SEMESTER VACATION

Spending three months with my parents was truly rejuvenating, despite the demanding work of toiling under the scorching sun and pouring rain. The joy of living with my parents overshadowed the fatigue from the laborious farm work that was prevalent during that period. As farmers, my parents were also engaged in the buzzing activities on their paddy fields, and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to assist them when needed.

Each day, my parents would rise early at 4:00 AM and prepare for the day ahead. By 6:00 AM, I would accompany my father to the fields. It was not an easy task to work in the fields, as it required a great deal of skill and technique. Without proper knowledge and technique, all our energy would be wasted in vain.

My semester break proved to be the best investment as I was able to assist my parents with over half of the farm work before my return.

In preparation for my departure, I made a reservation to leave on August 2nd, 2013 at 9:00 AM. I arrived in Thimphu a week before to withdraw my stipend and tuition fee from the RCSC. While I arrived on August 1st, some of my friends had arrived two days earlier.

On August 2nd, we hired a taxi from Phuntsholing to New Allipur Duar, West Bengal, India. Unfortunately, we received distressing news that our train would be delayed by twelve hours due to an Assam Strike. We waited for eleven hours before finally boarding at 8:30 PM. The following day, on August 3rd, we arrived in New Delhi at 10:30 PM and immediately continued our journey by bus through the night. Finally, on August 4th at 8:00 AM, we arrived in Punjab.

The journey from Phuntsholing to Punjab was not a pleasant experience. One of my friends, Durga, lost his wallet at the Kashmiri bus station. Unfortunately, someone pick-pocketed it from the backside of his jean pant, and all his important documents were inside it. This incident reminded me of the statement made by Lobzang Dorji, the Principal, during our farewell gathering, "Any part of India is not safe. Be careful."

As Bhutanese who are known for our love of hot chili, we found it difficult to cope with the spicy Indian dishes and decided to stay away from them. Rinzin and I faced a tense situation as we had no place to stay. However, four kind-hearted women generously provided us with meals and lodging for three nights.

Regular classes commenced from August 7th, 2013, for our third semester, and we anticipated that it would be a challenging period based on our timetable. Despite this, we remained optimistic, knowing that nothing is impossible, although it may not be easy at the same time.

MISSED TRAIN

As the second semester final examinations came to an end, a glimpse of relief and exhilaration grew in the hearts of Bhutanese students studying at Lovely University. These students had made reservations for their train tickets three months prior. The last paper for M.A Social Sciences and History students was held on May 15th, 2013. The charm of going back to their homeland could not be awaited, and everyone started packing their bags and preparing to leave on May 16th at 9:00 AM as per the train schedule.

At 7:00 AM, a cohort of Bhutanese students hired an auto to reach Phagwara Train Station, where they would board the train. The train arrived exactly at the stipulated time and announced that it would wait for only two minutes. Everyone rushed to locate their designated compartment (boogey), but the many passengers embarking and disembarking left people stranded in queues. With their strength and determination, all the friends were able to board the train while it was still in slow motion. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for me. When I was about to get in, the train had already picked up full speed. I found myself dragging my luggage and chasing the train like a dog chasing a deer. "Leave the luggage, we will take care of it!" Tandin exclaimed. Despite their efforts, I was left behind, my heart thudding heavily. Lots of thoughts and feelings messed up my mind.

 

I was worried about missing my train, but my friends reassured and encouraged me. When the second train arrived at 9:30 AM, we boarded within two minutes. We had booked Second Air Conditioner Class, and Sonam Wangdi cautioned us to hide in the toilet when the conductor came for ticket checking. Tandin Wangchuk pretended to go to the bathroom, and Jigme revealed the ticket to the conductor. Thankfully, the conductor didn't spot me, and Sonam Wangdi told me that I was 99.9% safe. I felt relieved and grateful to my friends and God. Tandin Wangchuk said, "You have been good, God sees the truth." We arrived comfortably in New Delhi after a six-hour journey from Phagwara, Punjab, India.

My friends told me the story of the train I missed and said it was lucky I wasn't on it. They had a bad experience in the sleeper class, which is cheap but risky. They learned that cheaper prices come at the cost of comfort. This experience taught me that everything happens for a reason, and it's usually for the best.

I am grateful for my friends who showed me the true meaning of friendship. They were there for me in my time of need, and I remain indebted to them. "A friend in need is a friend indeed." Thank you, friends!

At 12:00 midnight, we all boarded the train together at New Delhi Train Station, bound for different destinations from New Jaipaiguri. We exchanged good wishes and bid each other farewell, grateful for the time we had spent together.