Cloud 9

I was on my walk as usual – in the company of Col. NC, an extremely fit and muscular man at 54. The weather was overcast and the mood was slightly damp with the fear of a torrential rain – as we would find no shelter from the ice-cold showers on the way.

“They’re still packing the apples. The season doesn’t seem to be over yet”, NC remarked, observing the plastic tents and some people at work above the road. Before I could react, a child ran across the road and came to me with a chocolate candy. “This is for you”. I was surprised. He – I learnt his name was Karma Wangchuk – also gave one to NC. “Thank you” I gushed and beamed at the first ever friendly (voluntary) gesture from a Bhutanese. A little girl – “My name’s Wangmo” she said – and told, “it’s my birthday today”. I wished her ‘Happy Birthday’ heartily and asked her, "is that your brother?" She said, "No", pondered over the right word to say in English for a moment and continued, "he's my friend"!

I have been wearing a big grin ever since. Feeling million bucks.