-Dr. Buddhi Malla.
Life, they say, is an array of colors, and my school days were a vibrant canvas painted with adventures. During those precious moments of freedom, I embarked on new adventures, often guided by my friend Ghale, whose wisdom and resilience confirmed his humble origins. Ghale, five years my senior, was a paragon of hard work, courage, and strength.
Despite his underprivileged background, Ghale embraced the ethos of hard work as the pathway to prosperity. Abandoning his childhood home at a tender age, he sweated in our village, undertaking myriad tasks ranging from tending to cattle and cooking to working the fields—all under the roof of his employer. His diligence and unwavering commitment were awe-inspiring.
One day, as we ventured into the jungle for grass-cutting, Ghale’s prowess in tree-climbing left me spellbound. With the agility of a monkey, he ascended towering trees effortlessly, a feat I had never witnessed before. His fearlessness and skill intrigued me, and he generously imparted tips, igniting in me a desire to imitate his daring spirit.
Our bond deepened as Ghale initiated me into the art of bird trapping. Crafting an elementary trap from foliage and thread, we ventured into the dense wilderness, setting our trap carefully. The thrill of our first successful capture left us overjoyed, savoring the fruits of our labor over a crackling fire by the riverside, where we relished our culinary spoils amidst endless laughter.
During our gathering, Ghale mentioned that there’s a tiger’s den located near the bird trap, just 1500 meters away from our location. His revelation sparked a discussion about the tiger, its den, and the surrounding environment. Personally, I’ve only ever seen tigers in movies; I’ve never encountered one in a zoo. We exchanged stories about tigers and recounted tales of brave individuals who have faced them.
Inspired by Ghale’s stories of a mystical tiger’s den nestled between two forested hills, we decided to embark on a daring expedition. Armed with little more than determination and a few basic tools, we carefully navigated dangerous terrain.
We deliberated on the potential routes to reach the tiger’s den. One option was to ascend from the ground between the two hills, which seemed like the easiest and most direct path. However, it posed a danger as it could attract wild animals. Another option was to ascend one of the hills via a separate path and then descend to the ground below. Although this route was longer and more challenging, it offered the safest way to avoid potential animal attacks.
The journey was fraught with danger as we descended steep slopes, relying on each other for support. Exhausted from our efforts, we paused in the middle of the hill to rest and discuss our strategies. Peering into the darkness, we tried to make out the tiger’s den, which appeared vulnerable and threatening. Unsure of what awaited us, our imaginations ran wild. Despite my inclination to turn back, Ghale remained determined, insisting that we could conquer whatever lay ahead.
As we descended further, approximately 150 meters, the den came into clearer view, but dense vegetation masked our path. I slipped several times, unable to keep my sandals on and opting to carry them instead. Our awareness spared us from a potential encounter with a brutal creature lurking nearby, prompting us to reassess our approach. Unafraid, we pressed forward with unwavering resolve, ready to face whatever challenges awaited us.
A tense standoff ensued as we confronted the mysterious creature, its ominous roar sending shivers down our spines. I was meant to faint when that bird leaped over 2 meters in response to our attack. My heartbeat surged at lightning speed. Both of us were fatigued from the long walk and the encounter with that creature. Often, we invoke God to safeguard our lives and reminisce about our families as well.
We persisted in attacking the creature, finding ourselves in a do-or-die situation, and finally our hard work paid off. Armed with stones, we stood our ground, eventually conquering the beast—a triumph shaded with bittersweet realization as we discovered it was not the feared tiger but a majestic bird, the “Bhundruk.”
Though our quest to behold the tiger’s den remained unfulfilled, the journey itself was a testament to our resilience and camaraderie. Each obstacle we overcame strengthened our resolve, teaching us the invaluable lesson of perseverance in the face of adversity. While our encounter with the bird may have ended in tragedy, it was a reminder of our shared innocence and the unpredictable nature of life’s adventures.
In retrospect, my school days were a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, shaped by the companionship of akin spirits like Ghale. If granted the chance to revisit those tranquil days, I would eagerly embrace the opportunity to relive those moments of shared laughter, camaraderie, and discovery. For it is in the innocence of youth that life’s true colors shine brightest, painting a tapestry of memories that endure a lifetime.
-Author Dr. Malla is a Banker.
