𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 1

 

"Oi Chophel. Oi Chophel," Choda called me from outside. Choda is my best friend. He is of my age, eighteen. We had been friends since our childhood days and we know about each other more than anyone. I opened the wooden window which was on my right side and responded him, "Yes Choda."

 

He had his right hand holding a rope and a knife tied on his waist. "Let's go and collect some firewood," Choda shouted. I thought for a moment and replied, "Okay. Firstly come here, let’s drink some bangchang (local wine)." I waited for him to show up. After he entered in, he wished everyone a good morning. He sat beside me and mom started pouring us the wine.

 

He said, "Ahhh the firewood I had collected last time has exhausted. Mom had been telling me time and again to get some. Couldn't get a time to get it. I hope you're not busy today Chophel." Choda patted on my thigh. "Thought of fencing the field properly. But I also got to get some firewood too,” I replied. Choda smiled and said, "That’s great."

 

While we were having a talk, my mom said, "Did you hear that Aup Dorji is bed ridden?" "Yes, heard it was the deity that harmed him," Dad replied. Then my grandpa voiced, "Oh this deity is so furious. Many a time, it harms people. Again they have to offer milk and prayers in order to heal now."

 

I asked him, "Is the deity a naga? I have heard the deity is half human and half serpent." My grandpa smiled and said, "Yes, it is. They have the power to either transform into human or a serpent. Only people with luck meets. But people says that if we ever happen to meet with the deity, we need to vow, then only won’t they harm us. They will even give us jewels if they are pleased. I don’t know how far it is true my son."

 

It was very fascinating to hear such stories about the deity. My mom and dad complimented on grandpa's talk.

 

"Let's go Chophel or else we will get late." Choda said. "Okay, we better get going now," I said as I stood up. We walked into the thick jungle. We were talking about the crops being harmed by the pests and insects. Suddenly, we heard dogs barking and snakes hissing. The sound was so loud that we could hear it from afar.

 

We both listened carefully and decided to go there and check once. I knew that  small snakes won’t make such noise therefore I was pretty sure that the snake was a bigger one.

 

I took out the knife from its sheath and walked slowly. To our surprise, it was much bigger than we expected. It was no ordinary snake since it had a very shiny diamond jewel in front of its head. The snakeskin was pure golden colour. I fell down while going backward, I was about to run but Choda stopped me.

 

Note: This story is purely a work of fiction.

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 2

 

Out of fear as well as fascination and greed, we had a fast conversation.

Me: What should we do?

Choda: Maybe we should chase away the dogs.

Me: What if it harms us. Shouldn't we leave?

Choda: No way. We will chase away the dog and then take the diamond from its head. It will make us richer.

Me: But it’s the deity. He will kill us!

Choda: Don’t be a fool man, if it’s the deity, he would have already got rid of those dogs. He wouldn't need our help, he has powers and is superior. I'm 100% sure that it is not the deity.

Me: I hope your words are true. If not, we are dead man.

Choda: Common now, let’s chase away these dogs first. Or else other people will come and see everything.

 

He picked few grabbles and threw it to those dogs. I still didn't know what to do and was in dilemma. I did what Choda was doing. I too got hold of some pebbles and threw it to chase away those dogs.

 

Usually, dogs would go whenever we chase them away even without throwing stones and hitting them with the sticks. But this time, they were stubborn and didn’t run away.

So I picked a larger one. Out of fear, I couldn't even go near. Keeping myself a distance form the snake, I threw stones and shouted to chase away the dogs.

 

Finally, all the dogs ran away after being hit a lot. I was even more afraid now, since there wasn’t any dogs to attack the snake if it ever attacks us. Choda was bold enough to take the pearl from the snakes head. I couldn’t even think of getting closer, keeping aside the idea helping Choda in getting the sparkling pearl.

 

Choda walked near the snake from its side and on his right hand was still the knife he had taken out while we heard the sound of hissing and barking dogs.

 

I asked him not to do it but he didn’t listen to me. He was getting closer and before he reached near the snake, a bright light flashed from the snake and both of us had to close our eyes and block it by our hand.

 

After few seconds, I opened my eyes slowly and to my surprise, the snake vanished. Instead, there stood a beautiful lady wearing a woven kishuthra without any tego and wonju. She was wearing many jewels and ornaments, her hair was so smooth and it ran down till her back. She wasn’t wearing a slipper just like us. Oh man, she was elating. She had a fair white skin without even a dirt and was wearing a curved smile.

 

Never had I ever seen her here in the village and was amazed to see such a beautiful woman in this thick jungle. She looked at me and then to Choda. Choda felt uncomfortable and put his knife back to its sheath. She finally let her melodious voice flow, "Thank you so much to both of you for saving my life." "What? Saving your life?" I questioned her. She nodded and grinned. She said, "I know you must be shocked to see me. I was the snake that stood here. I was going back to home and then I came across with a pack of dogs. If you two weren't here, I would have been wounded. Thanks to two of you." "That means you can transform into human as well as a snake?" Choda asked her curiously.

 

"Yes, I can. After all I am half human and half serpent. I am a nagi(Lu)." She replied.

 

Wow, the conversation was getting interesting. I questioned her out of curiosity, "Does it mean that you are the deity everybody prays to?" She laughed and replied, "No, I'm not a deity. But I'm a daughter of this place's deity. I am Yetsho and you two?" Choda was first to answer, "I'm Choda and he is my friend Chophel."

 

I couldn't meet her gaze after knowing that she was a deity's daughter.

 

She said, "Why are you two here in this thick jungle by the way?"

 

Again it was Choda to reply her, he was reacting fast. He said, "We were going for collecting some firewood and on the way, we heard dogs barking so we came here to check it out."

 

Yetsho looked at me, I blushed. I didn’t know what she was expecting from me after having heard everything from Choda. She looked up at the sky and said, "Don’t worry about the firewood. I will help you guys have enough firewood that would last for a year. As a gratitude, I should do something. So what you want from me?" Her question made me think wisely for a minute. Before I could give a suggestion, Choda spoke, "We would like to visit your world. Can you take us there?"

 

Note: This story is purely a work of fiction.

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 3

 

"Can you take us there?" Choda asked her. Yetsho thought for a minute and then smiled. It meant yes. Wow, I am going to another world. Is it a dream huh? Both of us were too happy but I acted normal. I didn’t show any sign of eagerness.

 

Yetsho gave us a new beautifully woven gho with a traditional shoes (tsholham) since we needed to tidy our self while going there. It would be completely a new world, I was thinking how they communicated and if the people there lived in human form or in the form of serpent or either half human half serpent.

 

Choda asked her how was it possible for her to take us there and Yetsho replied, "My dad is the king of Nagaworld. Being his daughter, I have got few powers too. So don’t worry, get yourself dressed faster."

 

I was shocked to hear that she was a princess. The confidence in me even dropped down severely. I really couldn’t face her. My head had been down till now. Yetsho or should I be saying princess of Nagaworld? Asked us to change our dress while she turns back.

 

When she turned back, I was still in shock. I couldn't believe whatever was happening. Choda waved his hand before my eyes and then I came back to my sense.

 

He eyed at the dress I was holding on my hand. I nodded and stripped off the clothes. Quickly, I wore the gho so that she wouldn't see me naked. I wore the gho and it was very comfortable. I was wearing a new gho after ages, and it really felt good. I wanted to go in front of a mirror and see how I look.

 

After we were done, she led us the way. I simply followed her without looking up. On the way, she described how her world looks like. But to me, everything seemed untrue because it was beyond what I could believe.

 

We reached near a huge rock. She said, “We have to go from here.” How can we? How are we going to get into a rock? Questions were flying in my mind, and Choda asked her what I had been thinking so far.

 

She giggled and said, "Both of you give me your hands, close your eyes and don’t open it until I tell you to do. Okay?" We both nodded. I gave her my left hand and closed my eyes. I kept my eyes closed until she spoke.

 

After few minutes, she asked us to open our eyes. I opened my eyes slowly and rubbed it with palms to have a clear view. Oh God! What a beautiful place it was.

 

There were beautiful houses and right in front of us was a colourful tall palace and I knew it belonged to her dad. On the side was a small stream, it was a stream of milks. There were trees but it was different compared to ours. Their leaves were the cat eyes, diamonds and pearls. There were plenty of such trees. On the right side, there was a pond. Golden fish jumped up and then into the water.

 

There were workers near the palace and they were in the form of half human and half serpent. Others were in human form. I didn’t expect a world would exist inside a rock. Their air was the smoke of burning incense sticks. Houses were build by golds. Everything was so mesmerizing.

 

I remembered my grandpa saying that Lu offer us with wealth if we offer our prayers and good wishes and no wonder why grandpa said so. It was because everything was plenty here.

 

We went for a walk around the premises of the palace. Choda wanted to visit bathroom so one of her guard led him. I was left alone with Yetsho. She asked me, "Why aren't you speaking anything? You had been so silent." I gathered up my courage and spoke, "How can an ordinary guy like me talk freely with a princess of another world? I don’t have the confidence to face you your princess."

 

She then held my chin up and looked at me. She said, "Don’t be so stupid. You are making me feel awkward. We are friends, I'm no princess to you and to anyone. It’s just by heir I got, so feel free with me okay?" I nodded and finally I could meet her gaze. Could there be anyone as beautiful as her? I wondered.

 

We talked about what we do and it was so fun to listen her fascinating stories. She talked about her mom and dad. She said, "Can you see that dull house? It is very odd right?" I nodded.

 

She continued, "It is because humans have destroyed it. Humans have done something to their house. So that person must be suffering right now. Until he/she makes it like before, they will suffer. And sometimes we really get a unpleasant smell. It is because humans are either pooping or peeing on our house, so they suffer a lot. Most of the time, we are offered with prayers, milk and incense sticks."

 

Note: This story is purely a work of fiction.

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 4

 

We got bit closer. She shared stories about her world and it was really so intriguing. The place around was so neat and beautiful. We couldn't see any litters around and neither did we see any pollutions. Air was very fresh to be breathed, water very clean to be drank and land very clean to be lived.

 

I wished if I could stay in such place forever. Everybody was a free bird here. Nobody needed to work unlike the world I lived in. People living there were out of worries and the society was filled with peace and harmony.

 

Yetsho led us to many different sacred places and shared some of historic events that took place in the past. She said there’s a footprint of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who once visited their world and taught dharma. She also shared stories of many other great saints but I don’t remember them.

 

Living in her world, I felt like I was in heaven. There wasn’t any cattle’s and it was only the naga and nagi everywhere. Their house looks similar to our temple and they say their house is their everything. They really do keep it like temple, pure and holy.

 

I wanted to take some pictures of their world but there wasn’t a camera. Nobody would ever believe me if I share them this story and I would sound insane.

 

Choda was lost in their worlds' wealth. These all were nothing for them because it was plenty. My grand father believes that if we have more of wealth like cats eye and jewels and golds, it will help us prosper in life. No wonder why they are so happy and the place is so beautiful, it is because they are filled with wealth everywhere.

 

While Choda was carefully going through the wealth around, we two sat under a tree watching him. Yetsho said, "He's cute and acts childish. Are all you humans like that only?" I scratched my head and said, "Umm no, he is not being childish. He is more matured than me. But right now, he is in shock after seeing such beautiful things."

 

"Oh. Then why aren’t you acting like him. Why are you being so humble and a gentle man? Are you always like that only?" She shot me back. I didn’t have a concrete answer for that. 

 

I said, "It matters in the eyes of the beholder. For Choda, I'm not a gentle man. And for you, I'm. So it differs you know. But I think I'm not more like this. Maybe because I'm in a strange world and also may be because I'm with a princess. How can an ordinary man like me talk freely with a beautiful princess like you."

 

"O Mr.Chophel, I already warned you not to address me as a princess. I'm your friend and that’s all. No need to let your mind create any uneasiness between us." She retaliated. Wow, she was so cool. I couldn't say anything so I looked up at the sky.

 

She continued after sometime, "You know, by the way, you really speak like a matured person. I like the maturity in you. And you are taking things so coolly, I like this attitude."

 

Does she like me? The question popped in. Then my consciousness said how could a goddess’s girl like her like a poor boy like me. I’m so fool to think like that. So I replied back trying not to shoot any lines on her, "So more is you."

 

"What you mean by so more? Do I look good in your eyes?" She questioned me. That stuck me, what should I be answering during such situations. She was eagerly waiting for a reply with her bulging eyes. "Yeah you do. Anyways, I think I should be going now. It's already late" I grinned to her. She looked at me, still not satisfied with my respond.

 

However, she said, "Oh is it. But your friend is busy out there." I excused myself from her for a minute and went near to Choda.

 

I said to him in a low voice, "Let’s go Choda, we're getting late." He didn’t even look at me and replied, "Can't we wait a bit longer. I'm having fun here."

 

"No, we can’t. We are already late and our parents must be worried. Lets leave now." I voiced back. He nodded and followed. Then I wished Yestho a goodbye.

 

Choda asked her, "Can I take some of these jewels with me?" I was really embarrassed by his manner and said in his ears, "Don’t ask silly questions. You're embarrassing me Choda."

 

Before Choda could respond me, Yetsho said, "Yeah sure Choda. As much as you want." Choda thanked her and went to collect again some more.

 

She then looked at me and said, "What about you Chophel. Don’t you want to take some?" I shook my head and said, "Its okay, thank you for asking." I gave her a vague smile. She excitedly asked me, "Why? It is very expensive in your world no?" "Yes it is. But I can’t take it. It belongs to this world and I can’t take it to my world." Yetsho was so impressed by my words. Before we left, Yetsho asked me a favour.

 

Note: This story is purely a work of fiction.

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 5

 

"I have never been to a human’s house. I want to experience the life there. I want to go with you guys. Can you please take me with you Chophel? I would be really grateful to you." She requested. Did she just say that? I doubted.

 

I thought for a moment, then uttered, "Your life here is more beautiful than ours. There's nothing special there." Before I could say further, she voiced, "That’s why I want to go. I want to once live a life of an ordinary human. I only have you two as my friend, please do me the favor. I will be indebted to you."

 

I couldn't further deny her so I accepted her request. We walked back home. On the way, my mind was running like a machine. Taking a princess at my home was a great privilege for me, but a great dishonor for her.

 

My home was messy and she would not like it. If I had a magic, I would have gone home without her notice, inform mom to clean the house and then come back. But no, it wasn’t going to happen.

 

This time, she was fascinated by listening to our stories. Choda was being very talkative in front of her and was sharing every funny incidents that occurred to us, about our friendship and how we played when we were a kid and many stuffs. I wished he didn’t speak out the whole history of ours. I didn’t know why I was blushing.

 

After reaching home, we all went to my house. We entered in the house and for the first time I really felt so disgusted to enter my own house.

 

As always, mom was sitting near the fire chopping vegetables. She smiled after seeing us and asked us to have a seat. She asked about her and Choda replied, “She is our friend.”

 

I looked at mom’s expression because she knew we never had a girl friend. Though she knew Choda was lying, she went on and asked where she stayed. I interrupted and said, "She lives in a nearby area. She's here to visit our village Ama." Mom went to the kitchen and got us a tea.

 

While drinking, Yetsho said, "Ama, I couldn’t bring anything for you. I have brought only this much, have it," She handed mom something covered by a red cloth.

 

Mom opened it and was shocked. Inside the cloth piece was jewelries, cat eyes and other wealth. Mom was so amazed to see those and asked her where she got it from in a suspicious way.

 

I looked at Yetsho in disbelief. Instead of her I answered, "She got it on the way. Don’t know who the rich man left it behind. She's very lucky enough to have got it." I looked at Yetsho and then said, "It’s okay Yetsho. My mom wouldn't take it. Since you found it, you can keep it with yourself." I gestured her to take it back.

 

But then mom interrupted and said, "Since she is giving me, I should take it my son. How can I deny our guests gift, she wouldn't like that. So I will keep it." She took it away from me and walked inside smilingly. I felt so ashamed for mom's reaction.

 

In a low voice, I said to Yetsho, "Why did you bring this. Mom will get suspicious. Nobody should know that you're a nagi, Yetsho. Got it, or else people might harm you." She looked so calm and nodded.

 

She asked me what was inside the pot that was kept on the fire. I said it was the curry for tonight. She looked so excited and said I would love to taste your mom's curry. It smells delicious.

 

What I liked about her the most was that though she came from a royal background and lived only in the most beautiful place, but she didn’t feel uncomfortable at my house even though it was very dirty. She was so okay and happier. I couldn't believe it.

                                                                                                                                            

I took her to the altar, then to the attic and then to cows shed. I described her that we depended on our farmland and without any products from it, we wouldn't be living. It was our livelihood.

 

I taught her how to milk a cow and feed them. She seemed so happy in doing those chores. I told her that the milk we offer to them came from those cows. I let her drink some.

 

There were many new things for her to know and as far as I could, I explained it to her. I told her, "See, I told you. Your world is like a heaven and this world is just like a hell for you. It’s very tiring and boring unlike yours." She glared at me with big eyes. I was confounded.

 

She then said, "You are the only one saying such things. I'm feeling happy here with everything new for me. This world is full of excitements and uncertainty which I like the most. I love it." I was pleased to hear that.

 

Mom called us from sitting room to come and have a drink. We went inside and sat near the fire. Mom poured us some bangchang and I took a sip. Before she could take a sip, she asked for the way to bathroom. I showed her and she ran away. I was there drinking and enjoying. But she wasn’t coming, I knew something was wrong.

 

I went to the bathroom and found her in half human half serpent form.

 

Note: This story is purely a work of fiction.

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡  6

 

For the first time I saw her in half human and half serpent form. Quickly I closed the bathroom door from inside so that nobody would see her like this. I asked what was wrong with her but she was very sick to answer me. Then I remembered the local wine mom poured her in the glass. Nagas' are very reactive to alcohol, that’s what my grandpa told me.

 

Quickly I went to altar room and brought some incense sticks. I burnt it and let her inhale the smoke. The situation led me to offer incense stick inside the toilet, what a sinful deed I committed. She felt little better but was still not in the state to have a talk. I brought a cup of milk and let her drink it. How odd it is to provide hospitality to a princess inside a bathroom. But there wasn't any option left. If I took her to the sitting room or living room, everybody would know her identity and there would be chaos.

 

She felt far better after a while. I checked if anybody was near the door and thankfully nobody was there. I asked her to change herself in the form of snake and follow me. She did, she changed to a serpent and followed me to the attic. Then I closed the entry for the attic. We sat behind the straws that was piled up. She couldn't completely transform into a human. It needed time.

 

Until then, we talked about the views of the mountains we were seeing from there. The cold winter breeze was gently blowing and the weather was so romantic. I was feeling cold yet I acted brave in front of her. We spent a night on the attic only talking about the stars that twinkled. I didn’t know how I fell asleep. My parents didn’t disturb us thinking we were having an affair though nothing was there in-between us.

 

We didn't have dinner the previous night so my stomach was gurgling early in the morning. I was awake and found Yetsho laying her head on my chest. I couldn't do anything but stay unmoved like a statue so that I won’t disturb her sleep.

 

I gazed at her for a long time. Gosh, the more I looked closely at her, the more she looked beautiful. She was flawless unlike us. My every tensions and stresses relieved while seeing her, I didn't know why but she really had the power to heal me.

 

She was so innocent and being in a strange world with a strange man, she was so happy. Her happiness brought a joy in me. It’s strange but I liked what I was feeling, I wanted it to live with me forever, the feelings.

 

After sometime, she woke up. She smiled and said, "Oh I fell asleep on you. Sorry for making you feel uncomfortable, you might not have been able to sleep well last night." I quickly said, "No no, don’t be. I didn't have any difficulties last night. I was very comfortable and felt asleep too fast." I smiled. She shot me back.

 

The sun was already above the peak and I remembered I needed to take my cattle for grazing. I gave her a cup of milk as a breakfast. I checked on her if she was ill for staying with me here instead of being in her world.

 

I took her with me to take the cattle out into the pasture land. I taught her why we needed to take them there and how we do it. She was amazed to see me take care of 16 cows at once. I said it wasn’t a hard task and that we only needed one mother to lead the way and rest follows her. That was very simple but a new knowledge for her. She laughed when I made some strange noises to let the cows follow the way. I taught her how to make those noises and no sooner did I teach her, she learnt it. She was very bright.

 

After we set the cows free on the pasture land to feed their belly, we sat down and gazed at the cows. It was so beautiful, the scenery and serenity. We silently watched the mother cows eat grass while some of her calves were sucking milk from her nipples.

 

When I was laying flatly on the ground with my legs folded and arms crossed under my head, Yetsho asked me, "What is that? The one that is inside your pocket?" I looked at it and then said, "It’s a flute. It is used for playing music. I like playing flute, it gives pleasure." Yetsho said, "Oh is it. Then can you play me the flute. I would love to listen to it."

 

Again I blushed. I couldn’t deny her nor accept her. She again requested for the second time and I said okay. I was thinking of a song that would best suit for that situation and then the song 'Nga ghi choe lu masong zer lab chi wai (I begged you not to go)' hit on my mind. I knew it was an amalgamation of sadness and romance. I played it very slowly from within my heart because I really wanted her to get into it. She smilingly listened carefully and moved her head up and down to show that it was interesting. We stood there until darkness hovered.

 

Note: This story is purely a work of fiction.

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡  7

 

As she spent her days at my house, I started having feelings for her. Though I already had but I didn't know it was love. So did she have for me. Mom doubted us from the beginning itself and I guess she must be proud to know that her suspicion wasn’t wrong.

 

Time made us fall for each other but not fate. We were destined to meet but not destined to stay together because she was a nagi and I, a human.

 

We were just enjoying that very moment and never thought for future. But her sickness made us think that living together would not be possible. Yetsho was losing her appetite day by day. Her mouth became pale and her body so blue.

 

I tried doing everything I heard from my grandparents to please Lu's. But it didn’t work out, she really needed to go back home. It was due to difference in the surroundings that made her sick. Everywhere was unholy and dirty in this human world that made her fall sick.

 

I couldn't see her in pain any longer so I decided to take her back to home. "Yetsho, I think you need to go back to your world. You have been here for more than a week and that may be the reason for your illness," I said to Yetsho.

 

I felt responsible for everything because if I had not brought her here with me, she wouldn't have to go through this. Regrets were emotionally killing me. She couldn't even talk keeping aside of being able to walk. I knew her condition was so severe and that something needed to be done as early as possible.

 

I carried her on my back and walked to the huge rock where she enters to her world. It was so tiring yet I carried her without even resting for a minute on the way. Because even a second matters at such crucial time. The faster I reach there, the more things will be getting better.

 

I hoped for the things to settle faster. Under the hot scorching sun, my clothes were wet with the tears and sweat that excreted from my body as I walked through the dense forest where we first met. After few hours of steady walk, we finally reached our destination.

 

Near the huge rock, I laid her flatly on the ground. I fetched her some water to prevent herself from dehydration. I lit a fire and then placed some incense on top. I prayed for her swift recovery. I informed her that we were near the entry gate of her world and that she needed to go inside. I couldn’t let her go alone so I got hold of her hands and closed my eyes. I asked her to take me to her world.

 

But she wasn't reacting. I tried doing it several times but I grimaced every time I opened my eyes. She wasn't able to go back to her world. I checked myself and then forgot that I needed to tidy myself.

 

So I took her to a nearby stream and laid her under a tree right in front of the river I was taking bath. She wasn't even able to open her eyes and I really felt bad for her. Though she was physically sick but I felt sickness emotionally on seeing her in bad condition. Right in front of her, I took bath nakedly so that I wouldn't lose sight of her. I didn’t feel shy or embarrassed because her life was more important than my pride.

 

After I was done, I wore my gho. Then I took her back to the huge rock and again I burned some incense. As before, I asked her to take me to her world. I closed my eyes and after few minutes, I opened it. And to my surprise, we were in her world. I was so happy to see the environment. I carried her on my hands and ran near the palace. I showed it to her guards and then they let me in.

 

With the help of few other men, I could take her to the bedroom. Somebody came running inside holding a golden vase. Inside it was a water which they told me was holy. They washed her face with it and laid her back to bed. After a while, she came to her senses. She opened her eyes and uttered my name. I managed to smile though my heart was still sobbing out of fear of losing her.

 

"You're a strong girl Yetsho. Be the same, defeat the sickness. Take your meals on time and get well soon dear," I wished her. She hold my hands and said, "Don't leave me Chophel." I couldn’t say anything. Silence occupied the room.

 

I looked outside from the window and after gazing there for few minutes, I exhaled. Then inhaled in some air deeply and said, "Dear, I'm not leaving you. You're just back to your home. This is where you really belong. So stay here only. We will meet exactly after a week and I want to see you stronger that time okay? I don’t want to be offended, so make me happy by healing yourself. Take care Yetsho." She nodded and rubbed the back skin of my hand with her thumb. I stroked her hair and bid good bye. Then I left. I wanted to turn back and see her, but I couldn't show the weak side of me. I was crying in tacit. Without turning back, I ran outside.

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡  8

 

Waiting at home for a week felt like a year. I couldn’t concentrate on my works and couldn't get any of the things done so well. I felt like I lost a half part of me. I wanted the week to pass quickly so that I could meet Yetsho and know if she had been doing well. It’s so true, the saying that time passes by so slow for he who waits and so rapid for him who's busy.

 

Finally, a week passed. Early in the morning, I walked into the forest to meet Yetsho with an empty stomach. I was having many others works to be done in the field, but my first priority was Yetsho.

 

Without seeing her once, I wouldn't be feeling well. I felt so ill and depressed and I had been feeling Yetsho's absence all day and night. I could no longer hold the patience, I ran happily to meet her. It sounds so dramatic but it's true. When you love a person truly, you really become so insane. And when the person is not around you, your situation get worse.

 

I reached near the huge rock but Yetsho wasn’t there. My heart started beating fast and fear ran down in every cells of my body. Trepidation was what I was feeling at that very moment, I was in a state of fear and concern. I crossed my fingers and waited there hoping she would turn up. I didn't have the power to get inside. I could not wait any longer and walked here and there to pass the time.

 

After few minutes, a golden colored snakeskin came out from the rock. A bright light flashed before my eyes and after few seconds, I opened my eyes. All my fear and tensions that had been growing so far vanished. It was Yetsho, the one whom I had been longing so badly.

 

No sooner did I see her, I hugged her so tightly like I was never going to leave her. Tears of happiness ran down my cheeks. She was completely fine and nothing was wrong with her. Her body heat gave me the warmth in my heart. I had been missing this smell, this touch and feeling so badly.

 

Happily I said, "I'm so happy to see you Yetsho." She smiled and replied, "But less than what I did. I missed you so much more than any words can describe. Time had been passing by so slow, and waiting was all I could do. Time was the barrier, if not, I would have already gotten to you. But I kept your words Chophel. I'm going to be a loyal wife no?"

 

Again she was getting into it. I also wanted to talk about it with her and imagine how we are going to live - where and how? But it wasn't possible, because life wasn’t a piece of cake. Ignoring her questions, I asked her how she was feeling.

 

She said, "Far better. Don’t worry, nothing is going to happen to me. I'm stronger than you know. How have you been doing by the way?"

 

I thought for a while and then responded her, "I’ve been doing good but not like how I used to before. Your presence made me have the best moments of my life. After having sweet days simultaneously for about a week, your sudden absence made my life so incomplete. I had been wondering how you might be coping and if you are getting well. To see you soon was my only wish and your fast recovery was my only prayer."

 

She grinned, and it made my day. We went for a walk around the forest. On the way while talking, I said, "You know my mom had been asking me about you. She says, "Where is my daughter in law. Did you two have a fight?" I couldn’t answer. Instead I just told her that you are back to your home. She had been asking me if you're ever going to show up again."

 

My mom also told me that she's so happy for getting her the cat eyes and that she would be ever ready to accept her as daughter in law who's having a great luck and gets huge amount of wealth in the house. But I didn’t tell her about it, I didn't want to bring myself down.

 

For me, the wealth wasn't important if she was with me. She was my wealth and medicine for my health.

 

She laughed when I talked about such thing but she was more ecstatic to hear that my mom had also been missing her. She was happy that my mom is expecting her to be as my mother’s daughter in law. I also felt happy while talking about such things with her, I always imagine two of us being together and having a family of our own.

 

But with a grief, I told her, "Yetsho I hope you understand the situation right now. You are a nagi and I a human, we can never stay together. Until not if everything goes on like this. We ought to do something. I hope you're getting me Yetsho." She nodded.

 

She thought for a while and then said, "I have also been thinking about it lately." She didn't say anything further. We silently took steps mournfully. After sometime, she said in a tone of excitement, "O I got an idea. I have a spiritual teacher and I can get to him whenever I face any problems or have anything to be clarified. He must be having some answers."

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡  9

 

"Wow! You even have a spiritual teacher? Does everybody have it?" I asked her with excitements.

 

She smiled and responded me candidly, "Yes, I have a spiritual teacher. Being the only daughter of the king, it’s my responsibility to take over the kingdom after my dad's reign. So I have got a spiritual teacher to guide me until I get enthroned. Only I have the spiritual teacher."

 

There were many advantages of being a daughter of the king, she could take humans in her world and also have a spiritual teacher. I wondered if there's any more advantage she have for being the heir.

 

"That’s so nice. Let’s ask him then, how do you do it?" I asked her. She said, "It’s very simple, I have to transform myself into half human and half serpent. Then joining my palms together and reciting some mantras, he will appear in front of me." I wanted to see how her spiritual teacher looks like so I said, "Cool. Let’s do it then." She nodded and transformed herself.

 

I sat beside her and she started reciting some mantras I have never heard before. After a while, a light emanated from her forehead. It was like a LED lights could be used for showing pictures and screen anything.

 

Here, a man in his 90s with long white beard and hair appeared. He questioned her, "Your majesty, do you need any help from me?"

 

Yetsho replied, "Dear master, I am happy to see you again. I have a question. You are the only hope for me, so please tell me honestly." "I shall obey your words Your Majesty. Tell me the question that had been bothering you so much, I will answer you as much as I know."

 

Yetsho looked at me, then got hold of my hands. After holding it tightly, she said, "Never did I ever think that I could love a human. But it happened and I call it destiny. I believe that everything that happened so far, are planned by god. But he didn't show me the way hereafter. I want to marry him. Can you tell me how to become a normal human so that I could live with him."

 

The teacher gave a skeptical look. He gazed at me for a long time without speaking anything. Finally he turned towards Yetsho and said, "Your Majesty, loving a soul of another world is a sin. I don't see anything special in him that makes you to decide to live with him. To answer your question, there is no way a nagi can become human. Till now, nothing of such kind ever happened where a nagi/naag loved a human. It's so hilarious Your Majesty. Please think wisely."

 

Yetsho's jaws dropped and smile vanished. She wasn't happy with what her spiritual teacher said. I was a dead creature, I couldn’t say anything or do any. I was embarrassed as well as sad to hear that there's no way of her becoming a human.

 

She said, "There must be a way dear master, please don’t hide it from me. I would be really grateful if you can tell me the way to become a human. I really love him a lot and I won’t be able to stay without him. Though his looks is so normal, but not his characters. He is not like others, his uniqueness makes me fall for him and I am very confident to say that he can make my life worth living. And I would like you not to talk anything bad about him master."

 

I was very happy to hear some praising words from her and I wanted to love her even more. But at the same time, I felt so bad. She had to be harsh with her teacher just because of me.

 

I thought the conversation might go hot. But to my amazement, it didn't. Instead the teacher said, "I get it Your Majesty. You love him truly and so does he. Though he might be capable to take your hand, but fate doesn't accept it. I have all the knowledge and all the answers to every question. Your love is unacceptable. You need to understand Your Majesty, soon you are going to rule the Kingdom. We can't lose you Your Majesty. You play a very vital role in this kingdom, so you ought to think beyond. There's no way a nagi can become a human. Please try to understand Your Majesty."

 

I was so heart broken to hear this. She could never become a human like me. We can never stay together forever. Listening to him, it sounded like I was becoming a barrier between Yetsho and her kingdom.

 

She was soon going to be enthroned and rule the kingdom. But if she marry me, her kingdom will be ruined. How could I do that? How selfish I was? I looked at Yetsho sadly who was trying to say something. But I stopped her. I said its okay and that we don’t have to pressurize him.

 

He was saying the truth. It was really ridiculous of a human loving a nagi. But for us, it was everything. Our identity didn't matter because love transcended all barriers. I said, "Let's go now." She nodded. She thanked her master and we left.

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡  10

 

We walked near a stream silently. Every step we took made rustling sound from the trampling of fallen winter leaves. The weather was so nice and I wished if our life could be like that too.

 

Finally I made my choice to speak up. I said, "Yetsho, what you think about us?" Yetsho didn't say anything. Maybe because she thought silence would be the best answer during such times. Or may be because she didn't want to ruin the date by talking about such sorrowful talks.

 

"I don’t know what fate has in stored for us," Yetsho managed to speak up. But her voice were breaking, she was crying. I hugged her. She was smaller compared to me so she was crying on my chest. My chin was above her head and my hands around her neck and back.

 

Instead of comforting her, I too joined her because I too couldn't bear the pain. I tried to act brave and manly but I couldn't hold it any longer. My heart too had been wanting to cry out loud and I let it do. I couldn't really imagine my life without her. Within this very short period of time, I have gotten so close with her. It’s so true that time have the power to bring a person closer to us or either get it far away from us.

 

Yetsho was still crying saying, "I really can’t bear the pain Chophel. Please don’t leave me." How was I to answer such questions? Being a man, I had to be bold and make her stop crying even if my heart would never stop crying from within.

 

I let her wash her face and shared some jokes to make her laugh. Still her mind couldn't get away with those words. Still gazing at the stream that ran down, she said, "Chophel, I really can't bear the pain of losing you. If you can never become mine, then there's no point of living this life. I better not live than stay without you."

 

"What is going on with you Yetsho? I'm also very devastated to know that we can't be together. But this isn't an option. How can you be so selfish and think only about yourself? Who's going to take care of the kingdom? What about your parents who have raised you till now? And what about me?"

 

I also didn't know what I was doing. I was just shouting at her. I had to because I couldn't listen to her of taking her own life. She again cried and screamed, "Then what should I do? Tell me!" She caught my part of gho that ran down from my neck and formed a cleft. She continued, "I need to talk with my master. I really can’t take it anymore Chophel. Please."

 

She transformed herself into a serpent and then past me. I ran after her and shouted, "Wait Yetsho. Where are you going?" But she didn't stop neither did she tell me where she was heading to. I followed her but her speed was uncatchable.

 

After running straight forward for about 20 minutes, finally I saw her. But she was having a serious talk with the master so I didn’t interrupt. I sat down tired and gloomed. I listened to their conversation.

 

Yetsho: No master. I really can’t stay without him. If I have to leave him, I’d rather leave this world."

Master: But Your Majesty, what about the kingdom and your people.

 

Yetsho: I don’t know anything about it master. I just know that I can’t live without him. Since there's no way of us staying together, I want to quit life. Please tell my parents not to be upset. And I hope you will find a way and elect a new ruler during my absence. Bye

 

Master voiced hurriedly when Yetsho was about to remove her pearl from her head, "Wait Your Majesty. Wait."

 

He looked so upset and mournful. He said after taking a long sigh, "I can't let you die Your Majesty. Since you're not going to give up on him, there’s no option left for me than to speak the truth."

 

"What? The truth?" Yetsho asked. The master couldn't meet her gaze and with his head bent low, he said, "There's a way of you becoming a human Your Majesty. But there needs a human with whom you can exchange your identity. You will take his role and he yours."

 

What was he saying now? That there's a way for Yetsho to become a human? Before Yetsho could utter a word, I asked him, "Is there really a way for Yetsho to become an ordinary human being?" "Yes, there is. But somebody needs to replace her."

 

Our face brightened and I could see the excitements in Yetsho's face. "Finally, you revealed it master. I knew you were hiding something from me. Thank you so much master.” She hugged me and said, "See Chophel. I told you there would be a way. I'm so happy." "But whom shall we ask to change your roles with?" I questioned her.

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡  11

 

"You are our only hope Choda," I requested him. Yetsho was also with me. Yetsho brought him some pearls and cat eyes and said, "Choda, look I have brought it for you. I know you love it a lot. There's plenty in my world and you would really love your royal life there. Please Choda, this is the only way and everything depends on you."

 

We both glared at him with our pity eyes. I showed him my innocent face and shared him how we had been too close so far. I tried to make him feel sentiment in order to let him accept our request. Was I deceiving him? Precisely not, I was just adding some catalyst to help him change his mind, I didn't lie to him.

 

After begging him for couple of times, he finally agreed. He said, "I'm doing it for the sake of our friendship Chophel. I do love wealth but I'm not going there for it. I'm going there for you two. Your happiness counts more to me. But during my absence, you two have to look after my parents. Okay?"

 

"Thank you so much Choda. I knew you would say yes. That's what a friend is for. And don’t worry about your parents, I will look after them like my own parents. I promise you," I replied.

 

I hugged him tightly and thanked him time and again. I was in cloud nine, that was the best moment in my life. Even Choda said yes, now nothing could stop us from being together. Yetsho was as happy as me. Without wasting much time, we went into the forest. She then recited some prayers and her Spiritual Master appeared. Choda was so amazed to see that, but he stayed calm. We started our conversations.

 

Yetsho: Master, he is Choda with whom I will be exchanging my identity.

Master: That’s great. You found it. But there's certain things you need to keep in mind.

Choda glared his big eyes to me but I stood unnoticed.

Yetsho: What's that master?

Master: After the completion of the process, you two cannot undo it. Your Majesty, you won’t be able to return to Naga world. And you young man, you cannot become a human again. Do you accept it?

Choda again looked at me, but I gestured him to nod.

Choda: I accept it.

Yetsho: I too accept it master.

Master: Okay then, since you two have already made up your mind, I wouldn't stop you. So if you two want to exchange your identity, you have to do these things. During the 15th day of lunar calendar, under the moon light, you two can exchange your identity.

 

We listened to him carefully with our ears wide opened. He continued, "There’s a white flower named 'Euphora' that blooms on the Peak of Lengri Mountain in Nagaworld. Only humans can get it. But not all, only man with courage and luck can get it. Chophel is capable to get the flower, I can see his courage and dedication."

 

Both Yetsho and Choda looked at me, I blushed and managed to smile.

 

Master continued, "You need to get it before the full moon, if not, you have to wait for the next full moon. Under the moonlight, Choda will be holding the Euphora on his hands. Your Majesty, you will be reciting some mantras which I will provide you later. And while reciting mantras, your pearl will diminish and be absorbed by the flower. When your pearl is completely vanished, you need to again recite some different mantras which will help you gain his identity. After you two are done, Choda needs to eat the flower whereas you, Your Majesty have to drink alcohol so that your powers don’t return back. Then you have to sleep with the person you love and that way, the process ends."

 

Wow, it was easier than I thought. Yetsho was smiling and looking at me. Choda also seemed happy. Yetsho grinned and said, "If that’s all, we will do it master. Thank you."

 

Master sighed and said, "You all have to keep in mind. After the completion of the process, you cannot undo it as I have said before. You two will completely exchange your roles. Choda, you will be erased from other's memories and will be replaced by Yetsho. And Your Majesty, you will be erased from other's memories and will be replaced by Choda."

 

It was so confounding. And Yetsho asked him to be more specific. Then the master continued, "I mean to say that Choda's parents will have a daughter instead of a son. Their memories of having brought up a son will be replaced by a daughter. They will not know that they had a son instead of a daughter. And so is with your, Your Majesty. Your parents will have a son instead of a daughter. Your childhood memories in parent’s mind will be exchanged with Choda. They will never know that you were their daughter. That means they won’t recognize you. Only three of you will know the secrets."

 

ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʏ ᴛᴜɴᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ

 

𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡  12

 

 Next day, early in the morning, I started my journey to Lengri Mountain to get the flower named 'Euphora'. It was like a Mount Everest, very huge. How was I going to complete it within short period of time? I wondered.

 

Without taking much time, I started my journey. Though Yetsho and Choda insisted on accompanying me but I denied. I wanted them to enjoy their last moment with the family happily. So I was all alone while climbing the mountain.

 

Only 9 days were left for the full moon to show up and it was really a very limited time for me to get the flower and reach back before time. I walked fast and steady thinking of good times yet to come.

 

I had to walk even at night. I never starved because there were plenty of mushrooms. The mushrooms were so tasty and aromatic that I had been consuming it during my whole journey.

 

While eating those mushrooms, they boosted my energy and removed sleeps from me so I neither had to take rest nor sleep. And I was reaching my destination faster.

 

After 4 days of continuous walk, I finally reached the peak. The view from there was so beautiful and I could get the entire view of naga world.

 

Without wasting much time, I searched for the white flower. I searched for it everywhere but I couldn’t find it. Instead there were many colorful flowers of same species.

 

I wanted to meet with the master but I didn’t have the power to do so. I wished if Yetsho had come along with me so that we would have asked master about its whereabouts. I sat down remorsefully because what I wanted so desperately wasn’t there.

 

I gazed at those flowers carefully and an idea bumped in my mind. There were flowers coloured of VIBGYOR. And I remembered the master saying VIBGYOR produces white colour. Why didn't he tell me directly? I wondered. So I plucked flowers of 7 different colours and walked down.

 

Again it took me 4 days to reach down. Summing up, I spent 8 days on the journey.

 

The next day during the full moon night, three of us sat on the ground.  Yetsho started reciting the mantras her master taught her and Choda started spinning those flowers which produced white colour.

 

I could see Yetsho's pearl on her head disappearing. I was holding an alcohol. After her pearl completely vanished, she recited another mantra.

 

After reciting it for about 20 minutes, red and yellow lightening flashed in the sky.  The grounds were shaking and thunders were storming in the sky. After sometime, Choda turned into half human and half serpent. He looked at himself and played with it. I quickly gave Yetsho a glass of alcohol. We thanked Choda and left for home.

***********************

Yetsho and I married. We got blessing from Choda who now was a superior ruler of Nagaworld. Most of the time, he came along with us and met his parents. It was only three of us that remembered everything, for rest, all was formatted. We never faced any problem in our life after that day.

 

Choda provided us with enough wealth every year so we didn’t need to work hard. Life became so simple and meaningful. Yetsho have my baby in her womb and only 2 months are left for the delivery.

 

I am waiting for the time to come where I can proudly say to my children that their mother was once a Princess of the Nagaworld. LOVING A NAGI WAS THE BEST THING EVER HAPPENED TO ME

 

Note - This is the last chapter of the story 'Love With A Nagi'. Thank you all for making it till the end. I look forward for your same support.