.
Take care of yourself and may god bless you!!
With best regards
The evil sister of
Your late darling
Dolma was surprised. She read the letter, but burnt it and sought no help.
CHAPTER 2
Wadak, the village seemed so quiet in the absence of the teacher, the courageous freedom fighter, Tenzin Dhondup.
Wadak, the village seemed so quiet in the absence of the teacher, the courageous freedom fighter, Tenzin Dhondup.
Wadak was situated in a beautiful valley between two mountain ranges. On the lower mountain range, there were many grasses and evergreen trees. Snow covered the mountaintops all the year round. The village was in Chamdo in the northeastern part of Tibet. The villagers are mostly farmers.
In summer, both men and women were very busy with their farm works. In the winter, they were bit free and had less work, except to collect woods for cooking in the winter and of course, to be stored them for the busy summer and spring season. The men were mainly engaged in collecting fire-woods and the ladies were very busy with their house hold chores. Winter is also the time when these villagers used to pilgrim the holy mountains and holy lakes of Buddhist religion like Manusevara lake and Khawakarpo mountain.
Dolma, the young widow was acting as a young man doing a man’s work while the old woman, Tenzin’s grandmother was very busy at home. Tenzin was now five years old and he had grown to be quite big and cute, his mother sent him to look after their goats, sheep and some other animals. Even though, Tenzin was a semi-orphan boy, all the people of his village loved him and cared for him greatly. He was a shepherd only in name and all the duties were done by other shepherds who were with him, especially, Tashi, a man of honesty who loved and cared for Tenzin as his own biological child. Tashi had been a good friend of Tenzin’s father ‘Tenzin Dhondup’. He had learnt how to read and write Tibetan language from his late friend Tenzin Dhondup. So, every night, he used to teach Tibetan language to Tenzin and his daughter Choeying. Choeying was three years older than Tenzin. She was a sweet and loving girl. She loved Tenzin and Tenzin loved her. But, neither Tenzin nor Choeying said “I love you” to each other. Even they didn’t know the word ‘love’; they just felt they were brother- sisterhood. Dolma, Tenzin’s mom was very pleased on seeing the two children going hand in hand and loving each other. She wished to talk about the relationship of the two kids with Tashi. She always prayed “oh god! May these two children become a good couple when they grow up.” Hence, one day, she decided to talk about it with Choeying’s father, Tashi. But, suddenly, she thought “it’s impossible, because my son has no father and we are poor.” Her eyes clouded. She felt paralyzed. A few minutes later, she remembered the proverb “imagination is the enemy of decision.” She shrugged her shoulders and headed for Tashi’s house.
‘Tock, Tock-Tock’ Dolma knocked at the door.
‘Hello,’ said Dolma, she again knocked at the door, softly. The door opened. It was Tashi. He stared at Dolma with a smile.
"Can I come in?" Said Dolma with a half smile.
"Yes, please come", welcomed Tashi with a whole smile. Then, she went in. She told her wishes and thoughts about the two children. To her astonishment, Tashi replied, "my wife and I have already discussed this and wished the same. But..."
"But what?" Dolma's voice was soft and low.
"But we have decided to send our daughter to India ."
"To study?" Dolma widened her eyes and stopped breathing.
"Yes, to study. My younger brother, Choeying's uncle Gyaltsen have written
us many letters requesting that we send Choeying to India ."
Choeyang's uncle Gyaltsen is a monk. He is in India . He is studying in a monastery under the guidance of His Holiness the xivth Dalai Lama. For a long time, he kept requesting that Tashi send Choeying to India to study. Very recently, Tashi received a letter. So, he read the letter for Dolma, sincerely.
20-6-1981
Dear brother Tashi,
It’s me, your younger brother Gyaltsen. This is my fifth letter to you requesting that you send your daughter to India to study.
Regardless, I can't make anymore request. You know, it's very difficult for me to find a man through whom I can send you a letter. I’m afraid that if I write you through the post, then you’ll be in trouble, because the Chinese authorities check each and every letter that comes and goes through the post from Tibet. So, this time I wholeheartedly request or suggest that you send your daughter to India to study. Here is the school called T.C.V., it is primarily for new arrivals from Tibet. It is totally under the guidance of H. H. the Dalai Lama. ‘T.C.V.’ is not only a school. It is also a big home away from home. It is widely known that T. C. V. produces "the future builders of Tibet ." So, if you want to have the sun of freedom shine over the land of ours, then you should co-operate in the struggle to make Tibet independent. So, for the freedom of Tibet and also to improve your daughter's chances of a better future, you must send your daughter Choeying to India to study. She will safe, and you can let her be in my hand. I will take care of her and moreover, If she can study, T.C. V. will provide everything that a modern student needs. Please, don't delay; send Choeying as soon as possible.
With love
Your younger brother,
Gyaltsen
"I'm very sorry". Dolma's voice was shaking. Her face was clouded. Her eyes were filled with tears.
"It's okay".
"My son has no such luck!" Dolma said in a very low voice. Both of them were silent for a long moment. They each drank a cup of tea. Then, Dolma left Tashi and went back to her house. Tashi was feeling uncomfortable and unhappy.
'Tock, tock...' Some one was knocking on the door.
"Push the door', Tashi shouted.
"It's closed, father'. Choeying recognized it was her dad's voice.
"Oh no!" Tashi murmured and opened the door.
"What happened to you, dad?"
'Nothing'
"Your face looks so unhappy?"
"I'm thinking about sending you to India to study".
"When dad?"
"Very soon!"
"Thank you, father." She was pleased and she was excited. She had never seen any vehicles. So, in her mind, India is a very pleasant country that had cars and vehicles as some on had told her. Yet, suddenly she remembered Tenzin.
"Father, will you send Tenzin with me?"
"No, he has to support his mom and grand mom".
"Then, will I be alone in India ?"
"No darling, you'll meet your uncle Gyaltsen. He will take care of you".
"Okay dad, then I'll go".
"You are so lucky my child, that you will meet H. H. the Dalai Lama." Tashi kissed his daughter fore head.
Two months later, Tashi and his wife sent Choeying to India with a tourist guide who was an old friend of Tashi. The tourist guide took Choeying to Lhasa , the capital city of Tibet . There he met a British tourist whom he knew from a long time and who was going to India directly through the main road. So, he sent Choeying with the British tourist. At the same the time, he took a mob of Tibetans and took a round to cross the border. Because, they got no permission to go to India . So, if they were caught by the Chinese police checkpoints, then they will be in prison rather than in India . Thus, they crossed rivers and gigantic snow mountains. On the way, they underwent such suffering and hardships such that no one would have believed them. Yet, they reached Nepal safely. There, the tourist guide met the British tourist and Choeying. So, he paid 1000 yens to the British tourist as he had promised him and took Choeying to India . Then, he returned to Tibet with the good news that Choeying had reached India , and now in safe hands.
‘Tock, Tock-Tock’ Dolma knocked at the door.
‘Hello,’ said Dolma, she again knocked at the door, softly. The door opened. It was Tashi. He stared at Dolma with a smile.
"Can I come in?" Said Dolma with a half smile.
"Yes, please come", welcomed Tashi with a whole smile. Then, she went in. She told her wishes and thoughts about the two children. To her astonishment, Tashi replied, "my wife and I have already discussed this and wished the same. But..."
"But what?" Dolma's voice was soft and low.
"But we have decided to send our daughter to India ."
"To study?" Dolma widened her eyes and stopped breathing.
"Yes, to study. My younger brother, Choeying's uncle Gyaltsen have written
us many letters requesting that we send Choeying to India ."
Choeyang's uncle Gyaltsen is a monk. He is in India . He is studying in a monastery under the guidance of His Holiness the xivth Dalai Lama. For a long time, he kept requesting that Tashi send Choeying to India to study. Very recently, Tashi received a letter. So, he read the letter for Dolma, sincerely.
20-6-1981
Dear brother Tashi,
It’s me, your younger brother Gyaltsen. This is my fifth letter to you requesting that you send your daughter to India to study.
Regardless, I can't make anymore request. You know, it's very difficult for me to find a man through whom I can send you a letter. I’m afraid that if I write you through the post, then you’ll be in trouble, because the Chinese authorities check each and every letter that comes and goes through the post from Tibet. So, this time I wholeheartedly request or suggest that you send your daughter to India to study. Here is the school called T.C.V., it is primarily for new arrivals from Tibet. It is totally under the guidance of H. H. the Dalai Lama. ‘T.C.V.’ is not only a school. It is also a big home away from home. It is widely known that T. C. V. produces "the future builders of Tibet ." So, if you want to have the sun of freedom shine over the land of ours, then you should co-operate in the struggle to make Tibet independent. So, for the freedom of Tibet and also to improve your daughter's chances of a better future, you must send your daughter Choeying to India to study. She will safe, and you can let her be in my hand. I will take care of her and moreover, If she can study, T.C. V. will provide everything that a modern student needs. Please, don't delay; send Choeying as soon as possible.
With love
Your younger brother,
Gyaltsen
"I'm very sorry". Dolma's voice was shaking. Her face was clouded. Her eyes were filled with tears.
"It's okay".
"My son has no such luck!" Dolma said in a very low voice. Both of them were silent for a long moment. They each drank a cup of tea. Then, Dolma left Tashi and went back to her house. Tashi was feeling uncomfortable and unhappy.
'Tock, tock...' Some one was knocking on the door.
"Push the door', Tashi shouted.
"It's closed, father'. Choeying recognized it was her dad's voice.
"Oh no!" Tashi murmured and opened the door.
"What happened to you, dad?"
'Nothing'
"Your face looks so unhappy?"
"I'm thinking about sending you to India to study".
"When dad?"
"Very soon!"
"Thank you, father." She was pleased and she was excited. She had never seen any vehicles. So, in her mind, India is a very pleasant country that had cars and vehicles as some on had told her. Yet, suddenly she remembered Tenzin.
"Father, will you send Tenzin with me?"
"No, he has to support his mom and grand mom".
"Then, will I be alone in India ?"
"No darling, you'll meet your uncle Gyaltsen. He will take care of you".
"Okay dad, then I'll go".
"You are so lucky my child, that you will meet H. H. the Dalai Lama." Tashi kissed his daughter fore head.
Two months later, Tashi and his wife sent Choeying to India with a tourist guide who was an old friend of Tashi. The tourist guide took Choeying to Lhasa , the capital city of Tibet . There he met a British tourist whom he knew from a long time and who was going to India directly through the main road. So, he sent Choeying with the British tourist. At the same the time, he took a mob of Tibetans and took a round to cross the border. Because, they got no permission to go to India . So, if they were caught by the Chinese police checkpoints, then they will be in prison rather than in India . Thus, they crossed rivers and gigantic snow mountains. On the way, they underwent such suffering and hardships such that no one would have believed them. Yet, they reached Nepal safely. There, the tourist guide met the British tourist and Choeying. So, he paid 1000 yens to the British tourist as he had promised him and took Choeying to India . Then, he returned to Tibet with the good news that Choeying had reached India , and now in safe hands.
CHAPTER 3
The year 1987 was a bad year for Tenzin. Tenzin's grand-mother died and his best play- mate and sister Choeying left him for India . Tenzin was so sad. He cried a lot. But, he never cried in front of his beloved mother. His mom was his greatest strength. He was very hungry to make her happy. Yet, his mom was worrying about his future. She was worrying about his education. So, one day, she went to Tashi and asked him for guidance. Tashi replied "you should ask your son's aunty to send him to a nice Chinese school".
'No!' Dolma snapped.
'Why?' Tashi asked, thoughtlessly.
"Because, my son is a Tibetan. I don't want him to be in a Chinese school. I wish to send him to a school where he can learn our own language, customs and history".
"Are you thinking of sending him to India .
'Yes'. Dolma responded by nodding her head.
"Tock, tock.....", "some one is knocking at the door.”Dolma said in a low tone.
"Who are you?" Tashi shouted.
"Is my mom, there?” a small voice came from outside.
"Yes, my boy". Dolma said, she recognized her son's voice.
Tashi opened the door and said "come in Tenzin, we are talking about sending you to India ."
Tenzin stood straight and asked 'really?'
"Yes, my boy," his mom said with a smile.
"You are kidding, mom."
"No, I'm really serious".
"It's interesting, but I don't want to go".
"Why not?" Tashi asked.
"I want to serve my mom." Tenzin said in a loud voice.
"Don't worry about your mom. We will look after your mom". Tashi said, kindly. Tenzin looked at his mom and then to Tashi. He could see both of them had the same thought "you'll meet Choeying. Moreover, you will get the bliss of H. H. the Dalai Lama and you will become a good Tibetan."
"It'll be okay, my loving boy". His mom said, with tears in he eyes.
A cloud covered Tenzin's face and his eyes welled up with tears. His mom hugged him tightly and cried softly. Tashi was left without knowing what to do. After a moment, Tashi swallowed the lump in his throat and consoled them both. Dolma wiped her tears and asked, "Will you go my boy?"
"Yes, mom". Tenzin said wiping his moist eyes.
'Good', slipped from the mouth of Tashi. The next few months, Tashi and his wife welcomed Tenzin and his mom, Dolma to their *Nongla and made them members of their family.
[*Nongla-A Tibetan word which means family]
Two months later, one fine evening, Dolma, Tenzin mother said "Tenzin, my lovely boy, you’ll soon have to leave us for India ".
"Okay mom". Tenzin mumbled.
"Don't cry, be a brave boy". Tashi slapped Tenzin's shoulder.
'Yeah', Tenzin acknowledged.
"My boy is so good". Dolma said with a smile, but it was a painful smile.
As time passed, winter came into the air and it was time for Tenzin to leave for India . It was a cold morning when a tall, thin and black face tourist guide appeared. He asked Tashi if Tenzin was ready to. Tenzin had received of encouragement from his mom and Tashi and Tashi's wife. His mom held him in her arms so close that he could feel her heart beating. They held each other for a long moment and kissed each other. Finally, they let one another go. Tenzin left his beloved mother and Tashi and Tashi's wife standing on the road looking forlorn, with tears in their eyes and swaging their hands in the air to say good-bye to Tenzin. He responded with a very warm good bye. As miles and miles passed, his wounded heart healed. He heartily engaged in the thought that he had fulfilled the hope of his mom for the sake of his mom, his native land and his future. After four days of traveling by wagon, Tenzin and the tourist guide reached Lhasa , the capital city of Tibet . The city was so crowded. Tenzin was very confused. So, he asked “guide, is this Beijing or?”
“Oh! My silly friend, this is Lhasa ,” replied the guide, and he was laughing as he said this.
“Almost all the people are Chinese,” Tenzin gestured to the people around him.
“Are you feeling guilty?” Tenzin’s guide teased, expecting him to laugh.
“No, but Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and Tibet belongs to us, Tibetans, not to the Chinese.”
Tenzin’s eyes remained very serious.
“Don’t talk about such things!! If the Chinese police hear our talk, we’ll go to prison instead to India ,” the tourist guide warned him.
‘Okay’ Tenzin said, quietly.
They stayed in Lhasa for three weeks. The guide took Tenzin to all the holy monasteries of Lhasa . And then one day, the guide said “tonight, I’ll have many people like you and we should begin our journey to India .”
“That’s good.” Tenzin’s mouth slipped.
“No, it makes things more difficult,” guide countered.
“Then, you can leave them.” Tenzin said, very innocently.
“You are so young and naïve. They too wish to escape the cage of the communist party’s oppression,” the tourist guide scolded Tenzin.
“I’m sorry,” Tenzin said, feeling ashamed.
“I’m too,” the guide gave him fond smile.
‘Tsar….’ the doorbell ran.
“Now, they are here,” the guide opened the door. There were many people. All were strangers to Tenzin. Yet, he was glad, because there were many children who were about his age.
“Nyima, is this the boy you went to the village for?” A short t and fat man called Lobsang asked the guide, staring at Tenzin with a smile.
‘Pardon?’ Nyima listened to him carefully.
“Is this the boy, you went to the village to get.” Lobsang repeated his question.
“Yes, he is,” replied Nyima, looking at Tenzin with a beautiful smile. Tenzin too responded by nodding his head.
“Oh, Lobsang,” Nyima added, in a voice that suggested something he remembered suddenly.
“Yes, friend” eyed “Lobsang at Nyima, expecting to hear something important.
“Have you told the wagon driver to come at the specified time?”
“Yes, indeed. But, shall I give him a ring.”
“Yeah, it’s better.”
Lobsang pressed the phone number 102868.
“Til, til…...” the phone rang.
“Tok, Tig,” the wagon driver picked up the phone and said ‘hello’.
‘Hello,’ Lobsang repeated.
“Hello, this is the wagon driver.”
“Yea, this is Lobsang and I’m reminding you to come on the exact given time, which is 12 midnight . Don’t be late, okay?”
“Okay, I’ll come.”
‘Tag,’ Lobsang put the phone back on the table and looked at Nyima, wanting to say “don’t worry, I reminded the wagon driver.” But, Nyima was very busy in collecting money from these people whom he was going to guide to India .
“Please, take this boy to H.H. the Dalai Lama in India . I’ll pay you as you ask,” an old man requested, with tears in his eyes.
“Are you not going with him?” Nyima said in surprise.
“He is not my boy. He is alone, really,” the old man’s voice was shaking. He gazed at Nyima with a look of sadness and continued “his mother requested that I send him to India . She too died for Tibet after hearing that,her husband had died in the Chinese prison.”
All the people who were there eyed the old man with surprise.
“Damn you, don’t cheat me, I’m clever than you.” Nyima thought, yet said nothing. The old man sighed and told everything about the boy. Later, he took out a long pure gold chain from his pocket and said, “This is the wealth which this boy’s mother left for him.” He handed it to Nyima and added “please, offer this to H.H. the Dalai Lama when you reach India .” Nyima felt so sad. He agreed to honor the old man’s request and took no money from him.
As time passed, the earth said good-bye to the sun and welcomed the moon. The crowded city of Lhasa turned silent. Just then, a wagon came and honked.
“Hurry up, our wagon is coming,” Nyima announced. In a hurry, they
took their bags and rushed into the wagon. The old man and the family members of those leaving stood looking sad and raised their hands in the air to say ‘good bye’. Some of them were crying. Just then, the wagon started to move and slowly roll out of Lhasa .
The year 1987 was a bad year for Tenzin. Tenzin's grand-mother died and his best play- mate and sister Choeying left him for India . Tenzin was so sad. He cried a lot. But, he never cried in front of his beloved mother. His mom was his greatest strength. He was very hungry to make her happy. Yet, his mom was worrying about his future. She was worrying about his education. So, one day, she went to Tashi and asked him for guidance. Tashi replied "you should ask your son's aunty to send him to a nice Chinese school".
'No!' Dolma snapped.
'Why?' Tashi asked, thoughtlessly.
"Because, my son is a Tibetan. I don't want him to be in a Chinese school. I wish to send him to a school where he can learn our own language, customs and history".
"Are you thinking of sending him to India .
'Yes'. Dolma responded by nodding her head.
"Tock, tock.....", "some one is knocking at the door.”Dolma said in a low tone.
"Who are you?" Tashi shouted.
"Is my mom, there?” a small voice came from outside.
"Yes, my boy". Dolma said, she recognized her son's voice.
Tashi opened the door and said "come in Tenzin, we are talking about sending you to India ."
Tenzin stood straight and asked 'really?'
"Yes, my boy," his mom said with a smile.
"You are kidding, mom."
"No, I'm really serious".
"It's interesting, but I don't want to go".
"Why not?" Tashi asked.
"I want to serve my mom." Tenzin said in a loud voice.
"Don't worry about your mom. We will look after your mom". Tashi said, kindly. Tenzin looked at his mom and then to Tashi. He could see both of them had the same thought "you'll meet Choeying. Moreover, you will get the bliss of H. H. the Dalai Lama and you will become a good Tibetan."
"It'll be okay, my loving boy". His mom said, with tears in he eyes.
A cloud covered Tenzin's face and his eyes welled up with tears. His mom hugged him tightly and cried softly. Tashi was left without knowing what to do. After a moment, Tashi swallowed the lump in his throat and consoled them both. Dolma wiped her tears and asked, "Will you go my boy?"
"Yes, mom". Tenzin said wiping his moist eyes.
'Good', slipped from the mouth of Tashi. The next few months, Tashi and his wife welcomed Tenzin and his mom, Dolma to their *Nongla and made them members of their family.
[*Nongla-A Tibetan word which means family]
Two months later, one fine evening, Dolma, Tenzin mother said "Tenzin, my lovely boy, you’ll soon have to leave us for India ".
"Okay mom". Tenzin mumbled.
"Don't cry, be a brave boy". Tashi slapped Tenzin's shoulder.
'Yeah', Tenzin acknowledged.
"My boy is so good". Dolma said with a smile, but it was a painful smile.
As time passed, winter came into the air and it was time for Tenzin to leave for India . It was a cold morning when a tall, thin and black face tourist guide appeared. He asked Tashi if Tenzin was ready to. Tenzin had received of encouragement from his mom and Tashi and Tashi's wife. His mom held him in her arms so close that he could feel her heart beating. They held each other for a long moment and kissed each other. Finally, they let one another go. Tenzin left his beloved mother and Tashi and Tashi's wife standing on the road looking forlorn, with tears in their eyes and swaging their hands in the air to say good-bye to Tenzin. He responded with a very warm good bye. As miles and miles passed, his wounded heart healed. He heartily engaged in the thought that he had fulfilled the hope of his mom for the sake of his mom, his native land and his future. After four days of traveling by wagon, Tenzin and the tourist guide reached Lhasa , the capital city of Tibet . The city was so crowded. Tenzin was very confused. So, he asked “guide, is this Beijing or?”
“Oh! My silly friend, this is Lhasa ,” replied the guide, and he was laughing as he said this.
“Almost all the people are Chinese,” Tenzin gestured to the people around him.
“Are you feeling guilty?” Tenzin’s guide teased, expecting him to laugh.
“No, but Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and Tibet belongs to us, Tibetans, not to the Chinese.”
Tenzin’s eyes remained very serious.
“Don’t talk about such things!! If the Chinese police hear our talk, we’ll go to prison instead to India ,” the tourist guide warned him.
‘Okay’ Tenzin said, quietly.
They stayed in Lhasa for three weeks. The guide took Tenzin to all the holy monasteries of Lhasa . And then one day, the guide said “tonight, I’ll have many people like you and we should begin our journey to India .”
“That’s good.” Tenzin’s mouth slipped.
“No, it makes things more difficult,” guide countered.
“Then, you can leave them.” Tenzin said, very innocently.
“You are so young and naïve. They too wish to escape the cage of the communist party’s oppression,” the tourist guide scolded Tenzin.
“I’m sorry,” Tenzin said, feeling ashamed.
“I’m too,” the guide gave him fond smile.
‘Tsar….’ the doorbell ran.
“Now, they are here,” the guide opened the door. There were many people. All were strangers to Tenzin. Yet, he was glad, because there were many children who were about his age.
“Nyima, is this the boy you went to the village for?” A short t and fat man called Lobsang asked the guide, staring at Tenzin with a smile.
‘Pardon?’ Nyima listened to him carefully.
“Is this the boy, you went to the village to get.” Lobsang repeated his question.
“Yes, he is,” replied Nyima, looking at Tenzin with a beautiful smile. Tenzin too responded by nodding his head.
“Oh, Lobsang,” Nyima added, in a voice that suggested something he remembered suddenly.
“Yes, friend” eyed “Lobsang at Nyima, expecting to hear something important.
“Have you told the wagon driver to come at the specified time?”
“Yes, indeed. But, shall I give him a ring.”
“Yeah, it’s better.”
Lobsang pressed the phone number 102868.
“Til, til…...” the phone rang.
“Tok, Tig,” the wagon driver picked up the phone and said ‘hello’.
‘Hello,’ Lobsang repeated.
“Hello, this is the wagon driver.”
“Yea, this is Lobsang and I’m reminding you to come on the exact given time, which is 12 midnight . Don’t be late, okay?”
“Okay, I’ll come.”
‘Tag,’ Lobsang put the phone back on the table and looked at Nyima, wanting to say “don’t worry, I reminded the wagon driver.” But, Nyima was very busy in collecting money from these people whom he was going to guide to India .
“Please, take this boy to H.H. the Dalai Lama in India . I’ll pay you as you ask,” an old man requested, with tears in his eyes.
“Are you not going with him?” Nyima said in surprise.
“He is not my boy. He is alone, really,” the old man’s voice was shaking. He gazed at Nyima with a look of sadness and continued “his mother requested that I send him to India . She too died for Tibet after hearing that,her husband had died in the Chinese prison.”
All the people who were there eyed the old man with surprise.
“Damn you, don’t cheat me, I’m clever than you.” Nyima thought, yet said nothing. The old man sighed and told everything about the boy. Later, he took out a long pure gold chain from his pocket and said, “This is the wealth which this boy’s mother left for him.” He handed it to Nyima and added “please, offer this to H.H. the Dalai Lama when you reach India .” Nyima felt so sad. He agreed to honor the old man’s request and took no money from him.
As time passed, the earth said good-bye to the sun and welcomed the moon. The crowded city of Lhasa turned silent. Just then, a wagon came and honked.
“Hurry up, our wagon is coming,” Nyima announced. In a hurry, they
took their bags and rushed into the wagon. The old man and the family members of those leaving stood looking sad and raised their hands in the air to say ‘good bye’. Some of them were crying. Just then, the wagon started to move and slowly roll out of Lhasa .
CHAPTER 4
After 12 hours, they reached Shegatse a big town, approximately ……Kilometers from Lhasa. There was a Chinese police road post, which used to check the wagons from passing through the town. So, they stopped the wagon, unloaded, and turned it back to Lhasa .
“Quickly, move that side,” shouted Nyima, pointing towards the riverbank. There, they ate bread with butter as their lunch. They didn’t build a fire for tea, since the smoke would reveal their presence. They waited impatiently for midnight to fall and when it did, the sky was not clear. It was very dark. The snow started to fall. Thunder rumbled in the cloudy sky and lighting zigzagged flashed over the mountains. The people of Shegatse had gone to the land of dream. Still, there were several armed Chinese police blocking the road.
“We have no luck tonight; we can’t pass, because they are still there. Well, we can wait for them to go to sleep,” whispered Nyima.
They were standing in a dark corner of the street. Snow was falling over them. Their clothes were very wet.
“Tenzin is still sleeping,” murmured Dawa.
‘Shh….. trouble Nyima.
After a few minutes, the Chinese road police disappeared to their room to have some hot tea.
At that moment, the group slipped through the Chinese road block, thanking god, that they’d reach India sooner than later. After half an hour, the snow stopped falling and they continued walking through the night. At dawn, they reached a nomad camp. There were no wagon, no roads, only Yaks and other domestic animals. The nomads were getting up and smoke can be seen curling skywards from their tents.
“Friends, now we are almost free. We can go to them and have tea. They won’t betray us. They are kind Tibetans,” said Nyima, smiling. And he led them to a tent. A tall man came out, hugged Nyima and said, “Nyima, you promised to come within three years, but you didn’t.”
“It’s a long story. The Chinese police have had me under close watch. This boy’s name is Tenzin and his father was Tenzin Dhondup, a freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for the freedom of Tibet . Tenzin Dhondup was a friend of friend Tashi and all those who’ve been linked to the freedom fighters have been under Chinese scrutiny for the last three years. There fore, I’ve been unable to travel,” said Nyima, looking at Tenzin, sadly.
“Oh, please come in,” the tall man welcomed all of them into his tent.
“Darling, make food for them,” the tall man said to his wife.
“No, not food. Can we have some hot *bhoeja,” Nyima requested the woman.
They went to the fire to dry their wet clothes. Within twenty minutes, the wife made hot Bhoe-Ja and served them cupfuls of it. Now, they were felling quite warm.
“You told me that you are going to send your aged father with me to India to have the blessing of H. H. the Dalai Lama before his death, where is he?” continued Nyima, looking all around.
“He died last year,” said the tall man, with a look of grief.
“I’m so sorry,” said Nyima, with aquiver in his voice. The tall man opened an old box and took out a Buddha statue. Then, he handed it to Nyima very carefully and said “please, offer this to H.H. the Dalai Lama and tell him that all of us Tibetans in Tibet are waiting to see him.”
‘Uh-huh, said Nyima, softly, looking at his wristwatch. It was seven o’clock , the sun was rising and it was time to depart from the nomad’s camp.
[*Bhoe-Ja--=A Tibetan word which means butter tea]
Four in the evening, they reached the foot of a huge snow mountain.
“Today, we have to stay here. It takes a whole day to cross and if we start now, we’ll freeze in the bitter night,” said Nyima. They settled down for the night in the big meadow. There was no wood, but plenty of *Yak dung. So, they built a fire and they melted snow to make tea. Just then, Nyima observed that his friend Lobsang’s face had turned pale and his head had fallen downward.]
“Lobsang, are you dozing?” asked Nyima, walking over to him.
“Shh……, don’t make them nervous, just hand me a blanket,” whispered Lobsang, seriously. Nyima learnt that there was no hope for Lobsang.
“He said that he was very tired and needed some sleep,” laid Nyima, taking a cotton blanket from Lobsang. And when tea was ready, Tenzin said “let me serve him a cup of tea,” as he stood up. “No, don’t disturb him, he is sleeping,” Nyima grabbed Tenzin’s arm.
‘Okay,’ shrugged Tenzin with a look of unhappiness.
“He is sick. We should not leave him like this, we ought to do something,” squeaked Kusang. Every body eyed Nyima.
[*Yak-long haired Tibetan ox (Tibetan)]
“Okay, we should, but…” gasped Nyima, edging towards where Lobsang is.
“He is dead!” moaned Nyima.
“It’s because of you, you lied to us. You killer,” cried Kusang with her head in her hands. Every body rounded the dead body of Lobsang and left no further words.
“Sorry, it’s my mistake.” Nyima bore the harsh words of Kusang. Then, he added, “You children sleep. Otherwise, you will sleep while walking tomorrow.”
Several hours elapsed, and Nyima and some other men started to dig a kind of a grave for Lobsang’s dead body. But, the soil was very hard and frozen. So, they covered the corpse with stones
After 12 hours, they reached Shegatse a big town, approximately ……Kilometers from Lhasa. There was a Chinese police road post, which used to check the wagons from passing through the town. So, they stopped the wagon, unloaded, and turned it back to Lhasa .
“Quickly, move that side,” shouted Nyima, pointing towards the riverbank. There, they ate bread with butter as their lunch. They didn’t build a fire for tea, since the smoke would reveal their presence. They waited impatiently for midnight to fall and when it did, the sky was not clear. It was very dark. The snow started to fall. Thunder rumbled in the cloudy sky and lighting zigzagged flashed over the mountains. The people of Shegatse had gone to the land of dream. Still, there were several armed Chinese police blocking the road.
“We have no luck tonight; we can’t pass, because they are still there. Well, we can wait for them to go to sleep,” whispered Nyima.
They were standing in a dark corner of the street. Snow was falling over them. Their clothes were very wet.
“Tenzin is still sleeping,” murmured Dawa.
‘Shh….. trouble Nyima.
After a few minutes, the Chinese road police disappeared to their room to have some hot tea.
At that moment, the group slipped through the Chinese road block, thanking god, that they’d reach India sooner than later. After half an hour, the snow stopped falling and they continued walking through the night. At dawn, they reached a nomad camp. There were no wagon, no roads, only Yaks and other domestic animals. The nomads were getting up and smoke can be seen curling skywards from their tents.
“Friends, now we are almost free. We can go to them and have tea. They won’t betray us. They are kind Tibetans,” said Nyima, smiling. And he led them to a tent. A tall man came out, hugged Nyima and said, “Nyima, you promised to come within three years, but you didn’t.”
“It’s a long story. The Chinese police have had me under close watch. This boy’s name is Tenzin and his father was Tenzin Dhondup, a freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for the freedom of Tibet . Tenzin Dhondup was a friend of friend Tashi and all those who’ve been linked to the freedom fighters have been under Chinese scrutiny for the last three years. There fore, I’ve been unable to travel,” said Nyima, looking at Tenzin, sadly.
“Oh, please come in,” the tall man welcomed all of them into his tent.
“Darling, make food for them,” the tall man said to his wife.
“No, not food. Can we have some hot *bhoeja,” Nyima requested the woman.
They went to the fire to dry their wet clothes. Within twenty minutes, the wife made hot Bhoe-Ja and served them cupfuls of it. Now, they were felling quite warm.
“You told me that you are going to send your aged father with me to India to have the blessing of H. H. the Dalai Lama before his death, where is he?” continued Nyima, looking all around.
“He died last year,” said the tall man, with a look of grief.
“I’m so sorry,” said Nyima, with aquiver in his voice. The tall man opened an old box and took out a Buddha statue. Then, he handed it to Nyima very carefully and said “please, offer this to H.H. the Dalai Lama and tell him that all of us Tibetans in Tibet are waiting to see him.”
‘Uh-huh, said Nyima, softly, looking at his wristwatch. It was seven o’clock , the sun was rising and it was time to depart from the nomad’s camp.
[*Bhoe-Ja--=A Tibetan word which means butter tea]
Four in the evening, they reached the foot of a huge snow mountain.
“Today, we have to stay here. It takes a whole day to cross and if we start now, we’ll freeze in the bitter night,” said Nyima. They settled down for the night in the big meadow. There was no wood, but plenty of *Yak dung. So, they built a fire and they melted snow to make tea. Just then, Nyima observed that his friend Lobsang’s face had turned pale and his head had fallen downward.]
“Lobsang, are you dozing?” asked Nyima, walking over to him.
“Shh……, don’t make them nervous, just hand me a blanket,” whispered Lobsang, seriously. Nyima learnt that there was no hope for Lobsang.
“He said that he was very tired and needed some sleep,” laid Nyima, taking a cotton blanket from Lobsang. And when tea was ready, Tenzin said “let me serve him a cup of tea,” as he stood up. “No, don’t disturb him, he is sleeping,” Nyima grabbed Tenzin’s arm.
‘Okay,’ shrugged Tenzin with a look of unhappiness.
“He is sick. We should not leave him like this, we ought to do something,” squeaked Kusang. Every body eyed Nyima.
[*Yak-long haired Tibetan ox (Tibetan)]
“Okay, we should, but…” gasped Nyima, edging towards where Lobsang is.
“He is dead!” moaned Nyima.
“It’s because of you, you lied to us. You killer,” cried Kusang with her head in her hands. Every body rounded the dead body of Lobsang and left no further words.
“Sorry, it’s my mistake.” Nyima bore the harsh words of Kusang. Then, he added, “You children sleep. Otherwise, you will sleep while walking tomorrow.”
Several hours elapsed, and Nyima and some other men started to dig a kind of a grave for Lobsang’s dead body. But, the soil was very hard and frozen. So, they covered the corpse with stones
CHAPTER 5
When morning came, they awakened all the children and ate breakfast with tea. It was a very cold morning and they could see their breath in the air. After breakfast, they started to climb the snow-covered mountains. There were very narrow footprints, frozen over on the snow. Nyima told them to follow the footprints. If they wanted to rest or to eat, they had to rest in these footprints. The path was narrow ad the mountain was steep. A minor slip would surely result in one’s death. The whole day, they walked and walked. At last when the sun was going down, they came upon a river valley. Then, they followed the river. Their shoes and the edges of their pants had frozen.
‘Don’t take rest. We must move on. If we rest, surely we’ll freeze,” everybody warned each other. Their voices were frightened and trembling.
Around mid-night, they found a cave at the foot of a very, very steep snow-covered mountain and they bedded down for the night.
“Oh, no, the sun is at our feet, and we are still sleeping,” sighed Tenzin, stretching his hands up. He was the first to wake up.
“Wake up, wake up… we are late,” Nyima woke all of them. A few minutes, they enjoyed bread with butter as their break fast and then again Nyima started to lead them across the gigantic snow covered mountain. After five hours of climbing the steep mountain, they were very tired and they could barely speak. Their load was too heavy. Hence, they started to throw out all the weighty eatables and took only light food and clothes. At 3p.m. , they left the great snow covered mountain behind and reached the beautiful grasslands. Here were herds of deer, wild sheep, goat ad many other UN-known wild animals. They sang, smiled and felt very happy in their journey, because, now there was no snow, no risk, just grass land, the endless grassland. But then, after seven days, their smiling faces faded and their enjoyable- journey turned to a perilous one. They were left in a very thick forest and had no food to eat. They walked for three days with no food in their stomachs. Tenzin and all other children cried out of hunger and followed Nyima reluctantly. There was pain in Nyima’s voce and worry in his face, but he could do nothing, despite the purse of money in his satchel. They continued onwards, quite wearily. Then, one evening, they arrive at a village. To their astonishment, there were no men, no animals, only houses. And all the houses were locked. They broke into one of the house and hurried in. There were pots of rice and nothing else. They emptied all the rice pots and put money in place of the rice. They filled their stomachs and by evening they arrive at a Nepalese village. Tenzin and Nyima entered the village while the others stayed hidden on the outskirts. Nyima pretended to be a businessman. These people were known to turn Tibetan refugees to the Nepalese police, in return for payment. In this village, there were many English mountaineers, and Nyima and Tenzin went to them. Nyima could speak English quite well, so he told them his story. Some of them were surprised though others knew the situation in Tibet . They felt pity and helped Nyima and Tenzin to buy food items from the Nepalese shop. The, Nyima and Tenzin returned to their group.
“Did you get food?” asked Dawa, eagerly.
‘Yes’, replied Nyima.
“Yes, of course, why not?” thought Tenzin. Everybody was smiling and smacking their lips as Nyima opened the bag of eatables. They ate them happily and then, they continued on their journey.
When morning came, they awakened all the children and ate breakfast with tea. It was a very cold morning and they could see their breath in the air. After breakfast, they started to climb the snow-covered mountains. There were very narrow footprints, frozen over on the snow. Nyima told them to follow the footprints. If they wanted to rest or to eat, they had to rest in these footprints. The path was narrow ad the mountain was steep. A minor slip would surely result in one’s death. The whole day, they walked and walked. At last when the sun was going down, they came upon a river valley. Then, they followed the river. Their shoes and the edges of their pants had frozen.
‘Don’t take rest. We must move on. If we rest, surely we’ll freeze,” everybody warned each other. Their voices were frightened and trembling.
Around mid-night, they found a cave at the foot of a very, very steep snow-covered mountain and they bedded down for the night.
“Oh, no, the sun is at our feet, and we are still sleeping,” sighed Tenzin, stretching his hands up. He was the first to wake up.
“Wake up, wake up… we are late,” Nyima woke all of them. A few minutes, they enjoyed bread with butter as their break fast and then again Nyima started to lead them across the gigantic snow covered mountain. After five hours of climbing the steep mountain, they were very tired and they could barely speak. Their load was too heavy. Hence, they started to throw out all the weighty eatables and took only light food and clothes. At 3p.m. , they left the great snow covered mountain behind and reached the beautiful grasslands. Here were herds of deer, wild sheep, goat ad many other UN-known wild animals. They sang, smiled and felt very happy in their journey, because, now there was no snow, no risk, just grass land, the endless grassland. But then, after seven days, their smiling faces faded and their enjoyable- journey turned to a perilous one. They were left in a very thick forest and had no food to eat. They walked for three days with no food in their stomachs. Tenzin and all other children cried out of hunger and followed Nyima reluctantly. There was pain in Nyima’s voce and worry in his face, but he could do nothing, despite the purse of money in his satchel. They continued onwards, quite wearily. Then, one evening, they arrive at a village. To their astonishment, there were no men, no animals, only houses. And all the houses were locked. They broke into one of the house and hurried in. There were pots of rice and nothing else. They emptied all the rice pots and put money in place of the rice. They filled their stomachs and by evening they arrive at a Nepalese village. Tenzin and Nyima entered the village while the others stayed hidden on the outskirts. Nyima pretended to be a businessman. These people were known to turn Tibetan refugees to the Nepalese police, in return for payment. In this village, there were many English mountaineers, and Nyima and Tenzin went to them. Nyima could speak English quite well, so he told them his story. Some of them were surprised though others knew the situation in Tibet . They felt pity and helped Nyima and Tenzin to buy food items from the Nepalese shop. The, Nyima and Tenzin returned to their group.
“Did you get food?” asked Dawa, eagerly.
‘Yes’, replied Nyima.
“Yes, of course, why not?” thought Tenzin. Everybody was smiling and smacking their lips as Nyima opened the bag of eatables. They ate them happily and then, they continued on their journey.
CHAPTER 6
When night fell, they came upon a road.
Paans... a bus was approaching them.
"A bus is coming, we shall go in it". Tenzin marched on to greet the bus.
"No, we can’t! And soon we'll meet a police station. We must wait for them to go to sleep. Oh, no, the bus is coming! Quickly hide, otherwise, the people will report us to the police", said Nyima lying down behind a rock.
"The bus is gone, now we are safe, but we must rest here until midnight ", said Nyima in a low voice.
"No, we are not safe, the driver saw us. No, no, I hope not", prayed Tenzin and then they fell asleep. A light on his face awakened Tenzin. When he opened his eyes, he saw that the police encircled them with guns in their hands. Tenzin closed his eyes, whispered, "We are caught". All of his journey mates were frightened and tried to escape.
'Freeze!' Shouted a chief police and all of them led their guns, prepared to shoot. Every body raised their hands above their heads.
"Now, follow me", called the chief police. Tenzin was trembling and followed. But, when he turned, he saw Nyima and the others standing still, he rushed back to them.
"Beat them, beat them!” the chief police was very angry. The policemen started to beat them. There were shouts of pain and many cried out. Blood was streaming from their heads down their body. Then, reluctantly everybody followed the chief police. They were taken to the police station and locked in till their jewels and money were confiscated. After two days, they were transported to a police station in Katmandu , the capital city of Nepal . There the chief police rang the Nepal Tibetan reception office and asked for a huge payment of money to release them. The Tibetan reception centre accepted and registered their names, ages, their parents' names, their occupations and their birthplaces. At Nepal Tibetan reception, they met many other Tibetans who were new arrivals from Tibet like them.
"We are really so lucky", thought Tenzin and he said, "thank god for your blessing" under his, breath. There were many Tibetan new arrivals whose feet or hands had been amputated due to frostbite. There, they lived for a week. Then, the Nepal Tibetan reception booked a bus to Delhi and sent them to Delhi with a man of their office. On the way, they met many Nepalese and Indian police checkpoints, which were appointed by their governments. Some of them were not; they were robbers. But, here this group of Tibetans faced no problems. Because, the Nepalese police roadblock already took their valued things where they were caught and imprisoned for two days. After several days, they reached Delhi Tibetan reception and there, they lived a fortnight.
The Delhi Tibetan reception office asked same questions as the Nepal Tibetan reception office did. Then, the Delhi Tibetan reception sent them to the Dharamsala Tibetan reception center, where H. H. the xivth Dalai Lama lives.
When night fell, they came upon a road.
Paans... a bus was approaching them.
"A bus is coming, we shall go in it". Tenzin marched on to greet the bus.
"No, we can’t! And soon we'll meet a police station. We must wait for them to go to sleep. Oh, no, the bus is coming! Quickly hide, otherwise, the people will report us to the police", said Nyima lying down behind a rock.
"The bus is gone, now we are safe, but we must rest here until midnight ", said Nyima in a low voice.
"No, we are not safe, the driver saw us. No, no, I hope not", prayed Tenzin and then they fell asleep. A light on his face awakened Tenzin. When he opened his eyes, he saw that the police encircled them with guns in their hands. Tenzin closed his eyes, whispered, "We are caught". All of his journey mates were frightened and tried to escape.
'Freeze!' Shouted a chief police and all of them led their guns, prepared to shoot. Every body raised their hands above their heads.
"Now, follow me", called the chief police. Tenzin was trembling and followed. But, when he turned, he saw Nyima and the others standing still, he rushed back to them.
"Beat them, beat them!” the chief police was very angry. The policemen started to beat them. There were shouts of pain and many cried out. Blood was streaming from their heads down their body. Then, reluctantly everybody followed the chief police. They were taken to the police station and locked in till their jewels and money were confiscated. After two days, they were transported to a police station in Katmandu , the capital city of Nepal . There the chief police rang the Nepal Tibetan reception office and asked for a huge payment of money to release them. The Tibetan reception centre accepted and registered their names, ages, their parents' names, their occupations and their birthplaces. At Nepal Tibetan reception, they met many other Tibetans who were new arrivals from Tibet like them.
"We are really so lucky", thought Tenzin and he said, "thank god for your blessing" under his, breath. There were many Tibetan new arrivals whose feet or hands had been amputated due to frostbite. There, they lived for a week. Then, the Nepal Tibetan reception booked a bus to Delhi and sent them to Delhi with a man of their office. On the way, they met many Nepalese and Indian police checkpoints, which were appointed by their governments. Some of them were not; they were robbers. But, here this group of Tibetans faced no problems. Because, the Nepalese police roadblock already took their valued things where they were caught and imprisoned for two days. After several days, they reached Delhi Tibetan reception and there, they lived a fortnight.
The Delhi Tibetan reception office asked same questions as the Nepal Tibetan reception office did. Then, the Delhi Tibetan reception sent them to the Dharamsala Tibetan reception center, where H. H. the xivth Dalai Lama lives.
CHAPTER 7
It was June 6, 1988 when they finally arrive at Dharamsala Tibetan reception center.
"Now our hazardous journey is over and you must stay here for a few days. Soon, the head office will assist you in further accommodations. Tomorrow, we'll have a special chance to see H. H. the Dalai Lama. I will see then," said Nyima loudly as he went to greet a young lady who’d come to receive him. Suddenly then, a man rang a bell and shouted” dinner! Dinner!"
Every body took their bowls and rushed towards the kitchen. Yet, Tenzin stayed on his bed and thought deeply.
"Tenzin, what are you thinking? Go and take food", said Dawa, with a big bowl of noodles in his hands.
'No'.
'Why?'
"I'm full".
"You ate nothing, how can you be full? If you feel shy, I'll go and get you some", Dawa got up and opened Tenzin's small plastic bag.
"Tenzin, you haven’t bowl, where is it?” asked Dawa, staring at Tenzin.
"It's lost", answered Tenzin, dropping his voice.
"Oh, come and eat with me if you like", Dawa smiled, expecting Tenzin to come.
"Okay, let me eat", Tenzin smiled. Yet, it was not a normal smile. It was a painful smile. They ate dinner, and had small talk. After a while, it was quiet and they fell asleep.
"Hi boy, wake up", heard Tenzin. He opened his eyes and saw a monk standing there. He rose up from his bed.
'Pardon?' said Tenzin.
"Are you Dolma's boy, Tenzin?” asked the monk.
"Yes, but...you?"
"I'm Gyaltsen, Tashi's younger brother".
"Oh, I see!"
"Where is Choeying?" continued Tenzin, happily.
"In upper T.C.V. School . It is only two kilometers from here".
"Will I meet her?” Tenzin could not hide the joy on his face.
"Yes, of course. How old are you?"
"I'm thirteen years old".
"Good, you will be school mates", said Gyaltsen, reassuringly.
Just then, Dawa woke up and took along breath, stretching his arm out wards.
"Who is he?” thought Dawa as he gazed at Gyalytsen and Tenzin. Gyaltsen stared at him.
"He is my journey mate", Tenzin said to Gyaltsen as he introduced the two of them.
"How old are you?” questioned Gyaltsen, with a gay smile.
"I'm fourteen," replied Dawa, wondering, "who is this monk?"
"Unfortunately, the two of you will not be school mates, yet, you will not be far away from each other", mentioned Gyaltsen thoughtfully.
"All new comers from Tibet , come to the office," a voice came from out side.
"You two must go. I'll wait here ", said Gyaltsen. Then, Dawa and Tenzin climbed up the stairs and headed to the reception office. An old officer announced, "now you people have a special opportunity to receive the blessing of H. H. the Dalai Lama. Then, all children ages 7 to 14 will go to upper T.C.V. and ages 14 to 17 will go to T.C.V. Suja".
Then, the old officer led the new arrivals to the residence of H. H. the Dalai Lama. There the police checked their bodies and they were sent into a big hall. They sat silently and waited for H. H. the Dalai Lama. The door opened, every body stared excitedly. Suddenly then, an aged monk in his simple dress entered. His face was shining and he had a great smile. He was none other than the living god, H. H. the fourteenth Dalai Lama. All the people clasped their hands together, and placed them against their hearts. They cried out of joy. H. H. Dalai Lama sat on an armchair and prayed for a moment closing his eyes. Then, he delivered a warm message-that healed their wounded hearts and reawakened their minds. At last H. H. Dalai Lama asked "how about your journey?" The audience had fallen silent and still as they wondered, "is this only a dream? No, no, it's real! I'm so lucky to hear his words and to see his face".
Immediately, Tenzin stood up and respectfully told about their journey in his shaky voice. H. H. listened carefully and said, “Now your hazardous journey is over and you are free from the cage of communist oppression. Yet, always remember your parents, sisters, brothers, and relatives, friends and all those who remain in Tibet as they continue to suffer under the communist part 'china'. The burden is ours, to pushback, against the oppression of the communist party and to make Tibet a free country through non violence".
Then, he left the hall and all the people dispersed with smiles on their faces and joys in their hearts.
It was June 6, 1988 when they finally arrive at Dharamsala Tibetan reception center.
"Now our hazardous journey is over and you must stay here for a few days. Soon, the head office will assist you in further accommodations. Tomorrow, we'll have a special chance to see H. H. the Dalai Lama. I will see then," said Nyima loudly as he went to greet a young lady who’d come to receive him. Suddenly then, a man rang a bell and shouted” dinner! Dinner!"
Every body took their bowls and rushed towards the kitchen. Yet, Tenzin stayed on his bed and thought deeply.
"Tenzin, what are you thinking? Go and take food", said Dawa, with a big bowl of noodles in his hands.
'No'.
'Why?'
"I'm full".
"You ate nothing, how can you be full? If you feel shy, I'll go and get you some", Dawa got up and opened Tenzin's small plastic bag.
"Tenzin, you haven’t bowl, where is it?” asked Dawa, staring at Tenzin.
"It's lost", answered Tenzin, dropping his voice.
"Oh, come and eat with me if you like", Dawa smiled, expecting Tenzin to come.
"Okay, let me eat", Tenzin smiled. Yet, it was not a normal smile. It was a painful smile. They ate dinner, and had small talk. After a while, it was quiet and they fell asleep.
"Hi boy, wake up", heard Tenzin. He opened his eyes and saw a monk standing there. He rose up from his bed.
'Pardon?' said Tenzin.
"Are you Dolma's boy, Tenzin?” asked the monk.
"Yes, but...you?"
"I'm Gyaltsen, Tashi's younger brother".
"Oh, I see!"
"Where is Choeying?" continued Tenzin, happily.
"In upper T.C.V. School . It is only two kilometers from here".
"Will I meet her?” Tenzin could not hide the joy on his face.
"Yes, of course. How old are you?"
"I'm thirteen years old".
"Good, you will be school mates", said Gyaltsen, reassuringly.
Just then, Dawa woke up and took along breath, stretching his arm out wards.
"Who is he?” thought Dawa as he gazed at Gyalytsen and Tenzin. Gyaltsen stared at him.
"He is my journey mate", Tenzin said to Gyaltsen as he introduced the two of them.
"How old are you?” questioned Gyaltsen, with a gay smile.
"I'm fourteen," replied Dawa, wondering, "who is this monk?"
"Unfortunately, the two of you will not be school mates, yet, you will not be far away from each other", mentioned Gyaltsen thoughtfully.
"All new comers from Tibet , come to the office," a voice came from out side.
"You two must go. I'll wait here ", said Gyaltsen. Then, Dawa and Tenzin climbed up the stairs and headed to the reception office. An old officer announced, "now you people have a special opportunity to receive the blessing of H. H. the Dalai Lama. Then, all children ages 7 to 14 will go to upper T.C.V. and ages 14 to 17 will go to T.C.V. Suja".
Then, the old officer led the new arrivals to the residence of H. H. the Dalai Lama. There the police checked their bodies and they were sent into a big hall. They sat silently and waited for H. H. the Dalai Lama. The door opened, every body stared excitedly. Suddenly then, an aged monk in his simple dress entered. His face was shining and he had a great smile. He was none other than the living god, H. H. the fourteenth Dalai Lama. All the people clasped their hands together, and placed them against their hearts. They cried out of joy. H. H. Dalai Lama sat on an armchair and prayed for a moment closing his eyes. Then, he delivered a warm message-that healed their wounded hearts and reawakened their minds. At last H. H. Dalai Lama asked "how about your journey?" The audience had fallen silent and still as they wondered, "is this only a dream? No, no, it's real! I'm so lucky to hear his words and to see his face".
Immediately, Tenzin stood up and respectfully told about their journey in his shaky voice. H. H. listened carefully and said, “Now your hazardous journey is over and you are free from the cage of communist oppression. Yet, always remember your parents, sisters, brothers, and relatives, friends and all those who remain in Tibet as they continue to suffer under the communist part 'china'. The burden is ours, to pushback, against the oppression of the communist party and to make Tibet a free country through non violence".
Then, he left the hall and all the people dispersed with smiles on their faces and joys in their hearts.
CHAPTER 8
Tenzin told Nyima about his meeting with Gyaltsen as they marched to the reception center. When they arrived, Tenzin introduced Nyima to Gyaltsen.
“Yes, I did. Your brother Tashi requested me to take a photo of the three of you, including Choeying. So, shall we go to meet Choeying? The bus is leaving now”, said Nyima.
“Okay, let’s go”, replied Gyaltsen with a big smile. In front of them was a large basketball court. All the students stopped playing to see if they recognized them.
“Uncle Gyaltsen”, a tall and thin girl was coming, carrying a thick book in her right hand.
“Hi, Choeying, good news; this is Dolma’s son Tenzin. Do you remember him?” said Gyaltsen with a gentle smile.
‘Yes’, shrieked Choeying, she hugged Tenzin and said “brother, brother…”
“Uncle, he is my brother”, slipped from Choeyang’s mouth.
“You don’t have a brother”, thought Gyaltsen and said,” anyway, let us first take a photo together”. Nyima took out a small camera from his pocket ad took a picture of Gyaltsen together with Choeying and Tenzin. Then, Gyaltsen and Nyima talked to Tenzin and Choeying for a few minutes and left them.
“Choeying don’t leave me alone”, yelled Tenzin.
“Don’t worry brother, I’ll always be with you”, consoled Choeying, she hugged Tenzin and both f them cried softly in each other’s arms. But, then, a young lady called “hi boy, come. You are my home boy”.
“Go, go… she is your home mother”, mumbled Choeying. The young home mother welcomed Tenzin to her cozy home and introduce him to her other children.
“From today, you are my son and you have to call me mother. This is your home away from home; all these children are like you and have left their parents in Tibet . So, you children must behave as brothers and sisters, okay”, said the young home mother, looking steadily at Tenzin’s face.
“I think, she is quite strict, but kind and nurturing, possibly”, said Tenzin softly to himself.
“Hi! New arrival from Tibet , you are being called”, shouted a fat boy as he was entering the dining room. Tenzin went out and saw it was Choeying.
“How is your home?” asked Choeying as she put her left hand over his shoulder. They started to walk.
“It is okay”.
“Brother, I wish to hear something about my parents”, Choeying changed the topic.
“Let’s sit here and I’ll tell you”.
They sat on a big square shaped stone near the road and Tenzin began to narrate. After an hour, Tenzin observed that Choeying was looking so sad and tears were streaming down her face. Then, he paused “Choeying, are you crying?”
“No, I’m not”, laid Choeying, painfully faking a smile. Yet, her eyes told the truth. She was very sad.
‘Sure?’ said Tenzin, he was drying his tears.
‘Yes’, admitted Choeying, drawing Tenzin close. They put their arms around each other and kissed as if they would never let each other go.
‘Ahem’, a coughing sound came from behind and they were frightened. So, they released their embrace, turned and gasped. A teacher was standing there and staring at the two of them.
“Are you two brother and sister?” asked the teacher, his eyes fixed upon Choeyang’s beautiful face.
‘No’, answered Tenzin before Choeying could respond.
“How dare, you! You can’t carry on this way! Such behavior is forbidden! Certainly, the two of you can not continue to live here!” exclaimed the teacher, as he slapped them both!!
“Sorry sir, he is a new arrival from Tibet , he doesn’t know the school rules. It’s my fault. We have grown up together, very much like brother and sister, even though, we are not biologically sister and brother”, cried Choeying, as she knelt down. The teacher felt pity and thought “perhaps they knew each other while they were in Tibet ”.
“Have mercy on us, please”, Tenzin requested his eyes welled up with tears.
“You two are behaving like adults, even though, you two are too young. You two are extraordinary children; really”, the teacher gave them a smile. Tenzin and Choeying relaxed. But said nothing.
“Okay, go back to your home, it’s dinner time”, said the teacher, looking at his wristwatch and he left them. Tenzin and Choeying bade goodbye to each other and ran to their homes. When Tenzin reached his home, he peeped in through the windowpane and saw that all the children were eating dinner. So, he hesitated. After a few seconds, he pushed the door open and walked in. All the children stared at him and his face turned red.
“New arrival, come here. It’s your food”, said a fat boy. Tenzin looked at him and thought, “Oh, he is the boy who earlier conveyed to me Choeyang’s calling”. Tenzin gave him a fond smile and went to him.
“I’m the home monitor”, the fat boy introduced himself, laughingly.
“I see”, Tenzin nodded and kept on eating. After dinner, all the children went to the class for evening self-study except Tenzin and some Montessori kids. Tenzin felt very lonely and fixed his gaze upon the floor. The home mother saw Tenzin and she thought that Tenzin was dozing and she said “Tenzin, come, I’ll show you your bed”.
Tenzin followed his home mother. She directed him to his bed and went back to her room. After a sound sleep, Tenzin ventured outside and saw some children were reading books and others were helping their home mom to clean their home and to cook their breakfast. After break fast, all the children went to class. Tenzin felt unhappy in his class, because all his classmates were very small and he was the biggest. But, as time passed, he became more determined and started to study very hard. Some how, he got the first position in his annual examination with the percentage of 95. As a result, he was promoted to class five. Again, in class v, he led the group with a score of 93% and jumped to class viii. Now, he felt comfortable and happy with his classmates, because they were all about the same age... And even better, now Choeying and he were classmates. Choeyang’s uncle Gyaltsen had been caring for them as though they were true brother and sister. He appreciated Tenzin for his hard work and determination towards his studies. He used to advise Choeying to do like Tenzin. Though, Choeying was a conscientious student like Tenzin, she had difficulties with her studies. Many times, Tenzin would help Choeying and Choeying had improved in most areas except in mathematics. She had no interest to learn math and found it dull. She was only studying it, because it was under the rule.
Tenzin told Nyima about his meeting with Gyaltsen as they marched to the reception center. When they arrived, Tenzin introduced Nyima to Gyaltsen.
“Yes, I did. Your brother Tashi requested me to take a photo of the three of you, including Choeying. So, shall we go to meet Choeying? The bus is leaving now”, said Nyima.
“Okay, let’s go”, replied Gyaltsen with a big smile. In front of them was a large basketball court. All the students stopped playing to see if they recognized them.
“Uncle Gyaltsen”, a tall and thin girl was coming, carrying a thick book in her right hand.
“Hi, Choeying, good news; this is Dolma’s son Tenzin. Do you remember him?” said Gyaltsen with a gentle smile.
‘Yes’, shrieked Choeying, she hugged Tenzin and said “brother, brother…”
“Uncle, he is my brother”, slipped from Choeyang’s mouth.
“You don’t have a brother”, thought Gyaltsen and said,” anyway, let us first take a photo together”. Nyima took out a small camera from his pocket ad took a picture of Gyaltsen together with Choeying and Tenzin. Then, Gyaltsen and Nyima talked to Tenzin and Choeying for a few minutes and left them.
“Choeying don’t leave me alone”, yelled Tenzin.
“Don’t worry brother, I’ll always be with you”, consoled Choeying, she hugged Tenzin and both f them cried softly in each other’s arms. But, then, a young lady called “hi boy, come. You are my home boy”.
“Go, go… she is your home mother”, mumbled Choeying. The young home mother welcomed Tenzin to her cozy home and introduce him to her other children.
“From today, you are my son and you have to call me mother. This is your home away from home; all these children are like you and have left their parents in Tibet . So, you children must behave as brothers and sisters, okay”, said the young home mother, looking steadily at Tenzin’s face.
“I think, she is quite strict, but kind and nurturing, possibly”, said Tenzin softly to himself.
“Hi! New arrival from Tibet , you are being called”, shouted a fat boy as he was entering the dining room. Tenzin went out and saw it was Choeying.
“How is your home?” asked Choeying as she put her left hand over his shoulder. They started to walk.
“It is okay”.
“Brother, I wish to hear something about my parents”, Choeying changed the topic.
“Let’s sit here and I’ll tell you”.
They sat on a big square shaped stone near the road and Tenzin began to narrate. After an hour, Tenzin observed that Choeying was looking so sad and tears were streaming down her face. Then, he paused “Choeying, are you crying?”
“No, I’m not”, laid Choeying, painfully faking a smile. Yet, her eyes told the truth. She was very sad.
‘Sure?’ said Tenzin, he was drying his tears.
‘Yes’, admitted Choeying, drawing Tenzin close. They put their arms around each other and kissed as if they would never let each other go.
‘Ahem’, a coughing sound came from behind and they were frightened. So, they released their embrace, turned and gasped. A teacher was standing there and staring at the two of them.
“Are you two brother and sister?” asked the teacher, his eyes fixed upon Choeyang’s beautiful face.
‘No’, answered Tenzin before Choeying could respond.
“How dare, you! You can’t carry on this way! Such behavior is forbidden! Certainly, the two of you can not continue to live here!” exclaimed the teacher, as he slapped them both!!
“Sorry sir, he is a new arrival from Tibet , he doesn’t know the school rules. It’s my fault. We have grown up together, very much like brother and sister, even though, we are not biologically sister and brother”, cried Choeying, as she knelt down. The teacher felt pity and thought “perhaps they knew each other while they were in Tibet ”.
“Have mercy on us, please”, Tenzin requested his eyes welled up with tears.
“You two are behaving like adults, even though, you two are too young. You two are extraordinary children; really”, the teacher gave them a smile. Tenzin and Choeying relaxed. But said nothing.
“Okay, go back to your home, it’s dinner time”, said the teacher, looking at his wristwatch and he left them. Tenzin and Choeying bade goodbye to each other and ran to their homes. When Tenzin reached his home, he peeped in through the windowpane and saw that all the children were eating dinner. So, he hesitated. After a few seconds, he pushed the door open and walked in. All the children stared at him and his face turned red.
“New arrival, come here. It’s your food”, said a fat boy. Tenzin looked at him and thought, “Oh, he is the boy who earlier conveyed to me Choeyang’s calling”. Tenzin gave him a fond smile and went to him.
“I’m the home monitor”, the fat boy introduced himself, laughingly.
“I see”, Tenzin nodded and kept on eating. After dinner, all the children went to the class for evening self-study except Tenzin and some Montessori kids. Tenzin felt very lonely and fixed his gaze upon the floor. The home mother saw Tenzin and she thought that Tenzin was dozing and she said “Tenzin, come, I’ll show you your bed”.
Tenzin followed his home mother. She directed him to his bed and went back to her room. After a sound sleep, Tenzin ventured outside and saw some children were reading books and others were helping their home mom to clean their home and to cook their breakfast. After break fast, all the children went to class. Tenzin felt unhappy in his class, because all his classmates were very small and he was the biggest. But, as time passed, he became more determined and started to study very hard. Some how, he got the first position in his annual examination with the percentage of 95. As a result, he was promoted to class five. Again, in class v, he led the group with a score of 93% and jumped to class viii. Now, he felt comfortable and happy with his classmates, because they were all about the same age... And even better, now Choeying and he were classmates. Choeyang’s uncle Gyaltsen had been caring for them as though they were true brother and sister. He appreciated Tenzin for his hard work and determination towards his studies. He used to advise Choeying to do like Tenzin. Though, Choeying was a conscientious student like Tenzin, she had difficulties with her studies. Many times, Tenzin would help Choeying and Choeying had improved in most areas except in mathematics. She had no interest to learn math and found it dull. She was only studying it, because it was under the rule.
CHAPTER 9
The winter chill was in the air and school was closed for winter vacation. So, Tenzin went to T.C.V. Suja School to meet his journey mate Dawa. On the way, in the crowded bus, he met a beautiful girl. To his astonishment, as he was heading back to his school, once again, he met the girl at the very same time and the same place. Just as before, the bus was very shaky and they kept knocking against one another, but still didn’t embrace nor hug. They didn't talk, though their eyes were locked in each other’s. Through the girl's beautiful and silver moon face and eyes, Tenzin believed that the strange girl was in love with him. It was very exciting and there was joy in his heart. He too was in love with her and wanted to propose to her, the day after. But, he started to run a fever as he thought more and more about that. He realized that the best idea was to beg her to be his pen friend. Thus, the following Sunday, he went to the bus station where they had met before and he wished and prayed to see her. He watched every girl that passed. He gazed inside the windows of all bused one by one. He waited for her to come, but, there was no sight, no shadow, no sweet smell, and no soft and tender voice of hers. Instead, there was only noise of the shouts of conductors and the horns of buses. Tenzin felt very sick from the smell of the burning bus oil. And too, he felt quite thirsty and hungry as his stomach growled like a lion. He went to a nearby cafe and enjoyed a plate of Samosas( ) with a bottle of coke. Then he turned back to the station and boarded the bus with great fatigue. To his astonishment, the girl who he hoped to meet was inside that next to a window. Tenzin observed the girl from head to toe, she was quite fat, short, had a beautiful face with hues of red and white. She was wearing attractive shining blue jeans, a white T-shirt and black leather shoes. She looked back at him and smiled like a twinkling star. Tenzin froze his mouth wide-open and eyes wide-eyed.
"Hello, hello..." Tenzin heard the voice of the strange girl and slowly, he recovered from his queasiness. She was asking him to sit next to her. He sat down, his heart beating more quickly and tried to smile.
"Where are you going?” asked the girl, she was talking too fast.
"I'm going to T.C.V. Upper School and you?"
"I'm now going to Delhi ".
"What is your name?” asked Tenzin, he was nervous.
"My name is Tenchoe and what's your name?"
'Tenzin', Tenzin tried to hide his joy on his face, but he could not. Suddenly then, the bus started to move, they laughed and enjoyed each other. They talked about their family back grounds, likes, dislikes, hobbies, etc. At last the merciless time of saying goodbye had come. Tenzin boldly requested her for her address and said "don't forget me, I'll never forget you" in a friendly way. After that, they bade good-bye to one another. Tenzin watched her walk away until; he finally lost the sight of her in the rushing crowd. There was great joy in his heart and wherever he gazed, everyone seemed so beautiful and cheerful. It was 6:00 when he reached his school and the bell rang for dinner. Their school sour steamed bread and stinky vegetables seemed so appetizing and very tasteful. Since it was winter vacation, Tenzin went to bed early as he remembered the quotation, the quotation of Benjamin Franklin, which said” early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise".
His experience or meeting with the strange girl wouldn't leave his thoughts and he couldn't sleep. He was so excited. The memory of her soft voice echoed in his ears and her face remained visible to his eyes. Three weeks passed, but still he couldn't stop thinking about her. It made him very difficult to concentrate on his studies. The desire to be with her seemed to get stronger and stronger.
He wondered if this was ‘obsession’. But, he had so much doubt and fear. He had already received a warning from his elders about love affairs. Even his best teacher was fond of the Indian film actor Amitaphbachaen for his only proverb “love leads to poison” in the Hindi film called ‘Mohobaat’ which means ‘love’ in Hindi. Whenever, Tenzin started to share with his teacher his inner thirst for love, he used to advise Tenzin with his clear and loud voice by saying hi favorite statement ‘love lead to poison”. Also he feared that others who were near them might hear the statement. So, for a while, he was very obedient to his teacher’s advice. But, later, Tenzin could no longer follow his teacher’s advice, even though the teacher cared for him like a brother. Yet, Tenzin believed that his fate made him madly in love with the strange girl. The strange girl released Tenzin’s soul, his spirit and awakened his senses. Even he had the loyalty and courage to die for her if it was necessary. He thought more and more, but it was always the same. His heart was leading him deeper and deeper into the sorrows of desire for the strange girl. He told Choeying about it and she suggested that he should write a letter to a psychologist requesting his advice and counsel. So, Tenzin wrote the letter as follows:
13-3-1992
Respected sir, Ramesh,
With due respect, I beg you to lend me your ears and kindly give me some suggestions to keep me recover from a love sickness which has recently over taken me. Sir, twenty day back, I met girl and found myself immediately in love with her. But, I have neither any relationship nor any knowledge about her except some of our friendly talks that we enjoyed in a bus for a short moment. Yet, I have her address, which she generously gave to me.
Honestly speaking, my heart is not usually so permanent and it changes often with the mood and time that I am experiencing at the moment. But, this time, tit’s different and I swear that my love for her is everlasting. My love for her is as deep as the deepest ocean in the world. It is permanent it’s real love. I love her not for her beauty, not for sex. I love her, because fate made me madly in love with her, really. But, the problem is that I’m a student who is under the rules of school. So, presently, I’m in a very critical condition, because I don’t know whether this dream love of her will hinder my studies or not. I feel helpless as though my soul left my body. It's like being a tourist and enjoying all the sites, regardless. My friends who don’t know how much I love the girl and what great faith I have in love think that I’m becoming mad by love for a stranger and they’re making fun on me. I feel so alone and find myself often in tears. My thoughts are only of her and my love for her. Yet, with the passing of time, I can clearly see that I’m falling behind in my studies. Thus, what should I do? Should I cut the invisible chain of love for her or write a letter to her to ask whether she would like to be my girl friend for ever and to marry me?
Sir, please throw me some light or suggestions or advice. If you do, you will save my soul, my senses, my body and my life. Please kindly write to me to my address at below:
Mr.: Tenzin
Room No.-5
Boys’ hostel
T, C, V, upper school
Dharamsala
(H.P.) India
Thank you very much, sir.
Yours sincerely
Tenzin
The winter chill was in the air and school was closed for winter vacation. So, Tenzin went to T.C.V. Suja School to meet his journey mate Dawa. On the way, in the crowded bus, he met a beautiful girl. To his astonishment, as he was heading back to his school, once again, he met the girl at the very same time and the same place. Just as before, the bus was very shaky and they kept knocking against one another, but still didn’t embrace nor hug. They didn't talk, though their eyes were locked in each other’s. Through the girl's beautiful and silver moon face and eyes, Tenzin believed that the strange girl was in love with him. It was very exciting and there was joy in his heart. He too was in love with her and wanted to propose to her, the day after. But, he started to run a fever as he thought more and more about that. He realized that the best idea was to beg her to be his pen friend. Thus, the following Sunday, he went to the bus station where they had met before and he wished and prayed to see her. He watched every girl that passed. He gazed inside the windows of all bused one by one. He waited for her to come, but, there was no sight, no shadow, no sweet smell, and no soft and tender voice of hers. Instead, there was only noise of the shouts of conductors and the horns of buses. Tenzin felt very sick from the smell of the burning bus oil. And too, he felt quite thirsty and hungry as his stomach growled like a lion. He went to a nearby cafe and enjoyed a plate of Samosas( ) with a bottle of coke. Then he turned back to the station and boarded the bus with great fatigue. To his astonishment, the girl who he hoped to meet was inside that next to a window. Tenzin observed the girl from head to toe, she was quite fat, short, had a beautiful face with hues of red and white. She was wearing attractive shining blue jeans, a white T-shirt and black leather shoes. She looked back at him and smiled like a twinkling star. Tenzin froze his mouth wide-open and eyes wide-eyed.
"Hello, hello..." Tenzin heard the voice of the strange girl and slowly, he recovered from his queasiness. She was asking him to sit next to her. He sat down, his heart beating more quickly and tried to smile.
"Where are you going?” asked the girl, she was talking too fast.
"I'm going to T.C.V. Upper School and you?"
"I'm now going to Delhi ".
"What is your name?” asked Tenzin, he was nervous.
"My name is Tenchoe and what's your name?"
'Tenzin', Tenzin tried to hide his joy on his face, but he could not. Suddenly then, the bus started to move, they laughed and enjoyed each other. They talked about their family back grounds, likes, dislikes, hobbies, etc. At last the merciless time of saying goodbye had come. Tenzin boldly requested her for her address and said "don't forget me, I'll never forget you" in a friendly way. After that, they bade good-bye to one another. Tenzin watched her walk away until; he finally lost the sight of her in the rushing crowd. There was great joy in his heart and wherever he gazed, everyone seemed so beautiful and cheerful. It was 6:00 when he reached his school and the bell rang for dinner. Their school sour steamed bread and stinky vegetables seemed so appetizing and very tasteful. Since it was winter vacation, Tenzin went to bed early as he remembered the quotation, the quotation of Benjamin Franklin, which said” early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise".
His experience or meeting with the strange girl wouldn't leave his thoughts and he couldn't sleep. He was so excited. The memory of her soft voice echoed in his ears and her face remained visible to his eyes. Three weeks passed, but still he couldn't stop thinking about her. It made him very difficult to concentrate on his studies. The desire to be with her seemed to get stronger and stronger.
He wondered if this was ‘obsession’. But, he had so much doubt and fear. He had already received a warning from his elders about love affairs. Even his best teacher was fond of the Indian film actor Amitaphbachaen for his only proverb “love leads to poison” in the Hindi film called ‘Mohobaat’ which means ‘love’ in Hindi. Whenever, Tenzin started to share with his teacher his inner thirst for love, he used to advise Tenzin with his clear and loud voice by saying hi favorite statement ‘love lead to poison”. Also he feared that others who were near them might hear the statement. So, for a while, he was very obedient to his teacher’s advice. But, later, Tenzin could no longer follow his teacher’s advice, even though the teacher cared for him like a brother. Yet, Tenzin believed that his fate made him madly in love with the strange girl. The strange girl released Tenzin’s soul, his spirit and awakened his senses. Even he had the loyalty and courage to die for her if it was necessary. He thought more and more, but it was always the same. His heart was leading him deeper and deeper into the sorrows of desire for the strange girl. He told Choeying about it and she suggested that he should write a letter to a psychologist requesting his advice and counsel. So, Tenzin wrote the letter as follows:
13-3-1992
Respected sir, Ramesh,
With due respect, I beg you to lend me your ears and kindly give me some suggestions to keep me recover from a love sickness which has recently over taken me. Sir, twenty day back, I met girl and found myself immediately in love with her. But, I have neither any relationship nor any knowledge about her except some of our friendly talks that we enjoyed in a bus for a short moment. Yet, I have her address, which she generously gave to me.
Honestly speaking, my heart is not usually so permanent and it changes often with the mood and time that I am experiencing at the moment. But, this time, tit’s different and I swear that my love for her is everlasting. My love for her is as deep as the deepest ocean in the world. It is permanent it’s real love. I love her not for her beauty, not for sex. I love her, because fate made me madly in love with her, really. But, the problem is that I’m a student who is under the rules of school. So, presently, I’m in a very critical condition, because I don’t know whether this dream love of her will hinder my studies or not. I feel helpless as though my soul left my body. It's like being a tourist and enjoying all the sites, regardless. My friends who don’t know how much I love the girl and what great faith I have in love think that I’m becoming mad by love for a stranger and they’re making fun on me. I feel so alone and find myself often in tears. My thoughts are only of her and my love for her. Yet, with the passing of time, I can clearly see that I’m falling behind in my studies. Thus, what should I do? Should I cut the invisible chain of love for her or write a letter to her to ask whether she would like to be my girl friend for ever and to marry me?
Sir, please throw me some light or suggestions or advice. If you do, you will save my soul, my senses, my body and my life. Please kindly write to me to my address at below:
Mr.: Tenzin
Room No.-5
Boys’ hostel
T, C, V, upper school
Dharamsala
(H.P.) India
Thank you very much, sir.
Yours sincerely
Tenzin
CHAPTER 10
It was only a few weeks ago, that Tenzin had written the letter to the psychologist, but it seemed that years had passed. It kept him awake the whole night as he hoped, prayed and thought again and again about receiving a sincere guidance from the psychologist. Whenever, the thin and short post man came to his school to deliver letters Tenzin was always the first and last person to stand in front of him, full of hope. Yet there was no letter, no joy except the usual pity and smirk by the postman. So, he was quite tired of wanting and almost lost the hope of receiving a letter from the psychologist. He stopped greeting the postman, but continued to watch and to pray and wish from his window. As a surprise, one day, Tenzin heard the shouts of the post man “Mr.: Tenzin of room no.05”. Tenzin jumped from the window and ran to him with a cry of joy in his heart. All the people gazed at Tenzin as if he was in an attractive dress. Some smiled, some pitied and some of them whispered “thank god for favoring him”.
Any way, Tenzin gladly received the letter with a word of ‘thanks’. So, let’s open the letter and see what the psychologist had written to him:
15-4-1992
Hello boy,
Your letter seems that you are in deep love with the strange girl and wishing to be her boy friend at present and husband in future. Yet, since you are a student who has miles and miles to go to achieve your dreams, you are trembling that ‘love might hinder on success of your studies”.
Whether love will spoil or not, it is 99% up to the individual, but I’m sure if you want to be the boy friend of the strange girl whom you adore, it will not spoil you. I can judge you through your letter. Your letter seems that you are broad minded, loyal and faithful in love. Don’t let your loyalty and love die. Love the girl and love her till your breath stops. Wishing you “all the best”.
With best wishes
Psychologist
Ramesh
Then onwards, Tenzin’s feeling s changed into happiness and he was in the happiest mood. Even his suffocated room seemed so fresh, beautiful and comfortable. Then, he lay down on his bed and started to write his first love letter in his best handwriting. And then, with the rolling of time, he began to swim in the relationship of love letter writing with the strange girl whom he loved whole-heartedly. Their love letters will give every reader a joy on their faces and make cry at last. Remember that and read………..
It was only a few weeks ago, that Tenzin had written the letter to the psychologist, but it seemed that years had passed. It kept him awake the whole night as he hoped, prayed and thought again and again about receiving a sincere guidance from the psychologist. Whenever, the thin and short post man came to his school to deliver letters Tenzin was always the first and last person to stand in front of him, full of hope. Yet there was no letter, no joy except the usual pity and smirk by the postman. So, he was quite tired of wanting and almost lost the hope of receiving a letter from the psychologist. He stopped greeting the postman, but continued to watch and to pray and wish from his window. As a surprise, one day, Tenzin heard the shouts of the post man “Mr.: Tenzin of room no.05”. Tenzin jumped from the window and ran to him with a cry of joy in his heart. All the people gazed at Tenzin as if he was in an attractive dress. Some smiled, some pitied and some of them whispered “thank god for favoring him”.
Any way, Tenzin gladly received the letter with a word of ‘thanks’. So, let’s open the letter and see what the psychologist had written to him:
15-4-1992
Hello boy,
Your letter seems that you are in deep love with the strange girl and wishing to be her boy friend at present and husband in future. Yet, since you are a student who has miles and miles to go to achieve your dreams, you are trembling that ‘love might hinder on success of your studies”.
Whether love will spoil or not, it is 99% up to the individual, but I’m sure if you want to be the boy friend of the strange girl whom you adore, it will not spoil you. I can judge you through your letter. Your letter seems that you are broad minded, loyal and faithful in love. Don’t let your loyalty and love die. Love the girl and love her till your breath stops. Wishing you “all the best”.
With best wishes
Psychologist
Ramesh
Then onwards, Tenzin’s feeling s changed into happiness and he was in the happiest mood. Even his suffocated room seemed so fresh, beautiful and comfortable. Then, he lay down on his bed and started to write his first love letter in his best handwriting. And then, with the rolling of time, he began to swim in the relationship of love letter writing with the strange girl whom he loved whole-heartedly. Their love letters will give every reader a joy on their faces and make cry at last. Remember that and read………..
CHAPTER 11
Tenzin’s first letter to Tenchoe:
27-4-1992
Dear Tenchoe,
I am Tenzin, the boy who you met in the bus and enjoyed a conversation. Do you remember? I hope you remember every thing; because it was a wonderful time that god blessed us with, like a gift. For me, it was the happiest moment in my life. Even now, I can hear the echo of your soft voice. I can feel the touch of your silky hair that hung over your shoulders and touched my neck. Dear Tenchoe, you might feel nauseous while hearing all these things and doubt my feelings. So, in short, I should say, “I love you more that words can express”. When we first met, that day in the suffocated bus, I was totally attracted by our beautiful face, lotus lip, silky hair, twinkling eyes and good nature sp0irit. More over, when we met the third time in the comfortable bus and sat together and talked, my love and attraction started to journey in the search of your care, love and attraction towards me. Even today, it becomes deeper and deeper as I think about you more and more. Now my heart has hardened completely like iron and my decision unchangeable like fate. Thus, if you love me, then I will give you my heart, soul, body and even will die for you. You must realize my love for you is a faithful gift of god and I hope that you love me from the core of your heart. Only then, we can feel ourselves as god and goddess our heaven to live in today. So, please Tenchoe love me and be my life partner. Let’s make the bond of love to each other and join our two hearts. Then, let us be life partners as those who never eat in the absence of one another. Let’s share our sorrows and happiness together. Let’s live and die together. Dear Tenchoe, that’s all the heartbeats of mine, so give me your love, soul and heart, if possible. If not, at least repay me with your faithful pity and write me you reply, even if it will be a short note. I am looking forward and thinking of Newton ’s third law of motion which says “after every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”.
With great love
Tenzin
Reply to Tenzin’s letter:
12-5-1992
Dear Tenzin,
It’s a great joy for me to receive your letter and to hear your words of love and affection. In fact, I too felt as you felt in the bus, when we met for the first and second time. And while we were having conversation, I too tell in love with you as you did. Yet, the three words "I love you", never slipped from my mouth, even though, my heart commanded, very harshly. Because, very soon, I', going to Berlin , the capital city of Germany to further my studies. This is a golden opportunity for me, which is provided by my sponsor. So, I am going to make this chance a meaningful one in order to help my aged parents. Thus, can you wait for seven years for me to complete my studies? Till then, can you give me your heart and love as an intimate friend? Maybe then, we can be the happiest couple in the world. At the same time, perhaps you will complete your studies too. I can understand form your letter that you are a young student who has some miles to go to achieve your goal. It's the best and right time for you to be your own sailor, to cross the ocean of education. Hence, complete your studies and always be optimistic. By the way, never cool down your boiling love and care towards me. Keep me in your memory so clearly forever and ever. I'll keep you as a frequent picture in my heart. Write me at the following address, because next week, I will be there, in Berlin , Germany .
Tenchoe
Kollwitzstr.48
10405 Berlin
Germany ( Europe )
Berlin Germany ( Europe )
Till then, good-bye and take care of your self.
In love and silence
Yours dearly,
Tenchoe
Tenzin's second letter to Tenchoe:
1-6-1992
My dearest Tenchoe,
I am extremely glad to receive your quick reply and that too it is a positive one. Now too, I realize that our loving hearts are the great gifts of our god for us. I would like to wait for you till you complete your studies. Only then, can the sun of our marriage rise up. Dear Tenchoe, I promise, I will never forget you and I will love you always. Likewise, you too must not and shall not forget me. Surely, you must want to know more about me. So, let me introduce myself in detail, I was born on a chilly January to a poor family. My father died before I was born, but I'm not sad, because he died for our country Tibet . Thus, I am proud of him, really. In the year 1989, I left my mom for India and till now, we never met nor will meet until and unless our country is free. Dear Tenchoe, my beloved girl friend, I hope this letter finds you healthy and in a good situation. I love you and send you my inner love all over this planet right into your heart. I'm looking forward to hearing from you; so, write me as soon as your time allows.
With love,
Tenzin
Reply to the above letter:
13-2-1992
Dearest Tenzin,
I received your beautifully written letter long ago, sorry for my delayed answer. But, you know as I am very new to my sponsor and this place called Berlin , I've been busy settling down. I'm, finally feeling like I'm at home and it's quite comfortable. About two months ago, I started class at my university. My university is very big and it is one of the best universities in Germany as it's on the top-ten list. My dear beloved sponsor granted me a separate room in her house; I attend classes everyday and return home at night. My sponsor is a very old woman and she has neither children nor relatives. She had only her kind old husband, but unfortunately, he died last year before I arrived. At present, she is alone, so on holidays and at night, I care for her. Yet, she is healthy enough to walk and to cook her meals in my absence. She loves me dearly as her own child. Some times, she advises me about my future and teaches me about life. She also says that when she dies, she will leave her house and all her in my name. Though, it is kind talk from her, it disturbs me and breaks my heart. I love her as much as she loves me. Dear Tenzin, I also told her about you, your daily life and about our love for one another. She was pleased and is happy for me for having you as a kind, jumble and lovely boy friend at present and life partner in the future.
My beloved Tenzin, I am the only one who loves and cares or my aged sponsor. Hence, I have to stay here and serve her while I'm studying. Other wise, I would choose to return to India to meet my family and you, and to go to a university there. Here the university boys are madly in love with me and are quite bold and aggressive with their intentions. I'm so unhappy and tired of them. They are very shameless. Often, they fight for me and recently one of them is hospitalized. It seems I am the center of attention in my college and there is no boy who doesn't gaze at me while I'm walking. But, I really feel suffocated, unhappy and very, very tired of them. I've asked them to leave me alone, with tears in my eyes, and have told them that I have you and to stop. Yet, there's been no change, no common sense, really. Anyway, don't worry about me soon I will be okay. I always think of you and love none other than you forever. I hope and pray that our god will bless us the chance to meet soon and to make us the happiest couple in the world!!!
Yours forever
Tenchoe
Tenzin's third letter to Tenchoe:
15-3-1992
Dearest Tenchoe, my beloved girl friend,
I received your letter yesterday. When I firs read your letter, it made me happy, but at the end, it made me sad. Each night and each morning, I pray to god to help us over come these obstacles. So, hopefully, our god will solve these problems of ours and bring peace and happiness to us. Tenchoe, though we are living in separate countries, my heart, soul and love are always with you. My hopes are that you love me the most and you don't ever forget me. You are the only girl in my hart. Your photo is on my table. SO, I can always see you. Every time, I look at your face, it keeps my loving heart nearer to you. Dear Tenchoe, can you send me a big photo of yourself? I f possible, make a big picture of yourself for me, so that I can see your face and your eyes more clearly. That would be very beautiful. Also, I have sent you a photo of myself with this letter and hope, that you will keep it on your room table. You will not forget me.
For the time being, I will stop her with my love and best wishes for your health and happiness. I'm sending you a hug you with loving kiss!!!
Forever Yours
Tenzin
Tenzin’s first letter to Tenchoe:
27-4-1992
Dear Tenchoe,
I am Tenzin, the boy who you met in the bus and enjoyed a conversation. Do you remember? I hope you remember every thing; because it was a wonderful time that god blessed us with, like a gift. For me, it was the happiest moment in my life. Even now, I can hear the echo of your soft voice. I can feel the touch of your silky hair that hung over your shoulders and touched my neck. Dear Tenchoe, you might feel nauseous while hearing all these things and doubt my feelings. So, in short, I should say, “I love you more that words can express”. When we first met, that day in the suffocated bus, I was totally attracted by our beautiful face, lotus lip, silky hair, twinkling eyes and good nature sp0irit. More over, when we met the third time in the comfortable bus and sat together and talked, my love and attraction started to journey in the search of your care, love and attraction towards me. Even today, it becomes deeper and deeper as I think about you more and more. Now my heart has hardened completely like iron and my decision unchangeable like fate. Thus, if you love me, then I will give you my heart, soul, body and even will die for you. You must realize my love for you is a faithful gift of god and I hope that you love me from the core of your heart. Only then, we can feel ourselves as god and goddess our heaven to live in today. So, please Tenchoe love me and be my life partner. Let’s make the bond of love to each other and join our two hearts. Then, let us be life partners as those who never eat in the absence of one another. Let’s share our sorrows and happiness together. Let’s live and die together. Dear Tenchoe, that’s all the heartbeats of mine, so give me your love, soul and heart, if possible. If not, at least repay me with your faithful pity and write me you reply, even if it will be a short note. I am looking forward and thinking of Newton ’s third law of motion which says “after every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”.
With great love
Tenzin
Reply to Tenzin’s letter:
12-5-1992
Dear Tenzin,
It’s a great joy for me to receive your letter and to hear your words of love and affection. In fact, I too felt as you felt in the bus, when we met for the first and second time. And while we were having conversation, I too tell in love with you as you did. Yet, the three words "I love you", never slipped from my mouth, even though, my heart commanded, very harshly. Because, very soon, I', going to Berlin , the capital city of Germany to further my studies. This is a golden opportunity for me, which is provided by my sponsor. So, I am going to make this chance a meaningful one in order to help my aged parents. Thus, can you wait for seven years for me to complete my studies? Till then, can you give me your heart and love as an intimate friend? Maybe then, we can be the happiest couple in the world. At the same time, perhaps you will complete your studies too. I can understand form your letter that you are a young student who has some miles to go to achieve your goal. It's the best and right time for you to be your own sailor, to cross the ocean of education. Hence, complete your studies and always be optimistic. By the way, never cool down your boiling love and care towards me. Keep me in your memory so clearly forever and ever. I'll keep you as a frequent picture in my heart. Write me at the following address, because next week, I will be there, in Berlin , Germany .
Tenchoe
Kollwitzstr.48
10405 Berlin
Germany ( Europe )
Berlin Germany ( Europe )
Till then, good-bye and take care of your self.
In love and silence
Yours dearly,
Tenchoe
Tenzin's second letter to Tenchoe:
1-6-1992
My dearest Tenchoe,
I am extremely glad to receive your quick reply and that too it is a positive one. Now too, I realize that our loving hearts are the great gifts of our god for us. I would like to wait for you till you complete your studies. Only then, can the sun of our marriage rise up. Dear Tenchoe, I promise, I will never forget you and I will love you always. Likewise, you too must not and shall not forget me. Surely, you must want to know more about me. So, let me introduce myself in detail, I was born on a chilly January to a poor family. My father died before I was born, but I'm not sad, because he died for our country Tibet . Thus, I am proud of him, really. In the year 1989, I left my mom for India and till now, we never met nor will meet until and unless our country is free. Dear Tenchoe, my beloved girl friend, I hope this letter finds you healthy and in a good situation. I love you and send you my inner love all over this planet right into your heart. I'm looking forward to hearing from you; so, write me as soon as your time allows.
With love,
Tenzin
Reply to the above letter:
13-2-1992
Dearest Tenzin,
I received your beautifully written letter long ago, sorry for my delayed answer. But, you know as I am very new to my sponsor and this place called Berlin , I've been busy settling down. I'm, finally feeling like I'm at home and it's quite comfortable. About two months ago, I started class at my university. My university is very big and it is one of the best universities in Germany as it's on the top-ten list. My dear beloved sponsor granted me a separate room in her house; I attend classes everyday and return home at night. My sponsor is a very old woman and she has neither children nor relatives. She had only her kind old husband, but unfortunately, he died last year before I arrived. At present, she is alone, so on holidays and at night, I care for her. Yet, she is healthy enough to walk and to cook her meals in my absence. She loves me dearly as her own child. Some times, she advises me about my future and teaches me about life. She also says that when she dies, she will leave her house and all her in my name. Though, it is kind talk from her, it disturbs me and breaks my heart. I love her as much as she loves me. Dear Tenzin, I also told her about you, your daily life and about our love for one another. She was pleased and is happy for me for having you as a kind, jumble and lovely boy friend at present and life partner in the future.
My beloved Tenzin, I am the only one who loves and cares or my aged sponsor. Hence, I have to stay here and serve her while I'm studying. Other wise, I would choose to return to India to meet my family and you, and to go to a university there. Here the university boys are madly in love with me and are quite bold and aggressive with their intentions. I'm so unhappy and tired of them. They are very shameless. Often, they fight for me and recently one of them is hospitalized. It seems I am the center of attention in my college and there is no boy who doesn't gaze at me while I'm walking. But, I really feel suffocated, unhappy and very, very tired of them. I've asked them to leave me alone, with tears in my eyes, and have told them that I have you and to stop. Yet, there's been no change, no common sense, really. Anyway, don't worry about me soon I will be okay. I always think of you and love none other than you forever. I hope and pray that our god will bless us the chance to meet soon and to make us the happiest couple in the world!!!
Yours forever
Tenchoe
Tenzin's third letter to Tenchoe:
15-3-1992
Dearest Tenchoe, my beloved girl friend,
I received your letter yesterday. When I firs read your letter, it made me happy, but at the end, it made me sad. Each night and each morning, I pray to god to help us over come these obstacles. So, hopefully, our god will solve these problems of ours and bring peace and happiness to us. Tenchoe, though we are living in separate countries, my heart, soul and love are always with you. My hopes are that you love me the most and you don't ever forget me. You are the only girl in my hart. Your photo is on my table. SO, I can always see you. Every time, I look at your face, it keeps my loving heart nearer to you. Dear Tenchoe, can you send me a big photo of yourself? I f possible, make a big picture of yourself for me, so that I can see your face and your eyes more clearly. That would be very beautiful. Also, I have sent you a photo of myself with this letter and hope, that you will keep it on your room table. You will not forget me.
For the time being, I will stop her with my love and best wishes for your health and happiness. I'm sending you a hug you with loving kiss!!!
Forever Yours
Tenzin
CHAPTER 12
The letter from Tenchoe's sponsor:
11-8-1992
Dear Tenzin,
I am the sponsor of your girl friend Tenchoe and I am very sorry to inform you of this sad news. Please, don't grieve, the past is the past, neither your tears nor your shouts of anger and grief can bring her back. Your girl friend 'Tenchoe' has left us all and is dead. One night, she was returning from class, and two university boys and a taxi driver raped her. She could not live with such a stigma and loss of honor, so she killed herself. I am sorry to inform of such a tragedy and my hopes are that in time, your heart will heal and peace will enter your heart. I already called her parents and they are coming soon. The three-young people, who raped your girl friend, are currently in prison, waiting for trial.
Dear Tenzin, please remember that your life is so rare and so precious. May your heart heal quickly!!
With best regards
Rowling
The sponsor of your late girl friend, Tenchoe
After reading the above letter, Tenzin became motionless. Then, he heard Choeyang's voice.
"Hello, Tenzin", Choeying was calling him from the door of their class.
'Hello', Tenzin's face was full of pain. He was yelling, "Died, died........."
"What' wrong?” exclaimed Choeying, with concern.
Tenzin handed the letter to Choeying and screamed, "I'm going to die". Choeying read the letter and she was deeply touched, she laughed "ha, ha...' it was a mad laugh. Yet, Choeying paused and angrily asked him "are you going o leave this beautiful world and break down the bond of love between your mom and you? in a nutshell, are you going to sacrifice everything for a dead girl?" Choeyang's advice was so great; it melted Tenzin's heart, the heart of iron and saved Tenzin's life.
Weeks went by, then years.............6 years had passed and now both Choeying and Tenzin were in college. Yet, Tenzin's wounded heart had never healed completely. There was no medicine and no doctor who could cure t. The image of his late girl friend Tenchoe was etched in his heart. That's why; Tenzin rejected all the letters, which he received from some of the college girls. "There is no one who don't know you", said his companies, very frequently as joke. Yet, it was the truth.
"Yes, maybe, I'm the star in this college", was what Tenzin usually replied to them, jokingly.
He really was the star in his college, but it was neither because of his great smartness nor of his wealth. He was not so smart, nor wealthy. But, he was industrious. He had written books while he was in school and had received trophies for numerous literary contests. Very recently, he participated in a poetry contest which was organized by D.O. E. (Department Of Education) of Tibetan government in exile and wrote the following poem on the topic: "Nuances of life”
The letter from Tenchoe's sponsor:
11-8-1992
Dear Tenzin,
I am the sponsor of your girl friend Tenchoe and I am very sorry to inform you of this sad news. Please, don't grieve, the past is the past, neither your tears nor your shouts of anger and grief can bring her back. Your girl friend 'Tenchoe' has left us all and is dead. One night, she was returning from class, and two university boys and a taxi driver raped her. She could not live with such a stigma and loss of honor, so she killed herself. I am sorry to inform of such a tragedy and my hopes are that in time, your heart will heal and peace will enter your heart. I already called her parents and they are coming soon. The three-young people, who raped your girl friend, are currently in prison, waiting for trial.
Dear Tenzin, please remember that your life is so rare and so precious. May your heart heal quickly!!
With best regards
Rowling
The sponsor of your late girl friend, Tenchoe
After reading the above letter, Tenzin became motionless. Then, he heard Choeyang's voice.
"Hello, Tenzin", Choeying was calling him from the door of their class.
'Hello', Tenzin's face was full of pain. He was yelling, "Died, died........."
"What' wrong?” exclaimed Choeying, with concern.
Tenzin handed the letter to Choeying and screamed, "I'm going to die". Choeying read the letter and she was deeply touched, she laughed "ha, ha...' it was a mad laugh. Yet, Choeying paused and angrily asked him "are you going o leave this beautiful world and break down the bond of love between your mom and you? in a nutshell, are you going to sacrifice everything for a dead girl?" Choeyang's advice was so great; it melted Tenzin's heart, the heart of iron and saved Tenzin's life.
Weeks went by, then years.............6 years had passed and now both Choeying and Tenzin were in college. Yet, Tenzin's wounded heart had never healed completely. There was no medicine and no doctor who could cure t. The image of his late girl friend Tenchoe was etched in his heart. That's why; Tenzin rejected all the letters, which he received from some of the college girls. "There is no one who don't know you", said his companies, very frequently as joke. Yet, it was the truth.
"Yes, maybe, I'm the star in this college", was what Tenzin usually replied to them, jokingly.
He really was the star in his college, but it was neither because of his great smartness nor of his wealth. He was not so smart, nor wealthy. But, he was industrious. He had written books while he was in school and had received trophies for numerous literary contests. Very recently, he participated in a poetry contest which was organized by D.O. E. (Department Of Education) of Tibetan government in exile and wrote the following poem on the topic: "Nuances of life”
NUANCES OF OF LIFE
No one is good
No one is kind
When one doesn't have a reward
Either in touchable or untouchable
Every body seemed mad for
Wealth or money
Beauty or smartness
Seat or dignity
No above properties
No respect
No welcome
No pity
Instead there be
Harsh words
Furious sight
And eve negatives
Then one may lose
Hope to achieve one's goal
Happiness to live
Mood to co-operate
Above that it make
Humiliation
Un-happy
And uncomfortable
Yet if one has
One of the afore said
Then he can imagine
He is in the real heaven
Because he receives
Everything
Above that
He can order as he pleases
Yet for me
These are the ones
Who encourages me
To compete the battle of life
As such experiences appear
My knowledge of future life
Enlarges bit by bit
But these are the feelings of temporary
I wish
No vanish of such feelings
Because it blesses the desire
To achieve the dreams of mine
That's why I like
Charles Dickens
The author of
Super books
Because
He was full of loyalties
Towards his fans
The fans of the poor
I like him
And I salute him
Because of his origin
The origin of poor
He was gone
Left us all
Yet the works of him
Are in the mid of fame
Likewise
I salute
Mrs.: J. K. Rowling
The author of Harry
Because of her
Zeal and determination
Plus the desire
To come over obstacles
Since man is evil
She is left unconcerned
After given a birth
With no agenda of a modern woman
That made her
Cry, sad and suffer
In the absence of love and care
Which a modern life needs
Yet the god of the poor
Made her
The most famous author
As a representative of the poor
Since she got the only middle suffering
The suffering of her obstacle
She being the author o f no meaning
Just being for wealth and fame
I want to become
The successor of
Charles Dickens
The man of unchangeable
To be born poor
To love the poor
To do for the poor
To die for the poor
If god make me
The server of the poor
With the right
Ability and fame
Then, I'll change
The rich peoples' hearts
Into hearts of mercy, love, peace
And build their compassion for the poor
Through my pen
I'll make them
Feel the feelings
Of poor people
In these words of mine
I'll express all the concerns
Of poor people
Then make them see "god in the poor".
More than this
I'll donate
My wages
To the people of the poor
All the children of
Unconcerned
Even though they have
The ability to do
Children of the
Street with rag toys
Children that
Are not loved
For them
I'll be
A father
A loving father
I'll send them
To school
And give them
The tools to 'see'
If my dream comes true
Then there will be
No beggars
Nor poor
Surprisingly, Tenzin got 1st place for his efforts and he received a prize (Rs5000) from D.O.E. He also received love and appreciation from his dear friends. Even better, his poem appeared in the magazine called "Tibetan Review" that included a brief introduction of him. While then, Tenzin heard "Tenzin's poem in the Tibetan Review attracts the admiration of others", two young men were talking about Tenzin's poem as Tenzin was passing by.
Tenzin felt uncomfortable and thought "I thin maybe they are irritating me" and there was a lump in his throat and yet Tenzin swallowed the lump in his throat and said to himself "no matter what they think, my aim is to share my opinions with other people rather than to win the fame and admiration of others. These are the words of the invisible poor and represent my sincere hopes and wishes".
"Tenzin, Tenzin..........” shouted Choeying from the basket court with a basketball in her hand.
"What *acha?” smiled Tenzin as he drew closer to her.
"You have a letter from Italy ", said Choeying and gave it to him. Tenzin was shocked and it was quite difficult to believe. But, the addressee was to none other than him with the bold letters of his name Tenzin and his address. On the backside of the envelope, there was written "from Di, house no. 390, Viacappuceini 38, 600447 Fabriano Italy ".
"Possibly, from a girl, isn't it?” asked Choeying with a polite smile.
"No, never, but why did you ask me this question?” Tenzin snapped.
"Because, you are a newly born writer and recently, you won the poetry contest and your bio-data along with your poem was in Tibetan Review".
Tenzin gave a gay smile to Choeying and opened the letter.
No one is good
No one is kind
When one doesn't have a reward
Either in touchable or untouchable
Every body seemed mad for
Wealth or money
Beauty or smartness
Seat or dignity
No above properties
No respect
No welcome
No pity
Instead there be
Harsh words
Furious sight
And eve negatives
Then one may lose
Hope to achieve one's goal
Happiness to live
Mood to co-operate
Above that it make
Humiliation
Un-happy
And uncomfortable
Yet if one has
One of the afore said
Then he can imagine
He is in the real heaven
Because he receives
Everything
Above that
He can order as he pleases
Yet for me
These are the ones
Who encourages me
To compete the battle of life
As such experiences appear
My knowledge of future life
Enlarges bit by bit
But these are the feelings of temporary
I wish
No vanish of such feelings
Because it blesses the desire
To achieve the dreams of mine
That's why I like
Charles Dickens
The author of
Super books
Because
He was full of loyalties
Towards his fans
The fans of the poor
I like him
And I salute him
Because of his origin
The origin of poor
He was gone
Left us all
Yet the works of him
Are in the mid of fame
Likewise
I salute
Mrs.: J. K. Rowling
The author of Harry
Because of her
Zeal and determination
Plus the desire
To come over obstacles
Since man is evil
She is left unconcerned
After given a birth
With no agenda of a modern woman
That made her
Cry, sad and suffer
In the absence of love and care
Which a modern life needs
Yet the god of the poor
Made her
The most famous author
As a representative of the poor
Since she got the only middle suffering
The suffering of her obstacle
She being the author o f no meaning
Just being for wealth and fame
I want to become
The successor of
Charles Dickens
The man of unchangeable
To be born poor
To love the poor
To do for the poor
To die for the poor
If god make me
The server of the poor
With the right
Ability and fame
Then, I'll change
The rich peoples' hearts
Into hearts of mercy, love, peace
And build their compassion for the poor
Through my pen
I'll make them
Feel the feelings
Of poor people
In these words of mine
I'll express all the concerns
Of poor people
Then make them see "god in the poor".
More than this
I'll donate
My wages
To the people of the poor
All the children of
Unconcerned
Even though they have
The ability to do
Children of the
Street with rag toys
Children that
Are not loved
For them
I'll be
A father
A loving father
I'll send them
To school
And give them
The tools to 'see'
If my dream comes true
Then there will be
No beggars
Nor poor
Surprisingly, Tenzin got 1st place for his efforts and he received a prize (Rs5000) from D.O.E. He also received love and appreciation from his dear friends. Even better, his poem appeared in the magazine called "Tibetan Review" that included a brief introduction of him. While then, Tenzin heard "Tenzin's poem in the Tibetan Review attracts the admiration of others", two young men were talking about Tenzin's poem as Tenzin was passing by.
Tenzin felt uncomfortable and thought "I thin maybe they are irritating me" and there was a lump in his throat and yet Tenzin swallowed the lump in his throat and said to himself "no matter what they think, my aim is to share my opinions with other people rather than to win the fame and admiration of others. These are the words of the invisible poor and represent my sincere hopes and wishes".
"Tenzin, Tenzin..........” shouted Choeying from the basket court with a basketball in her hand.
"What *acha?” smiled Tenzin as he drew closer to her.
"You have a letter from Italy ", said Choeying and gave it to him. Tenzin was shocked and it was quite difficult to believe. But, the addressee was to none other than him with the bold letters of his name Tenzin and his address. On the backside of the envelope, there was written "from Di, house no. 390, Viacappuceini 38, 600447 Fabriano Italy ".
"Possibly, from a girl, isn't it?” asked Choeying with a polite smile.
"No, never, but why did you ask me this question?” Tenzin snapped.
"Because, you are a newly born writer and recently, you won the poetry contest and your bio-data along with your poem was in Tibetan Review".
Tenzin gave a gay smile to Choeying and opened the letter.
1-4-2002
Dear Tenzin,
My name is Di and I would like to become your friend. I know every thing about you, yet I know you know nothing about me and I'm a stranger to you. So, let me introduce myself
[acha-A Tibetan word which means sister]
To you; my complete name is Di Frank and I'm 24 years old. I live in a town called Fabriano. It is a small town of 30,000 inhabitants in the center of Italy . I was born on 21st of August 1978 in another town of my region named Ancona . When I was 6 years old, my family moved to Fabriana, because of my dad's job. A year ago, I finished my university in Germany , where I studied foreign languages like French, English, German and Spanish.
My hobbies are reading, writing, dancing and swimming. My family is a very charming family and quite rich, because my father is a talented businessman and my uncle is a doctor. Bu nowadays, I'm supporting my self. Presently, I'm working as a translator. I have also been a member of I. F. O. T. (Italian Friends of Tibet) for some years. It is an association, which is known all over Italy . Every Saturday, we gather at a hall and we decide what we can do for the cause of Tibet . Some times, we stick posters of Tibet on the walls of street to spread the word of Tibet 's situation.
I have many girl friends all over the world, but no boy friend, there is only you. So, if you would write me, I would be so happy. If you are interested in knowing more about me, then, I'll write you in detail with a photo of mine in my next letter. If you don't mind, please send me a single or group photo of you with the letter. Yet, if you can't, I don’t mind, because a real friend ship needs nothing but sincere love. I wish to leave my present job soon, whenever I get a teaching job. My present job is demanding but with very little pay. Additionally my parents too wish and dream to see me working as a bookseller in our family's bookshop and to be a writer while working. But, I wanted to stand on my own feet and would like to write books while I'm working. Yet, I don't dream of fame or money, only the joy that writing brings to me.
For the time being, I'll stop here and look and look for ward to receiving your letter. Please write me a letter, a letter of love, depth and sincerity.
With love,
Di
After reading the letter, Tenzin stared at Choeying and their eyes met. Choeying touched Tenzin's right hand gently and took it in her hands, then with a polite manner, she asked, "brother, where is the letter from?"
"From a strange Italian girl".
"From a strange Italian girl?"
"Yes, from a strange Italian girl".
"What did she write?"
"Nothing, but just asking me to be her friend".
"Then, you must forget the painful memory of the past and must build a new life a life of happiness", said Choeying in her soft voice. Tenzin's head spun and he closed his eyes. His darling Tenchoe's face appeared before his eyes; a warm and joyous feeling overcame him. They hugged and wept softly together in each other's arms. And then, bit their lips in a moment of painful silence.
"I am sorry to bring back the painful memory", said Choeying.
"It's okay. Though, I can't forget the past, I will enjoy the future, the future of happiness', Tenzin squeezed Tenzin's hands and smiled. Then, she went to the tuck shop, because a professor was calling her.
"Goodbye", rushed from Tenzin's mouth. Then, he looked at the cloudy black sky for a brief moment, wiped his tears, and headed back to his room. He lay on his bed and wrote the following letter to the strange girl and mailed it:
27-4-2002
Dear Di,
I felt great when I received your letter: "the strange letter from a strange girl". It feels awkward to write to a strange girl". It feels awkward to write to a strange girl. And I really wonder, "How do you know about me!" It's hard to believe that I am not new to you, even though you are very new to me. Yet, your letter is so warm, so tender and so beautiful. Thus, with high emotion of joy, I'm saying "I would like to be your friend'. Also, I should say "thank you for being a member of I. F.O.T.". I appreciate you for your hard work and having such compassion towards my county Tibet . One thing, I wish to add is that “to support the struggle of Tibet is to support the truth". So, I hope you will continue to be a sincere member of I.F.O.T.
Di, how did you know me and how did you get my address? I was really surprised. Tell me please, I'm very curious.
"Hi Di", I have a bag, an invisible bag. A bag of painful memories but let me not open the bag of pain and sadness.
Here the day is humid and cloudy. Yet, on the other hand, this is the day of hope and optimistic: The day to build a new tomorrow from the ashes of yesterday. And hope the sorrow of the past may vanish as the joy of today appears. Yet, I plead, desire and hope to match with some one in my next life, some one with whom I haven't the luck to make our two hearts into one in this life and who left this beautiful world. I miss her; I miss her the most. " Sorry Di!!!", I told you that I don't want to open the sorrowful bag of mine, but just now, I am telling you these past painful memories of mine. So, let me close this bag, this bag of sadness. Instead, let me talk about my present life and my future, the future of hope:
Presently I am
A learner
Says the pens and papers of mine
A college student
Tells my college books
A sports man
Speaks the sport dress of mine
A great dancer
Says the trophies that I won
A writer
Tells the books of mine
A freedom fighter
Says the land of my birth
A future seed of Tibet
Tells the words of my country men
A S.O.S. student
Says the sponsor of mine
From my words above, you can see that I have grown from a seed, a seed that had soil to grow, water and air to survive shelter to protect it and a gardener to tend, nurture and create strength to challenge every obstacle of mine.
Di, I was born poor. So, I am here to care for the poor of the world including my beloved mom and teachers. My big, tall and strong body was given to me by my mom and my power and my knowledge has gotten from my beloved teachers.
Time passes by so fast and I'm already to get my degree "master of English". Surely, it will be a joyous time to express my independence. Yet, what I think about most often is the fear and sadness of not seeing my mom before she left this world.
"Oh no! Di, “I’m writing you as an old intimate friend. Anyway, I hope you will become a good friend of mine as time rolls by.
Right now, I’ll stop here and send you my latest photo with this letter. Wish you will write me soon and if possible, send me a photo of yours. If you can't, I don't mind, because, I believe as you said, “a real friendship needs no physical features".
Write me soon whenever your time allows you to write!!!!
With best regards,
Tenzin
Dear Tenzin,
My name is Di and I would like to become your friend. I know every thing about you, yet I know you know nothing about me and I'm a stranger to you. So, let me introduce myself
[acha-A Tibetan word which means sister]
To you; my complete name is Di Frank and I'm 24 years old. I live in a town called Fabriano. It is a small town of 30,000 inhabitants in the center of Italy . I was born on 21st of August 1978 in another town of my region named Ancona . When I was 6 years old, my family moved to Fabriana, because of my dad's job. A year ago, I finished my university in Germany , where I studied foreign languages like French, English, German and Spanish.
My hobbies are reading, writing, dancing and swimming. My family is a very charming family and quite rich, because my father is a talented businessman and my uncle is a doctor. Bu nowadays, I'm supporting my self. Presently, I'm working as a translator. I have also been a member of I. F. O. T. (Italian Friends of Tibet) for some years. It is an association, which is known all over Italy . Every Saturday, we gather at a hall and we decide what we can do for the cause of Tibet . Some times, we stick posters of Tibet on the walls of street to spread the word of Tibet 's situation.
I have many girl friends all over the world, but no boy friend, there is only you. So, if you would write me, I would be so happy. If you are interested in knowing more about me, then, I'll write you in detail with a photo of mine in my next letter. If you don't mind, please send me a single or group photo of you with the letter. Yet, if you can't, I don’t mind, because a real friend ship needs nothing but sincere love. I wish to leave my present job soon, whenever I get a teaching job. My present job is demanding but with very little pay. Additionally my parents too wish and dream to see me working as a bookseller in our family's bookshop and to be a writer while working. But, I wanted to stand on my own feet and would like to write books while I'm working. Yet, I don't dream of fame or money, only the joy that writing brings to me.
For the time being, I'll stop here and look and look for ward to receiving your letter. Please write me a letter, a letter of love, depth and sincerity.
With love,
Di
After reading the letter, Tenzin stared at Choeying and their eyes met. Choeying touched Tenzin's right hand gently and took it in her hands, then with a polite manner, she asked, "brother, where is the letter from?"
"From a strange Italian girl".
"From a strange Italian girl?"
"Yes, from a strange Italian girl".
"What did she write?"
"Nothing, but just asking me to be her friend".
"Then, you must forget the painful memory of the past and must build a new life a life of happiness", said Choeying in her soft voice. Tenzin's head spun and he closed his eyes. His darling Tenchoe's face appeared before his eyes; a warm and joyous feeling overcame him. They hugged and wept softly together in each other's arms. And then, bit their lips in a moment of painful silence.
"I am sorry to bring back the painful memory", said Choeying.
"It's okay. Though, I can't forget the past, I will enjoy the future, the future of happiness', Tenzin squeezed Tenzin's hands and smiled. Then, she went to the tuck shop, because a professor was calling her.
"Goodbye", rushed from Tenzin's mouth. Then, he looked at the cloudy black sky for a brief moment, wiped his tears, and headed back to his room. He lay on his bed and wrote the following letter to the strange girl and mailed it:
27-4-2002
Dear Di,
I felt great when I received your letter: "the strange letter from a strange girl". It feels awkward to write to a strange girl". It feels awkward to write to a strange girl. And I really wonder, "How do you know about me!" It's hard to believe that I am not new to you, even though you are very new to me. Yet, your letter is so warm, so tender and so beautiful. Thus, with high emotion of joy, I'm saying "I would like to be your friend'. Also, I should say "thank you for being a member of I. F.O.T.". I appreciate you for your hard work and having such compassion towards my county Tibet . One thing, I wish to add is that “to support the struggle of Tibet is to support the truth". So, I hope you will continue to be a sincere member of I.F.O.T.
Di, how did you know me and how did you get my address? I was really surprised. Tell me please, I'm very curious.
"Hi Di", I have a bag, an invisible bag. A bag of painful memories but let me not open the bag of pain and sadness.
Here the day is humid and cloudy. Yet, on the other hand, this is the day of hope and optimistic: The day to build a new tomorrow from the ashes of yesterday. And hope the sorrow of the past may vanish as the joy of today appears. Yet, I plead, desire and hope to match with some one in my next life, some one with whom I haven't the luck to make our two hearts into one in this life and who left this beautiful world. I miss her; I miss her the most. " Sorry Di!!!", I told you that I don't want to open the sorrowful bag of mine, but just now, I am telling you these past painful memories of mine. So, let me close this bag, this bag of sadness. Instead, let me talk about my present life and my future, the future of hope:
Presently I am
A learner
Says the pens and papers of mine
A college student
Tells my college books
A sports man
Speaks the sport dress of mine
A great dancer
Says the trophies that I won
A writer
Tells the books of mine
A freedom fighter
Says the land of my birth
A future seed of Tibet
Tells the words of my country men
A S.O.S. student
Says the sponsor of mine
From my words above, you can see that I have grown from a seed, a seed that had soil to grow, water and air to survive shelter to protect it and a gardener to tend, nurture and create strength to challenge every obstacle of mine.
Di, I was born poor. So, I am here to care for the poor of the world including my beloved mom and teachers. My big, tall and strong body was given to me by my mom and my power and my knowledge has gotten from my beloved teachers.
Time passes by so fast and I'm already to get my degree "master of English". Surely, it will be a joyous time to express my independence. Yet, what I think about most often is the fear and sadness of not seeing my mom before she left this world.
"Oh no! Di, “I’m writing you as an old intimate friend. Anyway, I hope you will become a good friend of mine as time rolls by.
Right now, I’ll stop here and send you my latest photo with this letter. Wish you will write me soon and if possible, send me a photo of yours. If you can't, I don't mind, because, I believe as you said, “a real friendship needs no physical features".
Write me soon whenever your time allows you to write!!!!
With best regards,
Tenzin
CHAPTER 13
The days rolled by like seconds and it had been one month since Tenzin had sent the letter to Di. Tenzin went to the postman as he came on the balcony. Then, Tenzin asked "is there any letter for me?"
"Please, let me know your good name?” asked the postman with a weary smile.
"Tenzin of room no.-37", said Tenzin as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Yes, Mr. Tenzin", quoted the postman and gave him the letter. Tenzin was pleased for two reasons; first, he was glad, because, he received a letter that he'd been waiting for. Second, he was glad, because, the letter was from Di.
Then, Tenzin went to his classroom and started to open the letter. Just then, someone knocked at the door and Choeying came in.
"Can I read with you?” inquired Choeying.
'No', snapped Tenzin.
"Please, brother, we are alone, please........."
'Okay', replied Tenzin.
Then, Tenzin reluctantly opened the letter and they read as follow:
27-5-2002
Dearest Tenzin,
Thank you for your quick answer and for being the best friend of mine. I was extremely pleased to receive your letter. From your letter, it's evident that the painful memory of your past girl friend is still in the core of your heart. And you still have the love and space for her in your heart. I am proud of you, 'really'. I hope you will do what your beloved has said. I need to tell you that I was the best friend of your beloved 'Tenchoe' while we were college mates in Germany. I know everything about her as well as about you. That's why, our relationship takes place now. I would like you to read the letter of your beloved late girlfriend Tenchoe which she left to you while she was dying.
1-5-1992
My dearest Tenzin,
I am extremely sorry for leaving you with tears of grief and sadness. But, if you knew what has happened, I would be too ashamed and couldn't bear it. There fore, I wish to leave this would with the hope, wishes and prayers to god "to meet you in our next life". My heart, senses, soul, body and everything belongs to non other than you, my darling Tenzin. So, hopefully, our almighty god will have us meet in our next life. I hope you too will keep the same wishes, same hopes and same prayers to be so lucky in our next life. I leave the light of love and send kisses to you as I say good-bye.
Dear darling, I never told my parents about you. I am sorry for that. Yet, if I’d told them, it would not have been helpful. Instead, possibly, it may have added more sorrows and obstacles to our love. My parents’ desire was that they wanted their daughters to marry a man of nobility, not a farmer’s boy. Anyway, darling, don't step into the ocean of sorrow from my absence. I hope you will be the friend of my best friend Di and if possible, please do marry her in this current life. But, don't forget me in your next life. She is such a good friend of mine, one whom I have trusted and told everything about you and our lovely tale. She is very sad to learn of this difficulty and by keeling down with tears in her eyes; she has requested that I not kill myself. But, my life no longer seems worth living. So, I am very, very sorry. My last word to you is "please do fulfill the wishes of Di. Our tale has trapped her admiration and love. She can be a genuine source of happiness to you and you to her as well. Once again, with tears, I'm reminding you never ever forget me in your next life. Pray for our meeting. I will wait for the sun of our marriage to rise up in our next life.
With love,
Tenchoe
The days rolled by like seconds and it had been one month since Tenzin had sent the letter to Di. Tenzin went to the postman as he came on the balcony. Then, Tenzin asked "is there any letter for me?"
"Please, let me know your good name?” asked the postman with a weary smile.
"Tenzin of room no.-37", said Tenzin as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Yes, Mr. Tenzin", quoted the postman and gave him the letter. Tenzin was pleased for two reasons; first, he was glad, because, he received a letter that he'd been waiting for. Second, he was glad, because, the letter was from Di.
Then, Tenzin went to his classroom and started to open the letter. Just then, someone knocked at the door and Choeying came in.
"Can I read with you?” inquired Choeying.
'No', snapped Tenzin.
"Please, brother, we are alone, please........."
'Okay', replied Tenzin.
Then, Tenzin reluctantly opened the letter and they read as follow:
27-5-2002
Dearest Tenzin,
Thank you for your quick answer and for being the best friend of mine. I was extremely pleased to receive your letter. From your letter, it's evident that the painful memory of your past girl friend is still in the core of your heart. And you still have the love and space for her in your heart. I am proud of you, 'really'. I hope you will do what your beloved has said. I need to tell you that I was the best friend of your beloved 'Tenchoe' while we were college mates in Germany. I know everything about her as well as about you. That's why, our relationship takes place now. I would like you to read the letter of your beloved late girlfriend Tenchoe which she left to you while she was dying.
1-5-1992
My dearest Tenzin,
I am extremely sorry for leaving you with tears of grief and sadness. But, if you knew what has happened, I would be too ashamed and couldn't bear it. There fore, I wish to leave this would with the hope, wishes and prayers to god "to meet you in our next life". My heart, senses, soul, body and everything belongs to non other than you, my darling Tenzin. So, hopefully, our almighty god will have us meet in our next life. I hope you too will keep the same wishes, same hopes and same prayers to be so lucky in our next life. I leave the light of love and send kisses to you as I say good-bye.
Dear darling, I never told my parents about you. I am sorry for that. Yet, if I’d told them, it would not have been helpful. Instead, possibly, it may have added more sorrows and obstacles to our love. My parents’ desire was that they wanted their daughters to marry a man of nobility, not a farmer’s boy. Anyway, darling, don't step into the ocean of sorrow from my absence. I hope you will be the friend of my best friend Di and if possible, please do marry her in this current life. But, don't forget me in your next life. She is such a good friend of mine, one whom I have trusted and told everything about you and our lovely tale. She is very sad to learn of this difficulty and by keeling down with tears in her eyes; she has requested that I not kill myself. But, my life no longer seems worth living. So, I am very, very sorry. My last word to you is "please do fulfill the wishes of Di. Our tale has trapped her admiration and love. She can be a genuine source of happiness to you and you to her as well. Once again, with tears, I'm reminding you never ever forget me in your next life. Pray for our meeting. I will wait for the sun of our marriage to rise up in our next life.
With love,
Tenchoe
Sad? Happy? What do you feel?
There is the peace and happiness in my heart: Genuine peace and happiness. For the last 8 years, I have been waiting for you to finish your studies. And now is the time, now is the day, now is the year: the year of finishing your studies. So, can you love me? Will you give me your heart as you gave to your late girl friend Tenchoe? Can we discuses marriage? I think now is the right time, because we have already received our education. I have a great belief and faith in you that you will gladly be my boy friend. Because we have already received our education, I have a great belief and faith in you that you will gladly be my boy friend. It is the supreme wish, supreme hope and inner desire of your past beloved. Hence, I too hope that you'll fulfill the wishes and hopes of your past beloved girl friend Tenchoe. So, please... can you give me the deep, sincere and genuine love as you gave to your past beloved? Can I be your second darling? I think the difference between your past beloved and me is only our physical appearances. Maybe, you can imagine that god has replaced the soul of your past beloved into the body of mine. Please, call me on 0491492-360529 to discuss this further.
Tenzin, your recent photo seems you have grown up so big, tall, fat, healthy and smart where as in the previous photo, which Tenchoe gave to me; you looked quite pale and thin. I too send you a photo of me with this letter. This photo is taken recently at my room. Hopefully, you will see how I look like. I hope you are attracted to me, because we are group to be two great lovers "ha, ha... just joking". Yet Tenzin, you must call me. There are piles and piles of suggestions from my parents and friends about my marriage. Especially, my mom, she is full of hopes. My hopes are that you will mix our two hearts into one. And then let the sun of our marriage rise up as soon as possible.
With a big hug,
Your great lover,
Di
"Such a beautiful letter you have received. You must make Di your new beloved girl friend', said Choeying, very seriously.
'Yes', responded Tenzin under his breath. But then, Tenzin said "I'm feeling quite shy and I think that others might regard me as a play boy".
"Non sense", snapped Choeying.
"There is neither shame nor fear in love. Anyway, you are educated and clever. You can make this decision without me. I am going. Good bye", added Choeying as she stamped out.
"Oh, no', yawned Tenzin and took out a story book titled "Tales of two cities by Charles Dickens' from his handbag and started to read. Ten minutes later, Choeying walked in.
"*Cho Cho, what is your answer?" she had cooled down.
"Don't shout, I'm reading. People who are fond of Books get annoyed when they are disturbed while absorbed in a book”, giggled Tenzin, as he attempted to change the subject.
“But cho cho…” said Choeying in a very low tone.
“Please Choeying”, Tenzin raised his hand up towards Choeying and hurried to his room.
Time passed, it was autumn and then the cold and windy winter came. Then another year had escaped, both Choeying and Tenzin graduated from their college. The T.C.V. (Tibetan Children’s village) education director invited Tenzin to be a senior English teacher at T. C. V. Gopalpur School . Of course, he accepted. T.C.V. Gopalpur School was a branch of T.C.V. And T.C.V. was his home far away from home. T.C.V. was his family. Since he was 12 years old and until he graduated from college, T.C.V. fed him, cared form and provided him everything that he needed. Now Tenzin was teaching English for eleventh grade students at T.C.V. Gopalpur School .
[*Cho-A Tibetan word which means brother]
One day, it was a cloudy evening; Tenzin was preparing his lesson plan. He has come across the old blackish file which contains his letters from his past beloved Tenchoe and his beholder Di. He read all the letters again and again. Tears were streaming down on his cheek.
“Why didn’t I call Di? Don’t I care? No, I should have given my loving heart to her, even th9ugh I don’t love her. Because, it was the wish and hope of my past beloved darling Tenchoe”, regretted Tenzin very sadly. Tenzin decided to rush to the S.T.D. phone to call Di, but when he looked at his clock, it was 7p.m. The S.T.D. phone would be closing now and there was no other S.T.D. phone available. Tenzin sat on his soft leather chair with a long sigh and started to go back in time. He didn’t sleep all night long. When the sunshine fell on his face through the windows, he brushed hi teeth and splashed some water on his face. Then, without breakfast, he hurried to the S.T.D. phone and phoned Di.
“Hello, can I speak to Di?” asked Tenzin in his tired breath.
“Yes, this is Di”, the woman responded.
“Di is it Tenzin”.
“Tenzin? My sweet heart Tenzin?”
‘Yes’
“Tenzin, Ten………” Di was so pleased and her voice was shaking out of nervousness and joy. Naturally, Tenzin’s eyes became moist.
“Di, sorry, I’m very, very sorry for my neglect”, Tenzin begged her pardon.
“I don’t mind”, Di’s voice was soft and low.
For a long time, they conversed and talked of love and they shared their happiness and sorrows, fortunes and misfortunes. Even Tenzin recited his following heart felt poem to Di.
I am in the cage of darkness
You are out side of it
We are both wishing to
Meet, hug and match
It’s your turn to come,
To settle down with me
If you love me
As my past darling loved me
I can’t journey
And can’ settle in your country
Coz, I was born as
A man of lost freedom
So, I have e the responsibility
To bring the rays of
Human rights and freedom
To the land of my birth
Di listened whole-heartedly. She cried. She agreed to come and settle down with Tenzin. After two months, Tenzin went to Delhi Air port to receive his second girl friend Di. It was such a great fun and great time for them. Tenzin wrote her name ‘Di’ on a big green chart and hung it above his head. Then, he waited for her. When the clock read 1:30 p.m. , her aero plane landed and off, came a girl. She was quite tall, had blond hair, blue eyes and was beautiful. She was looking at Tenzin as she was rushing down within a group of people. As she approached, Tenzin recognized her. He let go the name card and ran towards her. They hugged; they kissed and cried out of joy. Within that year, they married. Di’s parents and Tenzin’s sister Choeying organized their marriage. On their wedding time, they invited all the colleagues of T.C.V. Gopalpur School and friends. Both Di’s sister and brother visited. It was a great day for Di. Yet, for Tenzin, it was only a memorable day. That was due to the absence of his mom. For him, Tibet, his beloved country and his mom were always in the core of his heart.
There is the peace and happiness in my heart: Genuine peace and happiness. For the last 8 years, I have been waiting for you to finish your studies. And now is the time, now is the day, now is the year: the year of finishing your studies. So, can you love me? Will you give me your heart as you gave to your late girl friend Tenchoe? Can we discuses marriage? I think now is the right time, because we have already received our education. I have a great belief and faith in you that you will gladly be my boy friend. Because we have already received our education, I have a great belief and faith in you that you will gladly be my boy friend. It is the supreme wish, supreme hope and inner desire of your past beloved. Hence, I too hope that you'll fulfill the wishes and hopes of your past beloved girl friend Tenchoe. So, please... can you give me the deep, sincere and genuine love as you gave to your past beloved? Can I be your second darling? I think the difference between your past beloved and me is only our physical appearances. Maybe, you can imagine that god has replaced the soul of your past beloved into the body of mine. Please, call me on 0491492-360529 to discuss this further.
Tenzin, your recent photo seems you have grown up so big, tall, fat, healthy and smart where as in the previous photo, which Tenchoe gave to me; you looked quite pale and thin. I too send you a photo of me with this letter. This photo is taken recently at my room. Hopefully, you will see how I look like. I hope you are attracted to me, because we are group to be two great lovers "ha, ha... just joking". Yet Tenzin, you must call me. There are piles and piles of suggestions from my parents and friends about my marriage. Especially, my mom, she is full of hopes. My hopes are that you will mix our two hearts into one. And then let the sun of our marriage rise up as soon as possible.
With a big hug,
Your great lover,
Di
"Such a beautiful letter you have received. You must make Di your new beloved girl friend', said Choeying, very seriously.
'Yes', responded Tenzin under his breath. But then, Tenzin said "I'm feeling quite shy and I think that others might regard me as a play boy".
"Non sense", snapped Choeying.
"There is neither shame nor fear in love. Anyway, you are educated and clever. You can make this decision without me. I am going. Good bye", added Choeying as she stamped out.
"Oh, no', yawned Tenzin and took out a story book titled "Tales of two cities by Charles Dickens' from his handbag and started to read. Ten minutes later, Choeying walked in.
"*Cho Cho, what is your answer?" she had cooled down.
"Don't shout, I'm reading. People who are fond of Books get annoyed when they are disturbed while absorbed in a book”, giggled Tenzin, as he attempted to change the subject.
“But cho cho…” said Choeying in a very low tone.
“Please Choeying”, Tenzin raised his hand up towards Choeying and hurried to his room.
Time passed, it was autumn and then the cold and windy winter came. Then another year had escaped, both Choeying and Tenzin graduated from their college. The T.C.V. (Tibetan Children’s village) education director invited Tenzin to be a senior English teacher at T. C. V. Gopalpur School . Of course, he accepted. T.C.V. Gopalpur School was a branch of T.C.V. And T.C.V. was his home far away from home. T.C.V. was his family. Since he was 12 years old and until he graduated from college, T.C.V. fed him, cared form and provided him everything that he needed. Now Tenzin was teaching English for eleventh grade students at T.C.V. Gopalpur School .
[*Cho-A Tibetan word which means brother]
One day, it was a cloudy evening; Tenzin was preparing his lesson plan. He has come across the old blackish file which contains his letters from his past beloved Tenchoe and his beholder Di. He read all the letters again and again. Tears were streaming down on his cheek.
“Why didn’t I call Di? Don’t I care? No, I should have given my loving heart to her, even th9ugh I don’t love her. Because, it was the wish and hope of my past beloved darling Tenchoe”, regretted Tenzin very sadly. Tenzin decided to rush to the S.T.D. phone to call Di, but when he looked at his clock, it was 7p.m. The S.T.D. phone would be closing now and there was no other S.T.D. phone available. Tenzin sat on his soft leather chair with a long sigh and started to go back in time. He didn’t sleep all night long. When the sunshine fell on his face through the windows, he brushed hi teeth and splashed some water on his face. Then, without breakfast, he hurried to the S.T.D. phone and phoned Di.
“Hello, can I speak to Di?” asked Tenzin in his tired breath.
“Yes, this is Di”, the woman responded.
“Di is it Tenzin”.
“Tenzin? My sweet heart Tenzin?”
‘Yes’
“Tenzin, Ten………” Di was so pleased and her voice was shaking out of nervousness and joy. Naturally, Tenzin’s eyes became moist.
“Di, sorry, I’m very, very sorry for my neglect”, Tenzin begged her pardon.
“I don’t mind”, Di’s voice was soft and low.
For a long time, they conversed and talked of love and they shared their happiness and sorrows, fortunes and misfortunes. Even Tenzin recited his following heart felt poem to Di.
I am in the cage of darkness
You are out side of it
We are both wishing to
Meet, hug and match
It’s your turn to come,
To settle down with me
If you love me
As my past darling loved me
I can’t journey
And can’ settle in your country
Coz, I was born as
A man of lost freedom
So, I have e the responsibility
To bring the rays of
Human rights and freedom
To the land of my birth
Di listened whole-heartedly. She cried. She agreed to come and settle down with Tenzin. After two months, Tenzin went to Delhi Air port to receive his second girl friend Di. It was such a great fun and great time for them. Tenzin wrote her name ‘Di’ on a big green chart and hung it above his head. Then, he waited for her. When the clock read 1:30 p.m. , her aero plane landed and off, came a girl. She was quite tall, had blond hair, blue eyes and was beautiful. She was looking at Tenzin as she was rushing down within a group of people. As she approached, Tenzin recognized her. He let go the name card and ran towards her. They hugged; they kissed and cried out of joy. Within that year, they married. Di’s parents and Tenzin’s sister Choeying organized their marriage. On their wedding time, they invited all the colleagues of T.C.V. Gopalpur School and friends. Both Di’s sister and brother visited. It was a great day for Di. Yet, for Tenzin, it was only a memorable day. That was due to the absence of his mom. For him, Tibet, his beloved country and his mom were always in the core of his heart.
keep writing man. looking forward your bigger release soon man.
ReplyDeletegud luck
You touched my heart! Yes, keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI read this half through while on hold but will finish later tonight.
I won't dare to ask any more questions.
Yours Acha :o)
I enjoyed reading your novel. I'm looking forward to read more novel from you.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all--your feedback is my inspiration. Surely will pen an another one when time permits me, hopefully a better one!
ReplyDeleteThorougly enjoyed reading this story. Please do keep writing!
ReplyDeleteIT WAS REALLY GREAT AND HEART TOUCHING STORY, THANK U FOR WRITING SUCH STORY.................
ReplyDelete