A Rendezous on a Valentine

Woke up forgetting what day it was. Nice beginning. Thought of wishing my sister a Happy Valentine’s day but she was perhaps enjoying a ride on the clouds with her dream guy, so did not have the heart to wake her up. Back to the usual humdrum of life; head off to college of course, what could be more interesting?? First it was the hang on to the iron rod baby ride on the Bhaktapur Mini Bus and then the comfortable ride on the Nepal Yatayat. The Khichapokhari flower shops looked busy early in the morning with the staff decorating cars and making bouquets. And I could feel the Spirit of Love slowly stealing its way inside me..The lighted flower shops, dark roses ah..I felt wonderful. And in one flower shop a guy, outdoorsy clothing, hair locks alike Paruj was buying a bouquet of roses..that did it all. What a wonderful thing to do! What a sweet gesture to make! My heart was struck by the Cupid ahahah..And though could clearly understand that I had gone out of my mind I could not help myself from feeling extremely happy. No Reason For Love, No Season For Love. They don’t say that for nothing. I felt so good almost as much as what I would have experienced if the guy had stopped the bus I was in to give me the bouquet proposing on his knees. If pigs could fly! Trust my imaginary senses to do it all. The bus moved on, it was in front of KMC (Kathmandu Model College) a girl was extending her hand out to a guy, he was on a bike while she was standing in front, slowly and uncertainly he took out his hand from his jacket pockets and took it. Man, that was a lovely. Melodramatic, could have passed for a romantic scene in a movie without a second take. And these divine eyes of mine, how can I thank them enough, thank you gems for giving me so much to feast upon. Hehehehe.Wherever I glance there is something to see. College, as usual was fine. Only fine? What was I expecting, a Dark Red Rose from a Tall, Dark and Handsome guy? Those types are only found in books an and movies, in real life most are Baneshwore Chowk types..Chana Grindin Molar Owners, Turn around N Pee Gang Members. Think you’re different? I’m worried!! There must be something definitely wrong with you. I seriously doubt your manhood!!

Valentine Day Fever..it did not leave me so soon. Infectious, that is what sums it all, so we gals decided to go to European Bakery and celebrate. A Valentine Day without a brown yummy, taste bud exploding Black Forest, how could that be? So hit off to EB right after college, had the cake and a couple of pizzas and juices. Had Fun? Obviously!!! Office, a serious atmosphere, nothing seemed to have been affected. Was working on the computer when all at once the lights went off. Load shedding. Everything came to a stand still. It was around 4:45 so I decided to head home. But I couldn’t dispose the fact that it was the Day Of Love. Thought I had to do something different, something I truly loved and was passionate about. Love, passion …Walking. Yeah that was what I am beyond doubt passionate about. A weird thing to fall in love with, but love just happens, you don’t choose. These days the love has grown deeper than ever, its been about a week I have been regularly walking home.Anamnagar to Lokanthali..Tiring but worth every step I take. Decided to do it a bit differently, freshened up (never do that while leaving 4 home other days). Just to get that groovy feeling as if going on a date! It felt good though. Baneshwor once again, in front of the BICC a budho passed by complimenting “Kya Ramri Keti”. Hahahah..I literally wanted to laugh out that way. But most of all wanted to ask him where the hell he had transferred his eyeballs, into his pockets?? Men, why can’t they act their age? Weirdos.Passed Minbhawan..reached Tinkune..decided to visit Paris Danda ( A Lover’s Point) especially in Summer. I took the Kantipur Complex turning and reached the spot. Now the story begins. Hahahah..Guess what happened?

The sky was cloudy, with the orange sun peeping once in a while providing me something to look at. There were a few people scattered around. I sat down facing the airport enjoying the view of the planes landing and taking off. Wanted to turn west and watch the sun but a gang of howdes sat there so started scribbling. And there was this girl sitting nearby, looking at me, the Fast N Furious Scribbler with interest. As I sat down she moved closer but I was occupied with my scribbling and she made no attempt to start a conversation either. Closed my pen and offered her Polo. She accepted gratefully and then kick started a friendly chat. Anita, a jobholder at the Kantipur Publications. Nepal Magazine? I piped in. Yes, she told. Studies, Bachelors Second Year. Ah! Then you must be a student of RR Campus. Correct once again. Felt like a real smart ass. And surprisingly we were laughing like old buddies after sometime. She was finding everything I told her very funny. It made me feel good; at least I was making a stranger laugh, spreading happiness on Vals. I asked her about her Valentine and found out that we were both on the same boat Never Proposed Gang of Gals. After sometime three guys from the other side approached our spot, one of them went “ Happy Valentine’s Day! I Love You, babe.” If I trusted guys to have a sense of humor as good as gals would have replied back “ I Love you too. No guy ever told me that. You are the first!” But I know better than assuming every one to see the world as I do. Moreover when he walked past us noticed him to be high on some substance. Whatever! The instant passed quickly leaving the two of us giggling about the first proposal in our lives!! On A Valentine’s Day, how lucky could anyone get? She asked for my number that was unexpected but gave her anyway. And though it felt like writing your number and email address in all those NGO programs, which never gets used, did it. Asked for hers as well, out of courtesy. (2 do or not to.) After sometime her friend came to call her to get ready for a wedding party. We rose and left the place together. She was insisting me to stay for tea. I was taken aback. Never knew I was so likeable!!

It was a really wonderful experience, talking to a stranger, laughing and all. A year and some months gone by since I took the Art of Living Classes and ages after the deadline had passed I could finally do the homework given in the first class. Our teacher had told us to talk to 5 strangers, just talk, wherever on the road, bus just try doing that. That was like Mission Impossible for me. He’d told us children, all innocence, while on a public transport sometimes kick the other passengers, smile at them. They do not have that ego of who they are; don’t worry about what the other person might think if s/he acted that way. They just follow their heart. Sport their real nature; spread love around. But with age our we thicken the layer of ego surrounding us and with time we reside in a cocoon of our pride, that status and all which bars us from getting in touch with the joy around. Completing that ancient assignment I felt like a child, just myself, proud of the fact that I could let my guards off and enjoy the company of a total stranger. And better was the feeling that I had lived up to Mother Teresa’s words: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” It is some kind of motto and nothing makes me happier than the realization that one more person is smiling because of me. It feels just awesome, heavenly..

Then was the time for a twenty-minute walk home. When I reached the garage on my way home, a marriage procession was in front of me, the married couple in a brownish-yellow Santro. I didn’t know where to go. Follow the procession mingling with the Janti or stride ahead. I chose the latter and somehow managed to reach the start of the line, right in front of the Band Players. And just as I was about to take the turning to my home they started playing:

“ Kab tak Jawani Chupaogi Rani

Kawaron ko kitna Sataogi Rani,

Kabhi to hamari dulhaniya Banogi,

Mujhe Sadi Karoge, mujhse Sadi karogi” hahahahh

And the last part was so loud, banging my eardrums actually that I let myself be vulnerable to the wordings. It felt as though an army of men were singing it to me. Laughed all the way home..Reached home at around 6:15 and guess what my mom asked, “ No roses?”

“Arko Junima” I laughed it off. One hell of a Valentine’s Day!

Celebrate this Month of Love,

Come fall in love with yourself,

Fall in love with life…