SplinteredLives

FormybelovedKen

Splinter-Athinpiecebrokenawayfromalargerone.

Prologue

Themorningwasbeginningtofeellikeautumn.Sarahcouldsmelltherichscentsoffull-blownfruitsandflowersasshewalkedthroughthegardensonherwaytoherfirstlecture.Thesunshoneonthetreesandalightbreezegavethemawonderful aria of sound and colour through the finemist. Thewater lilies,nowwithoutflowers,floatedquietlyonthepondandthewildlifeseemedcalmandrestfulinthelimpidair.Sarahcouldhearthechatterofotherstudentsandthesoundoffeetonconcretebutsheknewnoone.Shestruggledwithherbooksandbag,untilsheeventuallyfoundtheroomshewasseeking. There were twelve other students already sat at desks in the room. Theywereallmaturestudentswithagesfromearlytwentiestoearlyfortiesandeachhadabackgroundofbusinessoronefromtheprofessions,accountants,solicitorsandsurveyors.TherewasafriendlyhubbubofnoiseintheclassroomandmostofthemweremalebutSarahsawanotherwomanacrosstheroomsoshemadeherwaytositbesideher.TherewasafaintessenceofrosescentedperfumethatgaveoffapleasantaromaasSarahtookaseatbyherside. Sarahhaddecidedthatshewouldliketoteachlawbuthopefullyinstilasenseofbenevolenceintoherstudents. Theywereaskedtointroducethemselveswithashorttalkontheirpreviousexperience.Sarahgavehernameandsaidthatifsomeonecannotdoajobwithcompetence then thebestnext thing is to teach it. Thisbrought laughter fromtheothersandbroketheiceabit. ThewomanonherrightsaidhernamewasAnnand shecame fromSouthern Ireland,where shehadbeenanaccountant.Sarahlovedhersoftmellowaccent,hercalmmanneranddecidedthatshewouldmost likelymakea friendofher. ThemanonSarah’s left saidhisnamewasJohn,whohadastrongEdinburghaccentandawittyturnofphrase.Thenextman togiveushis detailswas amanwith aquiet gentleWelsh accentwhosenamewasDavid;hehadbeenacivilengineer.Alltheotherstudentsgavetheirlittle speeches and she thought what a wonderful texture of sound and localaccentsmadeupthegroupandSarahlovedtheNorthEasternoneespecially,as

liketheWelshandtheIrish,therewasaliltinhisvoice. TheirfirstlessonwaswiththeirtutorwhowasaLancastrianandhehadbeena scientist in his previous life. All his lectures were wonderful because hebroughtall themeticulouswaysofascientist tohis lecturesandhisnotesandhandouts were particularly helpful. They all went for lunch in the refectorywheretherewasapiquantsmellofgarlicandherbsasAnnandSarahqueuedtoget theirmeal. They then sat at a tablewhere John andDavid joined them.“Howdidyoufindthat,”Annaskedthegroup. “Notbadatall,”Theyansweredalmostinunison.Thetabletalkwaswittyand relaxedand therewasplentyof laughter. Sarah feltmuchbetter than shehaddonewhenshefirstarrived,whenshewasfullofapprehensionandlackinginconfidence. JohnwhowastallanddarkwithacraggylookingfacetoldushehadbeenaSales Executive and he was fed up with the rat race. He intended to teachmarket researchandexecutiveskills. Hishectic lifehadheldon tohimlikeapairofgoldenhandcuffs,where themoneyheearnedwasgreatbuthehadnotimetospendwithhisfamilyandhehadeventuallylostthem.Hewashopingthatifhewassuccessfulwiththiscourse,hiswifewouldtakehimbackandthechildrenwouldbenefitfromthetimehewashopingtospendwiththem.Johnwasthirty-fiveyearsoldandhischildrenweretenyearsandeightandtheyearhewasgoingtospendacquiringhisTeacher’sDiplomawouldbewellworththeeffortifhebecameafulltimefatheragain. Annwasacountrygirlwithdreamybrowneyesthatweresetfarapartinalovelyovalface,whohadtakenherdegreeinaccountancyinDublin,whereshehadworked for tenyears. Shewas thirty-twoyearsold andalthough shehadhadafewboyfriendsshehadneverbeenabletocommittoanyofthem.Shewas an attractivewomanwith thick blond hair that had a real sheen to it thatjustifiedherhealthygoodlooksandgaveherawarmandfriendlyaura. Sarahwasimmediatelyattachedtoherandherquickresponseallowedthemtobecomefirmfriends.AnnandSarahhadroomsinthesamehallandtheymetupinthemorningandhadbreakfasttogether,infacttheyatealltheirmealstogetherandbeganasociallifethatwaslightheartedandfullofactivities,keepingtheirlivesbalancedwiththeworktheyhadtodo. Davidwasashyindividualwhoseemeddifficulttogettoknowatfirstbutas timewentonhe joinedour littlegroupandhada lot tocontribute. Hehadthickauburnhairandagentle,almostwistful,smile.HewasparticularlygoodatMathsandwhenwehadproblemswithstatisticsandthelikehewouldtalkus

throughthemandmakeitseemveryeasy.Weweresurehewouldbethebestatteachingthananyofourgroup.Davidhadhadabusylifetravellingtheworld,beinginvolvedinmanycivilengineeringprojects.Hehadenjoyedthattypeoflifebutafterhismotherhaddied, theyearbefore,hefelt thathewouldliketosettledownandkeepaneyeonhisgrievingfather.Hehopedtogetajobinthesametownwherehehadlivedasachildandalthoughhewasnotlivingwithhisfather,hehopedthathewouldbeabletolivesomewhere,nottoofaraway. Sarahhadbeenasolicitorinherpreviouslifebuthadbecomeverysadatthewaythelawworkedandthewaythepoorweredisenfranchised.Shewasthirtyyearsoldandafterherdegreeshehadtoserveherapprenticeshipwithafirmofsolicitors.Shelivedinasmallnortherntownwhereeveryoneknewoneanotherandtherewasarealcommunitythere.Whenshevisitedthelibrarythepersonwhowouldserveherhadbeenafriendsinceschool. Sarah’ssisterworkedinthe local leisure centre and she would sometimes join her for a swim and asauna. Their parentswere hardworking peoplewhohad struggled to pay forSarah’s time at University and who adored the children her sister and herhusbandhadproduced. Sarahhadenviedhersistersometimesbutshehadnotbeenabletofindtherightpartnerforherself. WhenSarahwas25yearsold she fell in lovewithAndrew,amore seniormemberofthesamefirm.Theyhadalotoffunanddecidedtomoveintogether.Theyenjoyedtravellingtogether,entertainingtheirfriendsandbuildingahome.Andrewwas very ambitious and he had a very different attitude towork thanSarah. Hewould happily charge large amounts for his serviceswithout anyreticence. Sarah hated to have to charge great amounts to little old ladies sheknew could ill afford it. Sometimes this upset their easy life but she caredenoughforAndrewandunderstoodthatlifeisnotalwaysagreeable. Andrewapplied forawell-paid job inAmericabutSarahwasnot ready tomakesuchamove.Itwasanuneasybreakforthembuttheydecidedthatitwasabreak. Theyhadcometo theendof their timetogether. Asshehadmovedinto his flat, he had to sell it in order to free his capital to buy something inAmerica;shedecidedtogohometoherparentsforthetimebeforeshestartedhercollegecourse.

Shedrovehimto theairportandtheypartedasfriends. Althoughshewassad,sheknewitwasthebestthingforbothofthem. As they kissed and said ‘Goodbye,’ they both knew that they would lose

toucheventually.

They had sixweeks in the ivory tower of the college and then theywereflung out in to the real world of teaching practice. Their social life becamestuntedand theyhad toworkhardeachevening inorder toprepare the lessonnotesforthefollowingday.Sarah’sfirstclasswasoneofmaturestudentswhowere takingcompany lawfor theirbankingandbusinesscourses.Theywereasmartlydressedbunchwithplentytosaytoeachotherastheyhadbeentogetherasagroupforsometime.WhenSarahwrotethenotesontheboarditlookedasifacathadwalkedacross itbecauseher fingersweresosweatywith fearandembarrassment. Herstudentsdidn’t seem tonoticeandafter the firstmorningshe began to enjoy herself. She loved it when someone in the class asked arelevantquestion,thusreinforcinghertheorythattheymusthaveunderstoodherastheywereaskingtherightquestions. She had to now fit inwith another set of people, lecturers and laboratoryassistants and there was another student teacher who was attending the samecollegeasherselfbutwhomshehadnotseenbeforebecauseshewasstudyinginanother faculty. Shewas an English Language student teaching English as asecondlanguage.MostofherstudentscamefromJapanandtheyneededtheirEnglish language to be able to understand the content of their technologycourses. Shehad awonderful senseofhumour andhad thewhole staff roomreelingwithlaughteratthetalesshetoldusofthemistakessheandherstudentsmadewhentryingtounderstandeachother.“Ilishtoweavethecrass,”onehadsaid and thenwalked out of her class. She had been perturbed until she hadinterpretedhimtomean,“Iwish to leave theclass.” Lateramanarrivedwhoseemedarrogantandmiserableandhedidn’tapproveoftheirlaughter.Hesatina corner with his cronies and after a look of disdain in their direction hecompletelyignoredthem,theEnglishlanguageteacherandSarah.Ifallthestaffhadhadthatattitudetheirlivesinthatcollegewouldhavebeenanightmare. Now itwasweekend and theywere determined,Ann andSarah, that theywouldhave a pleasant time, and leave thework for theMonday lectures untilSundaytocomplete.Annhadbeentakenabackbysomeofthestudentsthatshehadhadtocontendwith.SomehadlittlemotivationaswellaslittleaptitudeandshewasexhaustedbytheFridaynight.TheStudent’sUnionhadarrangedforaband to entertain them in the student’s bar and they showered and dressed intheirstudentgearthatfeltreallycomfortableaftertheweekofwearingsuits.

Whenthey lookedaround thebar forsomeof their tutorgroup, theycouldonlyseeafewofthem.Johnjoinedthemlaterandhetoldthemthattwoofthegroup had left their classes on their teaching practice because they found thatteaching was not for them. They had fled the college in which they wereteaching, and after phoning theTeachers’Trainingpersonnel department, theyhad gone back to their own homes,with the hopeful intention of getting theirjobs back. David joined them later and he had been very impressed by thestudentshewasteaching.Hethoughthewouldlovethejob,andthisconfirmedSarah’sfirstimpressionthathewouldbecomeanexcellentteacherandmentor.Theymetupwithsomeothersfromtheirgroupandsetupakittybecausenoneof them were so financially sound that they could buy drinks for the entiregroup. Bottles of redwinewere purchased at the bar, and the friends settleddown to listen to the band and let themselves relax and enjoy their much-appreciatedbreak.Thebandwasnottooloud,andsomeofthefolkpiecestheyplayed were soft and mellow with lovely caring words. Sarah began to feeldreamyandatlastreadytoenjoyherstayatthetrainingcollege.Annwasalsonowrelaxed,thefrownfromherarduousweekofteachinghadfadedfromhersereneface,andherlaughterrangoutwiththerestofthem.

Aftertheirteachingpracticetheyweresoonintotheswingagainwithinthecollege. They had a time given for sport or recreation on the Wednesdayafternoons,andAnnandSarahlearnttoplaygolfonanearbygolfcourse.Thegolfclubwasina lovelyarea in theoutskirtsof thecity. Theautumncolourshad darkened to deep reds and oranges and the scents from the surroundingbrackenwerepungentwith the latewoodland fruits.Theywere taughthow tohold the clubs and theway to swing them tohit theball. Theywerenot thatkeen on the game and at times held up the proper golfers, whowere not toopleasedwiththem.TheyattendedsocialaffairsandhadawonderfulChristmaspartywhenjusttheirgroup,nowdowntoeleven,hadanightoutonthenearbytownandhadtobebroughtbackintaxistotheirhall.

TheyallleftfortheChristmasholidayandhadthreeweeksbeforereturningto college. They hadmore lectures in theNewYear and then theywere outagainforanothersixweeksonteachingpractice.Sarahwassentdownsouthtoacollege ina small townsoutheastofBristolwhere theUniversityofBristolhadanannexwhereLawwas taught. Shewasgivenclasses,where firstyearstudents were taught, and she found that these young people showed all theenthusiasmandmotivationshehadfeltwhenshewastheirage.Shewantedtohelp them to understand the pitfalls without spoiling their outlook and sheworkedhardeacheveningbycarefullypreparinghernotes so that theywouldincorporate the ideology of care of the client. When the class tutor sat in toassessSarah’slessonshelookedsurprisedandunimpressed.Shefoughttokeephermindonthelessonbutbegantohesitatebecauseoftheatmospherehewasbringingintotheroom. Attheendofthelessonheaskedhertoaccompanyhimtohisoffice,tellingherthatthewayshewasleaningherlessonstowardsaltruismwasnotthewaytoteachlaw.Sarahwonderedifshehadbeentookeenonherownideasandthenshe remembered the cases she had been involved with in her capacity as asolicitor.Shehatedtohavetochargethepooroldladywhohadarealgrievancebutcouldnotaffordtotakeitfarenoughsothatshecouldgetsomesatisfaction.She remembered the way she had to invoice the amounts charging over onehundred pounds an hour for her services and the great amounts charged for aletteror a telephonecall. These thingswerewrongand there shouldbemore

help for the powerless. She told the lecturer her thoughts and he was notimpressed.HesaidhewouldhavetosendSarahbacktothetrainingcollege,asthiswasnowayhewantedhisstudentstaught. Shewas returned forthwith and shewas brought in front of the principal,who reassured her that shewas not the first to be thought too liberal in theirteachingandthathewouldfindaplacewherethestaffhadsimilarviewstoher.Sarahfeltafailureandshewasaloneonthecampusbecauseallgroupswereouton teaching practice. The silence around the college was intimidating andSarah’sselfesteemwasatitsalltimelow.Shemopedaboutinherroomfortwodayswithout anycommunication from thehead. Whenheeventually sent forherhetoldherthattherewerenoplacesatthatlatedate.Shedidnotknowwhattodoandwonderediftheideaofteachinghadbeenamistake. AnnwasawaysomewhereinShropshire,JohnwasinLeedsandDavidhadbeensenttoLondon.Sarahreallyfeltcutoff.Shedidn’twanttotellherfamilyaboutherfailureandwhensherangthemsheputonhermosthappyvoice.Shehung around the principal’s office, hoping that hewould have some news forher. He came to the common room where she was trying to work on theeducationnotes.Hebeamedatherwithenthusiasmandtoldherhehadfoundaplace in a secondary school for childrenwith learningdifficulties andperhapsthatwouldbemore toher liking. Shedidn’tknowwhat to think. Howcouldsheteachthesechildren?Shedidn’thavetheskills;shehadn’thadanycontactwiththem. When Sarah arrived at the designated school, she found that most of thechildrenwereAsian, and because their parents spoke very little English, theyneededalotofhelpatschool.Manywerenotneedybecausetheyhadlearningdifficulties but because there were no English books in their homes, andalthoughtheirparentsvaluededucationhighly,theywereunabletohelpthemintheirpresentsituation. Sarah loved the school and the children. The teachers were brilliant andcaringandthechildrenrespondedtothem.Sarahwashelpedenormouslybytheheadof department and she soonunderstood the level atwhich she should beteaching.Shewassorrytoleaveandgobacktocollegebuttheexperiencehadgivenherconfidenceandideasofwhatshemaywanttodointhefuture.

Whenthecoursewasfinishedtheyhadaleavingpartywherethefourfriendsofthemmadeapacttomeetupatleastonceayear.Theyknewthattheywould

bescatteredbuttheydecidedthattheywouldmeetintheschoolholidayseveryyear,andperhapsarrangeothermeetings,ifpossible.It istruewhenyougotocollegeyoumake friends for lifebecauseof thebondsmade initiallyare fromloneliness.Theyhadsupportedeachother,andhadalotoffunbutitwasnowtimetosaygoodbye. Sarah went home to her family and began to search for a position. ShedecidedthatshewouldlovetobecomepartoftheVolunteerServiceOverseas.Shehadsomesavingsleftfromherpreviousjobsoitwasnotimperativethatshewouldhavetofindajobthatpaidalot.ShehadalwaysfanciedatriptoNepalso she volunteered for a teaching job in Pokara, one day’s road journey fromKathmandu

Chapter1

Sarah

Sarah arrived inKathmandu in the earlymorning, after a long air journeywith many changes of planes. Julian, another British citizen, who had beenrunningtheVSOofficeformanyyears,metherattheairport.Hemadeherfeelwelcomeashe shookherhandand she foundahandsome friendatonce. Hewasinhismiddlefortiesandwithhistannedfaceandgreyinghairheflashedherasmilethatputherateaseimmediately.Shegotintohiscarwhilehestoredtheluggage in the boot, and off they went to the centre, where she met othervolunteers.HepointedoutthelandmarksofKathmanduastheytravelledtothehousewherehesaidSarahwouldstayuntil shewas rested,beforeplacingherwhereshecouldbeofmostuse.

Shewas a little disappointed inKathmandu, because it was a larger townthanshehadimagined,itisfullofsmogandpollution,asitissituatedinabowlbetweenthemountains. Thepeopleonthestreetswerewearingmasksaroundtheirmouthsbecauseofthepollution.SherestedovernightandinthemorningshewastakenbyroadtoPokhara,onawondrousdrivethroughavalleybetweenmountains and along a road that follows the river. The scenerywas beautifulwithlittlevillagesontheirway.Theystoppedforadrinkandsomelunchatawayside place; Sarah followed Joe around the backwhere therewere benchesoverlookingtheriverandtheysawpeopleinadinghy,whitewatersailing.Thesound of the rushingwater as the river was in full flow, and the dinghywastossedfromsidetoside,madeitseemdangerous.Becauseofthescentsrisingfromthevegetationandthefreshnessofthewaterrushingdowntheriver,Sarahcould almost taste the place. Therewere narrow bridges over the riverwith

ropesidesandjustenoughroomonthebottomtoplaceyourfeet.Theairwasclear and they saw a large eagle soaring overhead and the sound of birdsongfrom themany trees. They, thedriver andSarah, sawNepalesewomenwithgreat loads on their backs crossing these bridges, usually with a band ofchattering children, hanging on to their mothers’ skirts. This was when sherealisedhowhardtheirliveswere;“theydonothavemotorizedtransportaswein theWesthave,and theyhave tocarryeverything theyneed to live,on theirbacks,”thoughtSarah.Shesawwomenwithgreatwatercarriersontheirbacksbut fastenedaround their foreheadswith straps. As theyapproachedPokharathey could see the white topped mountains and the great fishtail one calledMachhapuchhreandAnnapurnatooneside.SarahwastoworkhalfwayupthatmountaininaschoolforyoungNepalesechildren. ShewastakentoasmallvillagewellupinthefoothillsofAnnapurnainthefour-wheeldriveanddepositedinasmalldwellingthathadbeenallocatedtoherby theVSO. Shewas takenabackby thewelcomeshewasgiven; therewerevivid coloured wild flowers in a clay pot that gave off a fragile scent ofhoneysuckleoutside thedoor. With thehelpofherdriver, theyunpackedherfewgoodsfromthecarandenteredthelittlecottage.Theplacewasverysmall,justalivingareaandbasickitchenfittedwithkettle,panandprimarystove.Shehadbeentoldtobringparaffinsothatshecouldmakehotdrinks.Therewasafireplaceandsomelogs,assheunderstoodthatitcouldgetverycoldatnight.AroundthecornerinanalcovetherewasasinglebedandasmallwindowthatoverlookedthevalleybelowandthelakeinthemiddleofwhichtherewastheFishtailLodge,ahotelwhere tourists stayed. Althoughherhome for thenexttwo years was small and basic, she was determined that in her free time shewouldget rugsandcushionsandmake it intoa realhome.Shealsonoticedasmallstripoflandatthebackofthebuildingwhereshemaybeabletomakealittlegarden.

JoehadstoppedinPokharawhereSarahhadboughtessentialslikemilkandbread and Joe, showed her how to light the stove. They had a hot drink andSarahmadeasandwichforeachforthemandthenhehadtosleepinthevaninorder to help her settle in before returning toKathmandu. She unpacked hersmall bundle of possessions, and made up the bed ready for a good night’ssleep. Shehad to sortouther few things the followingmorning,butnowshewasinneedofrest. ThefreshairupthemountainwaslikewineandSarahwassoonfastasleep.

She awoke to blue skies and a sunlit mountain and heard the sound ofactivitiesgoingoninthevillageasshepeepedoutofherlittlewindow.Sarahheardtheclangingofbucketsaspeopleweregettingwaterfromthevillagewellandtherewasthesoundoflaughterofthechildren.Herwashingfacilitieswerebasic but she managed to wash and dress quickly before breakfasting on abananashehadbroughtwithher.Shesteppedoutofherdoorandtheviewwasbreathtaking.Onthemountainsthereweregreenfoothillssimilartotheoneshewaslivingon,otherswerewhitetoppedandtheywereglisteninginthesunlight.Theblueof the skywas reflected in the colourof the lake and the effectwasexquisite. The accommodation was almost like a hovel but the outsidesurroundingscertainlymadeupforit. Joelookedsleepyandabitcrumpledwhenhecameintothecottageandtheyhadacoffeetogetherbeforeheemptiedtherestofherthingsfromhiscar.HehelpedSarahtoarrangehermeagrebelongingsaroundtheplaceanditlookedsodismalthathesaidhewouldtakeherintoPokharawheretherewasamarketinthecentreofthelittletown.“Comeonifyouareready,”saidJoe.“IneedtogetawayearlytobebackinKathmandutonight.” “I need to get to the bankbecause Iwish to buy somegoods tomakemyhomecomfortable.”Sarahtoldhim. “I’llshowyoutheway,”saidJoe,abitimpatienttobeonhisway.

Theytravelleddownthemountainandafterfindingthebankandtakingoutsomeofherhardearnedsavings;Joetookheraroundthemarket.Sheboughtarug,somecushions,andawoodenfigureofaBuddhaandalovelywoventhrowoverforherbedsothatshecoulduseitasasetteeinthedaytime.Shetreatedherself to a thickwoollen jumper aswell as a jacket andhat. Joe tookSarahbackupthemountainwithherpurchasesandafteraquicklunch,hewasonhiswaybacktoheadquartersinKathmandu. Althoughitisquitewarmduringthemiddleofthedayitcanbecoldintheearlymorningandintheeveningafterthesunhasgonedown.Asitwasinthemiddle of the day by this time, Sarah ventured out, with a sweatshirt flungaroundher shouldersand sensible trainersonher feet, inorder to see theareawhere she was going to live. There was a backpacker’s bed and breakfastestablishment in the village. This was built with two stories and had a

corrugatedironroof.Shenoticedthattherewereelectricitylinesandthateachbuildingisconstructedonaterracethathasbeencutoutofthehillside.Shealsosawcropsofgreens,fruitbushesandanappletree.Otherdwellingscanbeseenclusteredonthehillsideeachhavingitsownsmallterrace.Thepathsarestonyand the road stops at the village. After that people have towalk everywhere,alwaysupwardsonsteephardpathsbutwiththetopofthemountains,withtheirwhite peaks luring the walker to go on. She felt a pang of isolation andwonderedifshehaddonetherightthing,leavingherhomewithherfamilyandfriends behind. She shrugged her negative feelings from her shoulders andcarriedupthepath.AfterawhileSarahmetsomemenwhowerecarryinggreatstainless steel pipes up steep gullies in order to bring running water to thevillage.ShewastoldthatanAmericantouristwasappalledbythehardshipsofthe women, having to carry water from a far well, up the mountain to theirhomes. Hegavethepeopleof thevillageadonationsothat theywereable tobuythematerialstobringwaterthere. Sarahsawa tinywhitegoat steppingout fromabuildingby thesideofasmallholding.Therewasstrawonthefloor,anditmusthavejustleftitsmotherforthefirsttime.Shesawthegungethatthesheepthatfollowedherlambwaslickingfromitsnew-bornlambandfeltthewonderofnature.Asshewonderedfurtherupthepath,thepeoplesmiledshylyather,andshefellinlovewiththelittlecommunityimmediately.

Assheclimbedfurtherupthemountainshecametotheschool,whereshehadbeensenttowork.Itwasnotaconventionalschoolandthechildrenweresatoutsideonaplateau,wheretherewasabackclothofthewhitepeaksoftheHimalayas.Thereweremanychildrensittingcross-legged,quietlylisteningtotheirteachers.Theyappearedtobeofallagegroups,someofthemquitebig.Most of themwere dressed in school uniform,white shirts and grey skirts ortrousers,butsomeofthechildrenhadnoshoes.Therewasabuildingsetatoneside of the plateau, where lessons would be given if the weather becameinclement. The children looked healthy and happy and with their big browneyes,theywereadorable.

Sarah thinks. “I amhere to teach themEnglish so that theymayuse thatskill to enable them to communicate with the many tourists that walk theirhillside.Manyofthemwillperhaps,workinthetouristtradewhentheyleaveschool. There is a growing demand for guides on themountains, as trekkingbecomesan increasingpastimefor theyoungofmanyWesterncountries. She

hadbeenswottingupontheirlanguageandhadfoundthewordsshewouldneedtocommunicateherlessonintroductions.Shethinks.“Ican’tbelievethatIwillbe stayingon thismountain for thenext twoyears.Thebeautyof it takesherbreath away. The vivid colours of the lake, the grassy outcrops and the littlehousesjuttingoutonatablelandoverthevalleyfarbelowseemlikeadream.”

“Namaste,” (meaning Good Morning) she says to the headmaster as hecomesforwardtowelcomeherandintroduceshertothechildren.

“Sawagatchha”,(You’rewelcome)hereplies.

They exchange names and he gives her instructions in stilted English forwhichsheisverygrateful.SheistoteachtheyoungchildrenbynurseryrhymesandspokenEnglishbeforeembarkingonthedifficultreadingandwriting.Sarahhasbroughtsomebookswithherthatmaybesuitableforveryyoungchildren.Shewillstartherlessonsbyteachingverysimplesentencessimilartotheonesshe is learning of their language. She expects it will be a two way learningprocess.Sheisshownaroundtheschoolhouse.Itisabasicbuildingbuiltinasimilarwaytohercottagebutmuchbigger.Thereisjustonelargeroomwheretheteachers taketheir lessonsindifferentareasof it. It isonlyusedwhentheweatheriswetotherwisethechildrenaretaughtoutsideontheplateau. SarahwasnotexpectedtostartherjobuntiltheMondayandasthisisFridayshehastwodaystosettleinandgettoknowthearea.Asshelefttheschoolshemetasmallpartyoftourists,notreallytrekkers,butenthusiasticenoughtowantto do a small trek up themountainside. There were six of them but as theypassedtheschool,twoofthemdroppedoutanddecidedtopicnicandlookattheviews from a grass area where they settled down to wait for their friends tocomplete theirwalk. The guide continued up themountainwith the younger,fittertourists.HehadgatheredanumberedofboysfromthevillagetocarrythelargeboxesthatcarriedthepicnicthathadbeenpreparedbytheFishtailLodgehotel.AstheschooldaywasatanendSarahsawmanyofthechildrenfollowthe guide and the trekkers up the mountainside. She wondered what theattraction was until she met the full party returning to the transport that hadbrought them to the village. The air was cooler, the meagre evening mealfinished and the women were sat on their doorsteps, chatting together whilstwaitingforthechildrentoreappear.Shesawmorethanonelittleboygivehismotherapieceofchickenthathehadbeengivenfromthepicnicboxes.Ashe

hadbeengiventhesegiftshehadthoughtofhismother,andhadbroughtherapiece of the chicken to taste because he had so enjoyed it. Sarah was soimpressedbythecarethefamilieshadfromeachotherandherheartwasfullofloveforthesesimplepeople. When she thoughtof all thematerial goodswehave in theWesternworldandshesawhowthepeopleofthismountainlive,shefeltashamedofthewasteandthegreedofeventhepoorestinourownsociety.WehavenorealpovertyintheWest.Anypovertywesufferfromisofourownmaking.Drug,alcoholconsumptionandgamblingare thedestructive activitiesof thepoor aswell asthe rich. It was like a celebration as the children brought the gifts to theirmothers.Oneofthetouristsgaveablockofsoapthathecarriedinhisrucksackwhilstanotherfoundafewpens inhispocket. Thesewerepreciousgoodsforthe mountain people as most were subsistence farmers who grew their ownvegetablesandmaizeandusedabartermethodtoexchangetheirgoods.ItwasniceforSarahtotalktotheEnglishspeakingtouristsandtheirguidewhogaveher some important information of her surroundings. One of the tourists saidthat theyhadbought a bottle ofwinewith their dinner the night before at theFishtail Lodge that would have bought a year of schooling for one of thechildren. Hewassoupset thathehadgiventheschoola largedonationalongwithalloftheothertourists.Whenpeopleseeforthemselvesthedifficultiesofthe Nepalese people, their hearts go out to them, and they want to get somebalance in theworld. Sarahwas sorry to see her newmade friends leave thevillageandhopedthatotherswouldcome.Inthemeantimeshebegantotrytolearn a little of the language of the native population so that she couldcommunicatewiththepeopleofthevillage.Thevillagecentrewasnowquietasthechildrenwereinbedandtheirparentswerecoolingofffromtheirhardday’swork. Sarah sat out on her little terrace and decided that she was going tocultivate the soil and grow her own fruit and perhaps a few vegetables. Sheloved her view and she felt very happy with the scenery and the peacefulsolitudeofherownplace. “IthinkIshallbeabletosettlehereSarahtellsherself.”Asthefeelingsoflonelinessbegintofade.

Chapter2

Sarah’sStory IhavesettledwellintomyjobandIlovethechildreninmycare.Therearetwoothermembersofstaff,theheadmasterandalovelyyoungIndianwoman.Her English is understandable so I have someone to explain any difficulties Imayhavewiththecultureofthemountainpeople.ShelivesinPokharaandshearrivesonourmountainonhermotorisedbike.Itishandyformebecauseshewill sometimesgivemea lift intoPokharawhereatweekends Imaystay inabackpacker’shostelandgeta liftbackonMondaymorning. Webecameveryfriendlyandoneweekendsheinvitedmetostaywithherfamilyinthetown. IhadnoideawhereshelivedandIwassurprisedwhenwedrewuponthedriveofaratherimposinghouse.Shecalledouttoherparentswhocameouttogreetuswarmly. “Lovelytohaveyouwithus.”Hermotherwelcomedme.“HowareyousettlinghereinPokhara?”Askedherfather.“Iloveit,”Ireplied,withafeelingofgreatwarmthasweallsmiledateachother.“Comeintothehouseandbringinyourthings,Sahidawilltakeyoutoyour

roomifyouwishtofreshenup,”hermothersaid.

Iwasastoundedat thesizeof thehouse; Iwasgivenabedroomtomyselfwhereanensuiteshowerandtoiletwasinstalled. Theroomwaslightandairyand the bed looked really comfortable after my rather hard small bed. IfreshenedupandSahidacametofindmeandasIwasreadyIfollowedhertothesittingroom,wheretherestofthefamilywasassembled.Iwasintroduced

toSahida’ssister,Taz,whowasyoungerthanshewasandwholedthefamilyadance,ifSahidawastobebelieved.HerbrotherTaj,ahandsomemanofaboutthirty,shookmyhandfirmlyandasIlookedintohisvelvetbrowneyesIfeltablushrisingonmyfaceandIquicklysaiditwaswarmsothatIcouldcovermyembarrassmentandtheconfusionIfelt.Afteramomenttheconversationbeganbyus all talking at once until Sahida’s father askedme aboutmybackgroundandthereasonIhadcometoPokharatoteach. I explained how Iwas unhappy as aworking solicitor in a small northernEnglandtownandhowIhadtakenmyteacher’sdiplomainordertochangethedirectionofmylife.TheytoldmetheirfamilynamewasMenonandthefatherandthesonwerebothdoctors.ThefatherwasthelocalGPandthesonworkedinthehospitalinKathmandu.SahidahadtrainedtobeateacherinIndiawheretheyhadoriginatedandtheywerehopingTazwoulddecidetogotoUniversityinDelhisothatshewouldhaveachoiceofcareers.

We had afternoon tea after which we younger people had a stroll in thegrounds that edged onto the lake,wherewe foundmany strollers and boatersenjoyingtheafternoonsunshine. “Wearegoingtothehotelfordinner,”saidTajpointingtothemiddleofthelake. “Do you have to book?” I asked. I thought it was just for tourists and Iwonderedhowweweregoingtogetthere. “ThereisaboatbelongingtotheLodgearoundtheothersideof thelake,”saidSahida.WechattedhappilyandthenwedecidedtohavealookaroundthemarketinPokhara.IdecidedIwouldliketobuyasmallpresentfortheMenonsfortheirkindnessandthehospitalitytheyhadshownme.Thegoodswerelaidoutonthepavements.ItwasdifficulttofindsomethingappropriatebutIfoundabeautifullycarved little elephant. As theywereHindu I thought itmightbejust right. Wemeanderedbackby the lakeandarrived in time to showerandchangeforourevening.TaztoldmethatthedinnerpartyattheFishtailLodgewas inmyhonourand that shewas thrilled tobegoing there,as the foodwasdelicious.Imetthefamilyinthehallandtheyallwerebeautifullydressedtheladies in colourful eveningdresses andTaj andhis father indark suits. I hadtakenasmartcocktailfrock,myoneandonly,soIdidn’tfeeloutofit. Wearrivedat the lakesidewhere theboatwasfastenedup. Tajhelpedhismotherintotheboatandthenheheldmyelbowandgentlyloweredmeintothe

boat.Thetwogirlsskippedinconfidentlyfollowedbythetwomen. Thementooktheoarsandthesoundofthewatersplashingalongsideoftheboatgavemealovelyfeelingofcalm. Wearrivedin thefoyerof thehotel,wherethehotelmanagergreetedus. “HowareyouDrMenonandthefamily?”Askedtheman.

“Fine,wehaveanEnglishguestwithustonight,”answeredDrMenonasheintroducedme“Sheteachesthemountainchildrenwithmydaughter”’,hesaid. “Howdoyoufindthelifehere?”Heaskedasheturnedtome.

“Ireallyloveit.”Ireplied,“Thechildrenaresowellbehavedandeagertolearn.

Ifeelitisaprivilegetobeherewiththem.”The meal was elegantly served and the food excellent along with the

conversation.TheyareaveryclosefamilybuttheyincludedmeinallthetabletalkandIhaveneverfeltmoreathomeanywhere.TajsmiledatmeacrossthetableandIfoundmyselflookingathimonlytofindhewaslookingatme.HehasbeautifulbrownvelveteyesinaskinthatisliketannedsilkandIfindhimsoattractive that I feel awkward and embarrassed as I turn away from him,loweringmyeyes After themeal,weall returned to the shoreby thehotel boat and thenwestrolledalongtheshorelineinthesultrynightair. TajandIbecamesomehowdetachedfromtherestofthepartyandheheldmyhandandgentlyledmetothehouseatadistancefromtheothers.WelookedateachotherandIknewthatIwas falling in love with this elegant Asian doctor whose gentle ways hadattractedmefromthestart.Hesqueezedmyhandaswereachedtheothersandhis smile held a question alongwith a promise. Whenwe arrived inside thehouseeveryonewastalkingatonce,allexcitedwithoureveningout.Iwantedtobebymyselfbecauseof thebeatingofmyheartand theconfusing feelingsgoingon inmyhead. Iexcusedmyselfas soonas Icouldandwent tobed. Iundressed quickly and got into bed. Tajwas all I could think about, how helooked,howhewalked.Iwasateenageragain,aftermyveryfirstdate.Ijustlay and revelled in thememories of our hand-held stroll back to the house. Isnuggleddowninbedandeventuallyslept. On the Sunday morning Taj asked me if I would like to visit the HinduTemple in Pokhara. We strolled along the paths in the park that held theTemple;thereweremanyfamiliesthereandthefathersheldtheirchildrenclose

tothemsharingtheparentingofthechildreninadifferentwaytothemenoftheWesternworld.TheTemplehadmanystepsuptothetopandthereweremanycarvingsonallsides.

WhenIsawwhatthecarvingsdepictedIwasverysurprisedastheyshowedmany positions of sexual pleasures. Taj explained to me that the Hinduphilosophywasforhumanbeingstoacceptthegiftofallpleasures.Ilookedatthe people there andunderstood, perhaps for the first time, that our culture ofguiltandfearmaynotbethewaytolive. Westrolled in thesurroundingparkandTajaskedmehowI feltabout theeasternculture.“I find it strange,but think I like theopennessof it,” I repliedblushingabitwithembarrassment.

The look he gave me with those beautiful brown eyes left me feelingbreathlessandIfeltmybodymeltingwhenhetookmyhand. Taj said, “I love your spirit, your courage in coming towork so far fromhomealongwithyourvulnerabilityatthestrangenessofthisland.” “I love this land, the mountain people and the mountain where I live.” Ireplied. “IamashamedoftheWesternworld,thewasteandgreedIsee,nowfromadifferentperspective.It’sopenedmyeyescominghereandseeingthehardshipofthemountainpeople.” Tajsmilesatmeandgentlytakesmeintohisarms.WekissandIfeelthewarmthofourbodiesmeltingtogetherasourembracebecomescloserstill. Wepullawayfromeachotheraswehearpeoplecomingalongthepath.

“IhopeIwasn’tbeingforward,”Tajsayswhenweareagainonourown. “Noofcoursenot,Iwasjustaswillingasyou”. “Ifindyousoattractive,notjustyourlooksbutwhatIseeinside.” “Ithinkthatitisthedifferenceinourculturesthatattractsustoeachother,anditmaybebettertostepbackabitbeforewegotoofar”IreplybecauseIfeelverysteamedupandtooreadytotakeanirreversiblestep.

“I’m sorry if I have offended you but I do feel so close to you,”Taj saysquietly. “Justtheopposite,”Ireply.“ButthefeelingsIhaveforyouarethrowingmeintoacauldronofemotionsthatIfinddifficulttocheck.“ Againheholdsmyhandandwe strollhappily through thepark. I feel soclosetohimandmyheartissingingaswemakeourwayhometohishouse. “Wherehaveyoutwobeen,”accusesTaz.“WehavebeenwaitinglunchforyouandI’mstarving” Weapologizeprofuselyandlunchisacomfortablemealwithallthefamilyseatedaroundthediningtable,makinginterestingconversation.

Chapter3

We have to return to themountain, his sister and I. Theweek’swork iswaitingandwearethrownintoitveryquickly.Thereligiousfestival,Shevhi,isalmostuponusandthechildrenaregettingveryexcitedaboutthelocalgodtheyaretomaketocarrythroughthetownonthedaysofthefestival.IamunsureoftheirbeliefsbutI trytounderstandbyreadingupontheHindureligion. WithhelpfromSahidaIbegintoenjoythewholeproceedingsbutIamlefttiredattheendofeachday. IhavebeendreamingofTajandrememberingthegentlenessofhislove.IkeephopingthatIwillseehimagainsoonbutIknowthathehasabusylifeatthehospitalinKathmandu. Ihearasoundatmydoor,itisTaj,andhehascometoseemeonmyown.Ican’tbelievemyeyesasheentersmylittlecottagesounlikehisparents’house.IfeelbewilderedbyhispresencebutwhenhetakesmeinhisarmsthenIknowthatthisiswhatIhavebeenwaitingfor.

“Mylovelygirl“hewhispersandallmybodymeltsashegentlykissesmylips,myeyesandthehollowofmythroat.IhaveneverfeltlikethisbeforeandIhopethatitwillfeellikethisforever.Hegentlyundressesmeandwemakeloveonmy narrow bed overlooking the lake. My feelings are spiritual aswell assexual aswe come together in awonderful ecstasy. I tremblewith love as Imakeusacupoftea.Hefollowsmeintothelittlekitchenandagainwemakelove,nowstandingasweforgetthetea. Hestaysallnightandbefore the lightcomesover themountainhe leaves,gentlyuntanglinghimselffrommysleepyarms.“Iloveyou,”hewhispers,asheleavesmyside.“Iloveyoutoo,”Isoftlyreply.

IawakebutfeelasifIamstilldreamingasIrememberthepreviousnight.Ifeel so light-headed and relaxed and I have a sunny smile on my face. Thechildren are heavenly at school, they are so caught upwith theirwork on thepresentationofShevhiandtheyaresowellbehavedandinterested,aswellas,excitedaboutthecomingfestivalthatIfeelafreedomfromtheresponsibilityofhavingtodisciplinethem.

I spend the following days almost in a dream and I am in tune witheverythingaroundme.Thechildrenaresplendidandthevillagersareeyeingmewithgentlesmiles.IhaveapictureofTajinmyhead,hisbeautifulbrowneyes,his sculpturedbrows and longdark lashes. His fine straight nose andhis fullsensualmouthaccompanymethroughmythoughts,allmywakinghours. ThedaysturnintoweeksanditissoonthetimeoftheHinduFestival.

Thepreparationforthefestivalfillsourworkinghoursandthewholeschoolisinvolvedinit.Theparentsalsocontributetothemakingofthefoodandtheatmosphere on our mountain is wonderful. I have never been so happy andupliftedinmywholelife. Everyone in the village is so involved in the festival and the people ofPokharahavetheirownGoddesswhosepresencetheycarrythroughthestreets.Thewholearea is inacarnivalmoodandIhope thatTajwillhavesometimefromhisdutiesatthehospitalsothathewillbeabletovisitusinPokhara.Iamlonging to see him again soon. Whilst I am helping the children prepare thefestivitiesIreceivealetterfromhome.Myeighteenyearoldnephewwantstocome trekking during his summer-break before he settles down to go touniversityintheautumn.Hewouldliketojoinmeforthethreemonthsonmymountain.MysisterrealisesthatIhavenoroominmycottagebutitwouldbeniceforhimtohavesomecontactwithmebeforehebeginshistrek.IlovemynephewMark;heisthefirstbornofmysistersohehasalwaysbeenveryspecialtoallthefamily.Thereisabackpacker’shostelinourvillagesoIwillbeabletogethimaccommodationclosetomebeforehebeginshistrek.IamsothrilledwiththisbitofnewsandIamwaitingtotellTajaboutit. Idon’thavelongtowaitbeforeIseeTajagainbecauseheiscominghome

forthecelebrations.Sahidatellsmetheyhaveheardfromhimandhehassentalettertomebroughtbyhissister.Ican’twaittoopenit.Itsays MydarlingSarah, Ican’twait to seeyouonFriday; Ihavebeen thinkingofyouall the timehereinKathmanduandwishingforustobetogetheragain.Ilovetheclosenesswe have found so surprisingly quickly and the commitmentwe seem to havetogether.Imissthethingsthatmakeussmile.Imissyouonyourmountain,satontheterraceyouhavemadeintoalovelyshadedhavenbyplantingtheappletreeandencouragingthewildflowerstogrowprofuselyallaround. IwillseeyouonFriday.Allmylove Taj Ourmeetingiscourteousbecausehisfamilyisthereandtheyarealsogladtoseehim.IamwaitingforthetimewhenwearealoneandIcanfeelhisstrongarmsaroundme. Weallattendthefestival together. It isa joyousaffair.TheGoddess is carried through the streets of the village and there is muchmerriment. The people sing and dance.Taj and I join in the dancing andwehaveawonderfultime.

WethenallgotoPokharawheretheyhavetheirownGoddessandweagainenjoythecarnivalspiritof theevening. Tajdrivesmehomeinhisfour-wheeldrivecartomymountaincottage.Wesmilesweetlyatourneighbourswhoarejustabouttogototheirbedsaftertheexcitementoftheday.WegoouttotheterraceatthebackofthecottagewherewecanseethelightsofPokhara.Wesitthereanddrinkacoffee Ihavemade forus. Even though it isdark there isamoonoverthemountainsandthenightismagicalwiththeperfumesofthewildflowersandherbsIhaveplantedtoenhancemycooking.Hemovestowardsmeandwe fall intoeachother’s arms. The intimacyofourmindsaswell asourbodiescarriesustoaheavenneitherofushadexperiencedbefore. Themorning ismistywith the aftermathof thevillagebonfirewhere foodhadbeencookedthenightbefore.IawakeinthearmsofTajandreflectquietlyonthebeautyofhisface.Hislongeyelashescurlonhischeekandthereisadarkshadowonhischin.ThebristlesaresoftandsilkyasIplaceakissonhissensualmouth.HeopenshiseyesandIseethelovehehasformeshiningthere. “GoodMorningdarling,”hesays,“Howareyoufeeling?” “Wonderful”Ireply.

We snuggle down together in my little narrow bed and the whole worldseemstoholditsbreath. Weareshakenoutofourreveriewhenweseethetime.Tajhasasix-hourdrivetogetbacktoKathmanduwhereheisondutyatsixo’clock.HehastogoandIdecidetogowithhim.Theschoolisclosedforfivedaysforthefestivaland I shall only be kickingmy heels around the village. We have a hurriedbreakfastofeggsandIpackafewthingsintomyhaversack.Julianhadinvitedme to stay at the hostel there if I everwanted a change so I thought thatwaswhereIwouldstaybutTajwouldnothearofthatandsaidIshallstaywithhiminhissmallapartmentneartothehospital.

Chapter4

IamexcitedattheprospectofbeingwithTajforafewdaysandaswedrivealongbythefastflowingriverItellhimaboutmynephew,Mark,comingtoseeme.

Heispleasedformetohaveoneofmysister’schildrenvisitingmeandheislookingforwardtomeetingMark.OurfewdayspasstooquicklyandalthoughTajisoncallall thetimewedofindalittletimetobetogether. WhilstTajisworking I visit Julian at the headquarters of V.S.O. The building houses hisliving quarters where his wife and young son live so I get to see his familyagain. Imet themwhen I first arrived andSue, hiswife, hadbeenpositivelywelcomingbecauseshewassopleasedtohaveananotherwomanfromthesamecountry as herself. She loves the life with Julian in Kathmandu but shesometimes longs for a friendly chatwith someone fromher home country. ItwasniceformetohavesomeonetowhomIcouldconfidesoItoldherofmyinvolvementwiththiswonderfulman. “Come again soon. “Sue shouts as she waves me off from her doorstep.“AndbringTajnexttime.” “Iwill.”Ireply,wavingbackasIpassthroughthegate. I get back to the apartment after visiting a small supermarket thatSuehastoldmeabout.Theshopisverysmallafterourownsupermarkets,nothinglikeSainsbury’s, and very limited in its goods but Imanage to stock up a little inhouseholdgoodslikesoapandothernecessities.IalsobuyfreshvegetablesandasmallchickensothatIcanmakeTajafarewelldinner.IhavebookedaflightbacktoPokharaforthefollowingdayandthiswillbeourlastnighttogetherforquitesometime.

Hemanages togethome in timeforamealwithmebut thenhehas togobackastherehasbeenaroadaccidentinthecentreofKathmanduandallhandshastobeondeck.WeclingtogetherasheleavesandIknowthatIwillnotseehimbeforeIhavetoflybacktoPokhara. IarriveattheairportinKathmanduwhereIhavetopassthepassportcontroland the clerk has an officious streak and has a lot of questions as to mycredentials.

I patiently answer, trying not to losemy temper and I am then reluctantlyallowedtopassthrough.ItakeupmyseatontheplaneandasweflyabovetheHimalayasIamamazedatthebeautyofthemountainsandIfeelemotional,myspiritsrisingasIseethemagnificenceofitall. IrememberthetimeTajandIhavehadtogetherandfeelthewonderfullovewehavetoshare.

Chapter5

Life at the school is now back to normal and I receive letters from TajbroughtbySahidawhowillpickupanylettersfromthePostOfficeinPokharaandbringthemwithherwhenshecomestoschoolonherscooter.IhavealsoheardfromMarktosayhewillbecomingtoseemeattheendofJunewhenhewillhavefinishedhis“A”levels.TimehaspassedformeandIhavelessthanayearbeforemytimeinPokharaisendedandIshallhavetodecidewhatIwanttodonext.IknowIdon’twanttoleaveTajbutIfeelawkwardnesswhenIseehis parents as I feel that they do not approve of our relationship. When ImentionthistoSahidashesaysthatherparentsareveryliberalinalltheirviewsandthatshelovesmeverymuch. My life is wonderful. I enjoy my teaching and my friendships with thevillagepeoplewhoincludemeintheirmanyactivities.MynearestneighboursarealovelyfamilyandIhavetheirson,Raj,inmyclass.HeisalwayshangingaroundmeandhismotherisforeverscoldinghimbutIlovehiscompanyandIamlearningalotabouttheircultureandlanguagefromhim.IseeTajasoftenas I can.He comes tomewhenever he has a spare bit of time fromhis busyschedule.OurclosenessiswonderfulandIfeelhisnearnesswheneverIthinkofhim. Mark is arriving shortly and I am feeling very excited at the prospect ofhavinghim staying in thebunkhouse in thevillage. He is intending to stay aweekbeforehesetsoutonhistrek.Likeallboys,hehasmanyfriendsandtwoof themarecomingwithhim. Ihavearranged theiraccommodationandIamplanningawelcomeparty for the threeof them. I amhoping thatTajwillbeable to attend and Sahida has promised to help me prepare a party that willinclude thevillagepeople.There isnot thatmanyof themandwith theapplesfrommy treeand theherbsandvegetables frommyfertilegarden I shouldbe

abletoattempttomakealovelyfeast.Oneofmyneighbourshaschickensandhehaspromisedtosellmethree.Ihavehadanovennowforthreeweeksastheelectricitysupplyhasbeenextendedtoallthevillagehouses.Ourwatersupplyisnowinplacebroughtat theexpenseofourAmericanbenefactor,aswellas,thehardworkofallthevillagerswholiveonourmountain. TodayIhavereceivedaletterfromTajtosaythathewillbeabletocometothepartyandthathewillstayfortheweekend.Iamsohappythatmynephewwill meet Taj so that when he goes home he will be able to confirm thewonderfuldescriptionIhavegiventhemofmylovelyman.Iwriteregularlytomymother andmy sister so they know how I feel about Taj. They are veryopen-mindedandtheyarehappyforme. ThedayhasarrivedandMarkandhisfriendsarehereinPokhara.TheyareallthreeverytiredastheythumbedaliftonanoldtruckfromKathmandu.Theyhadtoloadandunloaditfortherideanditwasn’tthesmoothestofrides.Therestofthewaytheyhadtrekked.Aftergivingthemsomesoupandahotdrink,Itook them straight to the bunkhouse, as they were dead on their feet.Introductionswillwaituntiltomorrow.

Iawoketoabeautifulmorning.Ihaveagreatlottodotoday.Thechickenswerealreadycooked, that’showImadethesoupIgaveto theboyslastnight.SahiIdaand Ichopped thevegetablesandmadequiches. Thechickenshavebeenroastedandcutintopieces,asmanyaswecoulddividetheminto.Ihavelittle roominmycottagebutmyneighboursarekeepingsomeof thepreparedplates that I have covered with cloths to keep in cool places ready for thecelebrations. All thevillagersarehelpingwith thepreparationand thechildrenfromtheschoolaremovinganytablesandchairswecanborrowfortheolderpeopletobecomfortable.

MarkarrivesinthemidstofourpreparationsandIhughimtomebecauseIamsogladtoseehim. “How’severyoneathome?”IaskhimwhenIatlastlethimoutofmyarms.

“Great,thanks.”Herepliesgivingmearoguishwink.

“Meetmyfriends,Keith,heisthemusicaloneandhe’sbroughthisguitar.” “Here’sJack,heisthecheekyoneandhe’llmakeyoulaugh.” IshakehandswithKeith. Wesmileandhehasa twinkle inhisdeepblueeyes.

“Pleased to meet you.” He drawls in a soft Irish accent that immediatelyremindsmeofmyfriendAnn.AnnandIhaven’tbeenintouchforsometimeandIrememberthatitismyturntoreplytoherletter. I turn toshakehandswithJackwhogivesmeawolfwhistleandacheekygrin.

Itellthemthatalltheactivitytheycanseearoundthemisforthemandthatthewhole little villagehas been invited to thewelcomeparty, they lookquitetakenabackbuttheyallgrinandlookpleased.Astheyareyoungandhealthymen,theyhaveforgottentheirarduousjourneyandarereadyfortheparty.

Chapter6

It is now lunchtime and I haveMark and hismates sitting onmy terraceoverlookingthevalley. Theyarereally impressedwiththeviewsandtheblueskyandthewarmsun.Sahidaiswithusandtheboysareveryimpressedwithheraswell.

Taj is expectedanytimeand Iamgettingexcitedat theprospectofhavingTajmeetMarkandhisfriends. IhearamotorenginestopoutsideandIrushtothefrontdoortomeetTaj.Heisincasualclothesandhishandsomefaceiswreathedinsmiles.

“Mark,comeandmeetTaj.”IshoutbeforeTajhasthechancetogetoutofhiscar.IamsothrilledtohavemynephewmeetthemanIadore. MarkrushesthroughthelittlelivingroomfromtheterraceandstandsshylybymeasTajmakeshiswaythroughtheobstructivetablesandchairs. “What’sallthis?”Heasksashefindshiswaytothedoor.“Ithoughtitwasanobstaclerace.” Markisahandsomeboy,histhickhairisauburnincolourbutthesunhehasbeentravellingunderhasstreakedittoallshadesandanygirlwouldpaypoundsto have the highlights that shine there. He is tall and he may have stoppedgrowingnowathissixfeettwoinches.

HemovesforwardtoshakeTaj’shandandheseemshappilysurprisedatthestrengthofthehandshakehereceivesinreturn. “Goodtomeetyou”.Marksmiles.

“GoodtomeetyouMark,atlast.”Tajrepliesinawarmtoneofvoice. The people are all out now ready for the party and Sahida and myselfassembletheplatesfromvarioushousesandtheoldpeoplearesettledinchairs.

Theboysareintroducedandthevillagerssmileshylyandallshakethembythehand.Thepartyhasbegun. Thefoodisdeliciousalthoughwehavemadeitourselves.Someofitseemsstrange to the Nepalese but the plates are soon cleared and everyone seemssatisfied. Keithbringsouthisguitarandhesingssomefolksongs.AlthoughtheyareWesternsongs,TajandSahidaknowthemandbegintosingalongwiththeboysandme.ThechildrenknowsomeofthewordsbecauseIhavetaughtthemtothem ready for this party. Theparents listen to the chorus and then they alsosingsomeofthewords. MarkgetsSahidauptodanceandTajandIdothesame.Innotimeatallthechildrenand theirparents join inourmerryparty andeven someof theolder,fitter ones join in as well. We have a wonderful time and some otherbackpackers from the bunkhouse join us and the whole village is alight withmusicandmerrymaking.

Thechildrenaresleepyandgotobedwithouttheusualprotest.TheparentssitoutinthelovelyclearnightandwechatwiththemandIfeelclosertothemthanIhavebefore. EventuallythepartybreaksupandSahidagoeshomeonherscootertoPokharaandTajandIareleftalone.Weclosethedoorandfallintoeachother’s

arms.

Chapter7

Ifeelbreathless;IhavebeenwaitingforthismomentsinceTajcametothedoorfivehoursbefore.Ilookathisdarkbrowneyesandsinkintotheirdepths.Hisfacelookssoseriousandhetouchesmyfacewithbothhands. Hestrokesmyhairandkissesthecornerofmymouth.Iwanthimsodesperately;mybodyfeelslikeitismeltingandmyeyescannotleavehisfaceashegentlylowersmeontothebed.HekissesmythroatandIleantowardshistokisshismouth.WekisshungrilyandaburningpassionthathasbeensimmeringalldaycomestothesurfaceandIcannotwaitforhimtoundressmeashehasbefore.Itearoffhisshirt and I kiss his chest. I feel the passion risewithin him and he takesmybreastsinhishandsoneatatimeandencirclesmynippleswithhistongue.HiskissesgodownmybodyandIalmostfaintwithecstasy.Ihavethislongingforhimwitheachofuslovingtheotherwithtendernessandultimatedesire.

Heturnsonhissidetowardsmeandlooksdeeplyintomyeyes.“Itrulyloveyou.” Hewhispers. Hegently laysmeonmybackandentersmegentlyandthenwithapassionIhavenotfeltinhimbefore.WerideeachotherandIfeelthatspiritualitythatIalwaysfeelwhenwemakelove.It’slikebeinginaholyplacewhere loveis inabundance. Weliesatedbyour lovemakingandwedonotsleepforalongtimebecausewedonotwanttolosethiswonderfulfeelingthathasseepedintous. We awake late on the Sunday morning tangled up in the sheet and eachother’sarms.Thesunishighin theskyandI jumpoutofbedbecauseI thinkthatMarkwillsoonbecallingwithhisfriends. TajissleepingpeacefullysoIquietlyslipoutofbed,wash,dressandmakeapotoftea.ItakemycupoutontotheterraceandhavethewholeworldtomyselfwhereIcontemplatethewonderofmylife. “Howaboutacupforme,mylittlewife?”asksTaj.

“There’ssomeinthepot,mydarlinghusband”.Ireply.Hejoinsmeon the terraceandweembraceaswesit togetherandsmileat

eachotherlikecatsthathavehadthecream.Wesitquietlyandfeelsocontentwitheachotherthatwedon’thearMarkandhisfriendsastheycreeparoundthecornerofourterrace. “Caughtyou”.SaysMark.“Caughtmewhat?”Iask.“Havingasnog,”saysthecheekyJack.Taj has to laugh and I leave them tomake a coffee for them and a bit of

breakfastforusall. Wehavealazydaytogether.Tajhadbroughtafewbottlesofwineandwestillhaveacoupleleftoverfromthepreviousnightsowesittogether,thefiveofusandchatamiablyanddrinksomewine. Laterweallhaveawalkup to theschoolwhereIshowMarkandhisfriendswhereIwork. WewalkfurtherupthemountainandTajandIshowthemtheterracesandtheWhiteMountaintopsto a place where they can see the distant valleys and peaks beyond ourmountain. “TherearemanytreksupherebutIhopethatyouhavesecuredtheserviceofareputableguide,”saysTaj. “Wefoundonelastnightattheparty.”saysMark.“HedoesitforalivingandheistheolderbrotheroftheboywhoIhaveseenherewithyouSarah.” “OhIamsogladthatyouareemployingoneofthevillagers.”TajandSarahanswerinunison“Theyhavethelocalknowledgeandtheyalsoneedthework.” Theboysare energetic and I am feeling languid soTaj and I return to thecottagewherewecanspendourlastfewhourstogether,andtheladscanclimbthehigherslopesasapracticefortheirlongertrek. WehavealastmealtogetherbeforeTajhastosetoffforKathmanduandtherest of our time is spent gentlymaking love. I see him off,waving until themotorisoutofsightandthenIturnintomycottageandbusymyselfpreparingsomethingtoeatforMarkandtheboyswhentheyreturnfromtheirtrek.

TheweeksoonpassesandthenIamseeingMarkandhisfriendsoffontheirlongtrek. IknowIwon’tseethemagainuntilIgethometoEnglandbecausethe treks are designed to cover new ground and they will end in a differentvillage. IwillmissMarkbecausewehavealwaysbeencloseandhissenseof

humourandhischeekygrinhavealwayspulledatmyheartstrings. Aftertheirtrek,arrangedtransportwilltakethemdirectlytoKathmandu. IfeelsadwhenIreturnfromwavingofftheladsandIdecideIwillwritetoAnn,mycollege friend, inDublin. Her last letterwas full of news about ourmutual friends at the teacher training college. David had become Head ofDepartmentofMathsatacollegeinRuthin.Johnwasseeinghischildrenagainandhiswifewasgivinghimachance tostartagain. Annwasback inDublinteachingBusinessStudiestomaturestudentssuchasbankersandaccountants. The threeof themhadmetupaswehadallpromised todobutas IwasalongwayawayImissedthefirstmeeting.TheyhadallmetinManchesterandhadalovelytimegoingtothetheatreandhavingdinnerafterwards.IknowAnnhasasoftspotforDavidasheisthequietone,andIsuspect,themostcaring.HisfatherisratherlonelyandDavidlivesclosetohiminRuthin. JohnisteachingMarketingattheUniversityofEdinburghandislivingnearhisoldhomewherehiswifeandchildrenstilllive.HeisalsoinvolvedwiththeOpenUniversityandthisextraworkbringsinthemoneythatisneededtokeeptwohomesgoing.Theseparationhadbeenbitterbutnowheishopingthatthemarriagewilleventuallymendandthatthefamilywillbetogetheragain. I have told Ann about my meeting with Taj but not how close we havebecome,asIhaven’twrittentoherforquiteafewweeks.ItisnotasecretbutIfeelsoexcitedandsureaboutitallthatIdon’twanttomentionityetasIfeelthatIaminadreamandthatIshallwakeup. ItellheraboutthefestivalsandthepartyforMarkandhisfriendsandthatIamfeelingabitlonelynowMarkisonhiswayandTajisbusyatthehospital.IinvitehertocomeinherholidaysifshecanandIsaythatIshallbeabletobookherinattheFishtailHotel. It’sjustapipedreambutIammissingmyfriendsandfamilyatthemoment. ShetoldmethatshehasmetsomeoneinDublinbutisnotverysurehowitwillworkout.Ihopethatshefindssomeonetolivetherestofherlifewithandthatshewillhaveahappyone. Iwrite tomy sister to tell herwhat a lovely ladMarkhas turned into andhowheandhisfriendsbrightenedupourquietlives.HowIamnowmissinghislaughterandhismusic.ThevillagersstillsmileandwavewhenIamaboutandthankmefortheparty.

Life is back to normal andTaj is hoping to come over thisweekend. HeplanstogettheairplanefromKathmanduandbehereearlierthanifhetravelled

byroad.

Chapter8

Taj has decided to come by plane and I am waiting in the tiny airportlounge.ItissosmallthatthemanbehindthedeskisclosetotheformwhereIamsitting.Helooksatmecuriously.

IsmileathimandtellhimthatIamwaitingforafriend,whowillbeontheplanefromKathmandu.Henodsandsmilesback.

Theeveningskyisclear,aswatchofhorizontalwhitecloudshowsacrossabrightsky.

We hear the little plane approach and we stand to watch it descend, itspluttersandweheartheenginemissabeat,aswestandtherepetrified,unableto move. The plane turns and hits a line of trees on the left of the runway.Flames shoot in the air and a horrible sound of crunching metal is heard allaround.Moreflamesreachintotheskyandabelchofblacksmokeobliteratesthesun.Thereisastenchofburningfleshasthefireconsumesthepeopleontheplane.

Mylifeisempty;Ifeelableakgreycloudhoveringovermyhead.ThejoyIhadonlyyesterdayhasgoneforever.TheunbearablesadnessofmylossisasifIamcarryingaheavyburdeninmyheart.Ihavelostthelovelymanwhohadmademy lifewhole. Theharsh reality of his death has leftmeoverwhelmedwithgrief.IhavehadonlyafewmonthsoflovingTajbutIknowthatitwasalove thatwould have lasted our lifetimes. The beauty of his countenance, thelivinglightinhiseyes,thetendernessofhissoulhauntsmewithanunbearablesadnessandgreat loss. Imisshispresence,hisgentlehumourandthelightoflovethatshoneinhiseyes.Butknowingthatourlovewasrealmustsustainmeandkeepmesane, I had arranged to meet his plane from Kathmandu at the little airport atPokhara.Iwaswaitingonawoodenbenchwhensomeonecalledouttoclosethedoorbecausewhentheplanelandsonthedryrunwayitfillstheairportwaiting

roomwithchokingdust.Buttheplanedidn’tlandontherunway;itcrashedintothetreesalongsideit.Thefuelignitedandtheplanebecameablazinginferno.Therearenosurvivors.Thenoiseisharrowingastheflameslapthelittleplaneand the smoke chokes the people waiting to take the journey back toKathmandu.Thereismuchconfusionasasmalllocalfireenginearrivestotrytoput out the fire. By this time thewordhas got around andSahida andherfamilyarriveatthesite.Wecan’tbelievewhatweareseeingandthehorrorofthecrashhitsusandtearspourfromoureyes.Oneofthefiremenisfightingforhisbreath,asthesmokehasovercomehim.DrMenongetstohimquicklyandwiththehelpofthecontentsofhisblackbagthatSahidabringsfromthecarhealleviatestheman’sdiscomfortandhelpshimtoboardthesmallambulancethathasarrived,bythistime.ThereisasmallhospitalinPokharawhereDrMenonseestohispatientsandalthoughitisverybasic,thedoctordoesthebesthecanwiththeleanfacilitiesthere. TheMenonsknowofTajandmyinvolvementandtheyaresupportiveofmygriefaswestayattheairport,allofusdazed.Thefiremenhavenowdousedtheflamesbutthetaskofbringingoutthebodieshasbegun.Relativesofthelocalswhowereexpectedontheplanehavenowarrived,aswellas,tourguideswhowere expecting clients arriving also on the plane. Their clients being mostlyyoungbackpackerswhowereheretotrekupthemountains.TherewerealsoafewmaturepeoplewhowerebookedintotheFishtailLodge.

There is chaos everywhere, the harrowing grieving of all the people, thesights and smellsofburning flesh, theacid fumescausedby theaviation fuel,now obliterate the beauty of the landscape, and a great plume of smoke isreachinguptoanunseensky. Taj’s parents takeme back to their house. I am very confused about theHindu religion and I don’t understandwhatwill happen now. They are verykindtomealthoughtheyaredealingwiththeirownlossofason. TheygivemetheroomIhaveusedbeforeandIcurlupinbedinthefoetuspositionandshakewithshockandgrief.Everythingfeelsunfamiliar. Iaminadreamworldandnothingisasitshouldbe.Ibegintolongformyownfamily,mymotheranddadwhohavebeenthereforme,allmylife.Theirloveformysisterandmyselfhasbeenconstant,allourlives.Myunhappinessisinconsolable;IneedsomeonetoholdmebecauseIfeelsoalone.Ifeelanarmaroundmyshoulderand feel thewarmthofanotherhumanbeing. Sahidahas

slippedintobedwithmeandshewrapsmeinherarms,andwecrytogetherforwhatseemslikethewholenight. DrMenongentlyholdsusandsayswemusthavesomemedicationsothatwewillgetsomerest. Hehasalreadyseentohiswifeandotherdaughterandthey have now settled down. We take the tablets and eventually fall into adruggedsleep.

Chapter9

Iawakeonmyownandthesunishighinthesky.Imusthavesleptformanyhours.Iamveryconfusedaboutwhatwillhappennext.IknowalittleoftheHindu religion, the little Taj has told me about. I try to remember theincarnation and the Karma, the actions and consequences of one life beingcarried to thenext. WhenIwasonholiday inThailand theguidehadpointedoutapoorshackbytheriverandagrandvillanextdoor.Hetoldusthisstoryofincarnation, saying that theman that lived in thevillamusthave livedagoodandgraciouslife,whilsttheshackownerhadledabadone.IthoughttheThaiswereBuddhists.Perhapstheysharesomeofthesameprinciples.Samsaraistheprocessofbirthandrebirthcontinuingforlifeafterlife.IknowthattheHindusbelieveincremationandforthatmatter,sodomyparentsandI;itisacleanerwayofdisposingof thedead. IamsoconfusedandmiserableIdon’twant toleavemybed. I lie thereandtry torememberwhatTajhadtoldmeabouthisbeliefs. I remember thatapyre iswhere thebodyisburnedbutTaj isalreadyburned.IrememberthatmostHindusliketheirashestobecastintotheRiverGanges,butthatriverissofaraway.Whatisgoingtohappen?

ThereisagentleknockonthedoorandMrsMenonbringsmeacupoftea. “Haveabitof toastwith the teaandyouwill feelbetter.”Shesayswithalookofgreatsadnessonherface.

“Iwill,thankyou.”IreplyandthenIfeelsothoughtlessthatallthefamilyfeelexactlyasIdo,andIamlanguishinginbedwhilsttheyarecopingbydoingeverydaythings.

Afterdrinkingtheteaandeatingonebiteofthetoast,Ishoweranddressandjointheothersinthesittingroom.

Thecremationhastobearranged,Tajwillbeplacedonapyreandhisashesscattered on the river Bagmati. This river eventually flows into the riverGanges,theholiestriverfortheHindupeople AllPokharaisdevastatedbythetragedyandsomeofthefamilieshavealsolostloveones.Thereareforeigntouristsandback-packerslostandofficialsareinvolvedininformingthenextofkin.IneedtoletmyfamilyknowandItrytofindawaytocontactMark,whomaybeabletogetbacktomesoon. AguideinthevillageknowstheroutethatMarkandhisfriendshavetaken.Bytakingadifferentpathhecanperhapswaylaythem,meetingthematapointwheretheywillbeabletoretracetheirstepsbacktoPokhara.

The strangeness of the time, the sadness of the place makes me long forMarktobewithme.Iknowthatheisasensitiveboy,whowillsupportme. Sahidatellsmetheschoolisclosedforadayortwo,untilthecremationsofall the victims are completed. I try to keep myself busy helping theMenonfamilybutIknowthatsoonIwillhavetoreturntomycottageinthevillage.

I don’t know how I survived the day of the cremation of Taj. I did notunderstandwhatwashappeningbutIfollowedSahidaacrosstheriverfromthePashupatinathTemplewithalltheotherwomenofthefuneralparty.TheTempleisonlyopenforthemenandIwastoldthatthepriestsaidthatoneofthecentralaimsofHinduismisthestabilityandthewelfareoftheworld.Thefourstagesofman,thestudent,thehouseholder,theforestrecluseandthewanderingholyman,hadbeencutoffforTaj,ashewasayoungmanwhohadnotcompletedthe first two. He said someotherwords I didnot understand; in fact I didn’tunderstandanyofitandfeltmylegsgofromundermeasIfainted. MrsMenontookmyarmandgentlyletmetothecarandhelpedmeintoit.Iwasgladtogetawayfromthefuneralrites,asIfeltafraidanduneasy.Ialsofeltnauseous.ShegavemeadrinkofwatershehadinthecarandItoldherIwasfineandforhertogobacktotheRiver,wheretheceremonywasbeingheld.I

satquietlyinthecarandthoughtthatthedeadliveoninallofus.IremembermygrandmotherdyingandyetIthoughtofherallthetimebecauseIlovedher.Tajwillliveoninme,aconjoinedlovealwayspresent,Iknowthathewilllivewithinme,allthedaysofmylife.

After the ceremony I asked Dr Menon if he would take me back to mycottageinthevillage.IfeltIwasanembarrassmenttothemandIwantedtobealone.Isneakedintothedoorandcurledmyselfuponthebed.IfeltasifIhaddonesomethingwrong.IrememberthenightofMark’spartyandthebleaknessoftheforeverIshallhavetofacenow,withoutmylover.Imissthesmileuponhisface;Imiss the loveandcarehealwaysshowedtome,Imiss the laughterandthecommittedlovehegavetome.HowwillIliveoninthisworldwithouthim?

Chapter10

Markhasbeencontactedandheishereknockingatmydoor.Icrawloutofbedandhehugsmeasheenterstheroom.

“MyGodSarahwhathashappenedtoyou,I’veneverseenyoulooksoill.”Hesays. “Ihaven’tsleptoreatensinceTaj’sfuneralandIfeelsodreadfulthatIjustwanttodie.”Isob. Markholdsmecloseandpatsmybackgently,tryingtoconsoleme.Ithinkthisisnotright;Ishouldnotbeputtingmyeighteen-year-oldMarkthroughthis. Iwipemy eyes and try to smile. “I bet you are hungry after the trek, I’llmakeusamealandahotdrink.” Heagreesandwegetthepaltrysuppliestogether.Thereisabitofsmokedmeat andwith vegetables and herbs from the terracewe have themakings ofsome soup. Mark brews a pot of tea and I start peeling and preparing thevegetablesforthesoup. “Icouldn’tbelievewhatIheardaboutthecrash,IhadnoideathatTajwouldbeontheplane.”Marksaidashebrewedthetea. “Idon’tknow ifyouknewbutTajand Iwereveryclose. We lovedeachother.” ItellMark. “Iknow, Icould seehow itwasbetweenbothofyou,whenwewereherebeforeourtrek.”Hereplies Hehad lefthis friends tocometomebecausehedidn’twant tospoil their

holiday.

Theyhadwantedtoreturnwithhimbuthefeltthattheywouldhavebeentoomuchformetocopewith,atthisbadtime.Hewasright;Ijustneededsomeoneofmyownfamily. ThedayafterMark’sarrival,JulianfromV.S.O.,contactedmetosaythathewassendingareplacementformyjobandJoewouldbringherthefollowingdayand that Iwas tohave some leavewith them inKathmandu. I didn’twant toleavePokhara.MarkandIhadbeenawalkaroundthelakeandhadcalledintosee theMenons. Theywere coping by doing the ordinary things they alwaysdid,DrMenonwasbackinhispracticeandMrsMenonwasconsolingherselfbytalkingofreincarnation,SamsaraandKarma.WhenIleftIfeltsoalone,asIcouldnotenterthisstrangeworldofHinduism. Marktookmyhandandsaid,”IwillcomewithyoutoKathmanduandstaywithyouuntilmyfriendsreachthereforourflighthome.” IwasgladofMark’ssupportandJulianandSue’squietcompany.Ifrettedwhen Iwas aloneand I felt really ill. The lossof thepresenceofTaj, asmyloverandmyfriend,devastatedme.Icouldnotenvisagealifewithouthim.IwanttogobacktoPokharabecausemytimeswithTajhavemostlybeenthere.Iwanttofeelhispresencearoundme;Iwanttobeinmylittlecottagewheresomeofhisthingshavebeenleft;ashaver,acombandhisbootsforwalking.IneedtobealoneforabitbutIknowifIgothereIshallhavetostartmyjobagainbecausethereisnotroomformyreplacementteacherandmyself.

It isMark’s time to return home. Keith and Jack have arrived back fromtheirtrekandIseethemoffattheairportatKathmandu. MarkisstillcaringformeandIknowthatIwillmisshimverymuch,buthisUniversityyearstartssoonandhehastobehomeforthat. “Takecare,Sarah”.HesmilesasheholdsmecloseandIreply,“Iwillandyouallhaveasafejourneyhome.” “I will soon be back in England,” I call as they leave me outside of theAirportDepartures WhenIarrivebackatJulianandSue’sIaskJulianifhecanarrangeformetotakeupmypostagaininPokhara.HeagreesandcontactsJoetotakeme.I

amgladtogobackandSahidameetsmeasJoedeliversmejustaftertheendofthe schoolday. Jill,my replacement,hasher thingspackedand Joe takesherbacktoKathmandu.JillisacompetentdriverandpromisestotakethefirstlegofthetripsothatJoecanhavearestbeforehetakesupthewheelagain. Sahida followsme into the cottage and givesme a sisterly hug. I am sopleasedtoseeherwehavealwaysbeengoodfriends.Shehasnotcensoredmefor the love Ihad forherbrother and I amhappy that she ishere togreetmehome.

ShehastogodownthemountainhomeandIamleftalone.Iwanderaroundthe small space looking for signs of Taj. I see his boots by the door to theterraceand I take themout therewithme,as I remember the lovelywalkswehad together on ourmountain. I find his comb and hug it tomy heart. ThefloodgatesoftearsstartthenandIcryandrockmyselfuntiltheexhaustiongiveswaytoatroubledsleep. ThemorningisbrightandIknowthatIhavetomeetthedayasbestIcan.Ihavetostartschoolandmyneighbour’sboyiswaitingoutsidemydoor.

He takes my hand and says in his broken English “How are you feelingMiss? I smilewanly and say. “I’m fine”. Wemeander up themountain to theschoolwhereheleavesmetojoinhisfriends ThedayseemslongbutIfindthatthechildrenareespeciallygoodformeasiftheyknowofmysadness.

Chapter11

Unknown to me, my parents have received a telephone call from Mark,beforeheleftKathmandu.HefeelsthathisAuntSarahisnotfittobeleftaloneandthatsheneedshisgrandparents.

HeknowsthatIamunwellandsuspectsthatImaybefrettingmylifeaway. Theyreceivethecallat2.00amandarefranticatthenews.TheirthoughtswereinchaosasJoe,myfathermadeMary,mymother,calmdown.Heputthekettleonforacupof tea,asshewailed,“Whatcanwedo?” “Sarah, isat theotherendoftheworld,whereshehaslostthemansheloves,inanaircrash” Joearranged thingsasquicklyaspossible. Hephoned theairportandwasgivendetailsofhowtheycouldreachtheirdestination.Itwastobeanarduousjourney.TheshuttletoHeathrow,thenaflighttoDelhiwithanonwardsflighttoKathmandu.AfterthattheywouldhavetotakethesmallplanetoPokharaorarrangea lift by road. Thevillagewouldhave tobe reachedby a four-wheeldrivevehicle MarkhadaskedJuliantoarrangetomeetSarah’sparentstogivethemsomerespitebeforetheirtacklingthejourneytoPokhara.Thelittleairporthadbeenclosed because of the crash and the alternative method of travel was timeconsuming.Julianhopedthattheairportwouldhavere-openedbythetimeJoeandMaryarrived. Therewasa thick fog inKathmandu the followingmorningbecauseof allthe pollution and the plane was delayed. The troubled parents had to waitendlesslyfortheairtoclearbeforetheplanecouldtakeflight.Eventuallyitwastimetotaketotheairandthewhitemountaintopsstoodmagnificentlyoverthe

lowergreenerhillsandthebeautyoftheplaceenthralledJoeandMary. “Ifonlywehadcomebefore“,muttersJoealmosttohimself.

“Ican’tbelievethesplendourofitall,”saysMary,asshefeelssadbecauseofthecircumstancesoftheirjourney. “Sarah must love it here” she whispers to Joe. “Perhaps not any morebecauseofherlossofTaj They arrive at the airfield and as they step off the plane they feel theimmensity of the tragedy. They stand close together as if their nearnesswillprotectthemfromtheawfulhollowfeelingstheyhave.Theyknownooneandthestrangenessof theplace,makes themfeelhelpless. There isa taxioutsidetheairportandtheyaskthedriverifhewilltakethemtoasuitablehotel. “The only suitable hotel in Pokhara for Western tourists is the FishtailLodge”theyaretold.

They are taken to the edge of the lakewhere the boat is tied and a porterfrom theLodgehelps them to place their luggage into it. Theymarvel at thesurrounding views and begin to understand the enthusiasm of their youngerdaughterandtheloveshehasforthisheavenlyplace. Theysettleintotheirallocatedroomatthehotelwheretheyquicklyfreshenup,readyforthenextstepoftheirjourney.JoemakeshiswaytotheReceptionso that hemay find some information about theway that they can go up themountain,tofindtheirlovelydaughter.Theycanhireafour-wheeldrivevehiclebelongingtothehotelthatwilltakethemontheirsadjourney.

Sarah had just arrived home from school,where she had tried to keep herthoughts on the work she was doing with the children but was having littlesuccess.Herclasswasawareofherunhappinessandhadactedwithsympathy,givinghergentlesmilesandlooks. Therewasagentle taponherdoor. Shecan’tbelievehereyeswhensheseesherparentsthereonherdoorstep.

“MyGod.” she cries. “Howeverdidyouget here, I’m soglad to seeyouboth,”shesaysasshefallsintoherparents’armsandsobsasthoughherheartwillbreak.Herfathergentlyleadsherinsideandsitsherdownwithhermotherwhocannotlethergo. Joe can see how hard this loss is for Sarah and on no account are theyleavingherhereonherown.HegathersherfewbelongingstogetherandushersMaryandSarahintothefour-wheeldriveandtheydescendthemountainforthelast time. He takes themback to thehoteland thencontactsJulian to tellhimthattheyaretakingSarahhome. “MayIuseyourtelephoneagain,”heasksthereceptionistatthehoteldesk.“IneedtobookplaneticketstoKathmandu.” “Ofcourse”shereplies.“Iwilldoitforyouifyouwish.” “Do you want the first flight I can get or would you rather wait untiltomorrow?”Sheasks. “Tomorrow will be best so that we can rest before starting on our longjourney.”Hereplies “I’llgetontoitandletyouknow.”ShesmileskindlyatJoeandproceedstotelephonetheairport. Joegoesbacktotheroomandhedecidesthattheywillstaytogetherforthenightastherearetwoqueensizebedsintheroomandhedoesn’twantSarahtobealone. He arranges room service for a meal and they settle down eventually tosleep. MaryholdingSarahinherarmsuntiltheyfinallysleep.

Wearrivehomeaftera long journey,exhausted,andafteracupof tea,wefall intobed. Mybedhasbeenquicklymadeup inmyold room. I sleep forhoursandawaketothesoundoftheTVBBCnewsprogramme.Itissixo’clockintheeveningandIcan’tbelieveIhavesleptsolong.Ishower,dressquicklyand go downstairs to findmy family. I remember the feel of the house, thesweetsmellofcitrusmymotherusesinthebathroomandthekitchen.Ifeelthewarmambianceandthesoftnessofthethickcarpet,undermybarefeet.It’ssogoodtobehome. My parents greet me with a smile and a hug. We have always been a

demonstrativefamily,lettingeachotherknowthatweareloved.

Ican’tactas thoughIamill,althoughIdonotfeelexactlywell. IdecidethatIwillhavetofindajobandgetonwithmylife.AlthoughatthemomentIfeellikemylifeisover. We have a couple of days doing very little, just resting and doing theordinarychores. My fatherhas togoback towork, ashe is responsible for ateamofmenandhegoesreluctantlyashedoesnotwanttoleaveus.MymotherhasretiredearlysoIhavecompanyduringtheday.Istarttolookforateachingjob inmyown town. As there is a shortageof supply teachers, I soon find aposition in thenext town,which is sevenmilesaway. I startmy job teachingEnglishtofirstformersandIenjoyitverymuch. AfteracoupleofmonthsIbegintogetsickeverymorningandIdonotfeelwellaftertea.IvisitthedoctorandhesaysthatIampregnant.“OhmyGod.”Ithink. ButthenIrejoiceandfeelaliveforthefirsttimesinceIlostTaj.IhavelightnessinmystepasIarrivehomewithmynews.“Mother.”IcalloutwhenIstepoverthedoorstep.“Whatisit,love?”Mymotherasks.Irunintothehouseandtellhermynews.ShelooksshockedandthenshesmilesandsayssheissurethatIwillwant

Taj’schildandthatshewillhelpmeallshecan.

Wemakeplans, shewill child-mind formeso that Icanearna livingandbringupmybaby. Myfatherwillnotretireforanumberofyearsandbythattimemychildwillbeatschool. Iknowmyfatherhasambitionstotravelandperhapswinterinthesunsometimes,andIwouldhatetospoiltheirretirement.Mymothershrugsmyfeelingsoffandsaysbythetimedadretires thingsmayhavechangedandImayhavefoundsomeonenew.ThewayIfeelnowthatwillnot happen. I hug myself and feel comfort that Taj’s child is living in mywomb.

Chapter12

Simonisborn;heiseightpoundsandhasthelongesteyelashesIhaveeverseen. As I feedhimatmybreast I feel the closenessofhis father. Hehas asprinklingofdarksilkyhairandIadorehimwithallmyheart.Myparentsarethrilledwithhimandmysisterloveshimonsight.

IknowhewillalwayshavepeopletolovehimalthoughTajisnothereandhewillmisshavingadad.MyowndadwillbeagoodgranddadandIknowhewillteachhimthemanlythingsinlife,Ihaveoftenthoughtthatdadwouldhavelikedasonbuthadtwodaughters.HisjoywhenMarkwasbornwasgreatandIknowhewillloveSimonwiththeenthusiasmheshowstoMark. IhavekeptintouchwithmyfriendsfromcollegeandIhavereceivedtoday,aninvitationtoAnn’swedding.ShehasbeenlecturingattheUniversityofCorkandIhavekeptintouch,althoughIhavenotmetupwithanyofthembecauseofmycircumstances.

Simonisthreeyearsoldnowandheissuchasweetie.Ihavespentallmyfreetimelookingafterhim.Ikeptonmyteachingsupplyworkandmymotherhaslookedafterhimduringtheweekschooltimes.Irushhometomother’stopickhimupandtakehimhometomylittlecottage,forwhichIhavemanagedtoget amortgage. I get himhis tea and thenwe read a bookwhistwe snuggletogetheruntilit’stimetotakehisbath.HelovesthewaterandhesplasheswhilstI soap his little body and he doesn’t even object to having hair washed andrinsed. I reachhimout anddryhimon a fluffywhite towel anddryhis nowthicksilkycurls.

WeplaythepiggygoestomarketgameandwhenheissleepyandwarmItuckhimintohiscot.

IamunsureaboutgoingtoIrelandtoAnn’sweddingbecauseIdon’twanttoleaveSimon. Mymother is insistingthatIhaveabreakbecauseshewill lovehaving Simon for a full weekend. I get on with my marking and push anydecisiontothebackofmymind.IusedtomarkanyworkatschoolbutsinceIhavehadSimonIrushhometospendwithhimwhatlittletimethereisbeforeheisreadyforbed.ItistimeImademymealandconsiderwhatIintendtodo.

Chapter13

Charlie Charliewasahandsomeyoungmanwhowaspopularwithallhis friends.Hewasacarefree ladwhohadalwayswanted tobea fireman. At theageoftwenty he joined the local fire brigade. He also loved to dance.At the localdancehallinRuthin,hespenthisfreeSaturdaynightsdancingtothelocaldanceband. Hewasn’t forwardbuthe alwayshada twinkle inhis eye and abroadsmileforthegirlsuntilhemetAmy,whostolehisheart.Amywastheeldestofthree sisters, and although she was only sixteen she was mature for her age,becausetheirfatherhadbeenawayinthewar,shehadtohelphermotherwithhertwosiblings. CharlieandAmybecameacoupleandtheirfriendsandrelationsnotedtheircloseness. No -one could put a pin between them. Amyworked in the locallibraryandtheysavedtheirmoney,afterpayingtheirduestoboththeirfamilies.

By the timeAmywas nineteen they had enough for a deposit on a smallterracedhouseontheoutskirtsofRuthin. TheypersuadedAmy’sparentstogivetheirconsenttothemarriageandtheyhadaquietweddingandmovedstraightintotheirnewhometogether.

Therewasnota lotofmoney tospare for the first fewyears,but theyhadeachother,andtheystilllovedtodanceonSaturdaynights,enjoyinglongwalkstogetheronSundays.AfterayearAmystartedtowantababytocompletethehappiness they had found together. Charliewas just as keen to have children

andsoontheywereplanningafamily. Davidwasbornonthe15thNovember1962whenhisfatherwas23yearsoldandAmy,hismother,was21yearsold. Theywereyoungstrongparentsandtheir sonwas the appleof their eye. Davidwas a beautiful babywithgoldencurlsandblueeyesfringedwithdarklonglashes,exactlylikehisfathers.Amyfeltarushofmaternalloveassoonasthebabywasputintoherwaitingarms.Charliebrought thelargestbunchofflowersthematernityhomehadeverseenandheandAmysmiledtogether,asheheldhisarmsaroundhiswifeandson.

Davidwas five years oldwhenCharlie had an accident atwork. Hewasattending a vicious fire when the building gave way and sent Charlie fallingdownthroughaceilingontothefloorbelow. Whenthefirebrigadereachedthepapermill,theragingfirewassendingupsparks thatcouldbeseenformilesaround. Charliewas thefirst tostepdownfromthefireengine.Heworehisprotectiveclothingandcarriedhisequipmentat the ready. His team stepped into the building to find the fire was on thesecondfloor. Itwasherethatthechemicalsusedforthemanufactureofpaperwerekept theairwasstiflingand theburningpapercrackling,whilst throwingblackburntflakesintotheair.Themenusedtheirhosesandtheflamesseemedtodie.Thefiremenfelttheyhadcontrolofthesituationwhenagreatexplosionofchemicalsfilledtheirspace.Theteamhadtoretreatfromthearea.Charliewas caught at the other side of the room. He called for hismen to leave thebuildingwhilst theycould. Charliebrokeawindowatthesideofthebuildingwith flames following him persistently near as he jumped, the floor collapsedbeneathhimandhelayunconsciousonthegroundbelow.

Hisbackwasinjuredandhewastakentohospitalwheretheprognosiswasnotgoodanditwassuspectedthathewasparalysed.Amywasdesperatetoseehimso shephoned the schoolwhereDavidwasandasked if theywouldkeephimthereifshecouldnotgetbackfromthehospitalintime.

CharliehadbeenmadeascomfortableaspossiblewhenAmyarrived. “Howareyoufeelingdarling?”shequietlyasked.

“NottoobadbutIcan’tfeelmyfeet.”Hereplied. IttookweeksforCharlietoconvalescebuthewassoonhisoldpleasantself,winkingattheladydoctorwhenshewastellingAmyhowwellhewasdoing.

HehadbrokenbothhisanklesandastheymendedsodidCharlie. Hehadtakentheimpactofthefallonbothhisanklesandalthoughhehadhurthisbacktherewerenobonesbroken there. Hisbruising took time, andalongwithhisankles,hewasn’tfitforworkforthreemonths.Hewasyoungandfitsohewasgladtobebackonhisfireengineagain. Davidwasahappylittleboyandalthoughhewasshyhemadefriendseasilyand there was always a gang of them around his house. He passed for thesecondaryhighschoolandAmyandCharlieweresoproudofhim.Hewasverybright but his main interest was science, and his curiosity and interest in thesubjects,madeiteasyforhimtosecureaplaceatuniversity.

Hecameoutwithafirstclasshonoursdegreeandhedecidedhewantedtobeacivilengineer. CharlieandAmywerenowemptynestersandtheyhadsavedsomemoneyand they decided that they would see something of the world. David wasworking on various projects all over the world andwhen it was possible, hismotherandfathervisitedhim. Theirglobe-trottingcametoanendwhenAmywastakenillintheirgardenonelovelydayinMay.Shewaswalkingaroundtheoutsideoftheirbungalow,wheretheyhadmovedtowhenDavidwastwelve,whenshesuddenlyfeltfaintandstumbledassheheldontothewall. Charlietookhertothedoctor,wheretestswerearranged,andshewasfoundtohavecancer.Charliewasdevastated,his love forAmyhasneverwavered, andAmy feels the same,as theyalwayshadacloserelationshipbeyondcompare. “Don’ttellDavidyet”.SheimploresCharlie“Wehavetotellhim”Charliereplies.“Butnotyet,”shesaysfirmly.David has written asking his parents why they have not arranged another

visit as he is working inMexico and they have mentioned the fact that theywouldliketovisithimthere.

CharliewritesaverysadlettersayingAmyistooilltotravelthatfarandletsDavidknowalittleoftheproblemstheyarefacingathome.Hedoesnotwantto alarmDavid so he puts a light emphasis on thematter, hopingDavidwillfinishhisprojectbeforehedecidestocomehome. Davidarriveshomeassoonashecangetaplane.HefindsthehouseemptyandringshisAuntieMargaret,thenearestonetowheretheylive.

‘Wherearemyparents?’’asksDavidfeelingafraidwhenhefindsanemptyhouse. “Your mother has been taken to the hospital in Ruthin.”Margaret repliesfeelingsadandsorryforDavid,herfavouritenephew.

“Whendidshegothere?”Davidasks. “Onlyyesterdayandyourdadhasbeenwithherallthetime.” “GivemethenumberofthewardandI’monmyway,”repliesDavid “I’mcominginmyself” “Willyoucallonyourway?AndIwilltakeyoustraightthere,”askedhisaunt. Heagreedandleftthehouse,headingtwostreetsawaytopickuphisaunt.

Theyarriveatward-number10outofbreathbecauseDavidhasrunall thewayalongthecorridor,withhisaunttryingherbesttokeepinstep. Amy’sfacelightsupatthesightofsonandshefeelssocontenttohaveherfamilyaroundher.TheMacmillannursehasbeenandrelievedherofanypain Heroxygenisflowingandherbreathingiseased. ‘ItiswonderfultoseeyouDavid’Amywhispers,tearsfillinghereyesastheemotionshefeelsatseeingDavidbecomestoomuchforher.

Davidtakesherhandandlooksaroundtohughisdad.‘Greattoseeyoulad.’Charliegiveshissonahug.MargaretgiveshersisteralightkissonherforeheadandleavesDavidalone

withhisparents.

Amydiespeaceableinhersleepwithherfamilyholdingeachhand.Sheisjustfiftyyearsold. Charlieisdevastated.Itistheworstdayofhislifewhenhehastofollowthecoffin to the Crematorium. He gets through the ceremony with the help ofDavidholdingontohiselbowastheyenterthechapel.

DavidhastogobacktoMexicotofinishtheproject,andheisverysadandafraid for his father. Amy and Charlie have been soul mates and David isconcernedabouthowhisdadwillcope,nowwithouther.Hedecidesthataftercompleting the job inMexicohewill find somethingelse todo inorder tobeneartohisdad. Hedecidestotakeateachingcourseandperhapsgetajobneartohishome.

Chapter14

DavidcompleteshisteachertrainingandfindsaplacementinRuthinatthesix-formcollege.There isgreat shortageof science teachersandhe is ingreatdemand. He could have found jobs at any of themajor universities but he iscommittedtostayingneartoCharlie.

Hemade friends at training college and he has kept in touchwith two ofthemsinceleaving.SarahhasbeenawayinNepalbutJohnandAnnhavekeptintouch. Charlieismendinglittlebylittlebuthehaslostthesparklehealwayshad.Davidishopingthatitwillreturnintime.HelivesjustastreetawayfromhisfatherandhisAuntMargaretsohenowcankeepaneyeonhim.Theyhaveanightoutonceaweekandhecallsaroundfrequentlytoseehowheisdoing.

DavidisfindinghisjoblessthansatisfyingandwhenheseesanadvertintheGuardian Newspaper’s educational section for a lecturer at the prestigiousManchesterUniversity‘sScienceDepartmentheisverytemptedtoapply. HeworriesaboutCharliebuthethinksthattheycanperhapsmovetogetherif they can find a house where they have their own space but still have thecompanyofeachother.

Its fouryears sincehismotherdied andCharlie is about to retire fromhisjob.

Heknowshisfatherwillhatetoliveinthecitybuttherearesemi-ruralareasaround Manchester and with luck they may find something within drivingdistanceof theUniversity. Whenheapproacheshis father,Charlie is ready tomoveon.HishousehasnotfeltlikehomesinceAmydiedandalthoughhehasmanyhappymemoriesoftheirlifetogether,henowfeelsitistimetomoveon.

Davidappliesandissuccessfulinsecuringthepositionofseniorlecturerinthe ScienceDepartment. His salarywill increase andwith the help from hisfatherhewillbeabletofindahomesuitableforboththeirneeds. Daviddoesnot start his new position until September and this gives them time to findsuitable accommodation. They spend the summer looking for a homesomewheretheywilllovetolive. OnoneoftheirrovingstheystumbleontothetinyvillageofRivingtonontheoutskirtsofManchester.ThereisacountryparkwhereCharliecanwanderandDavidalso,onweekends. ThevillageisveryclosetoathesmalltownofHorwich and quite near to Bolton, where there is a theatre and a good busymarket,aswellas,anumberoffirstclassshopsandsupermarkets.Theyfindanestateagentandstarttheirquestforahousetosuitthebothofthem. Theyfindaremotecottageoverlookingareservoirandtheybothfallinlovewith it. It is not cheapbut after reviewing their financial position, they agreethattheycanafforditwiththemoneyfromCharlie’sbungalowandthesaleofDavid’s terracehouse. Theymayhave to takeout a smallmortgagebutwithDavid’snewjobitwillnotbeahardship.Charliewillhavehispensionandtheywillhaveacomfortablelifestyle. “Thisisgreat,”shoutsCharlieashecirclesthegroundsofthehousebythewater. He ismaking plans for the garden and the idea of growing fruit andvegetablesisexcitingCharlie.Thereareafewfruittreesandgooseberrybushesaswellasraspberrycanesandblackcurrantbushes.Charliehasalwayslovedtogardenbuthasnothadtheamountoflandthattheyhavenow. “I’mgoingtoloveithere.”Hesaysquietlytohimself.Hehasworkedasavolunteer inRuthinfor theSamaritansandwith theircontacts theyhavefoundhim a place in the Bolton branch. He has found many friends within theorganisation and he knows that there will similar types of people in his newbranch. Davidsettles intohisnewpositionandhe findshiscolleaguesare friendly

andtheyincludehimintheiroutofworkactivities.Hesoonmakesfriendsandtheyshowhimtheropesofworkinginthecity,thebestrestaurants,thetheatresandthevariousclubs.Davidhasbeenusedtocitylifebeforewhenheworkedasacivilengineer,buttheywereonlyshortstaysandmostofhislifewaslivedinthesmalltownofRuthin.Charliehasstartedworkonthegardenandhefindsthere are friendlypeoplewhoarewalking thepaths around the reservoir,whostoptohaveawordwithhim.HefindsthelocalsveryfriendlyandhisworkforhislocalSamaritans,veryrewarding.Heisreallygladthattheyhavemadethischange.HefindsDavidisalothappier,asheisgettingmuchmoresatisfactionoutofhismorechallengingjob.

“How about a look around the area.” Asks Charlie one weekend in lateOctober. “Wehavebeenheretwomonthsnow,andbecauseoftheworkwehavebeendoingonthehouseandgarden,wehaven’thadtimetolookaroundandabout.” “Sure.” Replies David who is feeling a bit stir crazy, what with all thepreparations for his lectures, as well as, helping his father with a bit ofdecorationsomeweekends. “Let’shavealookaroundRosefieldPark,myfriendJamesatwork,tellsmethatyougetagoodSundaylunchattheBlackHorse.” “Great,”replieshisdad. I’ll justgetmybootsonandwecanhaveawalkaroundourlakefirst.”“It’sabitmuddybythelooksofit,andthefewwalkersI’veseenwalkingalongthepathfromhere,allwearwalkingboots.” “I’llgetmyboots if Icanfind them,I think theyare inoneof theboxesIhave not yet unpacked.” Says David halfway up the stairs in his half of thehouse.

They set off at a good pace along the edges of the reservoir and find theterrain quite challenging. Some of the way is verymuddy, but as theywalkacrossfields inorder toget thembackonto thehardpathsaroundthewater’sedge,theyfindtheviewsenchanting,asthetreesareslowlyturningfromgreentothevariousshadesofautumn,red,goldandyellow. “I’mreallygladwemadethismove,son,”saysCharliewhoisglowingfromthebriskwalkandthefreshair.

“Metoo,”repliesDavid,whoispleasedthathisfatherissofitforamanofhissixtyyears. “How far arewe off this restaurant you promisedme,” asksCharlie, “I’mfamishedwithallthisexercise.” “Abouthalf-hourupthisroadandalongthatsmallerreservoirandweshouldbethere.”Davidreplies. Theytrudgealongincompanionablesilenceuntiltheyseethebuildingtheyhavebeenlookingfor.

Theyhavetheirownfriends.Davidsometimesinviteshisfriendfromworktovisithim,andCharliehasmadeahostoffriends,whoarelocalneighbours,andwho have taken an interest inwhatCharlie has done to the house by theshore. In the following SpringDavid gets an invitation fromAnn inCork to herforthcomingwedding.

HehaskeptintouchwithAnnandJohnfromcollege,butSarahhasnotkeptupwith anyof themexceptAnn,whohasheard fromher from time to time.SinceSarahdidherV.S.O.serviceshehasbeenveryoutofreach.Annhasnothadtoomuchcommunicationwithher,butshehassaidthatSarahisnowbackhomeandhasateachingpositionnearherfamily.Itisnotunusualforcollegefriendstolosecontactbecauseofthepressureoftheirbusylives. HeislookingforwardtoAnn’sweddingandhearrangesaFridayafternoonflighttoCork.HefindsahotelontheInternetandbooksinfortheFridayandSaturdaynights,sothathewillbehomeintimeforworkonMonday.

Chapter15

DavidfinishesworkearlyontheFridayofhisvisittoSouthernIreland.Hehaspackedabagthenightbeforeandhasitreadyinhiscar. HewilldrivetoManchester airport and leave his car there. Charlie has now found a lot ofcronieswhogivehimashoutontheirwayoutontheirwalks,andifheisnottoobusywithhisgarden,hewillgoonlonghikeswiththem.HisfatherisfarfromlonelysoDavidishappytolivehisownlife. He arrives inCork after a short easy flight. Theweather is sunny and hefindsthatCorkacaptivatingcity,thereareentertainersonthecitycentrestreets,musicians, street dancers and acrobats, all giving sterling performances. Thepeoplestoptowatchandgivegenerously,oftheirtimeandmoney. David loves the atmosphere of the Cork streets and smiling to himself hefindshishotel. John,hisreconciledwifeandhischildrenhavebeeninvitedtothe wedding and David is looking forward to meeting his old college friendagain.HehasnotmetJohn’swife,Brenda,butheknowsthatJohnissopleasedthathehasfoundhappinesswithhisfamilyagain.

TheweddingtakesplaceattheCorkCatholicChurch.Thebrideandthetwobridesmaids are lovely. Ann with her thick shiny blond hair covered with acrownofwhiterosebudsandherwhiteflowingdressheldbeautifullybyhertwosmallniecesmakeanenchantingpicture,astheyarriveatthechurchwithAnn’shandsomefather. Thebridegroom,standingat thefrontof thechurch,has thespringsunshiningonhisdarkbrownhairandhiscalmstrongface. “Whatagorgeouscoupletheymake,”thinksSarahtoherself.Shesitsatthebackofthechurch,sothatshecanwatchtheceremonyfromafar,andherheartopenswith love for the friendofwhich she feels a great respect. “IfTaj had

livedwouldwehavebeenabletomarryandlivealifeasAnnandherhusbandwill?”shewonders. ShespotsJohnandhisfamilyafewrowsinfrontofher.Shefeelsjoythathehas foundhis lifeagain. ThensheseesDavidsittingnext to John’syoungson. He is saying something quietly to him, and she remembers how caringDavidwasatcollegeandsheispleasedtoseethemallagain. NoneofherfriendsknowaboutSimon.Sheisnotbyanymeansashamedofhim,butherloveforhimandthelifetheysharetogetherisherowndomain,andshe hoards their time together jealously. She has had no time in her life fordistractions, and although shewas persuaded by hermother to come today toAnn’swedding,sheisalreadymissingherlittleboy.Herfatherdrovehertotheairport on the Saturday morning and she arrived just in time to catch thewedding.Shehasbookedalateflightforthiseveningsothatshemaystayforthe reception and be home Saturday night. Her father will pick her up atmidnight.

Thelongweddingserviceisoverandtheweddingpartyisglidingdowntheisle. Ann and her husband look radiant. The crowd outside the church, forphotographs,islargeandjustasthelimousinearrivesforthebrideandgroom,Ann spots Sarah and throws her bouquet and Sarah catches it. The millingcrowdpartsasthecarsarelineduptotakethegueststothereceptionandJohntouchesSarahontheshoulderwithahootofpleasure.

“Where have you been all this time?” he asks as he hugs her to himwithsuchforce. “I’vebeen teaching inBoltonsince IcamehomefromNepal.”She repliesstrugglingtodisentangleherselffromJohn’sarms.

“Whyhaveyounotbeenintouchasyoupromised?”Hequeried. SarahturnedtofindDavidstandingnearandreadytogiveherahugtoo.

She feels so safe herewith these lovely friends and she knows she shouldhaveexplainedhersituationtothem. “Comeon,introducemetoyourfamilyJohn,I’msogladthatyouhavewonthembackagain.”Sarahsays.

“This is my wife, Brenda.” John brings forth this beautifully turned outbrunettewithlovelylonglegsandglorioussmile. “I’msopleasedtomeetyou,afterhearingsomuchaboutyou,nowonderhefoughttogetyouallbackagain.”Sarahsaysgivingthemhercheerfulsmile. SarahturnstoDavidandasks,“Howisyourfather,areyoustilllivingneartohiminRuthin.” “Father is fineandweare livingquitenear toyou ifyouwork inBolton.”Davidsays “WehavemovedintogetherbythelakeatRivington.HehashisownhalfofthehouseandIhavemine. Weofteneattogetherbecausehestill thinkshehastofeedme.” “I am lecturingatManchesterUniversityand it is lovely tocomehome toourhouseonthewaterside.” “Ohhowlovely,myfamilyhashikedthosereservoirsforever;weoftentakepicnicsandstayoutforhoursinthesummermonths.” “Wealsopickblackberriesbecausemyfathermakeswinefromthem.” Thecarsarewaitingtotakeustothehotelandweallpileintoonesowecanstay together.Thechildrensiton themen’sknees sowearrive in someorder,ourdressesuncrushedandourtightsunladdered. Thereceptionissoonunderway.Thereareaboutonehundredguestsandthebuffetissetoutsplendidlysothattherearenolongqueuesandeveryonehasaplaceattheroundtables.AfterthemealAnncomesovertousandshehugsmeandsayshowgladsheistoseeme.IpromisenottobeanabsentfriendandthenIwishherahappylife.

Wemovetotheballroomafterthemeal.IthasbeenhilariousformebecauseofthewitspilledoutbyJohnandDavid,withBrendaandmehavingourinput.ItisalongtimesinceIhadsuchgoodfun.Irememberhowweallwerewhen

wehad our nights in the student’s bar, and althoughAnnwas amissing link,Brendamadeupforherabsence. Davidasksmetodanceandwetaketothefloortothestrainsofawaltz.Itfeelsstrangebeingsoclosetoamanagain. Ifeelmyemotionscomingtothesurface,asImissthenearnessofTaj.Iswallowmysadnessandbegintoflowwiththestepsoftheromanticmusic.

ThetimeisnearwhenIhavetoleavetocatchmyplane.Isay“goodbye”toallmyfriends,whocometoseemeoff. Ipromisetokeepintouchwiththemall.Brendainvitesmetovisitthemandstayforafewdays.IknowIwon’tdothat,butIsmileafondGoodbyeandstepintomywaitingtaxi.

Chapter16

David I resume my life with Simon and although I had a lovely time with mycollege friends I would not change my life for anything. Simon is now atnursery school in the mornings andmymother picks him up after his lunch.Simonwasshywhenhefirstlefthismotheratthenurserygates.Hehadalwaysbeenahappyboy,surroundedbyhisfamilybutnowforthefirsttime,hewasonhis own. He took a tentative step towards another boywhowas in the samesituation. “MynameisSimon,whatisyourname?” “Ben,”saidtheboyastheylookedshylyateachother. “Haveyoubeenonholiday?”Benasked,becauseyouhavealovelysuntan.” “No.”Simonreplied,forthefirsttimelookedattheskinonhishandsandwonderedwhy theywere browner than his new friend’s hands. The childrenwerecalledtoclassandSimonforgotabout theirconversation. Ashebecameolderhesometimeswonderedabouthislooks. “Thesummerweatherishereand,”Sarahthought,”IshallsoonhavetimetospendwithSimon.Wecangoforridesinmylittlecarandwecanpicnicinourspecialplaces.SimonlovestopaddleinthestreamsaroundPendleHill.ItakehimtoDownhamwherethereisashallowriverwithducksonit.Ihavetotakeextra clothes because he often falls down and getswet. I think he does it onpurposebecausehelikesthefeelofcoolwateronahotday. MyfriendsandIhavealwayslovedthisplace,whereaccesstoPendlehilliseasy, as you walk forever upwards. We have picnicked on the hillside andgloriedatthebreathtakingviews.IlookatSimonandseeTajandIremember

theotheruplandswhere I livedforalmost twoyears. Iwonderwheremy lifewouldhavebeenlivedifTajhadnotdied.HereinBritainorthereinPokhara.IknowthatIwouldhavestayedtherewithhim,ifthathadbeenhiswish.” Mark has finished university and has qualified as a civil engineer. He ishometostayandheoftencallstoseeus.HeremembershistimewithTajandmeandheadoresSimon.IlovetoseehimbecauseheistheonlyonewhoknewTaj,andwesometimesreminisceabout the timewehad thepartyforhimandhisfriends.

He can also see the likeness of Taj in Simon. He is the only one besidemyselfwhoknowsthefeelingsIhaveforthecultureofTajandtheguiltIfeelatnotbeingabletogiveSimonthesenseofit.IhavenottoldTaj’sparentsabouttheir grandchild because I don’t want my little boy to be split between twocultures.Iwantasnormalalifeasitispossibleforhimtohavewithoutafather. Itisalovelysummerevening.We,SimonandI,havejusthadourteaandwearesittinginmysmallcompactgardenatthebackofmycottage.Thereisaknockonthefrontdoor.AtfirstIignoreitthinkingitisoneofthefamilyandtheywillcomeroundtotheback.Butitisrepeated,louderthistime,soIgotothedoorandtomysurpriseDavidisthere.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iaskhiminsurprise. “Ifoundyouraddressinthetelephonebook,wehaveallthelocalonesattheuniversitylibrary.IamnowonmysummervacationasyouareandIthoughtIwouldlookyouup.” “OhDavid,it’ssolovelytoseeyou.Comein.IhavesomeoneIwouldlikeyoutomeet.” ItakehimthroughthehousetothegardenwhereSimonissunninghimselfintheswingseatIhadboughtforustheprevioussummer.

IseethelookofastonishmentonDavid’sfaceandthenthesmileasSimonholdsouthisarmstobepickedup. “WellHellolittlefellow,”laughsDavid,”Whatahappylittleoneyouare,”ashegoestopickSimonup. SimonputshisarmsaroundDavid’sneckanda

bondisformedthereandthen.HeholdsontightandDavidswingshimaroundandmakesSimonchucklewithglee.

IgointothekitchentomakeDavidacoffeeandwhenIreturnIcanseethatDavid isenthralledwithmy lovely son. AndSimon is fascinatedwithDavid,whosequietWelshaccentismakinghimfeelsafeandsleepy. It is time for Simon’s bath and he insists that David comewith us to thebathroom.DavidrollsuphissleevesandsplashesSimonuntiltheflooriswetandSimon is helplesswith laughter. I start to object but he promises hewillcleanitupandnowhecalmsmylittleboywhoisreallyreadyforhisbed.

WetakehimalongtohisbedroomSimonclingingontoDavidandinsistingthathetakehimtobed.Webothkisshimgoodnightandasheisalmostasleepwegentlyclosehisdoorandgodownstairs. “NowIhaveanexplanationforyou.SimonismysonwithmyloverImetin

Pokhara.”Hewasthebrotherofmyteachingcolleague,Sahida.Hediedwhenhisplanecrashed,comingtomeinPokhara.Hedidn’tknowthatIwaspregnant.HisparentsknownothingaboutSimon.IdidnotknowmyselfuntilIwasthreemonthspregnant.Butheismylife,I lovedhisfatherwithallmyheartandIwasdevastated

whenhewasburntinthathorriblecrash.” “HeyholdonSarah,I’msosorryforyourlossbutyouhavealovelysonandI’msureheissomeconsolationforthelifeyouwouldhavehadwithhisfather.” Sarahfeelsabit foolishspittingherstoryout like that toDavid. Shegoesintothenextroomandreturnswithabottleofredwine,twoglassesandabottleopener.

“Sarahcomehereandsitdown,”Davidsaysashemovesoveronthesettee. Davidputsanarmaroundherandcalmsherwithhisquietvoiceandcaringways.Sarahletsgoofherpentupemotionsandsobsherheartout. “That’sbetter,” soothesDavidashe remembers theawful senseof losshehadwhenhismotherdied

“Letitgo,cryallyoucan,it’slikespillingpoisonoutofyourheart.” SaraheventuallyholdsherbreathandwithonegreatsignshegivesDavidatearfulsmile. “I’ll open thewine and then you can tellme thewhole story in your owntimeifthatiswhatyouwanttodo.”SaysDavid.

“Iwill,”shesaysasshetakesasipofwine.ShethentellshimofthebeautyofPokharaand the littlevillagewhereshe taughtschool,about themeetingofherself andTajand their short life together. The tragicair crashandhowherparentscametorescueher,tobringherhomeandthentosupportherwhensherealisedthatshewaspregnant. David hugs her close and she feels safe and ready to talk about herexperiences inNepal. She talkswith enthusiasm about the neighbours in thevillageandtheir children,whoshe taughtatschool. Thefriendlinessat theMenon's familyhome,whereshemetTajashewasthebrotherofSahida,theotherteacherattheschool.ShetalksatlengthandDavidgetsasenseofherlifeinNepalandfeelsthesadnessthathasnotleftSarah. Davidsays,”I’vegotagoodidea,whydon’tyoubringSimontothehouseonthewaterwherewecanhaveapicnic indad’swonderfulgarden?Youtoldmeattheweddingthatyouoftenusedtowalkaroundthere.” “I’llthinkaboutit,Simonismyfirstpriority.”RepliesSarahquietly. “ItwillbeforSimonaswellasyou.Iwillbepleasedifyouwillcomeandmeetmydad.I’msurehewilllovethelittlefellow.Hekeepstellingmetogetafamilyoritwillbetoolateforhimtobeagranddad. I’llaskSimontomorrowandletyouknow.” “I’llleaveyoumymobilenumbersothatyoucancontactmeanytime.” “Thanks and thankyou for listening tomy taleofwoe. I promise I’ll notburdenyouagainwithmytears.” “It’sbeenlovelytoseeyouagainSarahandIhopethatyouwilltakemeuponmyoffer.” SarahseesDavidtothedoorandwaveshimoffinhiscar.

She returns to her sitting room and finishes her glass of wine. She hugsherselfandfeelssomuchbetterforthelettinggoofhersadfeelings.

Chapter17

MarycallstosuggestthatSarah,Simonandshehaveatripintothecountry.She fancies a look at Settle market and the journey there is through lovelycountryroads,wherethelowlyinghills,aswellas,thedramaticPeneghentandIngleboroughappearinthedistanceandwheretheroadsarequietandpleasanttodrive. InMary’scarwithSimonstrappedintohiscarseatinthebacktheysetoffina companionable atmosphere. The car radio is playing and Simon is singingalong. Hesuddenlysays,“IwantadaddylikeJohnhasatnursery.Hepickshimuplikegrandmapicksmeupafternursery.WhyhaveInotgotadaddy?” Sarahismortified;shelooksathermotherwhoissmilingasshereplies “Youhavegotgranddad,love.Heisasgoodasadadtoyou.“ SimoncontinuestosingandSarahsighswithrelief. Thelittlemarkettownisbuzzing.Busesstopatthesideofthemarketandthepeoplefromsurroundingareasgetoutof thevariousbusesandthetownisfull of shoppers. The stalls are overflowing with fresh vegetables and homemadedelicacies.Thesmelloffreshlycutflowersandfruit isallaround. Theysit at a tableoverlooking the square andhave their lunch. An ice cream is inorderforSimonandtheyallhaveahappytime.

Simonissleepyandhenodsoffontheirwaybackhome. They have spent a pleasant day andwhen Simon is in bed Sarah tells hermotheraboutthevisitshehashadfromDavid,afriendshemetatcollege.Mary

remembersSarahtellingheraboutthefriendsshemadeatcollegeandhowshehadmetupwiththematAnn’swedding. “That’slovely,”Marysays,withatwinkleinhereye.“DidhemeetSimon?”“Oh yes” Sarah answers; “They got on really well. “He now lives at

Rivingtonandhehasinvitedustogothereandmeethisdad“ “Whatdoyouthink,Mum?” “Ithinkit’sagoodidea,it’lldoyougoodtoseeyourfriendsagain,andasheisnowlivingonourdoorstep,hewillbegoodforSimon,ashehasbeensayingonlytodaythathewantsadaddy.”Maryreplieswithatwinkleinherkindeyes.

“Mother,stopthat.”Sarahadmonishes.”IwillaskSimonifhewantstogoandthenImaygiveDavidacall.”“Dothatlove,I’msureyouwillenjoyit.”SaysMary.Sarah arranges to go to David’s on the following Saturday and Simon is

pleasedasheremembersthefunhehad,whenDavidcalledthepreviousweek.

Thereisawarmwelcomeforthemwhentheyarriveatthewatersidehouse.Sarahremembersthatparticularhousebecauseitissituatedrightontheedgeofthe water and she used to wish that she could live there. There are manyimprovementsandextensionssinceshelastsawit. CharliecomesouttomeetthemwithDavid,astheyarriveandhisfacelightsup at the sight of Simon, who is beamingwith happiness as he runs tomeetDavid.

DavidpickshimupandswingshimintheairtogreatgulpsoflaughterfromSimon. CharlietakesSarah’shandandleadsherintothehouse.Theentrancehallisbeautifully finished increamanddark redwallsand floor,Sarahcan’tbelievethattwomencankeeptheirhomesocleanandsnug.Thereisamalefeelaboutthe room they enterwith its leather suite, red carpet and the great number ofbooks,keptinabookcasealongthefarwall. Thedailynewspapersarespreadoutonalovelywalnutcoffeetable,theonlydisturbancetobeseenintheroom.

“ThisisSarah,dadandthisisSimon”.Davidintroducesthem.“AndthisisCharlie,mydad.” “Hello” answers Sarah. You have a lovely home here, I love the viewthroughthepicturewindow.” “Davidtellsmethatyouhaveknownthishousealongtimebecauseofyourhikesaroundthereservoir.”Charliesays. “Yesthat’strue.IusedtopretendIlivedhere,whenIcamewithmyparentsandweusedtowalkaroundthearea.Ithaschangedconsiderablysincethen,forthebetterImustsay.” CharlietakesaninstantlikingtoSarahandhecanseethatherloveforhersonhasacalmingeffectonthelittleboy,asSimonsettlesdownaftertheinitialenthusiastic greeting of David. He is a quiet and shy little boy. He has thecharacteristicsofhisAsianfather,Charliesupposes. CharlieisproudoftheworkthatheandDavidhavedonetothehousesoheinsists on Sarah looking around and he is pleased as she enthuses about thedifferentfeaturestheyhavecreated. Theensuitebathrooms,thedoublegarageand the different spaces they have created for themselves. They share thekitchenbuttheyhavedifferententrancestotheirpartofthehouse.Thegardenseems to be Charlie’s domain, David helping with the heavy work such asdigging, fencingandplanting large trees. David likes todoabitof strenuousworksometimestocounteracthisacademicworkattheuniversity.Charliewasafiremansoheisusedtomanualwork.HetellsSarahthatthegardenkeepshimfit Leaving the house they go into the gardenwhere there is tea served on atableoverlooking thewater. DavidhasbeenbusywhilstSarahhasbeenwithCharlieinthehouse.SimonisfollowingDavidinandoutofthekitchenashebringssandwiches,fruitandcakestothetable. “Yourhouse is lovely’”Sarah tellsDavid. “I’m really impressedwith theworkyouhavedonetogether.” After their meal Simon crawls on David’s knee, as he moves over to thehammock swing, where he gently rocks him. Charlie joins them and Sarahmoves to theendof thegardentowatch thebird lifeon thewater. There isafamilyofgrebes,themotherinfront,whilstthefathergrebedivestocatchsmallfishforhisbrood. Thereisaherononthefarbank,itslonglegsjuststandingontheedgeofthe

lakeanditslargebeakdippingintothewater,searchingforfish.

Sarah takes Simon to the edge of the garden and shows him the differentbirds,byandon, the lake. Shepointsout thegrebes,andhe isexcitedby thesightoftwosmallonesbeingcarriedonthebackofthemothergrebe,followedbytwootherfledglingsandthemalebirdbringinguptherear.ThemalegrebesuddenlydivesunderthewaterandSimonlooksconfused. “Theyarewaterbirds.”Charlietellshim.“Theyhavetobeabletodiveforfishastheyliveonthewater.I’llshowyoutheirnestifyoulike,it’sjustalittlewayfromhere.Doyouwanttolook?” “Ohyes,canweallgomummy”.CriesSimonexcitedbytheprospect. “WhenIhavehelpedtoclearuphere”hismotherreplies.

David clears the tablewith the help fromSarah,whistCharlie entertainsSimon

astheylookfordifferenttypesofwildlife,onthewater.Thereareducks,two of them white with black patches on their wing feathers, Canada geese;largerbirdswithtexturedshadesoffeathersanddarkcolouredheads. Simonisfascinated;hehasseenpicturesofvariouskindsofducksandbirdsinhisbooksathome,andhehaslookedatabirdbookwhenhisgranddadhasbeentryingtoidentifyastrangebirdthathasflownintohisgarden.HehasalsoseenduckswhentheyhavebeenpicnickingatDownham. DavidfillsthedishwasherwhilstSarahtidiesthekitchen.

“Wemakeagreatteam.”DavidsaysashegivesSarahafriendlyhug. Sarahsmilesathimandfeelssafeherewiththesetwolovelymen.

Simon is ready for off and holding Charlie’s hand as they go to find thegrebes’nestingplace. “Wewillhavetobequiet,soasnottofrightenthem,iftheyarebackthere.”WhispersDavid.“Ican’tseethemonthewatersoIsupposethattheyarebackonthenest.” “We can’t go too near but we can see the nest from the top path of thewoodland.”Charlietellsthem. Theday iswarmand theblueskyreflectson thewatermaking itadeeperblue. The woodland is fresh and green and the sunshine feels warm on thesummerbreeze.SimonisnowholdingDavid’shandasheclimbsupaninclinebeforeenteringthewood.TheystopsuddenlyandDavidkneelstoshowSimonthegrebes’home.Theairissoquiet,SarahcanhearSimon’sintakeofbreath,ashespotsthenestwiththefemaleandbabygrebessnuggledtogether,resting,after theirexerciseonthewater,wheretheirfishmealwascaughtbythemalegrebe. It’sdifficulttotearSimonawayfromtheplacewherehecanwatchthegrebefamily,butCharliemanagesitbypromisinghimtofindotherwildlifeontheir

walkaroundthereservoir. Thereisanunusuallookingwhiteduckwithblackmarkings,differenttoalltheotherducksandbigger.Itsuddenlyfliesontothepathwaybeforethemandwaddlesquicklyalong,waggingitstailfromsidetoside.Theyallstopandstareandlaughatitsfunnywalk.

Simon‘slittlelegsaretiringsoDavidliftshimontohisshoulders,wherehecriesout inglee,becausenowhecanseemuchmoreofhissurroundings. HechatterstoDavidwhopatientlyanswersallhisquestions. Charliehasadatelater;heistakingoneofhisvolunteercolleaguesoutfordinnerandon to the theatre.As time isgettingonheneeds to returnhome toshoweranddressfortheoccasion.HeapologisesathavingtoleavethemwhentheyarrivebackatthehouseandDavidtakesSarahandSimontohispartofthehouse.Itisfurnishedinasimilarwaytohisfather’sbutthesuiteislightcreamleatherandhisinterestingpicturesdepictingmountainsceneryinmutedcolours.

It’sSimon’sbedtimeandheisrubbingeyesandyawning. “We’ll have to go.” Sarah says feeling reluctant to leave this friendlyenvironment. “Ihopethatyouwillcometousnexttime,andbringCharlieasSimonhastakenashinetobothofyou.” “Can I see you tomorrow for a grownup date” asks David. “Will it bepossibleforyoutogetababysitter?”Heaskswithasmile.“Itwouldbeniceifwecouldgoouttodinnerand,perhaps,seeafilm.Whatdoyousay?” SarahcarriesSimonand fastenshim intohiscar seat. He is averyhappyandtiredlittleboy.ShesmilesatDavidandpromisestoaskoneofherfamilyiftheywilllookafterSimon. Charliecomestoseethemoff;heisveryhandsomeinhissmartsuitreadyforhisnightout. “Thanksfora lovelyday,Simonhasneverchattedsomuchbefore, Ihopeweseeyoubothsoon.”CallsSarahfromthecarasshedrivesoff. ShesmilestoherselfassheseesSimonnoddingoff inhiscarseat throughherrearmirror.

Chapter18

Maryishappytobaby-sit,andSarahringsDavidtotellhimandtheyarrangetheir dinner date for the following evening. Sarah has not been out withoutSimonsinceAnn’sweddingandislookingforwardtoagrown-update.Davidisafriendandacaringoneatthat.

MarycameearlysothatshecanbathSimon,readhimabedtimestory,andspendsomesnuglytimewithhim.Heiscleanandglowing,dressedinhisnightattire,whenDavidarrives. Simon’seyeslightupwhenheseesDavidandheliftshisarmsforahug.

“Hello little fellow.”David smiles as he lifts Simon up and gives him hishug.

MaryisastonishedatthisandshetakestoDavidimmediately.“I’mSarah’smother.”Maryintroducesherself.“Lovely tomeetyou.” Davidrepliesashehandsback the littleboy tohis

grandma.Sarahcomesintotheroomreadyfortheouting.Sheiswearingtheoutfitshe

worefortheweddingandlookslovelywithalightinhereyehermotherhasnotseen,foralongtime. “Iseethatyoutwohavemet.”Shesays.”Wewon’tbelatemum,seeyoulater.” “Don’thurryhomelove,youknowhowIenjoyanytimewithSimon.”Marycallsafterthem.

Davidsmilesasheopensthedoorofhiscarforher.Hehasbookedatableatarestaurantafewmilesawaythathasareputationforgoodfoodandwine.TheyareshowntotheirtableandthewaiterdrawsoutachairforSarah. AtthenexttableoneofDavid’sfriendsfromworktoucheshisarmtogreethim. “HiDavid,how’sthings?”“You’relookingsmarttonight.Areyougoingtointroducemetoyourlovelyfriend?” “ThisisSarah,someoneImetatcollegeyearsago.” “This is my wife, Joyce,” his friend, whose name is Brian says, as heintroduceshiswifetothem.“Wellenjoyyourmeal,wearejustgoing,lovelytoseeyouboth.” Theywaveastheyleavetherestaurant. “Brianisacolleagueatwork,heteachesinmydepartment,heisvery genuine,andeasytogetalongwith.”Davidsays.“Nowlet’sorder.” Themealiswonderful.Theyaretoofulltohaveasweetbuttheytaketheircoffeeintheloungeoverlookingthegarden. Theyreminisceaboutthetimetheywerefriendsatcollegeandlaughatsomeoftheirmemories.Davidfillsinhistimesincethen,andthetimebefore,whenheworked as a civil engineer and travelled the world. He has stories of thepeoplehemetandtheplaceswhereheworked.

Sarah talks again about her time inNepal and the feelings shehad for theordinaryvillagersandtheirdailyhardships.Thecaretheyshowedforeachotherandthelovelychildrenshetaught. WhenDavidlooksathiswatch,it’stoolatetotakeinafilmsotheywalkbytheriverandSarahholdshisarmanditfeelsliketheyareacouple. “Thankyou for a lovelyevening,David.”She says. He turns towardsherandtakesherinhisarmsandgentlykissesherlips.Sarahthinks, IfeelastirringofmyfeelingsandIseeTajasDavidbendshishead.IfeelguiltasthoughIambetrayingmyloveforTaj. “Imustbegoing,it’sgettinglate.”Sarahsays.Davidgentlytakesherhand

andguideshertohiscar.Sarahwondersandthinks, IfeelsomeawkwardnessIhaveneverfeltwithDavidbefore,IknowthatIam not ready for an intimate relationship, but I don’t want to lose David’sfriendship.

Theytravelhomeinsilence. WhenhedropsSarahoff,she leansoverandplantsakissonhischeek,andthankshimonceagainforalovelytime.

Chapter19

I snuggle down in bed after seeing my mother off and peeping in to seeSimon. Davidisforemostonmymind. Ididfeelastirringattractionforhimandmybodywasarousedwhenhekissedme.It’sbeenoverfouryearssinceIlost Taj, and I’m still young enough to start again. But I feel guilty of theyearningsofmybody, andmy lovelymemoriesof the lovemaking IhadwithTaj.ButDavidissuchalovelycharacter,andheissogoodwithSimon,Idon’twanttoloosehisfriendship.

I’m so confused that I can’t sleep. I creep downstairs quietly and makemyselfacupoftea. ItrytosortoutmyfeelingsforDavidandIknowthatIloveandrespecthimbecauseheissuchalovelyman.Irememberhavingthesefeelingforhimwhenwewereatcollege.Iknewhewouldbethebestofusinhisfuturecareerandthecaringwaysheshowedtous,helpingwithourdifficultstudiesandthewayhetooktoteaching,caringforhisstudents.IjusthopethatIhavenothurthisfeelingsbyalmostrejectinghim.IdecideIwillringhiminthemorningandtrytorepairanydamageImayhavedone.

The followingday is lovely. Simon is lively and Ihaveno time toworryabout anything. Mymother turns up aswe are havingbreakfast and suggeststhatweallhaveadayoutsomewherespecial.Dadishavingsomeholidaydaysoff work, and she has packed a picnic for all of us. Dad is taking us on amysterytrip,butbythedirectionheistakingus,I’mthinkingitmaybetheLakeDistrict.

It’sonlyjustoveranhour’sdrivefromhomeanditisthefavouriteplaceofallthefamily. Myfatheropenstheroofandwindowswhenweleavethemotorwayandthesummerbreezefeelslovelyonourfaces.WeparkatTarnHawsandDadcarriesthepicnicbaskettothesideofthetarn.Weallcarryachaireach,asmalloneforSimon,andsettledowntowatchtheswimmersinthewater.Thesunisreallyhotandwespreadsuncreamfirst,overSimon,andthenourselves.Simonloveshissunhatandwehaveaheartylunchfromthebasket.Iknowmydadlovestoswimandinnotimeatall,heisunderhistowel,strugglingintohisswimmingtrunks. I have brought Simon’s little trunks and he wants to follow dad into thewater.Ipersuadehimtowaituntildadhashadaswim,andtakehiminmyselfforapaddle.HeshriekswithlaughterashesplashesmeandIsplashhimback.Helovesthewater.Isometimestakehimtotheswimmingbathsandhehasagoodideawhat todo inhisarmbands. There isan islandin themiddleof thetarnandmyfatheralwaysswimsthereandback.HeisastrongswimmerandIrememberwhen I was a little girl, crying because I thought he could not getback. He isnow returned to the shoreandhe is ready toplaywithSimon. Ileavethemtogetherandreturntowheremymotherissittingwatchingus. “Howwasyourdatelastnight?”Sheasks. “Fine.”Isaynon-committedly. “Oh I thinkDavid isveryattractiveandhowgreathe iswithSimon.”Mymothercontinues “You’rejustfishing,”Isay“butIamconfusedaboutmyfeelingsforDavid.IdoloveandrespecthimbutIdonotfeelreadytohavearelationshipyetuntilSimonisolder.” “IthinkSimonneedsafatherfigureandDavidseemstobehisidol.Hewastellingme lastnighthowhe loved thevisit to thehouseby the reservoir. Allabout the birds and the baby grebes and the duck that waddles its tail.” Mymothersayslaughingly. “IknowIhavetoconsiderSimonbutIhavetobesureofmyownfeelingsforDavid. Hedoesn’tdeservetobesecondbestandmymemoriesofTajstilldisturbingmydreams.”Ireply “Youcan’t live in thepast,youare lucky tohavesomeonewho is livingandcaring,especiallyhowperfectheiswithSimon.”

“IknowmumandImeantoringhimtonighttomakeanotherdate,soI’llletyouknowhowIgeton.”

Chapter20

DadandSimonareonthehorizon,comingfromtheshoretoourplaceinthesun.Simonischattingawaytohisgranddad,pointingoutsomethingofinterest Simonhasseen. Whenwe return home, dad carries Simon into the house as he has fallenasleepinthecar. WehavehadaheartymealonourwayhomeandSimonisready forbed. Iundresshimgentlyandafterputtinghim inhispyjamas takehimtohisbed.Thinking“Hecanhavehisbathinthemorningforonce.” Igodownstairsandopenabottleofredwineforthethreeofus.Wesettleonmy settee and comfortably enjoy thewarm feeling our day in the sun hasgivenus. “Simonisadreamofaboy.”Saysmyfather.“IwishIcouldhavemethisfather.”

“Metoo,”saysmother.“WhydoyounottalkabouthimSarah?”

“It has been too painful,” “But I think I should perhaps tell Simon abouthim,whatdoyouthink?” “Ithinkyoushouldtellusabouthim,andthenwecanansweranyquestionsthatSimonmayaskus,afteryoubringthesubjectup.” “Dadandmum,IloveyoubothsomuchbutIhavebeensosadatthelossofTaj, and I have been feeling so guilty aboutmy friendshipwithDavid, that Idon’tknowwhattothinkordo.” “Comeonlove,youknowthatwewillsupportyouandSimon,whateveryouwanttodo.”Repliesdad. “I amconfusedhow to tellSimon that his father came froma far place, aplacewhere Iwaswonderfully happy and fulfilled. That he has grandparentsandauntsheknowsnothingabout.” “Ihonestlydon’tknowhowtotellhimbecauseIalsofeelguiltyabouthimnotknowingtheculturehisfatherwasborninto.” I think I shouldgetMark tohelpme tellhimbecauseheknewTajandhelikedhimalot.” “Whydon’tyouexplaintousthefeelingyouhadforTajandthenyoumayfindawaytoexplainittoSimon?”Mymothersayswithagentlesmileonherlovelyface. “Youknowhowyoufoundmewhenyoucametofetchmehome.”Ireply.“Ihavebeenafraidtothinkaboutmylostlove,becauseIhavetobestrongforSimon.” “Well, I think thatyou shouldwork through those feelingsbeforeyoucanmove on, either to tell Simon about his father, or to think about having arelationshipwithDavid.”Myfathersays. “Buthow?” Iwhisper, asmy throat is so fullof emotion that I canhardlyspeak.

“Let itout love”.Myfathermoves towardsmeon thesetteeand I feelhisarms around me. My mother moves to my other side, as I collapse intoheartbreakingsobs.IfeeltheirloveandcaringasIcryandcryandwhenatlast

Irecovermyselfthereliefoftheunburdening,leavesmeexhaustedbutcalmer. I begin to tell themhow ImetTaj and howwe both felt the same almostfromour firstmeeting. I tell themhowhis parents acceptedme and howhissister,Sahida,wasa real friend tome,atschool,howI loved thechildrenandhow I respected the villagerswith their hard lives. I tell themabout the timeMark came to visit and how the people welcomed him and his friends. HowMarkmetmy friends inNepaland thegood timewehad,whenMarkandhisfriendswerewith us there. The terrible day and the devastation of the planecrash,thefuneralpyre,faintingattheriverandTaj’smothercarryingmetothecar.“Idon’tknowwhatIwouldhavedoneifyoutwohadn’tcometobringmehome.” Iamrecoveringfromtheterriblepainofeventalkingaboutthattime,butIknowthatIhavetoletitgo,ifSimonandIaretohaveachanceofadifferentlife.IhaveagreatrespectandloveforDavidbutIwantittobemorethanthat.DavidwouldmakeagreatfatherforSimon,buthedeservestobetheonlyoneforme. “YourmotherthinksDavidisalovelymanandthatSimonadoreshim.”Myfathersaysafterapause.

’Dadyou’llhavetomeethimsoon.”Ipromise. We’ll have a barbecue in the garden onSunday if theweather is fine andwe’llinviteDavidandhisfather,ifyouagree?” “Great,thatwillbelovelyandthanksyoutwoforsortingmeout.I’msurethatSimonwilllovethatandwillMarkbehome,andwillmysister’sfamilybeabletocome?” “We’llarrange that ifwecan. Idon’tknowwhereMark isat themomentbutifheishome,he’llbethere.”Myfathersays.

“WecanintroduceDavidandhisfathertoallourfamilyinonego.”Smilesmymother.

Chapter21

IawakelatethefollowingmorningandthankfullysodoesSimon.Ishowerandthenbathmylovelysonbeforetakingourbreakfastoutintothegarden.Thesuniswarmandthebreezeislightandallfeelswellwithmyday. Thetelephonerings,it’smymother. “I’verungaroundandMarkishomeandtheywillallcometothebarbecueonSunday.Iftheweatherisbadwewillhaveamealinthehouse.Iwillbeabletoshowoffmybestchinainthatcase.”Mymotherinformsme. “IwillringDavidandinvitehimandCharlie,ohandthanksagainmumforyesterday,Ifeelsomuchbetterthismorning.” SimonandIfinishourbreakfastandthenIringDavidwiththeinvitationforCharlieandhimselftocometomyparents’barbecue.Heacceptsgracefullyandsayshisfatherandhimselfarelookingforwardtomeetingmyparents.

Thedayofthebarbecueissunny,andasSimonandmyselfgetreadyinoursummer clothes, there’s a knock on the door andMark comes through to thegarden.SimonlaughsasMarkliftshimontohisshouldersandhugsmeatthesame time. We are breathless with laughter and hugging and Mark swingsSimondownontothelawnandweuntangleandfallaboutwithglee. “Wherehaveyoubeenworking?”IaskMark.

“SouthAmerica.”hereplies. SimonbringshisworldsphereandasksMarktoshowhim.

MarkpointsouttheAmazonandthetinycityofSantaremthatstandsonitsshores. “WehavebeenbuildingabridgeoveratributaryandIhaveenjoyedeverymomentofmytimethere,becausethepeoplearesoquietandhardworkingandtheyhavemademylifesomucheasier,bytheirattitudetowork.” “Whatisatributary?”Asksmyinquisitiveson. “itsalittlesideriverrunningintotheAmazon.”Markexplains.

Simon studies themap and hums to himself. He has learnt another bit ofinformation,hecanstoreinhisinquiringlittlehead. I tell Mark about David and because he knew Taj, he understands myreluctance to start another relationship, and the added problem of my notexplaining things toSimonabouthis father. Mark is theonlyone I feelcloseenoughtotalktoaboutmylifeinPokharaandtheunknownfamilySimonhasthere. “Am I being selfish by keeping theMenons ignorant of the fact that theyhave a grandson, they know nothing about?” I ask Mark when we have amomentalone. “Idon’tknow.”Hesaysquietly. “Ithinkthatwhenthetimeisright,youwilltellSimonabouthisfatherandthatwillbethetimetotellhimabouthisotherfamily.” IgiveMarkanotherhugandhepromisestobetherewhenthetimeisrighttotellSimon,andthathewillsupportusboth. “Comeonyoutwo, let’sbeoff toGran’sandgetstartedat thebarbecue.”SaysMark.“I’mfeelingreallyhungry.” AswearriveDavid is justgettingoutofhiscar.Anothercararrivesat thesametimeandCharliegetsout.IintroducethemtoMarkandweallgointothegarden together. Mumanddadare introduced,aswellas,all thepeople thereanddaddispensesthedrinkswhilstmumbringsoutlittlebites. Wesitaroundongardenchairs,untildadbeginsthecooking.

MarkandDavid take toeachother immediately, asDavidwasalsoacivilengineer,beforehischangeofemployment.DavidhadworkedinmanyplaceswhereMark had and soon theywere comparing notes on the places they hadbeen,andthejobstheyhaddonethere. MydadandCharliewerechattingawayasiftheyhadknowneachotheragesandmotherwasfussingoverDavidandMarklikeamotherhen.Isatwithmysister, Kate, andwe have a glass of winewhilst she tellsme how she thinksDavidisverydishy.

“Iknowheisdishy”.Ireply.“ButIamnotreadyforanotherrelationshipyet,IfeelthatSimonistooyoungtohavetodealwithsomeoneelselivingwithus”. “You’re crazy Sarah”. Replies my sister. “You should jump at theopportunity,seeingSimonandDavidtogetherisreallysomething”.

DavidcomesoverwithSimononhisshoulders. The littleboy is shoutingwithgleeasMarkbeginstochasethembotharoundthegarden.

“Mark,youcan’tcatchus.Wearetoofastforyou!”

“Watchme”.RepliesMarkashespeedsafter themandgentlypullsSimonfromDavid’sshoulders.

The three of them fall on to the soft grass and finish up in a heap,Simonshriekingwithlaughter. Mothercallsustoeatandweallsitaroundthegardentableandtuckintothelovelysaladsandbarbequedmeatsandfish.

Theconversationislightandfunny.Thewinehelpstoloosentongues,andmymother’spartyisagreatsuccess. SimonisrubbinghiseyesandIsaywewillhavetobeoff.

DavidasksifhecancomewithusandSimonputshisarmsaroundDavid’sneckreadytobecarried.Ihavenochoicethantoagree.

Chapter22

DavidandIhavetuckedSimonupinbedandheisnowfastasleep.Igointothekitchentomakeussomecoffee.Wehavehadabittoomuchtodrinkatthepartysowethinkthatacoffeewillbebetterforus.

“Whydidyou leavesoabruptlywhenwe lastmet?” AskedDavid.“DidIupsetyou?” David is standingclose tome in thekitchenand I turnandhandhimhiscupofcoffee.

“I’mabitconfusedDavid.IhavenotbeendatinganyonesinceIhavehadSimon,andwhilstheislittle,IfeelIshouldmakehimmyfirstpriority.IknowthatSimonlikesyoualotandyouseemtohaveanaffinitywithhim,butI‘mabitunsureofmyself. Istill thinkaboutTajandIhaveproblemstellingSimonabouthisfatherandthathehasgrandparents,ofadifferentculturetoours.”

Davidsitswithmeonthesetteeandputtinghiscupdownturns tomeandbringsmeintohisarms.IfeelasinkingfeelinginmytummyasIturntohimwithmymouthreadyforhiskiss.Hislipsaregentleandsoftonmineandasthekissdeepens,Ifeelalonginginmywholebody,asitdissolvesintoawarmache.

DaviddeepensthekissagainashistonguefindsmineandIfeellosttothefeelingsIamhavingandIurgentlypushmybodyawayfromhim.”WhatisthematterSarah?Don’tyoucareforme?” Sarah replies breathlessly “I have too many feelings for you and I don’tknowhowtosuppressthem”. “Thenwhysuppressthem?”“IloveyouSarah.IthinkIhavealwaysloved

you from when I first saw you in our college days. I know you have somedistractionsbutwewillbeable to face themtogether. Andas forSimon,youknowIcareforhimandheseemstolikemeabit.” “More thanabit.” I sayas I turn tohim,where I feel sosafe there inhisarms. He kissesme again and this time I feel a melting sensation too strong toignore.

HegentlystartstoundressmebutIamtoowound-upandIbegintotakeoffhisclothesasfastasIcan,whilstkeepingmylipsonhisandbrushingmyhandthroughhishair.Wearebothnaked.Welookateachotherinawe.Davidisbeautiful.Hisbodyislitheandhisshouldersbroadaboveachestthathasbeenworked on and hips that are slim outside a flat lovely stomach. His legs arefinelymuscledtaperingtowell-shapedfeet. “Youarelovely,Sarah.”ExclaimsDavid“IadoreyouandIwanttobewithyouandSimonforever.”

ItakehishandandwequietlycreepupstairssoasnottodisturbSimon.

Chapter23

The sun is shining through a chink in the curtains as I awake to find thatDavid,alreadydressedandcarryingSimononhisshoulders,isbendingoverthebedwithacupofcoffeeforme.

“HelloMummy.”SaysSimon“Davidandmehavehadourbreakfastandheisgoingtotakeustoseehisducks.Canwegopleasemummy?Bequickandgetupsothatwecangosoon”.

Davidgivesmeawinkandthememoriesof lastnightcomefloodingbackandIhavethegracetoblush.

“Ofcoursewecan,butyoutwowillhavetobuzzoffwhilstIgetshoweredanddressed,andthenwe’llgetoutintothatlovelysunshine”.

Ifeellikeayounggirlagainaftermyfirstdate,Iamexcited,asIgetreadyforourtriptoDavid’shousebythelake.

Charliegreetsuswithasmile,andalthoughIoughttofeelembarrassedbythe indicationofwhatwehavebeenup to, Idon’tandCharlie treatsus likealonglostfamily,ashehugsSimonandmetogether.

“Ireallyenjoyedthebarbequeatyourmother’syesterday.”Hesays“AndIenjoyedyourfather’scompany.WehaveallhavealotincommonandIhopewehavelotsoftimeslikeyesterday.”

“ComeonSimonletmetakeyouaroundthelakesothatwecanfindyourfavouritebirds,I’veseenanewnestwheretheyoungoneswillbeleavingsoon,andtherearequitealotofsquirrels jumpingaroundinthewoodsontheothersideofthelake.”

Simon takesCharlie’s hand and after filling a flaskwith a cool drink theyheadofftogetherontheirgreatadventure.

As soonas theyareoutof sightDavid foldsme inhis armsand takesmyhandandleadsmetohisbedroom.I’msoreadyforhislovemakingthatIcan’twait to undress andwe hardly reach the bed before he is insideme and I amtrembling with lust and love. We recover slowly and then we undress andslowlymakeloveinagentlewayasweslowlycaresseachotheruntilwecryout

inecstasy.Wethenkiss,withourheartsbeatingmadlyandstayinourpositionuntilwe recover, and gentlywe sit up andwind our arms around each other,feelingsoclosethatnothinghashappenedlikethistousbefore.

“IdoloveyouSarah.”Davidwhispers.“Iloveyoutoo.Ididn’tthinkIwouldeverfeellikethisagain,butIthink

thisbeingtogether,issobeautifulandyoumakemefeelsosafeandcaredfor.”Sarahreplies.

“WillyoumarrymeSarah?“AsksDavid.“I’msureSimonwillbepleased,youknowwhatIthinkaboutyourson.” “Iwill,ofcourseIwill.WemustaskSimonifhewantsyouforhisdaddybutI’msurehewillsayyeslikeme.” They dress quickly after showering together in a state of euphoria andproceedtomakeadrinktotakeintothegardenaswewaitforCharlieandSimontoreturnfromtheirwalk. “Doyou thinkwe should tellCharlie andSimonwhen they return?”AsksSarah.“Ihopetheyapprove,IknowSimonwillbepleasedandI’msureCharliewilllovehavingSimonasalittlemate.” Theywalktothebottomofthegardenwiththeirarmsentwinedandlookoutat the lake, they see the twoof themwalking backhome from the other side,chattinghappilyandlaughingloudlyatsomethingoneofthemhadsaid.

“I’m sure theywill be pleased.”David says as he smiles happily down atSarah. The scene is set to tell the returning adventurers their plans. Sarah andDavidgo to thekitchenandproceed tomakeanafternoon tea forCharlieandSimonwhentheyreturn.SarahfeelsalittlenervousbutDavidreassuresherthathisdadwillbereallypleasedbecauseDavid,whoisveryclosetoCharlie,hasalreadytoldhimabouthisfeelingsforSarah,toCharlie’sgreatdelight.

“Had a good afternoon you two?” David asks as he beams his attractivesmileatthetwoofthem. “Great”saysCharlieliftingSimonfromhisshoulders. “Wehaveseenlotsofbirds andevena few squirrels andwehavehada lot of laughshaven’tweSimon?”

“Yeswe havemummy.”Cries Simon as he runs into Sarah’s open arms.They hug and Charlie and David join in a group hug and they finish up alllaughinggloriously. “Maywetellyoutwooursecret?”Davidsays.“Yourmummywouldlikeustobeafamilyandshehaspromisedtomarrymeifwehaveyourapproval,yoursandCharlie‘s,whatdoyousay?” “Yes”Thetwoofthemshout. They all four have another joint hug laughing and cryingwith their joyfulemotion. “Thishasbeenagreatday.”CharliesaysashegrinswhenheticklesSimonwhoisshriekingwithlaughter.“Weshallhavetocelebrate,I’lltakeusalloutfora mealtomorrow.”

Part2

Chapter24

Simon Ihavejustreceivedmy“A”levelresultsandIcannowapplyforaplaceatBristolUniversity.IamsoexcitedbutIshallmissmyfamily.Anne,myyoungsister,istheblightofmylife,nickingmyC.D’sandsometimesmyteeshirtstowearoverherswimsuitwhensittingbyourpool in thegarden. Thepoolwasfittedthreeyearsagowhenwehadareallyhotsummer.Anneisnowateenagerandalthoughstillchildlikeshecanbeveryassertiveandmischievous. My dad agrees with me that I should go away to university in order tobecome Independent.MymumwantsmetogotoManchestersoshecankeepmeinthefold.CharliethinksIshouldchooseformyself.IloveCharliebecauseheissuchagreatguyandwehavealwayshadaclose relationship. He tookAnneandmyselfontripsintheschoolholidaystoAltonTowers,MartinMereorthecoast. Hewouldgetus inhiscarandoffwewouldgo. Hewas theonewhopersuaded the parents to have the swimming pool build in the gardenoverlooking the lake. He encouragedus to bringour friends to swimwith usduringtheweekendsandholidays. “Simon.”Hecalls.“Wewillhavetocelebrateyourexcellentresults.We’llhaveapartyandaB.B.Q.bythepoolforallyourfriendsandAnnemaybringherbestfriend,Molly,beforeyougotomeetMarkonyourwaytoyourtrekintheHimalayas.” The partywas lovely, allmy friends and extended family came. The daywaswarmandsunnyandwhenwebecamehotandsweaty,wejumpedintothe

pooltocooloff. Itisnow1992andMarkisnow36yearsold,hehastravelledtheworldforhisjobandenjoyeditsomuchhehasnotbeenabletosettledown.Hehashadafew relationships, but nothing heart stopping, and he has friends on everycontinent.

Mark is a civil engineer and his assignment is inNepal. He has to buildbridges around Kathmandu. He has received his instructions and has to goquickly,whentheconstructionfirmheworksforcontactshimwiththedetailsofthejob.Heisexcitedbythefactthathewillbeinhisbelovedmountainsagain.Heremembersthetimewhenhehadasummerbeforeuniversity,hevisitedhisauntSarahthere,whenshewasteachinginthelittleschool,upthemountainofAnnapurna,Hehasbeentothemountainsmanytimes,onprojectsforhisfirm,sincethattime. HisassignmentwastocontactthelargefirmofWhinneyandFellowswhoseFarEasternheadofficeisinKathmandu.HisworkwasontheeasternsideofNepalneartoMountEverest,thisgaveMarkathrillbecausehisambitionistoclimbMountEverestsometimeinthenearfuture.Whenhehascompletedtheworkonthebridgeheisbuildingoveraravine.Thisbridgewillbeofgreatusetothepeopleinthevillages,surroundingtheravine.Itshouldtakemanymilesoffthejourneysthatthelocalshavetomaketogotothemarketsinthevicinityoftheirhomes.Hehasassembledacrewoflocalworkersandoneofthemhasvery good English, so that Mark is able to communicate his wishes to hisworkers.

Marksettlesinasmallroominahouseinthenearestvillagetohisprojectandgetsonwith the job inhand. He finds the localpeopleverypleasantandalthoughhehasdifficultycommunicatingwiththem,hegetsshysmilesfromthewomenandchildren,andagoodday’sworkfromtheirmenfolk. HeisfriendlywiththeEnglishspeakingonecalledGenghiswhohasbeenaguideonthevariousmountainsaroundtheHimalayas.Theysometimeshaveadrinktogetherinthelittlelocalbarandcaféthatliesalongtheroadalittlewayfromtheproject.

“Ilovethispartoftheworld.”Marksaysasheremembershistimetrekking. “Have you been here before?” Geng asks, who is called that short forGenghis.

“WhenIwasastudent,myfriendsandIhadalongtrekaroundtheareaofKathmandubeforewewenttouniversity.”Markreplies. SomeofthemenarriveforadrinkandachatandtheysmileatMark,tryingto includehim in theirconversations,Geng interpretsand the laughter risesasthey begin to understand each other. Mark loves this part of the job and hebegins to feelathomewith thesegentlemen thatgivehimagoodday’sworkand then include him in their leisure time. If he didn’tmixwith them in hisleisuretime,hewouldbeverylonely,hereinthisremoteareaofthemountains. “MyfatherwasaGhurkhasoldierwiththeBritishArmy.”SaysGeng.“ThatiswhyIhavesomeknowledgeoftheEnglishlanguage.” “I’mreallygratefulforthatorIwouldbeinahellofamessinmysituation.”Markreplies,laughingandcatchingGeng’seyewithhisusualtwinkleandgoodhumour.

The conversationgoes on to thework in hand, then to the private lives ofsomeof theworkers,with lotsof laughterand innuendoabout theirgirlfriendsandthegirlstheywouldliketobetheirgirlfriends. LifeishardinthemountainsandthepeoplehavealifespanmuchlessthantheyhaveintheWestandMarkhopestheworkthatisgoingoninthisareaoftheworldwillgiveitspeopleabetterchanceinthefuture. Heworkshardandgiveshistimeoflonghourstotheprojectinhand,gettingto knowhis neighbours in the villagewhere he stays, and befriending his co-workersandtheirfamilies.Heissoonacceptedandhelovesthepeopleofthemountains. They include him in their festival of light and he enjoys thehospitalityofthevillagepeople,itremindshimofhistimeonSarah’smountain,whenhewasayounglad. ItisAugust1992andSimonhasreceivedhis“A”levelresults.HehasbeenacceptedatBristolUniversityasamedicalstudentandheandhisthreefriendshavedecidedtospendtheirtimebeforeuniversitybytrekkinginNepal.

Hehasreceivedaletterfromhisfavouriteperson,Mark. DearSimon,

Icongratulateyouonyourspectacular“A”levelresultsandyouruniversityplaceatBristol.Thanksforyourletter,receivedtoday,andofcourseIwillmeetyou and your friends in Kathmandu on the 25th June and we will be able tospendsometimetogether.

IspentsometimebeforeuniversitytrekkingandifIcanhelpyoutochoosesomegoodtreksIwill. Seeyousoon,

LoveMarkThetimeofSimon’sarrivalishereandMarkhaslefthisforemanincharge

of theproject,becausehedecides tohaveafewdayswithhisnephewandhisfriends.

Hemeets thegroupat theairport inKathmanduand takes themtoacheaphotelthathehasfoundbeforetheirarrival.Heknowsthattheplaceiscleanandthattheywillbeabletoaffordtheprice. SimonissopleasedtoseeMarkthatherushesoverandhugshiscousininfrontofhisfriendsasheintroducesthemall.

“ThisisPete.”Hesaysashepushesaredhairedladinhiswake.“Hewantstobeasurgeonwhenhequalifies.”SimontellsMark. “PleasedtomeetyouatlastafterhearingsuchalotaboutyoufromSimon.”Hesays.

“MeetLukeandthisisBen”Simonintroduceshisotherfriends.Thefiveofthem get intoMark’s four by four and he takes them to their accommodation

wheretheyunpackandhaveashowertorefreshthemaftertheirlongflight. Markhasalsoaroomalongsidethemandhewaitsforthemtoemergeintothesmallseatingplaceinthereceptionarea.

“Comeonlads.”Hesaysastheyarrivelookingsomuchbetterandsmellingofshavinglotionandtoothpasteandallofthemsmilinghappily. “Let’sfindaplacetoeat;I’msurethatyouareallstarving.”SaysMarkasheleadsthemontothestreetandintoasmallrestaurant.

“ThefoodisbasicbutIthinkthatyouwillenjoyit.”SaysMarkastheyfindalargetableandsettlearoundit.Theyorderfivebeersandthenthefood.Whenit arrives they are surprised at how good it is. Mark has been toKathmandumanytimeswhenhehasworkedinNepalandhasfoundthebestplacestoeat.They have a few beers and the lads joke and laugh andMark remembers thetimesheandhisfriendswerelikethis,andhefeelsabitolderthanhegenerallydoes. Thenextmorningthefriendsarekeentoseethemountains.Kathmanduisinabasinandthereisalwayssmogfallingintothevalley,soMarktakesthemoutofKathmanduanduptowardstheEasternside,whereheisworkingonhisproject.Simonpleadstobeabletoseewherehiscousinisworking,andwhereheisstaying.Hetellsthemthattodothattheywillhavetomoveon,andstayinlesspleasant accommodation, as the roadsideplacesaremuchbetter than theyusedtobe,butarenotyetuptoevenstudentstandards.TheladsagreethattheyarehappytoseetheplacewhereMarkandhismenareworking,thattheymaythentakeatrekinthatarea. It’s a long day’s drive to the villagewhereMark stays so after they havepacked up their things at the hotel, and paid their dues, they set out for themountains. Simonissoinlovewithmountains,hecan’tbelievehowbeautifultheyareandthewhitetopsshininginthesunshineoverwhelmshim Theystopatawayside“café”andenjoyaquiethalfhour sat in thewarmsunshinewhilsttheydrinkcoffeeandeatasandwichbeforestartingoutagainontheroughmountainroads. “WhatdoyouwanttodoSimonwhenyouhaveyourdegree?”AsksMark.

“I’m not sure yet, I may go into general medicine or perhaps be a sportsdoctor.”Simonreplies “That’sa laugh.”JokesLuke,whohimself isakeenathlete. “Simoncan’tplaytennisfortoffeeorevenkickaballatfootball.” “OfcourseIcan,justbecauseyousometimeswinattennisdoesn’tmakeyouachampion.”Simonlaughs. ThekiddinggoesonwithBenputtinghisoar inandPetechucklingat thebanter.

EventuallytheyarriveatMark’svillage,allfeelingalittlestifffromthelongbumpydrive. “Come on lads, let’s see if I can find you accommodation near to me,perhapsyouwillhavetogointodifferentplaces,buttheremaybeahostelfortrekkersjustafewmilesupthemountain.I’llfindGengandseeifhehasanyideawhereyoulotcanstay.”Marksays.

MarkfindsGengathomeasit’squitelatebythistimeandhereassuresthemthatthereisatrekker’slodgeonthenextridge. Marktakes the lads to theaccommodationandtheyfindit tobeadequate.They thankhimprofusely andhehugs themall andwishes themagood longhike,ashearranges to see thembefore theygobackhome.Theywillhave toreturn to Kathmandu by the 20th September, in order to start their degreecourses.

Markreturnstohisvillageandretirestobedreadyforhisworkthefollowingday. Simonandhisfriendsgetouttheirmapsandinformationbookletsandbegintoplantheirextensivetrek.

They decide to find a route bywhich they canwork back toKathmandu.TheyhavetravelledapproximatelytwohundredmileseastofKathmanduonthe

arduousroads,andnowtheywanttotrekasfarupthemountainsaspossible,butin a western direction, so that they are in the general direction of theirdestinationfor theirreturnhome.Theyhavealmost threemonthsofa trekandtheyintendtowalkabouttenmilesaday.Thatdoesn’tsoundalotbutitwillbeonroughgroundandasitisuphillalotofthewayitwillbehardgoingandtheywillhavetoassembletheirtentsandcampingequipmenteachnight.

Chapter25

Simon has become awell-loved youngman, liked by all his friends, boysand girls alike. He is independent, intelligent with a humorous streak andalways is chosen to lead. He loves to read and plays the guitar and loves aparty. Pete, his best friend, is sporty, practical andvery strong andhe is alsostudyingmedicinebecausehewantstobecomeasurgeon. Lukeisasure,assertiveladwhoisgoingtobeachemicalengineer.Hehasawicked sense of humour, and keeps the banter going even when things getrough.Benistheshyone,heisgentlebutintrovertedandhekeepshisfamilyproblemstohimself.Thefourofthemhavebeenfriendsfromthebeginningofsecondaryschoolandhavewalkedandclimbedtogethersincetheywerefifteen,whenoneorotherof theirparentswould take themto thenearesthillcountry,andpickthemupwhentheyrangtosaythattheywerereadyfortheirlifthome. Simonandhisfriendsbegintheirtrekearlyinthedaywhentheairiscool.Theyhavebreakfastofbreadandcheeseandtheyhavesomemilktogivethemenergy. They have brought some easily carried nuts and chocolate for themiddleof theday. They intend toreach theireveningstoparoundsixo’clockwheretheywillsleepforthenightinahostelandhavetheireveningmeal. Theskyisabrilliantblueandthereisasparkofsharpnessintheair. Theboysarefullofenthusiasmastheyclimbthesteeppath.Thewhitepeaksarefarabove them as they climb the lower slopes. Ben is not keeping up with theothersbuttheywaitforhimbysittingonalowwall. “Come on you slow coach.” Shouts Luke who is impatient to reach thehigherslopes. “I’mlookingatthewonderfulviews.”RepliesBen“Whydon’tyouseewhat’sinfrontofyou?”

Thepartyclimbsteadilyfortwohoursandthentheydecidetohaveadrinkanda rest and take in their surroundings that aremagnificent. Theyeat somenutsandtheirchocolateandthenfeelreadytocontinueontheirway.

Thetrekhasbeenpleasant,nottoohardbutquiteinvigorating,afteranotherfewhourstheydecidethattheywillfindalodgeforthenight,wheretheywillhaveapropermeal. ‘Theystudytheirmapandfindatrekkinglodgeabouttwomilestothewestandtheymaketheirwaytowardstheirgoal.

When theyclimb to thehigher slopes theywillhave touse their tents andcampingequipmentbuttheyhavebudgetedforacoupleoflodgestops,twoonthe upward journey and one on the downward one on their way back toKathmandu.TheyeatandsleepwellatthelodgetheyhavefoundandtheymeetapartyofFrenchstudentswhoarehopingtoreachthehighslopesverysoonastheyhavetoreturnhomeinanotherweek.Theyarefullofstoriesoftheirtrekandtheladshaveachatandadrinktogetherbeforeretiringtotheirrooms.TheFrench boys have climbed up from another direction so they have relevantinformationandusefuldetailsforSimon’spartytotakeonboard. Thefourladsshareadormitorybuttheyaresoonasleep,asthefreshairhasmade themtired. Theyriseearlyandafteraquickbreakfastarebackon theirtrek. They continue for the next ten days and they have found a steady pacewhereby they can keep upwith each other and still tell their jokes and funnystoriestokeeptheirspiritsup.Theterrainisbecomingmoredifficult,thereareslipperypartsontherockysurfacesandBenisfindingitharderthantheothers. “Hurry up slow coach.” Shouts Luke. “We need to get to our campinggroundbeforeitgetsdark.” “Youtwocarryon,IwillwalkwithBen.”SaysSimon “Wecankeepyouinsightbutwewillbeabitbehindyou.” “O.K.”SaysPeteasheandLukewalkata fasterpacebut theyarestill insight.

Benisfeelingquitesickwiththealtitudethatisnowreachingtenthousand

feetanddehydrationisstartingtoaffecthim. LukeandPetearestillinsightandaresignallingthatthecampsiteisintheirview. They have found it difficultwith the conditions changing all the time,withicesheetsnowintheirpath,theyhavingtokeeptheireyesontheirfeet.

Whentheyarriveatthesitetheyquicklyassembletheirsmalltentsandheattheirrationsbyboilingwaterintheirprimusstove.Theyeatanddrinkquicklyandget themselves tuckedup in their sleepingbagswhilst theyare stillwarmfromthefoodanddrink.ThislastdaytheyhaveallfounditexhaustingbutBenisfeelingtiredandill. Simonisworriedabouthimbuthekeepsupthechatandhopesthatagoodnight’ssleepwillputhimbackontrack.TheyhaveonlytwotentsandLukeandPeteshareonewithBenandSimonsharingtheother.Theyarewarmenoughintheirtentsandeventuallytheyallsleepwell.Theyawaketoabeautifulsightofblueskiesandwhitepeaks. Theyarebeginningtoreachthehigherslopesandtheirenthusiasmisatahighlevel.

“Justlookupthere.”ShoutsPetewhoisfullydressedandreadyforoff. “Giveustimetohaveourbreakfast.”SaysBenwhoseemstofeelbetterafterhissleep.

“Itwillnotbesoeasyfromthisplaceon.”SaysLukelookingupattherockface. “Wewill have to use ropes and climbing equipment for the next hundredmetres.” Ben’s spirits rally andhe is determined to keepupwith theothers,Simondecideshewillkeepaneyeonhimbutas the icefieldsareverydangeroushehastofindhisownwaythroughthewhitecraggyboulders. They travel slowly because they are all struggling for breath and the coldweatheristakingitstoll.Theirtrekkingthehigherreacheshastoughenedtheirbodies. But they have to find a place where they can rest. There is anoverhangingrockwheretheycangetoutofthefiercewind.Benisdangerouslyweak;hisbodyfeelsasthoughhecannotwalkanotherstep.Thewholepartyis

exhaustedandtheydecidetoputupcampundertheshelteroftherock. Theypreparethemealandafterhavingahotdrink,theyfeelbetter.Benisnowreallygaspingforbreathandalthoughhedoesn’twanttoleavetheheights,SimonfeelsthatBencan’tgofurtherupthemountain.LukeandPetearereallykeen to complete the trek, so Simon persuades them to go on themselves, thenextmorning. HeandBendecidetoretreattoalowerlevelwheretheywillwaitfortheirfriendstoreturnaftertheyhavereachedthepeaks.

“We’llmeetyoutwobackinKathmandu.”DecidesSimonwhenheseesthefatigueinBen’seyes. “Inthesameplacewestayedonourarrival?”Lukeasks. “Thatwillbegreat.”RepliesSimon. The twofriendswhoare left reach the topofa lowerpeakwhere theycanseethegrandeurofthesurroundingwhitepeakswiththesunshinningonthem.Theprayerflagswavinginthedistanceandthebestviewstheyhaveeverseen.

“I’msorrySimonandBencannotseethis.”SaysPete. “BencouldnothavemanagedthelastfewhardclimbsbutSimonprobablycouldhave,heissuchagoodguytoforgohisdream.” They are satisfied by the progress they havemade and return to the campundertheoverhangingrockwheretheystayforthenight. SimonandBendescendslowly,watchingtheirfeetonthefrozenpaths.Benis quiet and rather depressed, because of the feeling of failure but also sorrybecauseSimonhashadtoforgohistrektothetop. “Ifeelsosorrytohavestoppedyoureachingthetopofourarrangedtrek.”Bensaysquietly “Don’bedaft.”Simonreplies.“I’mastiredasyouare,itisbettertohavegotsofarasnotatall.” “We’lltakeourtimesothatwehavenomishaps.”Simongoesontosay. Ben is still struggling with his breathing but he gallantly goes on hisdownwardpath.

TheyhaveaboutthreeweekstoreturntoKathmanduandtheyhavetowalkwestwardstowardstheirdestination. Althoughtheyarestill inhardterritory,theychatamiablyastheycarefullytreadtheicypaths. Simonmeans to get down from the ten thousand feet as soon as they canbecause Ben‘s difficulty with his breathing should become easier as theydescend. Ittakesthemtendaystogettotheterracedfieldswheretheycanseesmallvillages,wheretherearebuildingsthatlookasiftheremaybeahostelortwo. Benhasbecomevery tiredalthoughhisbreathing ismuch improvedandanight in a lodgecouldhelphim,wherehemayhaveagoodnight’s sleepandsomenourishing food. Their spirits rise as they see suchaplacedown in thelowerslopesandintheirenthusiasmtheyputaspurtintheirsteps. Beniswhoopingwithjoywhenhemisseshisstepandfallsoffthemountainandrollsdownaninclinewherehehitshisheadonasharpstone.Heliestherewithoutmoving.

SimonwalksdownasquicklyashecanwithoutfallingalsoandfindsBenunconscious. Ben’shead isbleedingandhe isout to theworld. Thebleedinghas tobestoppedandSimondoeswhathecantostoptheflow.Hefindshissmallfirstaidboxandwithacrepebandagehepressesstronglyonthewound.Hefeelsforapulseandfindsaweakone.

He has stopped the worst of the flow of blood so he puts on the largestplasterhehasinthebox. “Ben,wakeup.”HecriesashetriestoliftBenintoasittingposition.

Ben flops down and stays unconscious.Amoment later his eyelids flutterandheistryingtositup.

“Stay there a little.” Simon says feeling a flood of relief as Ben’s pulsebeginstofeelstrongerbuthefeelsverydizzy. “Youcan’tstandupyetoryourheadwillfillwithbloodandthatwillbringonmoredizziness.” They sit on the sideof the trekkingpathwithSimon’s armaroundBen tosteady him. They have a map of that part of the terrain and some of theinformationtheFrenchladshavegivenandtheyrememberthattheremaybealodgenotfarfromwheretheyare.Benisinnofitstatetowalk.SimonsetsthebackpacksaroundBen for support after finding somewater in theirpacks andnowthatthewarmerslopesareinthesunheleaveshiminordertofindhelptogetBendowntothelodge. “I’mgoingtogotothelodgetoseeifthereissomeonetheretohelpusgetyouoff themountain.”Simon says. “Youneed tobe inhospital becauseyoumayhaveconcussion.Staystillbutwarm,keepyouhandsinyourglovesandyourscarfaroundyourmouth.IwilltrytobeasquickasIcan.” SimonhatestoleaveBenbuthehasnoalternative.Hegoesasquicklyashecantowardsthestructurehecanseeinthedistance.Whenhefinallyhearrivesthereheseesthatitisaschool.Hecallsouttoseeifthereisanyonethere.Ayoungmanwho is obviously aNepalese answers his call and fortunately canspeakEnglish. SimonpointshishandinthedirectionofwhereBeniswaitingforsomehelpandexplainsthesituationhopingthattherewillbesomeonetheretohelpbringBenoffthemountain. “Howfararewefromadoctororahospital?”asksSimon.Isthereanyonetohelpmebringhimdowntohere?” Theyoungteachersays,”Waitamoment,Iwillget theheadmasterandhewillarrangeit.” Anolderman isbrought andby theyoung teacher translating theproblemtheheadmastercallstwomorestaffandwithaflatboardtheysometimesuseasanextradeskthewholepartystartuptheslopetowhereofBenislaying. BenhasbecomeawareofhissurroundingsbuthedoesnotrememberhowhecametobeinthispredicamentandhelooksforSimonwithoutsuccess. Hefeelsuncomfortablesohemovestheequipmentasbesthecanandthenliesflatonhisbacklookingupatthesky. Althoughhisbackisachingalongwithhisheadheseestheincredibleviewsandthesunsettingbehindadistanticypeakwiththeraysshinninglikeabeacon

overtheincrediblygreenterraces.Thereisawidestreaminthedistancewithanarrow bridge crossing it. He looks up at the sky and feels a kind ofcontentment.

Theyoungteacher,whocanspeaksomeEnglish,tellsSimonthatthereisasmallvillagehospitalaboutthreemilesdownfromtheschool,andthattheymaybeabletogettherethefollowingday,aftertheboyshavehadarestandeatensomefood. Thereare threevillagesnear to theschoolbut theyarewithoutahospital.Thevillagewherethehospitalgivesmedicalcare to theareaisat theendofaproper road that leads to Kathmandu. This information gives Simon a liftbecauseheneeds tobe therewithBenby the20thSeptember so that theycanmeettheirfriendsandhehopestoseeMarkagainbeforetheyleaveforhome.

The four youngmen, Simon and the three helpers from the school, climbsteadilysharingtheburdenofthewoodenframebetweenthem.ThereissomechattinggoingonbutSimondoesnotunderstand their language. TheEnglishspeakertriestokeephiminformedwhattheothersaresayingbutSimonistiredandheconcentratesonone foot in frontof theother. He isworriedhowBenwillhavefaredinthecoldandhewishesthattheywereinsightofhisfriend. Afteranhourofploddinguphillthroughterraceswherethevillagersworkedbygrowing theircrops, theyspottedBen laidouton thesideofapath.Simonmade an extra effort to get to him, afraid Ben may have lost consciousnessagain.ButwhenhearrivedathissideBenwassleepingwiththesunonhisfaceandlookingpeaceful.

Benawokewiththenoisethatwascomingfromthegroupwhoweretheretohelphim.SimongaveasighofreliefwhenhesawBenopenhiseyesandsmileattherescuers. “I was having fortywinks.” Ben told them. But it was the pain that hadinducedtherestlesssleepthathadfallenonBen. “Let’sgetyouonthismakeshiftstretcher.”Simonsaid.“Weneedtogetthisshowontheroad.IthastakenusonehourtoreachyouandIhopethatyouare

feelingfittobecarrieddownthemountain.” Simon finds ropes that have been used in their climb to tie Ben to thewoodenframesothathewillnotslideoff.TheotherthreearrangeakindofbedfromthesleepingbagstotrytomakeBenascomfortableaspossibleandSimonties theropesaroundhim. Simoncounts to threeand thefourof themlift thestretchertogether.Benfeelspaininhislegaswellashisheadandunderstandsthathemusthavebrokenabonesomewhereashetippledoffthemountain.Thejourneyisnoteasyandthefourofthemfeelastrainontheirkneesastheycarrytheirburdendowntheslipperyslope. Theyarriveattheschoolbeforenightfallandallfourarerelievedtofindtheheadmasterhasarrangedfor the twoEnglish trekkers tostayatanearbylodgewheretherewillbebedsforthemandawelcomemeal.SimonissogratefulfortheirhelpandhetellstheEnglishspeakingonehowhefeelsandforhimtotelltheothershowgratefultheybotharefortheirkindnessandgreathelp.

Thenextmorning their friend from the school arriveswhen theyhavehadtheirbreakfast,alongwithhisclassof twelveyearolds, toaccompanythe twoEnglishtrekkersdowntothehospitalbycarryingthestretcherandhelpingthemontheirway.Theboyshavebeautifulbrowneyesandtheychatterallthetime.Somehaveagoodfeel forEnglishso theyarecuriousaboutour livesandareaskingallsortsofquestions. “Whydoyoucometoourcountrytoclimbthemountains?”oneasks. “Becauseitisthemostbeautifulcountryintheworld.”Benreplies “Andwehavebeendreamingofcomingheresincewewereyourage.” AlloftheboyssmileandtheylooksoshybutpleasedbyBen’sanswer.

“Youaresolucky,tohaveyourschoolhereonthemountainwhereyouwillprobablyleavetobecomeguidesforthelikesofus,whocanjustspendamonthinperhapsafulllifetime.”Simontellsthem. Theboyschuckleloudlyandtalktoeachother,agreeingthattheyhopetobetrekkerguides,aswellas,workersinKatmanduinthetouristofficesthereandperhaps,working in the hotels in Pokara and such like places, now becomingpopular with Western people. The small hospital comes into view, althoughSimonandBendonotrecognizeitassuch,becauseitlookslikeasmallcottagewithinthevillage. TheteachertellstheboystotakeBeninsideasheexplainswhathashappenedtohim.

“IsitpossibletohelpBenwhohasproblemswalking,andmayhavebrokenbones?”Theteacherasksthenurse.

Thenurse,whoseemsveryefficient,takesalookatBenandexplainstoSimonthatthedoctorwillbecominglaterinthedayandwillbeabletotake

themtoKatmandu,wherethereisaproperhospital.Theteacherthenarrangesfor

themtohavearestandforBentobemadecomfortable.Hewishesthemgoodluckbeforeheandhisclassheadbackupthemountaintoresumetheirstudies.

Simonfindsawarmarea inside thecottageandasks thenurse if theycanstay

thereuntilthepossibleliftarrives.AlthoughthenursedoesnotunderstandEnglishSimontriestospeakalittleofherlanguage,andbetweenthem,the

nursemakeshotdrinkstobegiventohimselfandBenandacomfortablebedforBen.Thesunisatitshighest,aboutnoon,whenthefour-wheeldrivearrives

atthevillagehospitalandbythistimeBenisinconsiderablepain.Theyoung

ladydoctorlooksatBen’slegandconfirmsthatitisbroken.ShegivesBensomestrongpainkillersandthengentlytakesoffhiscoattolookathisarm.“It’slookingratherlikethearmmaybebrokenatthewrist.”Shesays.“I’ll take you down to Katmandu with me so that you can have proper

treatmentthere.”“Wehavex-raysandagoodbonedoctorsothatyouwillbemadebetter.Ihavepatientsheretoseetoandthenwewillbeonourway.”Shecontinues.“MynameisTazandIworkwithmyfatherwhoalsoworksinthehospitalin

thecity.”Simonisgratefultothisbeautifulyoungwoman,whohassomuchsympathy

forBenwhoisreallynowquitedrowsyfromthedrugssheadministered.Taz hurries away to attend to four or five patients in another room in the

cottage.Theywaitforhertohavefinishedherrounds.Thenursearriveswithanotherdrinkfortheladsandalsosomesoupmadefromthevegetablestheygrow on the terraces outside the hospital. Simon helpsBenwith the soup

beforeheeatshisownandthehotdrinksrevivethem.

“Comeonyoutwo.”Tazsaysasshedrinksacupoftea.“Let’sgetthisyoungmaninthevehicle.IhaveastretcherandIthinkwecanmakehimcomfortableintheback.”

ThenursehelpsusandthethreeofuscarryBenonthestretcherandsecurethestretcherinthemotorvehicle.

“O.Klet’sgetonourway,”saysTaz.“I’llseeyouonFriday,”shecallstothenurseasshewavesgoodbye.

Chapter26

“Give me your names, we have a few hours to travel and as we will betalking,IhopeI’llgettoknowyoualittle.”

“BenisinthebackandmynameisSimon.”“We have been trekking. Four of us started out and wemet my relative

MarkinKatmandu.HeisonaprojecteastofKatmanduandmetusandtookustothebeginningofourtrek.Wehavehadawonderfultimeuntilwewalkedonthe high mountains, when Ben began to have altitude sickness and we camedown to the lower slopes.Wewere just celebrating seeinga lodge,whenBenhadhisaccident.Hefellovertheedgeandcouldnotwalk.ItriedtomakehimcomfortableandthenIlefthimtogethelp.TheschoolcameintomysightandIgothelpfromtheheadmaster,whofoundustwobedsinalodge,wherewesleptuntilmorningandthenateacherwithhisclasshelpedtocarryBendowntothelittlehospitalwhereyoufoundus.”Simontellsher.

Tazsmilesathimandshe sees something familiarabouthis smileand thelengthofhiseyelashes.

“Haveyoubeenherebefore?”sheasks.“Doyouliketomountaineer,hereintheHimalayas?”

“YesIlovethisareabutIhavenotbeenherebefore.”Taz continues to chat to Simon whilst keeping her eye on Ben who is

keepingawakeandcontributingalittletotheconversation.“Areyoufeelingalright,”asksTazasshelooksatBenthroughhermirror.“Fine, I’m just listening to your conversation and trying to keep awake.”

RepliesBen.“Just letyourself sleep ifyouwishbecause it is a longdrive toKatmandu

andIhavegivenyouarelaxingdrugsoyouwillprobablysleepsoon.”Taztells

him.Simonshiftsroundtosee ifBeniscomfortableandgiveshimareassuring

smileandapatonhishipasBensquirmsonhisstretchertofindabetterposition.AsSimon turns round to lookforward inhisseat,he takesabetter lookat

Tazandfindshertobeabeautifulyoungwomanofaboutthirtyyearsold,whodoesthisamazingjobworkinghereinSimon’sfavouriteplaceonearth.

“Youareso lucky tobedoing thisgreat job in this spectacularareaof theworld.”

SaysSimondreamily.“IamgoingtoUniversitywhenIgethomeandI’mgoing to studymedicine. Iwas brought up inPokharawheremy fatherwas aG.P. andmybrotherwas also a doctor inKatmanduuntil hewas killed in anaircraftaccidentonhiswayhomeforaholiday.”

Simon has a feeling of sorrow as Taz looks at him and smiles her lovelysmile.

“Ohsoyoucomefromafamilyofdoctors.” “Mymother isa teacherandmy father is a lecturer so I suppose that I come from a family of teachers.”Simonreplies.

“WheredoyoucomefromSimon?”“LancashireintheNorthofEngland.”Simonsays.“MymotherteachesinBoltonandmydadlecturesatManchesterUniversity

andIhaveasisterwhoisstillatschool.”“It is a long grind to become a doctor but if that is your wish I will not

discourageyou.Itisthebestjobintheworldifthatisyourvocation.”Tazsays.“Justwhatdoesyourjobentail?”Simonasks.“It is so versatile. Every day I do something different, I am sometimes

workinginthehospitalinKatmandu,thenIdomyroundsinthreesmallplacesliketheoneIpickedyouupfrom,IalsorunafemaleclinicforbirthcontrolinKatmandu.

ThelifeexpectancyofthepopulationofNepalisquitelowtowardswhatweknowabouttheWest.Thepeopleherehavetoworkinhardconditionsbecauseofthemountainterritoryandthealtitude.Iknowthatyouthinkitmustbegreattolivehere,anditisforme,whohasamiddleclasslifestyle,wherethingsarenotashardasthoseofthemountainpeople,whoworktheirterracesandhavetocarrytheirgoodsbywalkingeverywhere.”Tazexplainssimply.

Simonlooksthoughtfulandthensays,“Howdothepeopleofthemountainvillageslive,howdotheymakealiving?”

“Thingsarebetterthantheyusedtobe,myoldersisterisateacherinoneofthemountainschoolsandshewouldnot like to teachanywhereelse. A lotof

her students have become guides for themany people, like you, who love tocomeandspendtheirsummershere.Duetothequantityofthetrekkers,moneyhasbeen found frommany sponsors for the lodges to be established.There isemploymentthereformanyofthevillagers.Becauseofthistouristtrade,waterhasbeenpipedtomanyofthevillagesandthishasmadethelivesofthepeoplesomuchbetter.Theirhealthhasimprovedandthequalityoftheirlivesisbetter.The number of children has become less because of the birth-control clinicsopenedinthisarea.Nursesfromthehospitalhavebeentrained,toseetothedaytoday,healthofthevillagersandbirthcontrolclinicsareavailableforwomenwhowishtocontroltheirfamilysize.”

“SowefromtheWesthavecontributedtotheincreaseinthelivingstandardsofthepeople,andthelovewehaveforthemountainsisapositivething,doyounotthink?”Simonaskswithatwinkleinhiseye.

“Ofcourseithas.TherearemanyWesternpeoplecontributedtothehelpwegetatthehospitals,aswellas,thevillages.YoutellmethatyourrelativeisatpresentworkinghereinNepal.Whatistheworkheisdoing?”

“He is building a bridgeover a tributary in the east ofKatmandu.”Simonreplies.

“Seethatwillbeagreathelpforourcountry,thevillagersinthatareahaveaharderlifebecauseofthelackofroadsandthewidthoftheriver.”TazalmosthugsSimonbecauseshefeelswarmthtowardshimthatshedoesn’tunderstandbutshefeelsthatthisboyissuchaspecialpersonassheanswers.

Benscreamsasthecarswervesonthetwistingroadtoavoidasmallanimalthatcrossesitspath.

“I’msosorryBen,areyoualright?”Tazasksgently.“Ineedtohaveadrink.”AnswersBentryingnottomakeafussbutfeeling

inagonywithhislegandnowhisheadishurting.Hethinksiftheystopforawhiletheactivitywilltakehismindoffhistremendouspain.

Tazlooksatthetimeandsaysthatthereisaroadsidecomfortstopabouttenminutesdowntheroad.ShehopesthatBencanwaituntiltheyreachthecafé.

ThepeopleinthecargoveryquietandTazistryingtobeasteadydriversothatBenwon’tfeelanymorepainthanisnecessary.

Theyarriveat thecafé that is situatedby the roadside,overlookingawidefast-flowingriver.

Taz jumpsdownfromthemotorandSimonfollowsher. Theygo to thebackandhelpBenwhoisdoinghisbesttofindhisonegoodfoottostandon.TazandSimonhelphimtostandandthenSimontakeshisweightashehelpshimtothetoiletandthengetshiminaseatontheoutsideofthecafésothathecangetalookatthesurroundings,aswellas,feelthewarmaironhisface.

TheybuybottledwaterandSimonunscrewstheoneforBenwhotakesitinhisgoodhandanddrinksthirstily.

“Ohthatfeelsbetter.”Bensmilesashefeelsrelief.TazandSimondrinktheirwaterwithrelishastheywatchtheriverrollingon

itsway.“WhenwillwebeinKatmandu?”Benasks.“About threehours”Tazreplies.“I reckonweareabouthalfway thereand

weshouldbetherebeforethedarknessfalls.”

Chapter27

The light is justabout fadingwhenwereach theoutskirtsof thecity. Thesunset iscastinganorangemist into thebowl inwhichKatmandu is situated.Thepeoplearesurroundedinthisspectrumofbrilliantcolouredfog.Theoneson bikes seem to be followed by this yellow slip-stream. The atmosphere isvibrant,withthepeopleintheircolourfulclothes,theanimals,thesacredcowsslowlychewingtheircud,andthemonkeysjumpingupanddownonthetemplesteps.

Tazmakesherwayto thehospitalwhereshe takes themto theEmergencyDepartment.BenistakenonanotherstretcherbelongingtothehospitalandTaztakesmetotheInpatientdesktogiveinformationonBen’saccident.IfillinaformasbestIcanandthenIgotoBentoreassurehimthatIamaboutandthatIshallwaitforhim.

TazcomesalongfromwithintheEmergencyDepartmentandtakesmetoaroomtowaitforBentobeexaminedandhavehisbonesset.

“I’m afraid hewon’t be able to leave hospital tonight Simon.” Taz says,“because hewill need an anesthetic but you should be able to take him awaytomorrow.”

“Don’tworrywe’llseethathehasagoodnight’ssleepandyoucanstayinthevisitor’sroomforthenight.”

“May I seehimwhenhecomesoutof theoperating theatre? Heneeds toknowthatI’mabout.”

“Ofcourse. I’llaskmyfather tocomeandhaveawordwithyouwhenhehasseentoBen.”Tazreplies.

“Oh your father is the consultant here, thatmust be great for you both toworksocloselytogether.”

“It isbecause thisbeinga remoteareawedoctorshave tobeversatileandmy father has studied many aspects of medicine. He was a G.P. for manyyears.”

“I think that Iwould like to be aG.P.when I have finishedmy training.”SimontellsTaz.

“Good.”Shereplies.I’llbetyouwillmakeaverygoodone,IhaveseenhowyouhavetakencareofBenandI’msureyouwill takethatcaringattitudeintoyourchosenprofession.”Tazreplies.

TaztakesSimontothestaffcanteenandalthoughheisnotreallyhungryshepersuadeshimtohaveasandwichandahotdrink.

“TellmeaboutyourlifeinEngland.”Tazsays.”IhaveonlybeentoLondononce,whenIwasayounggirl,andIlovedthecity.Themanyparksandallthetheatres, the embankment of the river and the bridges, especially TowerBridge.”

“I love London too, but I come from the north, where the scenery isdifferent.Wehavehills,quitehighonesintheLakeDistrictandbiggeronesinScotland. That is the reasonwhy I findNepal somagnificent. I havebeenaclimber,aswellasmyparents,sinceIwasaboutfouryearsold,whenmyfatherusedtocarrymeonhisback,uptheslopesoftheLakeDistrict. ThenwhenIwas at secondary schoolmy friends and I used to go climbing eachweekend,sometimeswiththeschoolbutaswebecameolder,wewereabletotakeatentandcampthereinthesummer.Beforewecoulddrive,ourparentsusedtotaketurns to take us to theYorkshire Dales or the LakeDistrict on a Friday, andbring us back on a Sunday. Ben is like a brother tome as are the other twofriends we had to leave up on the mountain. We are to meet in Katmandubeforethetwentiethsothatwewillbeabletocatchourplanehome.”

“Wellitisonlythe12thtodaysoyouhaveplentyoftimetogetBenfitandusedtocrutches.”Tazsays.

“Eightdaysforhimtorestupandgethisstrengthback.LukeandPetewillbehereonthe18thandMarkwilltrytoseeusbeforeweleave.Thatgivesussixdayswhenwewillhavetofindaccommodation.Doyouhaveanyaddresseswherewecanarrangeforustostay,ayouthhostelorsomething?”

TazthinkshardandthentellsBenthatthereisasummerfestivalstartingonthe14thandaccommodationwillbescarcebutshewillthinkofsomething.

“Get some sleep now Simon.” She tells him as she brings a pillow andblanketssothathecanmakeabedontwochairs.

“WewillletyouknowwhenBenhascomeroundfromhisanesthetic.”Tazsaysassheleaveshimtosleep.

TazgoestotheoperatingtheatretoseehowBenisdoingandasksherfatherifheneedsanyhelp.

“Nothanks,Iamallfinishedhere,hewillsleepwellandberefreshedinhemorning.”DrMenontellsher.“We’llgethimontothewardandleavehim.”

“WillyouhaveawordwithSimon,hisfriend.Heisintheday-room,Isaidhecouldstay thereuntilyouhaveawordwithhim,and thathecanstay thereuntilthemorning.”Tazsays.

“Sure,I’llgonowwhilstyouarrangeBen’sbedontheward,thenmeetmeandwewillgohometogether.”DrMenonreplies.

InthedayroomSimonisnotasleep.HeisworryingaboutBenandhopingthat they will be able to find accommodation in Katmandu until the 20thSeptemberwhentheirotherfriendswillarrivethere.

DrMenonappearsinthedoorwayandlooksaghastashelooksatSimon.“Oh!”Hecriesout.“Whoareyou?”“MynameisSimonandIamwaitingformyfriend,Ben,whoishereinthe

hospital. Iamwaitingforthedoctorwhohasbeenattendingtohimtotellmehowheis.”

DrMenon,whofeltagreatshockashelookedatSimon,nowtriestoquiethisheartthatisracingrapidly,ashesitsoppositetoSimon.

“Ben isgoing tobe fine.” Thedoctor tellshim. “Andyoumaystayhereuntilthemorningwhenhewillbe,hopefully,readytoleavethehospital.”

“OhthankssomuchforallyouhavedoneforBen,andthanksforlettingmestayhere tosleepuntilmorning.Ican’t thankyouenoughforyoursandTaz’skindnesstobothBenandmyself.”SimonrepliesfullofgratitudeforthehelphehasreceivedtogetBenontheroadtorecovery.Thedoctorleaveshimwithathoughtfullookonhisfaceandaworryinhiseyes.

“Ican’tbelievewhatIhavejustseenwhenIlookattheboySimon.HeisjusttheimageofTajwhenhewaseighteen.Howcanthisbe?”HesaystoTazinthecaronthewayhome.

“YouknowdadI thoughtIsawsomethinginSimon,whenwewere in thecaronourwayhere,butitisalmostnineteenyearssinceTajwaslosttousandIwas only a teenager myself. I don’t really remember Taj at eighteen.” Tazreplieswithathoughtfullookonherface.

DrMenonhasarestlessnightandhiswifewakesfeelingthatshehasnothadagoodnight’ssleepherself.

“Darling,areyouworriedaboutsomething.”Sheasksherhusband.“No,I’mfine.”Heanswers.Whenheshowersanddressesheisthinkingabouthisson,heremembersthe

wayhelookedwhenhelefttogotouniversity,andtheresemblanceoftheboy

hesawlastnightatthehospital.Hewondershowthatcanbe,thenhehasafaintrecollectionoftheEnglishgirl,whowasafriendofSahidaandtaughtwithherin Pokhara, and the closeness of her to Taj. Is it possible he thinks, but hedoesn’twanttogethishopesup?HewantshiswifetobekeptinthedarkuntilhehasspokentoTazandtotheboy,whosleepingatthehospital.

Chapter28

HereassureshiswifethatheisfineasTazandhegetintothecartodriveofftowork.

Taz seems preoccupied as they make their way from the outskirts ofKatmandutothehospital.

“Isanythingthematter?"Herdadasksher.“WellIhavepromisedtosee if there isanywhereBenandSimoncanstay

until the festival is over. They need accommodation until the 20thwhen theywillbegoinghomewiththeirotherfriends. IhavetriedallthehostelsaroundbuttheyareallfullbecauseoftheFestivalofKrishna.Iwonderedifwecouldputthemupforafewdays.Doyouthinkmotherwouldmind?”

“Idon’tthinkso.Andifmytheoryisright,shewillbethrilledtohavehergrandsonstayingwithus. Ihave remembered theEnglishgirl thatTajwas inlovewithandwhowasquicklytakenhomebyherparentsafterthefuneral.Shewassodevastatedby the lossofTaj. Doyou think it ispossible?”DrMenonaskshopefully.

“Ohgoodness,isthatwhatyouhavebeenthinkingsincelastnightdad?”Tazasks.“Yes,butwewillhavetocarefulwiththeboy.Itisobviousthatheknows

nothingaboutus;hismothermustnothavetoldhimabouthisfather.Wewillplayitbyear. IhopethatIamrightbut thatyourmotherdoesnotgetupset.Sahidawillbehomeforthefestivalandshemaybeabletotellusmoreabouttherelationshipofthetwoofthem.ShewasveryclosetoTaj,andalsoshewasaclose friend of the teacher from England, she worked with at her mountainschool.”

Tazsaystoherfather.”ItmaybejustacoincidencethatyouthinkSimonissolikeTaj,sodon’tgetyouhopesupsohigh.”

“IwilltalktohimwhenIgetintoworkandseeifIcangettheanswersI’mlooking for. I’ll ask himwhere he comes from.What is hismother’s name?Whatishisfamilybackground?Iwon’tfrightenhimandheandhisfriend,willbeabletostaywithusforafewdays,whoevertheyare.Youknowyourmotherlovestohaveyoungpeoplearound.”

Simon wakes up to see the sun shining through the window, whilst Benwakesuptoabadheadandafeelingofsicknessandnausea.

Simonrememberswhereheis.Hehasn’tfeltthiscomfortableforages,andthenheisoutofhischairandonhiswaytofindBen.

BenlooksasadsightandSimonisworriedabouthim.“I’venoneedtoaskhowyoufeelbecauseIcanseeyoufeelrotten.I’llget

thenurse.”HesaysasherushesoutofthewardtofindDrMenoncomingupthecorridor.

“PleaseseeBen,helooksreallysickthismorningandI’mworriedabouthisconcussion.”Simoncries,ashefeelsdreadfulforBen.

“I’llbewithBeninaminute.”DrMenonsaysashegoestohislockertogetouthiswhitesandhisstethoscope.AnurseisalreadyinthewardandshehassatBenupandmadehimcomfortablewithpillows.

DrMenontestshispulseandlooksathisvariousbandagesincludingthosearoundhishead.

“You’lllive.”Hesmilesasheloosenstheheadbandagetomakeitfitandtoeaseanypain.

“Isthatbetter?”“Yes,Ifeelsomuchbetter thanwhenIfirstawoke.WhencanIgetoutof

here?”“Waitabit.Youneedtohaveyourmedicationandthenabreakfastbefore

wecanthinkaboutthat.”Thedoctorsays.“IneedtospeaktoSimontoarrangeaccommodation for the twoof you.Youwill not be fit to stay in some roughhostel.”

TaztakesSimontothecanteenagainandoffershimsomebreakfast.Heisgladtohavebreakfastbecauseheisnowfamishedandhismindismoreatrest,asBenseemssomuchbetter.

“Ihavenotbeenable tofindaccommodation inadecenthostel,andfatherfeelsthatBenneedstorest,soyoubothwillbeverywelcometostaywithus,over the festival period and until it is time for you to return home.”Taz tellsSimon.

“Butwecan’tputyourfamilyoutlikethatandI’msurethattheFestivalwill

beafamilytime.”Simonanswerswithashysmile.“Itwillbefine;lookdadishere,sowewillaskhimifhethinksmotherwill

object.”DrMenonsitsatthetablewithhiscoffeeandsmilesasSimoneatshungrily.“I’vejustaskedSimoniftheybothwillstaywithusuntiltheyhavetoreturn

homeonthe20th.Doyouandmotherobjecttothat?”“Of course not, Ben needs some time to convalesce, and I am sure your

motherwillbegladofthecompanyofthesetwosmartboys.”Simonthanksthembothprofusely,forhecannotbelievehisluck,attheoffer

oftheirhomeasarefugeforthetwoofthem.HewantstogototellBenoftheirgoodfortune.HefinisheshisbreakfastandtellsthemhemustgotoBentotellhimoftheirarrangements.BenissatupinbedeatinghisbreakfastwhenSimonappears,atarun,withhisgoodnews.HetellsBenhecan’tbelieveintheirgoodluckandBenisjusttoorelievedtoknow,hewillbeingoodhandsandhavethetimetogethimselfmorefit,forhislongjourneyhome.ThetwoofthemusethetimetogetBenupandusinghiscrutches,theywanderaroundthegroundsofthehospitaluntilBenistired,theythensitinthesunandrestuntillunchtime.

DrMenon andTazmeet them, as theyhave calledMrs.Menon andmadearrangements for theboys tobe takenhomeat lunchtime, so that theywill beable to settle in and have the comfort of a proper home, after their weeks oftrekkingandhardship.

TheMenons liveon theoutskirtsofKatmandu ina largehouse in itsowngrounds. Therearetreesandshrubssurroundingthelargepleasantgarden,thefrontdooropensandamiddle-agedladyappearsonthedoorstep.Taz,whohasdriventhemtothehouse,introducesherashermother.

ShehelpsBenupthefrontsteptothehouseandthesheturnsherattentiontoSimon.Herastonishmentshowsonherlovelyfaceassheaskshisname.

“MynameisSimonThomas.”SimonreplieswithalookofbewildermentattheexpressiononMrs.Menon’sface.Issomethingthematter?”

“Noofcoursenot,youjustremindmeofsomeone.”TazexplainstohermotherthepredicamentofBen’sbrokenbones,andthe

boysnotbeingable tofindaccommodationbecauseof theFestival. Shegiveshermother a knowing look and a signal to keep quiet. She doesn’twant theboystofeeluncomfortableandsheishopingthatSahidamaybeabletothrowlightonthesituation,whenshearrivesshortly.

Teaisbroughtandtheboysaremadetofeelwelcome,astheyallsitinthegardenandchataboutthetrekkingandthefestival.

The slight breeze disturbs the flowers and the trees, giving off a lovelyperfume, and the boys relax and enjoy the peace of the garden. Mrs.Menon

leaves themtoarrange theirbedroomswhilstTazgoes into thehouse tobeginthepreparationofamealforwhenthedoctorgetshome.Hersisterisonherwayfromtheschoolwheresheteaches,tobewithherfamilyforthefestival

Ben is feeling tiredandhismedication for thepain iswearingoff. Simongoesintothehouse,hopingtofindTaz,togethelpforBen’spain.Hecan’tjustfindherbutashegoesthroughthehallheseesaportraitofsomeonewholookslikeshimself.Heisshockedwhenhelooksatit,butshrugsthefeelingoffashecalls toTaz. She comesdownstairs quickly and sees toBen,who is flaggingwiththepain.

Acarpullsupandyoungwomanbouncesup thesteps,without seeing theboysinthegarden,assheissoanxioustoseehermotherandsister.

“Mum,Taz.”Shecallsasshehurriesintothehall.“Ohthereyouare,lovelytohaveyouhomeforafewdays.”CallsoutMrs.

Menon as she rushes downstairs to meet her daughter. Taz appears and theyshareahug,thethreeofthem.

“Where’sdad?”Sahidaasks.“Heshouldbeonhiswaynow.”Taztellshersister.“Comeoutandmeetourguests.”Tazsays.“Theyhavebeentrekkingforthe

lasttwoandhalfmonths,butBenhashadanaccidentuponthemountainandIbrought themdown to thehospital, here inKatmandu. They are fromBritainandtheyaretwolovelylads.Theyhaveticketstoreturnhomeonthe20thbuttheycannotfindahostelthatisnotbookedupfortheFestival.”Sahidaandhersister,alongwiththeirmother,gointothegarden.

Chapter29

DrMenon is worrying about the situation at home and he hopes that hisfamilywillnotbe tooupsetwhentheymeetSimon. Hehopes thatwhentheyquestion Simon, therewill be an explanation for the looks he has. His heartsingswithhopethatheisthegrandsonhehaslongedfor,andthatapartofhislostsonwillbeamongstthem.HethinksthattheremaybeapossibilitythattheEnglishgirlTajlovedmayhavegonehomepregnant.Itisapossibilitythathehopesistrue.Hehasneverreallygotoverthelossofhisson,neitherhavetheother members of the family, but he is afraid to get his hopes up too highbecause,hetellshimself,itcouldbeacoincidenceandhemaybedisappointed.

He arrives home to find there is a party going on in the garden. Ben hasrevived after some pain killers, and is gently smiling at all there present andtellinghissideofthestory.

SimonisteasingalittleaboutthetimetheysawthelodgeinthedistanceandBenwassoexcitedhefelloffthemountain.

Thedoctorhasapreciouslookonhisfaceashelooksatthetwoboys.Benhasmendedsoquickly,hisattitudetohisinjuriessopositiveandwhenhelooksatSimonhisheartlifts.

“Sahida,you‘vegothereingoodtime. Didyouhaveagoodjourney?”DrMenon asks his eldest daughter as he gives her a hug. It’s lovely to see youdarling.”

Sahidatellsthemofherjourneyfromthemountainschoolwheresheisnowtheheadmistress.TheroadshadbeenbusybecauseoftheFestivalandshewaslatesettingoutasshehadbeenarranging,alongwithherstaff,theFestivalinthevillagesfromwhereherpupilscame.

“ThejourneywasbetterthanIimagined,therewasasteadyflowoftraffic,andIdidn’tstopontheroadasIhadhadagoodbreakfastbeforeIsetoff.”She

replies.Taz turns to introduce theboys toher sisterandSahida’seyebrows riseas

shegetsabetterlookatSimon.“OhmyGod.”ShecriesasshetakesSimon’shand.”Youlookjustlikemy

brother.”“HowcanI?Iamsoconfused,Ihaveseenaportraitinthehallthatcould

be me when I’m dressed up, and the looks I have been getting from all thefamilymakesmewonderwhat’shappeningtome.”

DrMenonstepsintosay“Comeonlet’sputourcardsonthetableandsaywhatwearethinking.SahidawhatdoyouthinkofSimon?”

“IthinkthathecanbeTaj’ssonwithSarah,wholeftverysoonafterTaj’sdeath. I know that Sarah loved my brother very much and that she wasdevastatedaftertheplanecrash.What’syourmother’snameSimon?”

Simon is so confused he doesn’t reply for a moment and then says. “Mymother’sname isSarahandmy father’sname isDavid. Ihavea sistercalledAnneandmycousinMarkishereinNepaldoingsomecivilengineeringwork.

“Ohmygod.”Sahidacries.“IknowMark,hecametoseeSarahwhensheworkedwithme,andwehadapartyforhimandhisfriends. All thevillagerswereinvitedtocometotheparty,andSarahandIpreparedthefood.Tajcametomeethim.

MarkistryingtocometomeetusinKatmanduonthe19thtoseeusoffonthe20th.”Simontellsthem.

BenputshishandonSimon’sshoulderandhugshimtohim.Heknowshisfriend is confused,but feels it is awonderful thing forhim tohave found thisotherfamily.

“Are you O.K.?” He asks Simon shaking his hand and saying.“Congratulationsonfindingtheselovelycaringpeople.”

DrMenontakesSimonto thebottomof thegardenandgently tellshimofhissonandnowitseems,Simon’sfather.

“TajwasadoctorinthehospitalwhereTazandIwork.Hewasonlythirty-twowhenhewaskilledinanairplanecrashinPokhara.Hewasagoodmanandagoodson,butIdidnotknowhowclosehewastoyourmother.ShecametostaywithuswhenwelivedinPokharawhereIwasG.P.,alovelygirlwhowasaclosefriendofSahida’s.IthinkSahidawillbeabletotellyoumoreaboutthetimetheytaughttogether,inthevillageschool.Tajhadalovelynatureandallthefamilyhavemissedhimdreadfullysincetheaccident.I’msohappytohavefoundyouandthefamilywilladoreyoubecauseTajwasadoredbyallofus.”

Simonlooksathisgrandfatherandsmileshislovelysmilebutfeelsstrange

andconfused.Hewants tobeonhisowntodigestwhathehasbeentold. HeremembersDavidandthelovehehasforhisdad.Heaskshimselfallsortsofquestions. Whyhas noone at home toldhim? Who is henowhehas foundanother family, halfway across theworld? Is it because of his genes that hewantstobeadoctor?Whydidhismothernottellhimabouthisfather?Isthiswhyhehasalwaysfeltabitofanoutsideratschool?HeislongingtoseeMarkwhoseemstohaveknownaboutallthisfromwhenhewaseighteenandtrekkingin Nepal. He keeps these questions to himself and tries to be pleasant andfriendlybuthecan’twaittobebyhimselfandponderonwhathehasbeentoldbythisnewfamilyofstrangers.

SahidacomestowardsthemandsheputsherarmaroundSimon’sshoulderandDrMenonleavesthemtotalk.

“Iwasagreatfriendofyourmother.”ShetellsSimon.“SheleftsoquicklyafterTajhaddied.ShecametotheRiverforhisfuneralbutbecamesoillshehad to be taken away from the river,where Taj’s asheswere being scattered.Your grandparents came to take her back toEngland, shortly after that, and Ihavenotheardfromherorabouthersince.TajandSarahweresoinloveandI’m sure theywould have been together today, if he had lived andwewouldhavehadyouinourlivesfromyourbirth.SarahlovedherlifeattheschoolandinPokharaandshecameatmyinvitationtomeetmyfamily.ThatiswhenshemetTajatourhousebythelakeandtheyhititoffimmediately.Tajadoredherandshefeltthesame.ItwassuchatragedyforallofuswhenTajdiedandI’mafraidwewereallboundupinourowngrieftoseehowbadshefelt.I’msureshedidnotknowshewaspregnantwhenshe leftor shewouldhave toldme.TellmeaboutherandyourlifeinEngland.”

“Whydidshenottellme?”Simoncries.“Ilovemymotherandmydadandallmyfamilyathome,butsomeoneshouldhavetoldme.”

“Whyhasn’tMarksaidanything,especiallywhenheknewmyfriendsandIwere coming here to the mountains, and he was here to meet us when wearrived?”

“Itisn’thisplacetotellyourmother’ssecretandhewasaveryyoungmanwhenhewasherewithus,justaboutthesameageasyouarenow.”Sahidasayswithasadlookonherface.TothinkthatTaj’ssonhaslivedforeighteenyearswithout themhavingany ideaofhisbirth. A feelingofbitternesscomesoverSahidatothinkthatSarahhaskeptherfamilyinthedarkforeighteenyearsandnottohavesharedthechildthatbelongedtoTaj,aswellas,Sarahherself.SheshrugsthisfeelingawayasSimonmustbefeelingalotmoreconfusedthansheis.

“Comeon love.” She tellsSimonwith a loving lookonher face. “We’ll

findtheothersandtheycanalltellyouwhattheyrememberofyourmotherandTaj.

I’msogladthatyouhaveafatherfigureinyourlifetowhichyoucangivelove and respect andwhat has happened herewill notmake any difference toyourrelationshipwithhim.Howhehasnurturedyouandhowhehasmadeyourfamilywholecanonlybebecauseheisagoodman.”

Simonnodsastheywanderbackupthegarden,tofindtherestofthefamily.MeanwhileMrs.Menonsitsquietlyinthekitchenwithherthoughtsfaraway

intothepast.SheknewTajwasverytakenwiththeEnglishgirl,Sarah,butshewas sure thatwhenSarahwent home thatTajwould settle downandmarry alocal girl andhave a life inKatmanduwithin the extended family. When theairplanecrashedandshelosthersonallshecouldfeelatthetimewasagriefsostrongnooneshouldhavetosufferit. SheremembersthegriefSarahshowedwasasstrongasherown,butsheignoredit,andletthegirlbetakenbySarah’sparents, home toEngland. She should have known thatTaj’s love forSarahwasverystrongandhavedonemoreforthegirl.“WhathadSarahtodo?”Sheasks herself when she found herself to be pregnant with the man she soobviouslyadored.Shehaddonetheonlythingshewoulddo,andhadthebaby.ImusttalktoSimontotellhim,howwearepartlytoblameforhisnothavingbeenpartofourfamily,fromthestart.

Tazhasshowntheboystheirrooms.ShehastakenBentooneonthegroundfloorthathasanensuitebathroomsothathecanbeindependent.HeknowsthatSimonwillhelphiminthebathwhenheisreadybutfornowhejustneedstolieonthebedandrest.Tazrenewshispain-killersandBensoonsleepspeacefully.

Simonisnowonhisownandhecurlsuponhisbedandfeelslikeweeping.TearsstarttorundownhisfaceashethinksaboutallthathashappenedtohimsincetheaccidenttoBenonthemountain.

“He thinks of the kindness of theMenons, Taz who brought them to thehospital.

Shemusthavebeenateenagerwhenhismotherwasherebutshecanseetheresemblanceofherbrotherinhimandhemustadmitthattheportraitinthehalllooks a lot like him. DrMenon is so thrilled to have Simon staying, and hemakesnoreservations,ofhimbeinghisgrandson.HetreatshimwithakindnessthatislikethatofJoeandCharlie,hisgrandfathersathome.

Sahidashowshimaglimpseofhismother thathehasnever thoughtaboutand hewonders if the love for hisHindu father takes something fromDavid,whoheissuresheloves.Thelifeoftheparents,withAnneandme,hasalways

felt right and has been, and is still, a very close unit. He sometimes has amemoryof firstmeetingwithDavid,whenhewasavery smallboy, claiminghim forhisdadbuthehasput the thought away fromhimbecauseDavidhasalwaysbeenthereforhim.

Mrs.Menon,whohasbeenverybusyfindingthemrooms,makingupbedsandgivingthemtea,hasnotyetdrawnclosetoSimon,butfromtheglancesshehasbeengivinghim,heknows thathe ishergrandsonandsheacceptshimassuch.

I need to seeMark he thinks in his troubledmind. Markwill helpme toacceptwhatishappeningtome,butMarkisnothereyet.I’llgotoBenwhenheawakens and talkmy feelingsoverwithhim. I’mglad it’sBenwithmeherebecauseheisthemostsensitiveofmyfriends.

Simonpullshimselftogether,getsupoffthebedandgoesintothebathroomtohaveashower.WhenheisdressedhegoestoseehowBenisdoing.Benisawakeandfeelingrefreshedafterhisfitfulsleep.

“CanIhelpyoutohaveashowerifyouarefeelinguptoit?”Simonasks.“Sure,butareyoufeelingO.K?”Benreplies.“Whydon’twehaveatalk,I

knowhowyoumustbefeelingconfusedandhappyeh?”SimongoesandhugsBenandsitsonthebed.“Idon’tunderstandhowthishascomeabout. Whyhasn’tmymother told

mewhomy fatherwas, and that I have thisotherHindu family livinghere inKatmandu?”

“Shemusthavehadherreasonsandyouare themostcaringfamilyIhaveevermet.IwishmanytimesthatIwastheonelivinginyourshoes,Simon;youhaveno ideawhat it is like living inmine. My father has a drinkproblem, Ithinkhe is an alcoholic, but it doesn’tmake it right howhe treatsmymotherwhenheisdrunk.

IhaveneverbeenabletohavefriendsinmyhousebecauseofthisandIamalways welcome in yours. Your dad is such a wonderful friend. He hasencouragedmetoworkatschool,andIwouldnothavegotsofar,andbeabletogotouniversity,ifhehadnotallowedmetoworkonmystudiesatyourhouse.

Iknowyouthinkthatwewerejustdoinghomeworkatyourhousebecauseyouhave a better computer and it is quieter than atmine, but the fact is, it isbedlamatourhousesometimes. Mymothergetsangryatmydadandthenhebeginstothrowthingsandshehastolockherselfinthebathroom.”

Simon is shocked at what Ben is saying. In all the time they have beenfriendsBenhasneveropenedhisheart tohim,andhe isabit ashamedofnotbeingthereforBen.

BengivesSimononeofhis rare smiles and says. “Comeon then let’s get

thatshowerandthenwecanjointheothers,I’mstarving.”

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Theboyswalkintothediningroomwheretherestof thefamilyiswaitingforthem

“Areyoureadyforamealnow?”“Comeonuptothetable,I’msureyouareveryhungry,afteryouradventure

andthentheshockoffindinganotherfamily,inthisfaroffplace.”DrMenonsaysinajokingsortofway.

SimonhelpsBentositinachairandmoveshiscrutchesoutofhisway“We are very grateful for your taking care of us, and I am confused but

happytohavefoundamissingpartofmylife.”Simonreplies.Theyallsitdownandfarfromfeelingstrangethereisacomfortablefeeling

spreadingaroundthepeopleatthetable.BenfeelsittooandheisthankfulthatheisnotsuchaburdentojustSimonandheknowsheisverywelcomehereaswellasSimon.

They all enjoy the delicious foodmade byMrs.Menon and her daughtersandtheconversationiseasy,astheytalkaboutthefestival,themeetingoftheirtwootherfriends,aswellas,Markinthedaystocome.

Afterthemealtheboysarereallytiredandgohappilytobedsuretohaveagoodnight’ssleep.Tobeinaproperbedwithcleancoolsheetsisaluxurytheyhadnotexpectedandtheyaresoonasleep.

Meanwhile,downstairstheMenonsaretalkingaboutthisrevelationthattheyhaveanothermemberofthefamily.

“IsawthelikenessimmediatelyIsetmyeyesonSimon.”DrMenonsays.“IfeltsomethingonthejourneyfromthemountainhospitalbutIwasvery

youngwhenTajwaseighteen.”Taztellsthefamily.“OhthemomentIsawSimonIfeltsomethingverystrange,aconnectionto

theboy.”Sahidasharesherfeelingwiththeothers.

“Whatdowedonow?”Mrs.Menonasks“Wecan’tlosehimnowwehavefoundhim. He ispartofTaj,and I feel like Ihavegotpartofmy lovelysonback.”

“Lets enjoy his company and Ben’s whilst we have them here and whenMark comes toKatmandu,wewill invite him to come andmeet the family.”Sahidasays.

“IwillgowithSimontomeetMarkas itwillbedifficultforBento traveltoofaronhiscrutches.WecancomebackhereandI’msureMarkwillbeabletoconfirmwhatwearethinking.”“ItwasalovelytimewhenMarkcametoourmountainwithhisfriendsandwhatIrememberofhim,hewasapleasanteasygoing boy who seemed to get on well with Taj, what little time they hadtogether.”

“I’msurehewillbeabletoenlightenusaboutSimon’sfamilyathome.IfIrememberrightlyhismotherisSarah’ssister.”Sahidagoeson.

They too are tired, it’s been awonderful day for all of thembut they arereadyforbed,fullofeuphoriaandrelaxedreadyforsleep.

ThefollowingdayisthedaybeforethefestivalandDrMenonandTazhavetogotothehospital,buttheywillbehomeforthefourdaysofthefestivalandtheywillbeable toget toknowSimonbetter. Ithasworkedoutwell for theboysandthefamily.

Simon isworriedabouthisother two friendswhoare still trekking,butherealizes that the Festival will be ended by the time Luke and Pete get toKatmandusotheyshouldbeabletogetaccommodationinthehostelwheretheystayedwhentheyarrived.Simonfeelshecan’texpecttheMenonstoputthemup.Hedoesnotwanttoexpectmoreoftheirhospitalityandhewouldrathernottellhisotherfriendsuntilheishomeandhasseenhismotheranddad.Simonloveshisdadandhopesthisrevelationdoesnothurthim.HewondersifDavidknowsthestoryofSarahandTaj. Hefeelssurethathismotherwillhavetoldhimbecause therehasneverbeenany tensionwithin thefamilyonly theusualoneof thechildrengrowingupandstatingtheirownopinions. HeremembersDavid’spatiencewithAnneandhimselfandalsotherespecthegavethemanddemandedthesameforhimandtheirmother. Davidhasbeenagreatdadandwhathashappenedherehedoesnotwanttodeflectfromthat.“But.”hethinks.”Whataboutthisotherdadthatheresemblessomuch.Hewasadoctorlikehisfatherandnowhisyoungersisterandhe isabout tobestudyingforamedicaldegree.HeknowsthathewillhavegenesfromTajaswellasfromSarah,andhefeelsagratitudetoafatherheknewnothingabout,untilyesterday.

If hismother lovedTaj somuch andwas devastatedwhenhe died,Davidhad filled inavastvoid forherandshemust lovehim,becauseofwhathe is

like.Hewants toget toknowabouthisbiological fatherandseeksSahidaout.

Sheissittinginthegardenandhemakeshiswaytothechairnexttoher.“HiSimon.”Shesays.“HowisBenthismorning?”“He’s resting, trying to build up his strength for the long flight home.”

Simonreplies.“I’d likeyou to tellmeabit aboutyourbrotherand it seems,my father.”

Simongoesontosay.“WellTajwas twelveyears older thanme andonly about twoyears older

than yourmother. Sarah came out here, after doing her teaching degree, andbeganworkingfortheV.S.O.I’msureshetoldyoualittleabouthertimehere.Wewere friendsSarahand I. Iwas justoutofuniversity and itwasmy firstteaching job. I loved it andsodidSarah. Thevillagerswithwhomshe livedamongwere,andstillare,verygentleandfriendlyandshesoonfittedin. TheV.S.O.organizationfoundherthesmalldwellinghousewithinthevillage,butitwasalittlecrampedandaswelivedinPokharaatthetime,myfatherwasaG.P.forthevillagesaroundthatdistrict,andTajwasadoctoratthehospital,wheremyfatherandsisterworknow.IinvitedSarahtostaywithusforaweekendandthatishowshemetmybrother.Theyhititoffatonce,andalthoughwedidn’tknowabout their loveforoneanother,whenshehadapartyforhernephewitbecameobvious tome that theywerehavinga loveaffair. Tajhadcome thatdaytomeetSarah’srelativeandtheyweresoverycloseyouwouldhavehadtobe blind not to see it. Tajwas a beautifulman, very like you are,with longeyelashesandasweetsmileforeveryone.Itwasdevastatingtoeveryonewhentheplanecrashedonitswayin toPokharaairport. Yourmotherwasthere tomeethim.

The timeafterTaj’sdeathbecameunbelievably sad; thewhole familywasstruck downwith grief. Yourmother had to be taken home from the funeralwhenTaj’sasheswerescatteredontheriverbythePashupatinathTempleandIdidn’tgettoseeherproperlyafterthat.HermotherandfathercametotakeherbacktoEngland;theywillbeMark’sandyourgrandparents.Ididn’tgettomeetthembecauseitwasveryquicklydone.Herparentscameonedayandweregonethenext.IthinkMarkhadsentforthembecausehecametoSarahafterhistrek.

Tajwas aHindu like the rest of us butwe are not prejudiced about otherreligions. He was a very friendly and kind person and I can see some of hisqualitiesinyou.Thewayyoulookafteryourfriendandthewayyouhavetakenthis very strange revelation. I can see my brother in your looks and yourdisposition.”

“Butmydad at home is all that youhave said aboutTaj. He is kind andlovingandhehasnevergivenanyindicationthatIamnothisson;itlookslikemymotherhasbeenluckytofindmenlikebothmydads.”Simonruminates.

SahidaputsherarmsaroundSimonandgiveshimabighug. Simonhugsherback.TheysmileateachotherandjustthenBenarrivesonhiscrutchesandSimonfindshimaseat.

“I’mgettingbetteronmycrutches,don’tyouthink?”Bensingsout.“AndIwillbesomuchbetterbythe20thwiththegardentopracticein.ThenIwillbeabletogohomeinabetterstate,soitwillbeeasierforallthelads,iftheydonothavetogivemesomuchattention.”

“ComeonBenyouknowyou likeall this attention.” TeasesSimonashegiveshisfriendalightpunchonthearm.

Ben gives his rare smile and says,”I don’t often get any attention at all athome.”

TheothertwogoquietandthereisanawkwardsilenceuntilSahidasmilesandsays.“Hey,comeonBenlet’shaveawalkaroundthegardenandleavelazybonesheretosunhimself.”

Benhasimprovednoendonhowheuseshiscrutches.HeswingshislegstogetalongerstepandSahidahasajobtokeepupwithhim.

DrMenonandTazarenowleavingtheirworkandlookingforwardforthefewdaysofthefestival,thentheweekendtogettoknowthestrangerwhohaslandedon theirdoorstep. Theycan talkofnothingelseas theydriveon theirwayhome. Kathmandu is fillingupwithpeoplewhohavecomealong to theFestival.

Thecoloursofthemonk’srobesandthemanytouristsintheirbrightclothesmakeapictureonthestreets,thereisvibrancyintheairasthepeoplesmileandanticipatetheFestivalholiday.Thetemplesarefestoonedwithprayerflagsandthemonkeys run up and down the temple steps. The holy cows slowly plodalong the streets and the other traffic gives way to them because they arefavoured.TheHinduslovetheirfestivalsandthestreetsarefulltothebrimwithhumanityatitsbest,theirhappysmilingfacesandthesingingbeginstofillthenightairwithmusicandlaughter.

“WeneedtogetSimonandBentoseethis.IwantSimontofeelwhatit’sliketobeataHinduFestivalandtoseehisreactionstoallthis.”DrMenontellsTaz.

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Simonislefttoruminateonhisownbythedoortothehouseandhebeginstothinkabouthispositionhere,withinthefamily,andhowhewillfeelwhenhegetshome.He is thankful for theattention thatall theMenonsaregivingBenandhimself,andhefeelsaconnectiontoallthemembers.Tazwassokindontheir journey from themountains, DrMenon is treating him like a grandson,Mrs.Menonkeeps looking at himwith somuch adoration in her eyes that hefeelsabitembarrassed,buthe likes thiskindhearted ladyandhe realizes thatsheishisgrandmother.

WhatmustithavebeenlikeforhisfathertohaveworkedhereasadoctorinNepal?

Hewouldliketoworkherealsowhenhegraduatesasadoctor,tobehereinthesewonderfulmountainsandtofollowinthefootstepsofhisunknownfather.Hebegins to think that this ispossibleanda feelingofcontentmentsurroundshim. Hegoes into thehouse to look forhisgrandmother and findsher in theroomwheretheHindugodtakesprideofplace.Heseeshersatinfrontofitinapositionofmeditation.Hefeelsawedatthestillnessofherandthelookofpurepeaceonherface.ShestirsandlooksatSimonandwithagesturethatinviteshimtojoinherinhermeditation.Sheexplainsthemethodandthestillnessandhesitsquietlywithherandtriestofollowherinstructions.Shetellshimofthebenefits she gets from it and they sit with crossed legs, and he uses thetechniquesshehasexplainedtohim.Afeelingofutterpeaceoverwhelmshimas they sit in harmony, he and the grandmother he has just found. They staytheretogetherforanothertwentyminutesthatpasssoquicklySimonissurprisedwhensheaskedifhe isreadyto leavetheroomandgotofindSahidaandtherestofthefamily.

“BenwaswithSahidainthegarden.”Simontellsher.”ShewasgettingBen

tousehiscrutchesmoresothathewillbereadyforthelongjourneyhome.”Taz andDrMenon arrive fromwork and begin to tell the others how the

centreofKatmanduisfillingupwithpeoplefortheFestival.“Iwantyoutwoboystoseehowourpeopleenjoythefestivities,andafter

ourmealwewilltaketothestreetsofKatmandu,ifBenfeelsfitenoughtowalkaboutonhiscrutches.”DrMenonsaysfullofenthusiasm.

Ben has been practicing on his crutcheswith Sahida and feels a lotmoreconfidentonthem.

“Sure,I’llbefineandIwouldlovetoseethefestivalatfirsthand.”Bentellsthem.

“Good.”SaysSahida.“I’llkeepbyyouandwe’llhaveagreattime.”DrMenonthinksitwillbebetteriftheygetasnearaspossibletothemain

templesothattheycanfindawallspaceforBentositupon.Heknowsthattheboy will not be able to walk far in the crowded area around the streets ofKatmandu.

“Come along.” He tells them as they get in two cars and proceed to thefestival.

The boys are fascinated to see the crowds of people milling around thetemple and they feel the thrilling atmosphere and hear the screeching of themonkeysjumpingupanddownthestepsofthetemple.Itfeelsstrangetothembuttheyenjoythemusicandthesightofthepeoplecarryingtheirgodthroughthestreets.Theyaresingingandsmilingandeveryoneisinapartymood.

Thetemplesarespectacularindesign;somearelikepagodaswithmanyroofs, starting large at the bottom and reducing in size at each level for

aroundfivestories. Othersarecircularwithaspireontop.TheyaredifferentfromanythingtheboyshaveseenintheWestandtheylikewhattheysee.

Therearecows languishingabout thesquare infrontof the templeand thepeoplearecarefullywalkingaroundthem,astheyrespecttheirsacredanimals.

Theboyssoakupthefestivalatmosphereandfindtheyaresmilingateachotherinakindofwonderment.

“I would have hated to have missed this.” Says Ben who is managingwonderfullytoenjoytheeveninghavingforgottenhisinjuries.

“Me too,” replies Simon who hoots with laughter at the antics of themonkeys.

“Don’tgonearthem,”warnsDrMenon.“Someofthemmaybite.”“Yestheydo.”Tazsays.“Wegetpeopleintheemergencywardwhohave

beenbittenbythemanditispossibleforthemtoinfectyouwithrabies.”

Theboyskeeptheirdistancefromthemonkeysandturntheirattentiontoalargebulllaiddownandchewingpassively.Benwouldhaverunamileathomehadheseenabullbutthisonelookssogentleandisprobablyold.

EverythingisstrangebutwonderfulandtheboysenjoyamiraculouseveningonthestreetsofKatmandu.Butallthingshavetoendanditistimeforthepartytoreturnhome.Atthisstageoftheeveningitfeelslikehomefortheboys,aswellas,thefamily.

DrMenonlooksathiswifewithahappysmilethatshereturnsitthreefoldasshelooksatherdaughtersandtheboys.

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TheMenons

“Ishallneverforgetthistime.”Shetellsherhusbandquietlyastheyreturntothehouseandhave retired tobed. “It isalmostas ifTaj isherewithus forawhile.”

“Nowwehave foundSimon I’m surewewill not lose him. Fromwhat IrememberofSarahshewasareasonablepersonandIknowshelovedoursonfromwhatSahidahas toldus,andhopefully,Simonwillwant tocometovisitus.”DrMenontellshiswifeashetakesherinhisarmsandtheyhugandfeelthewonderofitall.Thegriefhasneverleftthemsincethelossoftheirsonbutnowtheyfeelawarmcomfortatthefindingoftheirgrandson.

“Tajwouldbesoproudof theboy,he issuchacaringperson;seehowhehaslookedafterBenandhewantstobeadoctorlikehisbiologicalfather.”SaysMrs.Menon. “I’msoexcitedatwhathashappened, it isunbelievable thatanaccidentonthemountainscanbringourgrandsontoourdoor.”

“Wemustenjoy the timewehavehimhereandwhenhegoes tomeethiscousinhemustbringhimheretomeetthefamilyand,perhaps,Markwillhavean explanation for us and help us to understand why we have not had ourgrandsoninourlives,”answeredherhusband.

MeanwhileTazandSahidaare inTaz ‘s roomand theyare still excitedatfindingSimonandtheaftermathofthefestivalandwanttotalk,toowounduptosleep.

“Tell me about the time Sarah was here and working with you at theschool.” Tazasksher sister. “I remembermy father takingus to theFishtailLodgeHotel foramealasa treatwhenyou invitedSarah,your friend, tostay

withusfortheweekend.IwasonlyyoungatthetimeandwasmoreinterestedinthemealthanSarah.YouwerequitealotyoungerthanTajbutyoufeltsorryforSarahbecauseshewasalongwayfromhome.”

“IreallylikedSarah.”Sahidareplies.“Shewasolderthanmebutshewasjuststartingateachingcareer,afterbeingalawyerforafewyears.Shewouldbeacoupleofyearsyounger thanTajandwhen theymet thatnight, I’msurethatwasthebeginningoftheattractionforbothofthem.Tajusedtovisitherupthe mountain in her little cottage in the village. She threw a party for hernephew,Mark,andhisfriends.SarahandIpreparedthefoodforthepartyandshewas reallyexcited forhim tobeable tovisitherbeforeheandhis friendsbegan their trek. I think thatshehadarrangedforTaj tocometo thepartysothathecouldmeetMark. Theywerequiteopenabout their affair and I thinkthatthevillagerswereusedtoseeingTajabouttheplace,whenhewasabletogetawayfromthehospital.

Sarahwasgreatwiththechildrenandtheylovedher.Shewaslearningtheirlanguagewhilstteachingthemherown.I’msureshewouldhavestayedhereifTajhadnotdied so terribly. She left soonafter the tragedywhenherparentscameandtookherhome.Shemusthavefoundherselftobepregnantwhenshegothomeanddecidedtobringhimuponherown. HeissolikeTajI’msureSarahmustseeitmoreandmoreashegetsolder.”

TazgivesayawnandSahidagivesherhugwishingagoodnight’ssleepandreturnstoherroomwhereshegetsreadyforbed.

SimonandBenarestayinguptalking.Ben’sroomisonthegroundfloorsoSimonistherewithBen.

SimonhelpsBenintobedandsitsonitmakingsurethatBeniscomfortableandhastakenthemedicationthatTazhasleftforhim.

“Howdoyoufeelaboutfindingoutaboutyourfather?”asksBen.“Idon’tknow.”Simonanswers.“Thisfamilyhasbeenreallywonderfulto

both of us. I don’t knowhowwewould havemanagedwithout thembut I’mwaitingforMarktocometomeetusandhemaybeabletoshedsomelightonit. Sahida hasmetMark before when he was here trekking in 1974 andmymotherwas teaching at the school. Not one person has ever toldme thatmymotherwashere.

“Whyhasshenottoldme?”queriesSimon.“Idon’tunderstandwhyMarkhasnotmentioneditwhenwewerecominghere.”

“Perhaps shemoved onwithDavid and she has seen that you have had asettledlife.Ienvyyouyourlovelyfamilyathomewithyoursisterandallthesupportyoureceivefromthem.”SaysBenwonderinghowhewouldhavecopedif hewas in the same situation. He almostwishes hewere, for his family is

brokenwithhisfatherdrinkingandcominghomeinadifferentmoodeveryday.Hismotherwhoheprotects thebesthecan isweighteddownwithworryanddebt. Thereare rowsall the timeandwhenhismotherhasgot themoney forbills together his father finds it and often gambles it away. His maternalgrandfathergavehimthemoneyforthistripandinsistedthatheuseitforthatpurpose.

BenhashadaSaturday job sincehewasold enough, frompaper-boy toworkinginasupermarket,fillingshelves. Heisverysecretiveabouthishomelife but he has become much closer to Simon, since their adventure on themountain,andhehasopenedupalittleabouthislifeathome.

“Youare so lucky tohave found thisother familyaswell as the familyathome.”SaysBen.“Iwishmyfamilywasassupportiveasyours.MygranddadWillandmymotheraretheonlytwopeopleIcanrelyonandtheydotheirbestto support me withmy schooling and they are trying to ensure that I have abetterchanceinlife.IlovethemandIwanttomakethemproudofmyeffortsatuniversity. Myfatherwas fineuntilhehit thebottlewhenhe losthis jobanduntilhedecidesthathewilltrytocurbhisdrinkingandfindanotherjob,wearestuckwiththisuncertainlife.”

SimongivesBenapatontheshoulderandwithasympatheticsmileSimonleaves,wishingforhimtosleepwell.

Simonmakeshiswayupstairstohisbedroomandaftercleaninghisteethhefallsintoacomfortablebedandisasleep.

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The festival is at its most exciting on the following three days and theMenons take the boys to see more celebrations of the victory over evil, andupliftingofspiritualdarkness.Theyarefascinatedbythestrangenessofitall.Theyaskquestionsaboutthethingstheyseeandaresometimesconfusedbytheanswers.

DrMenonasksSimonifhewouldliketoseethetemplewherehisfather’sfuneralwasheldandtheriverwheretheasheswerethrown.HedoesnotinviteanyoneelsebecauseitisonlymenwhogoinsidethetempleandheremembershowSimon’smotherreactedatthefuneralandhadtobetakenhome.

ThereisadayleftbeforehisfriendswillbeinKatmanduaftertheirtreksoSimonagreestogowithhisgrandfathertothePashupatinathTemple.Theriverwhere the temple is situated is a tributaryof thegreat riverGangeswhere theashesoftheHindusarecast.Simonfeelsaspiritualityonthebanksoftheriverwheremen are bathing in its waters and a man is playing some sort of flutewhere theclear lightnotesfill theafternoonair. Hecloseshiseyesandsendssome sort of prayer up to the sky above. There are candles to buy by theriverside;hisgrandfatherbuystwoandlightsthemandtheyfloatthemdownthewateronsomekindofleaf.Thissignifiesthelovethatisfeltforthelovedone.Simon’sheartistouchedasthelightsfloatdowntheripplesofthewaterandhethinksthisritualislikeputtingflowersonaChristiangrave.Hesitsquietlybyhisgrandfatherandlooksacrosstheriveratthetemple.

“Wouldyouliketogooverthereandgointothetemple?"DrMenonasks.“In a little while.” Simon answers. The feelings going through him are

touchingamainstreamthathasnotbeentherebeforeandheneedstimetoadjusttothem.

He has not been brought up with any sort of organized religion but his

parentshavecertainlytaughthimrightfromwrongandtheyhavegivenagoodsetofvaluesforhimtoliveby.

“I’mreadytogotothetemplenow.”Hetellshisgrandfatherandtheycrossthebridgeandenterthetemple.

Simonfeelsaconnectiontohisgrandfatherthatwasn’ttherebeforeenteringthesacredplaceandhetoucheshisarmasiftosteadyhimself,hefeelstheflowof love between them. His grandfather kneels with his hands in the prayerpositionandSimondoesthesame.Hestaysonhiskneesandtriestorememberwhathisgrandmothertaughthimonhowtomeditate.Hedoesthebreathingandsoon he is in a state of peaceful thought. He stays in this position until DrMenontoucheshissleevetoindicatetheendoftheprayer.Theystandtogetherandleavethetemple.

“Thankyouforbringingmehere,IfeelalittleclosertothefatherIshouldhavehad.”Hetellshisgrandfather,whoisfeelingagreatloveforthisboywhohehasjustmet.

“IfeelitisaprivilegetobringyouandIamproudofyouforthewayyouhavebehavedinthetemple.”

DrMenon shakeshis hand and they return to the car for the journeybackhome.

Itisalongjourneyandtheyarebothtiredbuthappywhentheyreachhome.“IwillhavetomeetmyfriendstomorrowandtellthemofBen’smisfortune.

Theyhave ahotel bookingnow the festival is over andwewill go too if youwish.”

“NoBenisbetteroffwhereheisandwewouldratheryoustaywithusuntilthetimeyouhavetogohome,”saysthedoctor

“Mark is coming on the 20h to see us off at the airport beforewe leave.”Simonsays.

“The ladies will entertain your friends for dinner tomorrow night,” hisgrandfathersays.“IwouldhavelikedtohavemetMarkbeforeyouleavebutasheisbusywithhisprojectandjusthastimetoseeyouandyourfriendsoffonyourjourneyhome,Iwillhavetohopewemeethiminthefuture,”hecontinues.

“I’ll meet my friends tomorrow and I’m sure they will be grateful for acivilizedmealandsomedifferentcompany,”Simonanswers.

ThefrontdoorburstsopenandSahidaandTazshouttogether“Thewanderersreturn.”

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SimongetsupearlythenextdayandgoestoseeifBenisawake.Heisn’t,soSimongoesout to thegarden towait forhim.Benhasdifficultyshoweringand dressing himself because of his broken limbs so Simon helps him. TheymakeajokeofitandafterstrugglingandlaughingtheymanagetodressBeninlightweightpantsandateeshirt,asthetemperatureisgettinghigh.

Sahida joinshimin thegardenandshe isdisappointed toknowthatMarkwillnotbe inKathmandulongenoughtomeet theMenonsor tostaywith thefamilyfor theonedayhe iscomingtoKatmandu. SheasksaboutMark’s lifeandwhyheishereatthistime.

SimontellsherofthelifeMarkhaslivedthepastfifteenyears.Hisjobasacivil engineer, traveling theworld on projectwork and this last one inNepalbuildingabridgeoverariverintheeasternterritoriesandMark’swishtohaveagoatMountEverestbeforeheistooold.

“YouseemveryclosetoyourcousinMark.”Sahidasays.“Yes he is my favourite cousin because he loves the mountains and it’s

probablybecauseofhim,aswellasmyparents, thatIhavehadthisinterestinclimbingallmyteens,”considersSimon.

“Iknowhewasyourmother’sfavouritenephew.ShewassothrilledwhenhecametovisitusinPokhara.”

“Heisheronlynephew.”Simonsayswithasmile.“Butheisaveryspecialmemberofourfamily.”

“Yourfamilysoundspecial,tellmeaboutthem.”Simon considers and then tells her about his two grandfathers at home,

CharliewhoisDavid’s,Simon’sfather’sdadandJoewhoisSarah’sdadandtheonetheysaybroughthismotherhomefromNepal.

“No-one has toldme aboutmymother’s stay here and all this has been a

shocktome.I’mwaitingtoseeMarkforhimtoputmeinthepicture.”“Howisyourmother?”Sahidaasks.“She’sfineandI’mwaitingtoseeherwhenIgethometoaskheraboutwhat

happenedhereallthoseyearsago.IhadnoideathatDavidisnotmyrealfatherandIfeelletdownbyallthissecrecy.”Simonreplieswithsadnessinhiseyes.

“Don’tgetupset about this. Forus it’swonderful and I’msureSarahhasonlykeptthesecretforyourprotectionandperhapsalsoforDavid,yourdad.”

“Iknowthatmydadcaresasmuchaboutmeashedoesabouthisownchild,Anne.” Simon says thoughtfully. “Hehasbeenawonderful influenceonmeandCharlie,hisfather,hastaughtmeaboutthewildlifearoundthelakewhereourhouseissituated.Charlieliveswithus,helivesinanotherareaofourhouseandhehasbeenthereforusallmineandmysister’slives.”

“Althoughyouhavebeenfoundbythisotherfamilyandwearesoastoundedforthistohavehappened,weknowthatyouhavethisotherreallifeathomeinBritainandthatyouwillsoonbegoingtouniversityandspendingmanyyearsstudyingtobeadoctor.”Sahidatellshimassheputsbothherarmsaroundandbringshimintoacloseandlovinghug.

Simonfeelsaconnectiontohisnewauntandashepullsawayhesmilesatherandtellsher.“I’msorryifIsoundedupsetbutIknowyouknowthatIfeelso confused. I am so grateful for the way your family has treated Ben andmyselfandIhopethatwewillseeeachotheragainmanytimesinthefuture.”

“Tellmeaboutyoursister.”Sahidasays.“OhAnneisgreat,she’ssixteenandisnowonher“A”levelcourse.Shegot

verygoodresultsinthissummer’sexamsandthefamilyhasgonetoFranceandtakenherfriend,Jackie,withthem.LastyearweallwenttoScotlandandallthefamilymanagedtoclimbBenNevis.Mymotherneededabitofencouragingupthe last bit but we all got there in the end. It was the last timewewere alltogetherforthesummer.Bothmyparentsworkineducationsoweallhavelongsummerholidays.IhavemissedthemthisyearbutIwantedtocomeherebeforeIgotouniversityandmymateswereallinthesamemind.

Anneisalovelylittlesisterbutshehadbetternothearmesayingthat;sheisfulloflifeandduetoherredhairshehassomethingofatemper.HercolouringcomesfromourfatherbutDavid’shairhasdarkenedashehasbecomeolder.

She’svivaciousandsheisbeginningtoattractboyfriends.WellBenandtheothersallhaveasoftspotforherandsheactsasiftheyareherbrotherstoo.”

Sahidacansee thathersubterfugehasworkedandhismindis takenofhisproblemasheremembersthelifehehasathome.

Chapter35

ThetimehascomewhenSimonhastomeethisothertwofriends,PeteandLuke;hemakeshisway to thecheaphotelwhere thegroupstayedwhen theyfirstarrivedinKatmandu,almostthreemonthsago.

Pete and Luke have finished their longer trek and wondering what hashappened toSimonandBen,whenSimonwalks into the receptionarea toaskabouthisfriends.

“Theybookedinthismorningandtheyareshoweringandgettingridofthemany days growth of face hair,” repliesMia, the receptionist,wonderingwhytheothertwoarenotwiththem.“Whathappenedtoyoutwo?”

“Ben and I left the other two up in the mountains and then Ben had anaccident and is now on crutches. We have had to find alternativeaccommodationasyouwere fullybookedup,with thepeoplestayingover forthefestival. Wehavebeen invited tostaywhereweareuntilwe leaveon the20th,I’msorryifthathasinconveniencedyou,”repliesSimon.

“No of course not, how is Ben now,will he be able to return homewithyou?”Miaasks.

“Oh yes, he is doing very well on his crutches and he is feeling muchstronger,sohewillbeable tocomehomewithus.” SimonisrelievedthathehasnowcancelledBenandhistwonight’sstayatthehotel.

Hewaitsforhisfriendstoappearandthenhetellsthemoftheirmishapandlistenstotheirenthusiastictalesoftheiradventures.

“Weweresosorrythatyoucouldnothavefinishedthetrekwithus.HowisBen?”

“He’s doing fine now. Wewere very lucky to have been rescued by thevisitingdoctorandbroughtheretothemainhospital.Thedoctor’stheonethatrescuedusandherfather,whoisabonespecialist,gaveusroomsintheirhouse

because all the hotels were full, including this one, because of the festival.”Simontellsthem.

HehasdecidednottotelltheseothertwofriendswhathashappenedtohimbecauseheneedstoseehismotherandDavidfirst.

“Youhavebeen invited todinner tonightat theMenonsand I’msure theywillmakeyouaswelcomeas theyhaveus. Markwillbehere tomorrowandBenand Iwillcomehere tomeethim. Comeon then,youcancarryonwithyourexcitingtaleswhenwegetthere.”

The three of themmeander through the streets ofKatmandu absorbing thecolourful street sceneson theirway to thehouse. Petegiveshimaburlyhugsaying,“I’msosorryyoucouldn’t staywithusupon thepeaks, theywere sostupendous.”

“Iknow,butBenwasinsuchdifficultyatthehighaltitudeandIknowyoutwo were impatient to get still higher, so I’m pleased that he survived hissicknessandhisaccident.Don’tteasehimaboutitbutitwasquitefunnyhowithappened.Wesawalodgeinthedistanceandhewasjumpingforjoywhenhefelloffthemountain.

ThethreeofthemwerelaughingastheyarriveatthehouseandBengaveashoutofgleewhenhesawthem.

“Hiyoutwo,goodtoseeyou,”hewelcomesthem.Theygatheraroundhimbecausetheyaregladtoseethatheiso.k.

“We’ve been worried about you but we knew Simon was in his doctor’smodeandwouldlookafteryou.”Lukesayswithatwinkleinhiseyes.

“Let’sseehowyoumanagethosecrutches,”PetesaysasheplonkstheminfrontofBen.

“Comeonthen,I’llraceyoutothegardengate,”laughsBen.They set off down the garden path and Ben holds his own, laughing

breathlessly,atthelooksofadmirationfromallhisfriends.Sahida and Taz come out into the gardenwonderingwhat all the noise is

about.Simon introduceshis friends and they settle downaround thegarden table

andMrs.Menonservesthemwithtea.PeteandLukearesorelievedtohavecomedownfromthemountainstofind

thiscivilizedcompanythattheyrelaxinthesunlightandenjoythebanteroftheothers,astheyrelatethehappeningsandtelltheirownadventures,withwitandcandour.

The sisters enjoy their youthful boastfulness and with smiling faces theyenjoyeachother’scompany.

TheolderMenons join thepartyandwhenSimonintroduces themhedoesnotmentiontherelationshiptohimself.

DrMenoncanseetheproblemSimonishavingwithtellinghisfriendsandunderstands that it is not Simon’s secret to tell, and he is proud of the boy’ssensitivity.HewillseethattherestofthefamilywillrespectSimon’swishes.

HeknowsthatBenisrespectingthem.Theeveningisbeautifulthereinthegarden,thefoghavingbeenclearedasa

warmbreezecomesinfromthesouth.DrMenonisreallyofretirementagebuthe does not look it and he is needed in his post at the hospital. He is inreasonablehealthandalthoughhiswifeanddaughtersworryabouthimworking,he is content inwhat he does. He is an attractiveman for his age, a straightupright figure with a steady look in his warm brown eyes. He gives peopleconfidenceinhisability,andheisfriendlyandhelpfultohispatients.HetakesaninterestinSimon’sfriendsandchatsawaywiththemontheirlevel,becauseheremembershistrekkingdays,whenhewastheirage.Mrs.Menonjustlovesyoung people and her charity work has to dowith socialmatters, as well as,educationforsomeofthechildreninKatmandu.Theconversationislivelyandtheycarryonwithitwhentheyretireintothehouseforthepromisedmeal.TaztakesaphotographofSimonandDrMenonandgivesittohimtokeepbeforehegoes to the airport, shewrites their phonenumber on the back so that hewillhavenoexcusenottokeepintouchwiththem.

TheladsaretiredwhentheytaketheirleaveandSimonpromisestoseethemthe next day,whenMark should be back inKatmandu to see them off at theairport

MarkarrivesatthehotelinKathmanduaboutlunchtimeofthetwentiethandfindsPeteandLukeinthereceptionwaitingforSimonandBentoarrive.Simonknowsthetimetoleavehisnew-foundrelativeshasarrivedandheissadbutheis also keen to be home to see hismum and dad and find out the truth fromthem. Ben thanks theMenons for all they have done for him; he now feelsstrong enough to travel home. Simon thanks his grandparents and aunts andpromises towritewhenhegetshomeandalso tokeep in touchwhilsthe isatuniversity.Hefeelsabondwiththemallandwishestoseethemagainsoon.

ThetaxitakesthemtothecentralhotelwheretheypickupMark,PeteandLukeandthencarryontotheairport.Markpaysoffthetaxiandgoesintotheairportbuildingwiththem,stayinguntilitistimefortheirhomeboundflight.

SimonisquietontheplaneandBenunderstandshissombermood,buttheother two keep up the conversation and the joking, until tiredness overcomes

themandtheyfallintoafitfulsleep.TheyhavetochangeplanesatNewDelhiandtheladshelpBenbygetting

himawheelchairandwhoopingwhilst they runwithhim through theairport.Simonholdsontoonehandlewiththewishtosteadyhisfriend’sprogress,andtostoptheattentionthegroupisinviting.Theplanearrivesandthewheelchairpassengersare taken first. The friendsmeetupwithBenagainwhen theyareseatedontheplanereadyfor takeoff. Ben’scrutchesareintheholdreadyforhimtouseagainwhenhereachesManchester.Theflightislongbuttheysleepforpartofitandwakenwhenfoodisservedortheyneedadrink. WhentheyreachManchester,SimonringshomeandDavidmeetsthemattheairport. HetakestheothershomeandwaitswhilstSimonhelpsBenwithhiscrutchestothefrontdoorwherehismother ishorrified to see theplastercastsonhis legandwrist.

“WhateverhashappenedtoyouBen?”Shecries.“I’m fine.” Ben tells her. “And Simon has looked after me since the

accidentandI’llbeabletogotouniversityonmycrutches.IshallbelosingmypotsinabouttwoweeksandIcanmanageuntilthen.”

Simon reassuresBen’smother and leaves him there on the doorstepwhistreturningtothecar.

SimongetsintothepassengerseatandDavidopenshisarmsandgiveshimahug.

“We’vemissedyousomuch,yourmother,sisterandI,wehavebeenwaitingforthismomentforyoutoyoucomehome.”Davidtellshimwhenreleasinghimfromhishug.

Simonhasbeenwonderingallthetimeontheflighthomehowhewasgoingtoreacttohisfamilyathome.Heremembersallthethingsthefamilyhavedonetogether, themountains they have climbed, the holidays in France and all thehappytimeshehaslivedthrough.Heremembershowhefeltdifferentatschoolto the other children. His skin is darker than hismother’s but not very dark,more like a good suntan. His grandparents and othermembers of his familyhavealwaysshownhimlove.CharlieandJoehavebeengreattohimallhislife,Charlie taking him for walks when he was quite small and pointing out thethings of interest around the lake, and Joe taking him to footballmatches andteachinghimhowtofish.Davidandhismotherhavetakenhimtoartgalleries,museumsandtheatresinLondonandManchester.Davidhadalsotakenhimtomusicfestivals,wheretheyhadtakenatentandsleptunderthemoon.

“WhydoIhavetohavethisotherfamilywhoseemsostrangetome?Theyarelovelylikemyfamilyathome,buttheirwaysarenotinmyexperience,andIamsoconfused.”Simonthinks.“Ilikedthemeditationandthecandlefloating

downtheriverformydeadfather,buthowamIgoingtoconfrontmymotherwhoknowsnothingaboutthetimeIhavespentwiththeMenons?”

“Areyoualright?”AsksDavidwithaponderinglookonhisface.“YesI’mo.k.I’malittlebittired.”Simonreplies.“Well let’sgetyouhomesoyoucanhaveamealandagoodsleep. Your

motherhastheredcarpetoutforyouandAnnehashelpedhertomakeyouyourfavouritemeal.”Davidsays.

The journeyhomefromtheAirportpasseswithSimon tellingDavidaboutthefestival,andmeetingMarkbeforehecamehome.HehesitatestotellabouttheMenons,wondering ifDavidknows the storyabouthismotherworking inPokhara,andhopingthathedoesknowbecausehedoesnotwanttocauseDavidanyheartache.

Hismotherandsistermeethimatthedoorastheyhaveheardthecarcomingupthedrive. Charliearrivesatthesametimefromhispartofthehouse. Thetable is set for five as Charlie has been invited to join the family for thiswelcomehomedinner.

“OhmyGod you have grown sincewe last saw you,” cries Sarah as shefolds her son in her warm arms and tears fill her eyes as she welcomes himhome.

AnneembracesherbrotherandCharliemakesitahugforthree.“It’ssogoodtohaveyouhomelad.”CharliesaysasheholdsSimoninhis

close embrace. “We havemissed you and I don’t knowwhatwewill all dowhenyougotouniversitynextweek.”

SarahsmilesatCharlieandsays,“Wecan’tholdhimbackfromhischosencareer,andwewillseehimmoreoftenthanwehavetheselastthreemonths,wehope.

“Comeon; let’shave thiswonderfulmealwehavecookedfor theprodigalson.”

SaysAnnewithlaughterinhervoice.Simongetsholdofherhandandtheyallmoveintothedinningroom.“Howwereyourexamgrades?”Simonaskshissister.“Notbad.”Annereplieswithasmugsmileonherface.“Theywereexcellent.”Hermotherandfathersaytogether.“Shegot6A*’s

and3Agrades.“CongratulationsSis”.Simonsays.“Betterthanmine.”We’reveryproudofbothofyouandI’msurethatbothofyouwilldowellat

university,althoughitwillbetwoyearsbeforeAnnewillbeabletogo.”Charliesays.

Theyhaveagreatmeal,Simon’schoiceandafterabottleofwine theyall

becomequietandSimonyawns,excuseshimselfandgoestobed.

Chapter36

WhenSimon is in theprivacyofhis roomhe sitson thebedandwondershowheisgoingtoconfronthismotherwithhersecret. HeisannoyedthathewasnottoldbeforehisgoingtoNepal;nowheishomehewishestobebackinKatmanduwithhisotherfamily.HeonlyhasaweekathomebeforeheleavesforBristol.

HeknowsthatheneedstogethisdegreehereinBritainandifheworkshardtobecomeadoctor,hemaybeabletopracticemedicineinNepal.

Hedecidestokeephismother’ssecretuntold,andhewillaskBentodothesame.Hegetsthroughthefollowingweekbytellinghisparentsthatheneedsto catchupon some reading. Hekeeps out of theirway the best he can.HismotherandAnnearebackatschoolandDavidgoesintoworkeachmorningtoprepare for his following year’s lectures. He sees Charlie every day but hethinks Charlie may not know the story. He has been in touch with Ben andaskedhimtokeepthetimeinKatmanduquietbecausehehasnothadthetimetoconfronthismotherwithhersecret.

The timecomesforhimtogo touniversityandaftera leavingpartyat thehouseDavidand thefamily takehimtoBristolon theSunday,ashestartshiscourse on the following day. They see him to his room and approve theaccommodationasheisintheresidentialpartoftheuniversityandtheyaresurehe will make friends there. When he waves them off he sees tears in hismother’seyes,aswellas,hissister’s. Hefeelssadbuthealsofeels letdown,especiallybyhismother.Hedoesn’tknowifDavidisinonthesecret,butheissurethatAnneisnot.

Heputshisworriesoutofhismindbeforeunpackinghisclothesandbooksand thengoes to find if thereareanyother studentsabout. He findsacentralareawithin the block and sees that there are four other lads lounging on two

setteesTheyintroducethemselvesandsettledowntochattingaboutwhattheyhave

beendoinginthesummer.ThereisakitchenandSimonofferstomakethemallcoffee.Hebringsinthebeakersandtheyfindhimaseatonthelargersettee.Thelivingspaceisoblongandtherearetwosettees,oneathreeseaterandonethat will sit two, a large coffee table and a thirty-two inch television. Thekitchenisfittedoutwithamicrowaveandadishwasherthecountersarescrufffreeatthemoment.

In the meanwhile Sarah and David feel sad after leaving Simon but theyknowthereisatimewhentheyhavetoletgoofthechildrenandthisisthefirsttime

Simonwillbegoneforyearsandprobablynevercomebacktoliveathome.His chosen career will take a lot of study and then he will have to work inhospitalswhereverheissent.

SarahandDavidarrivehomeandgostraightuptoSimon’sroom.It’sbeenleftinamessastheyhavetakenoutwhatheneededandlefttheclearingupuntiltheyreturn.SarahstripsthebedwhilstDavidtidiesSimon’sthingsthatareleftabouttheroom.HehearsasobescapefromSarah.Hetakesherinhisarmsandshedsatearalongwithher.

“It’s sohard to lethimgo”.Sarah sobs. “I justhopehewill settle in andmakefriends”.

“Ofcoursehewill.”Davidholdshercloseuntilhershakingstops,thenhekisses her deeply and they cling together holding each other tight and findingcomfortthere.

Sarah feels bereaved at first without his noisy music and the lack of thehousefulofhisfriendsbutshehasworktodoandherdaughterisstill theretoconsoleher.

Simongoes to the central hall in themainbuilding to find the registrationdesks forvarious activities.Theyhave to lineup to register. Jack,oneof theboysinSimon’sresidentialplacejoinsthesamequeueforextracurricularsportsand they find themselves interested in rambling and tennis. The tennis coachtakes the ramblinggroup,aswell as, tennis. He takes theirnamesandshakestheir hands as he explains that the walking group, usually twelve or thirteenmembers, begin thewalks on the hills at theweekends, usually on Saturdays,andtheyhaveaminibustotakethemtothebeginningofvariouswalks.Thetenniscourtsareinthesports’areawheretherugbyandfootballpitchesarealsosituated. Simonwill use the extensivegymequipment, aswell as, his chosensports. He is feelinghappier thanwhenhe first arrivedandheknows thathewill soon make new friends. Jack is taking a medical course so they go to

classes together the following day and they are soon working hard at theircourses,withlittletimeforSimontoworryabouthisfamilyproblem.

TimegoesquicklyandbytheChristmasbreakheisenmeshedinhisstudiesandreadyforabreak.Buthedoesn’twanttoconfronthismother,andasJack’sfamilyisofftotheFrenchAlpsfortheskiing,Simonisaskedtojointhem.Hewouldnothavegonebeforebecausehewouldhavewantedtoseethefamilybutinhismixedupstatehedecidestogo,sothathisproblemathomewillnothavetoberesolved.Jack’sfamilypickuptheboysattheuniversityandtakethemtoPortsmouthfortheferrytoSantandersothattheycandriveacrosscountrytotheFrenchAlps.JackhasasisterwhoisstudyingatDurhamUniversitysoshehadto reachhome thedaybefore the family left forBristol. There isa feelingofcamaraderieandlaughterinthecar,astheygettoknoweachotherandSimonthinks.“Amy,Jack’ssister,islovely.”SheremindshimofAnneandhetakestoherimmediately.

Theweatherisgreatforskiingwhentheyreachtheirdestination,assoonastheyhavesettledintheirroomsattheSkiLodge,theyarealleagertogetoutontothesnow.ThemembersofthefamilyareallcompetentbutSimon,whohasdone very little skiing, is finding it difficult at first, but as he concentrates hesoongetsthehangofit,orsohethinks.Jack’smother,fatherandAmy,whoskieveryChristmasbreak,arekeentogettotheupperslopes.Simondoesnotwanttoholdthembacksohesaysheishappytogouptherewiththem.Bythetimetheyhave todriveback to the ferrySimonhas foundhis feeton themountainandlovesthisnewsport.ThemountainrangeremindshimalittleofNepal,andhe hugs his photo of his granddad to him, as he remembers the other familythere.

ThemountainpassesareprecariousandalthoughJack’sdadisacarefulandcompetent driver, he has problemswith someof bends in the road. They aretravellinguphillwhenalargeanimaljumpsontotheroad.Jack’sdadswervestoavoiditandthecarleavestheroad.Itturnsoverasittumblesdownthehillsideandeventuallyignitesandflamesreachthesky.

Chapter37

The accident is reported and the French recovery services go to the sitewherethecarhasburntoutandthebodiesunrecognizableinsideit.Thereisnosignoflifeuntiltheyfindaboy,whoisfartheroutonthehillsideasthoughhewas thrown out of the car as it trundled down from the road. “He is justalive.”Theambulancemansaysashefindsafaintpulse.“Wemustgethiminintensivecareassoonaspossible.Theothersarealldead.”Heconfirms.

TheboyistakentoahospitalinGrenobleandheisunconscious.Hehashithisheadonastoneashefell.Heliesinbedalmostlifelessfortendays,whenhe opens his eyes he sees a man who claims to be his grandfather fromKatmandustandingoverhim,theretoclaimhimandtakehimhome.Hedoesn’trecognizethemanbutthephotoofthetwoofthemandthetelephonenumberonthebackhasalerted theFrenchhospitalas towhohemaybe. When theyareseentogethertheyaresurethattheyhavefoundhisfamily.

“Simon you are back with us.” Says DrMenon “Do you remember whathappenedtoyou?”

Simon looks at theman staring down at himwith love andwonder in hiseyesbutdoesnotrememberanything.

“Yourdoctorheresaysthatinafewdays,whenyouarestronger,youwillbeabletocomehomewithmetoyourbelovedmountainsinNepal.”

Simon’smindisblankashetriestoremembertheAsianmanlookingdownathim.Heisverytiredandafteraverylightmealhefallsasleep.

Hisdoctorisbyhisbedsideasheawakenseighthourslater.“Youwillbeabletotravelinadayortwowhenyouhavebecomestronger

byeatingandsleepingwell. Tomorrowyouwillbeable togetupandwalkalittle around the ward. The day after you should be strong enough to walkaroundthegrounds.”HetellsSimon.

SimonlooksaroundhimandrememberstheAsianmanlookingdownathimfromhisbedside.Thenheseesthephotographproppeduponhisbedsidetableofhimselfandthemanandthinks.“Thisisme,whoIam.”Hethenyawnsandfallsbackintoafitfulsleep.Hesleepsformanyhoursandwhenheawakens,DrMenonislookingdownathim,withsympathyandloveinhiseyes.

“IhavesomethingtotellyouSimon, thedoctor tellsmethatyouhavelostyourmemoryandthatyouwereinanawfulaccidentwithyourfamily.Thecaryourfatherwasdrivingcameofftheroadandallthefamilyisdead.YouwerethrownoutbysomemiracleandbecauseTazhadgivenyouthephotographofyouandme,theFrenchhospitalcontactedusandIamheretotakeyouhome.”

SimonsmilesatthemanashefeelstheloveandkindnesscaressinghimashelooksintoDrMenon’seyes.

The next few days pass in a daze as Simon begins to feel the strengthreturningtohisbody.Hefeelssadatwhathehasbeentoldofhisfamilybuthecan’t rememberanyofhisprevious life andashehasproof thatDrMenon isreallyhisgrandfather,heknowsthathemustgohomewithhim.

He feels strange as he leaves the plane at Katmandu airport but feels hisspiritrisingwhenheseesthemountainsthroughthemistintheearlymorning.

Whenhe arriveshome there is awelcoming familywaitingwithhugs andkissesforhim.Mrs.Menon,whoherealizesishisgrandmother,holdsontohimasifshewillneverlethimgo.ThisisthesonoftheirbelovedTaj.

Hisnewfamily,DrandMrs.Menon,sithiminthegardenuntilheisfreeofhisinjuriesbuthismemoryseemstohavegoneforever.Theytrydoctorsatthehospitalandalthoughtheyusealltheirskillsonheadinjuries,theycannotbreakthroughhisamnesia.

Thetimehascomeforhimtoresumehisstudies.Theyknowhewantstobea doctor like his father so Dr Menon arranges for him to register at theUniversityinKatmanduwherehemayliveathomewiththemandsothattheymaykeepaprotectiveeyeonhim. Theuniversity schoolofmedical scienceswassetupthepreviousyearandDrMenonandTazwerebothinvolvedinthebeginning and although the lectures were conducted in Hindu some of thelecturers were chosen because of their skills in the English language and thetechnologywas becoming up to date and some programmers on the computerwereabletotranslateanydifficultphrasesfromHindutoEnglish.

Although his life before the accident has been lifted from his memory,Simonisstillthebrightboyhehasalwaysbeen,andwiththehelpofhisfamilyhestartstolearntheirlanguage.HisgrandmotheriswithhimalotofthetimeandsheteacheshimtospeakandreadtheHindulanguage.SheknowsthatifheistobeadoctorinNepalhewillhavetobeabletocommunicatewiththelocal

people.ShemakesagameofitandsoonSimonisenjoyingthetimehespendswith

her.Shetakeshimtomeditatewithherandtheyfindagreatbondhasformedbetweenthem.

AlthoughDrMenonispartlyretiredheisstillinvolvedwiththelecturesandthe training of the students because the hospital where he and Taz work is ateachinghospital.Tazhelpstochoosethelecturersandtrainsthestudents.Sheisalsoinvolvedintheaffiliationofotherhospitalsintotheteachingofdoctors.Sheandherfather,andherbrotherbeforeher,were thestartingenginefor themedicalschoolandtheyhaveworkedformanyyearstoachieveit.TheneedformedicalcareforthepeopleofNepalhasbeenforemostintheirmindsformanyyears, started when his son Taj worked in Katmandu, and he was a generalpractitioner inPokhara. ThelossofTajspurredhimontotrytoachievewhatwasTaj’sdreamandwhenhisdaughterjoinedhiminhisprofessiontheytalkedaboutthegreatneedformoredoctorsintheplacetheyloved.

ThetimeforSimontoregisterforthemedicalcollegecameasagreatreliefbecauseheknew that hewouldhave tohave thebackingof theUniversity ofKatmandu,inordertobecameacceptedasadoctor.Hisgrandfatherhadfoughtfor this day, as Simon had worked for six years, in the hospital that was tobecometheteachinghospital.Hewasveryfamiliarwiththeplacesohedidnotfeelsostrangeashisgrandfathertookhiminthefirstdayandintroducedhimtothelecturers.Hefeltlonelyastheotherstudentschattedawayandalthoughhehad learntquite a lot in the sixyearshehadbeen inNepal, someof the localaccentssoundedstrangetohim.

Hewassoonintegratedintothestudentbodyandtheshysmileshereceivedfrom some of the girl students made him feel less alienated and his naturalfriendlinesskickedin,asherelaxedintothelifeofastudent.

Chapter38

David

SarahandDavidhavebeentoldoftheaccidentinFranceandthatthewholefamily have been killed. They are devastated and arrange to go to GrenoblewherethefuneralhasbeenarrangedbybothsetsofparentsofJack’sfatherandmother.Theyhavebeeninformedthatbecauseofthestateofthebodies,theyareunidentifiable, so that thecoffins are closedand theydonotget to saya finalgoodbye.

Thesadnessof theoccasionand thedevastationofall themourners find itheartbreaking asDavid leadsSarah andAnneback to their rental car. Sarah’smotherandfather,aswellasCharlie,haveflownouttothefuneralandthesadlittlepartyreturntoGrenobleairport

There is nothing anyone of them can say. Charlie remembers the goodtimeshespentwithSimonfromhimbeingalittleboy.JoeandMaryholdhandstightlywiththeirheadsbent.Sarahistryingtoconcentrateontheroadsothattheycanfindtheirwaybacktotheirplane.Davidisdrivingslowlybecausehefeels so bereaved at the loss of his darling son. Anne sitting between hergranddadsisopenlysobbingforherolderbrother.

TheyallreachhomeafterawretchedflightandSarahgoestoSimon’sroomandliesonhisbed.Sheisdistraughtandjustwantstobeonherown.Herheartisempty.Hermindisablank.Shehasshutdownherthoughts.Shewrapsherarmsaroundherselfandletsthetearsfall.

“Howcan this havehappened again?”She thinks. “Taj died in a fire andnowhissonhasgoneinthesameway,howcanIendureit?Nobodycanhelpher,David knows the story ofTaj but he has not experienced the loss. Anne

doesn’t know about her mother’s past, because Sarah loves David and shedoesn’twantAnne toknow thatSimon isonlyherhalf brother.” “Howam Igoingtolivemylifewithoutmywonderfulson?”Shecriesasherhandscoverhermouthandhersobswrackherbodyuntilinpureexhaustionshefallsintoarestlesssleep.

David,AnneandCharliehaveallgoneintothekitchenwhereDavidputsonthekettleforacupoftea.

“Where’sMum?”Anneasksasshereachesforbeakersfromthecupboard.“I think she has gone to Simon’s room, we should leave her for a little

while.”Davidreplies. “Wewillhaveacupof teaand thenwewill see ifshewantsone.”

Thethreeofthemsiptheir teaandfindthattheyhavenothingtosay,eachwiththeirownthoughtsandgriefforthepersontheyhavelost.

CharlielooksthroughthewindowatthelakeandremembersthefirsttimeheencounteredSimonandSarah. He remembers the laughing littleboywithhisbigbrowneyesand thesoundofhischucklingasDavid threwhimin theair.Howwillanyofthemsurvivethisterribletragedy?HehasalwayslovedSimonashisowngrandchildandwhenSimonwasolder the friendshipof the twoofthemhadalwaysbeenclose.

“I’dbettermakeamove.”Charlieremarksashegetsup,putshisbeakerinthesinkandgivingbothAnneandDavidakissandahug,hegoesthroughtohisownpartofhehouse.Heneedstobealonesothathecanletgooftheterriblegriefhefeels.

Annelooksatherdadandhehugshertohimwhilsttheybothbreakdownandsob.

“Itisn’tfair,”sobsAnne,shecanhardlyspeakforthetearsrollingdownhercheeksandthecatchinthethroat.

“Iknowitisn’t.”Davidreplies.“Hehadsuchalottocontributeandhewassuchahappy,gentleboyandhewillleaveagreatvoidinallourlives.”AfteralittlewhilewhenAnnehas settleddowna little,David liftsherhead fromhisshoulderandsays,

“I’ll justsee ifyourmother isreadyforacupof tea,I’msureshemustbeneedingatleastadrink.Noneofushaseatenmuchsincewegotthenews.”

Hewarmsup thepotandmakessomefresh teaand takesabeakerof it toSimon’sroom.

“Sarahareyouasleep?”Hewhispers.Hecanseeheroutlineundertheduvetbutshemakesnomoveandhecanseethatshehasfallenasleep.Hedecidestoleaveheruntilshewakensupinherowntimebecauseheknowsthatwhensheisawake,shewillagainbebackinthispainfulworld.

He gets to work and empties the contents of their overnight case into thewashingmachine.Hethenlooksintothefridgetoseewhathecanmakeforallofthemfortheirmeal.Hedoesn’tfeelhungrybutheknowsthatheneedstodosomethingtotakeawaythisbleakfeelingtheyareallsharing.

“We’llmakeamealhetellsAnne,we’llprepareittogethertotakeourmindoffthings.Whatdoyouwant,howaboutafishpie?”Davidknowsthatthatiscomfortfoodandhewillmakeenoughforallfourofthem.

“Willyoupeel thevegetableswhilstI lookin thefreezer tosee ifwehavetheingredients?”

Davidfindssalmonandplaicebuthecan’tseeanysmokedmackerel.“I’ll just go to Dad’s to see if he has any.” He tells Anne quietly as he

doesn’twanttodisturbSarahuntilthemealisready.Charlie is sat quietly reading a letter he had received fromSimon just the

weekbefore.Hefoundthemissingingredientinhisdad’sfridgeandDavidaskedhimto

jointhemforthemeal.“I knownoneof us are hungry butwemust eat something andwe should

showAnnethatweneedthisfoodsothatatleastwewillfeelalittlebetter.”CharlieagreedtojoinDavid,AnneandSarahforthepromisedfishpie,ashe

wasfeelingworse,goingoverthememoriesbyhimself.Hestoodup,putonhiscoatandwentouttoseehisgarden,hiddenunderthefallofsnow.

Davidwentbackto thekitchenwhereAnnewasbusychoppingvegetablesandputtingtheminthedifferentpansofthesteamer.Thepotatoesshehadputinapanandtheywerealmostontheboil.Sheshreddedthecheesereadyforthetopping.Daviddefrostedthefishinthemicrowaveandpreparedthesauceusingapotof long lifecream, two fishcubes, aswell as, the residue from thepan.Whenthefishwascookedheplaceditinanovaldishwiththesauceandthenhemashedthepotatoeswithalittlebutterandcream.Annebroughtthecheesetocoverthemashedpotatoesandthepiewasalmostreadyforeating.Ithadonlytobeputinahotoventomeltthecheese

Theyputthepieononesideuntiltheydecidedtocookthevegetables.NowtheyhadtowaituntilSarahwokeup.

Annelookedatherdadwithasmileonherlips.Heknewhowtocheerherup,heknewsheenjoyedhelping,bothherfatherandhermother,inthekitchenandthewarmthandthelovelyaromasthatcamefromthecooking,alwaysgaveherafeelingofsecurityandwarmth.

Sarahwoketothesmellofcookingandasshegingerlygotoffthebed,shefelt thestiffness inherbones.Sheknewtheywouldallbehungrynow,soshelefttheroomandmadeherwaytothekitchen.

“Ohmum.”Anne cried. “We’re so glad that you slept, we hope you arefeeling better. See what we have made for the meal. Shall we cook thevegetablesnowandputthepieintheoven?”

SarahsmiledatAnne’senthusiasm,sheknewwhatDavidhaddonetotaketheir daughter’s mind off the situation, and she was, as ever, grateful for histhoughtfulways.

“We’veinvitedCharlietoeatwithus.”Davidsays.“Itwillbebetterforallofusifwekeepeachothercompanyforabit.”

“That’sgood.”Sarahsaysasshesmilesatherdaughterandherhusband.David has a cup of tea ready for Sarah as theywait for themeal to cook.

Sarah sips her tea gratefully as she feels somewarmth seeping into her body.Shefeelshungerpangs,asshesmellsthelovelyaromaoftheircookingmeal.

SarahhastogobacktoherteachingjobandDavidisbackatwork.Anneisback at school and although the world seems to be in black and white sinceSimon’s death, Sarah is sad thatAnne is living in this diminishedworldwiththemandshedoestrytofindcolourinthethingsthatAnneisinterestedin.ShehashertohelpinthekitchenandshetriestofindenthusiasminthemusicAnneloves,aswellas,entertainingherfriends.TheylovetocomeinthesummertimewhenthelakeisswarmingwithwildlifeandCharlieentertainsthemwithstoriesof his firefighting days. The days of the summer pass intowinter and beforeanyoneisawareofitanotheryearhaspassedandAnneisreadytotakeher“A”levels. Anne,whowants to be a sports physiotherapist, has donewell in herscienceexams,andassomeofherfriendsareapplyingtobeSportteachers,shehas applied to Loughborough, where they haveDegree courses in her chosensubject.

DavidandSarahareabouttobecomeemptynestersandSarahisterrifiedofanything happening to Anne. She tries not to let Anne see her fear but shewishesthatasuitablecoursecouldhavebeenofferedatherdad’splaceofwork.

“Wecan’tstifleher.”DavidtellsSarah.“She’llbefine,herfriendswillbearound, and anyway, it is the time for her to make new friends and becomeindependentofus.IknowwhyyouhavethesereservationsandIhavethemtoo,butSarahwehavetolethergoandfindherownlife.”

“OhDavidIdoloveyou,youarethebesthusbandintheworldandIcouldnotlivewithoutyou.”Sarahtellshimashegivesheraspecialhug.

TheyhaveapartyforAnnebeforeshetakesofftouniversityandDavidandSarahtakehertoLoughborough.ShewavesthemoutofsightandDavidstopsatthenearestlay-byandsays.“WeareonourownandIintendtomakethebestofit.Comehereandgivemeakiss.”

SarahlaughsbutsheknowsDavidisjustassadassheisafterleavingtheir

youngestchildbehind.Annesoonsettlesdownandwriteseveryweektohermumanddad,always

withaspecialsheet inforhergranddad. Shemakesfriendsandissooninthemidstofuniversitylife,workinghardatherstudiesandhavingfunwithhernewfriends. SheoftenfeelssadatthelossofSimonbutsheisresilientandstrongandfullofhernaturalenthusiasmandthiscarriesher throughtheworstofherbadfeelings.

SarahandDavidhavetoresumetheirworkandCharlieiskeptbusywithhischarity work and his garden. Mary and Joe have their other daughter withgrandchildren to console them but all the family will always feel the loss ofSimon.

Annepasses her examswith flying colours, after threeyears of hardworkand having passed her final exam, she is granted her degree. There are greatcelebrationsandallthefamilyisproudofhersuccess.

AnnehasbeenofferedajobatOswestryOrthopedicHospitalandshetakestheofferupgratefully,as thishospital isoneof thebest in thecountryfor theuseofhernewlearntskills.Shelovesthejobandfindsthathelpingthepeoplewithbadfractures, tobemadenormalandwalkingaswellasever theydid, isveryrewarding.

Annemeets Jackie at the clinic. Jackie is recovering fromabroken ankleandneedstreatment.Sheisadark-hairedbeautywhoisrespondingwelltothephysiotherapy.Anneenjoysherlight-heartedstoriesofhermanagerialjobinalocal supermarket. The stories she tells about her staff and customers makeAnnechuckle

“Doyouknowwhocameintotheshopyesterday?”Sheasks.“Who?”“Hugh Jones, he is captain of the Welsh rugby team, he’s gorgeous, he

wantedsomewine,thebestwehad”,hetoldme.Annesmiles,becauseshehasbeentreatinghim,butdoesnotsaysobecause

ofpatientconfidentiality.JackiegoesinrapturesabouthislooksandAnnelaughsoutrightather.They

becomefriends. JackieneedsapayingguesttohelpherpaythemortgageandAnne,whohasbeenlivingintemporaryaccommodationatthehospital,agreesto pay rent for a bedroom and a use of the facilities. They settle in together,Anne feels at home in the cottage and Jackie’s friendly company takes awaysomeofresidueofsadnessAnnefeelsforthelossofSimon.

Annelovesthebanterthegirlshave,“Whoareyoutreatingtoday?”Jackieisalwaysasking.“ShallIpickyouup

tonightandwillyoubringoutthatlovelychapandletmemeethim?”

She is sometimes involved with sports people, rugby players, soccer starsandeventennisplayersandenjoystheflirtingshegetsfromthem.Anneisstillasensiblegirlandshedoesn’tletthisgotoherhead,infactshehashereyeonadoctor,whoshesometimesworkswithonthewards.OswestryisontheborderofWalesandnowthatshehasasmallcar,sheoftendrivesouttotheBreaconstowalkinthehillswithherfriendJackie.

Herparentsvisitherwhentheyhaveabreakfromwork.Theystayinalocalhotel and take both the girls out for dinner. Sarah has someprivate timewithAnnewhenshehashalftermbreaks;Daviddoesn’thavethesebecausehegetslongerholidaysatChristmasand in thesummer. Sarahhas theshorter schoolholidayswithhalf-terms.ShesometimestakesCharliewithherandtheyhavedaysout aroundOswestrywhilstAnne is atwork. Charlie loves thesebreaksandalthoughhe isgettingolder,hestillhas theenergytokeepupwithSarah,whoalwaysenjoyshiscompany.

SarahandDavidarehappythatAnnehasfoundthisnewlifeforherselfandtheyfeelsheissafe.

Chapter39

Mula

DrMenon is determined to have Simon trained as a doctor. TheMedicalschoolaspartofKhatmanduUniversitywassetupin1994buthasnotbecomeafully recognizedcollege.The ideaof itwas tohave the school as anon-profitorganization with a motto of producing”technically competent and sociallyresponsible” doctors. The main focus of the organization is to contribute inimprovingtheoverallhealthofNepal.DrMenonandhisfamilyhavebeentheinstigatorsofthismedicalcollege,andhemeanstohavehisgrandsonpartofit.

AlthoughSimonistheonly“student”foranumberofyearsbyjustworkingatthehospitalandbeingtaughtbyhisgrandfatherandhisaunt,heknowsthathewillbeunable togethismedicaldegree,without thebackingof theKatmanduUniversity. By2001 themedical school is formed and althoughSimon is theonlyEnglish-speakingstudent,hesettlesdownwell.

Simonfinishedhismedicaldegreewith thehelpofhisgrandfatherandhisauntTaz. Hehashad somedifficultywith theHindu languagebuthe isnowhappyinhisskin. Hehasfoundtheloveofhis life,anotherstudentdoctorhemetatuniversityandwhoisaresidentdoctoralongwithhim.HemetMulathefirstyearthecollegeopenedandbecauseshecamefromanunstablefamily,shefeltconfusedandhomesickforhermaternalgrandfather,whowasthemainstayofherlife.Astherewereonlyfourothergirlsinthewholeyearofforty-threestudents.MulaandSimonformedafriendshipinthebeginning.Theothergirlsteased her but shewas adamant hewas her best friend and they became veryclose.

She was accepted by the Simon’s family and soon became one of them,

comingformealsandhangingaroundthelovelygardenssurroundingthehouse.Sahida,Simon’sotherauntinvitedthemtostaywithherinPokharafortheir

vacation.SimonwasthrilledbecauseheknewhelovedthatareaashehadbeentrekkingwithhisauntonapreviousoccasionandhewantedtoshowMulathefishtail mountain They decided to go by car and the six hour drive wasthrough wonderful scenery with the mountains towering above them. Theystayed at roadside café for a meal and sat outside where the roaring rivertumbled over the rocks and sent a fine spray over their picnic. Mula wassuitably impressedandhuggedSimonwithpleasurefor thebeautyof theday.Thedayaftertheyarrived,Sahidatooktheminherfour-wheelvehicleadrivetothevillagewhereherschoolwassituated,togetthemsomewayupthemountainbeforetheirtrek.ThevillagerswereshybutfriendlyandtheysmiledandstaredatSimonasiftheyhadseenaghost.SahidawasveryattentiveasshelookedatSimoninastrangeway.

“Iseverythingalright?"MulaaskedsensingthatSahidafeltuncomfortableasthevillagerscontinuedtosmileandstareatthem.

“Yes.” Sahida replied. “They are just curious; I taught most of thesevillagersintheiryouth.”Asshesmilesandwavestothemassheleavesinhercar.SheturnstoMulaandSimoncalling.”Seeyoulater.”

“We’llbebacklatertoday.”Simonshoutsbackassheisalmostonthepointof driving off. The day is warm and the foothills although steep are not tooarduous.

Mulatakesoffhercoatastheytrudgeuptheterracedhillside;thebeautifulsnowpeakstowerabovethem.Theybothfeelexhilaratedbythesceneryastheylook up. They decide to sit and have the food they have broughtwith them.They see the lake at Pokhara with the lodge set in the middle of it. Themountainpeaksarereflectedonthelakeandtheskyturnsittoadarkclearblue.SimonishopingthatlaterheandMulawillbeabletoworkinthehospitalthatopened in Pokhara as it has been affiliated to Kathmandu University. Theyresume their trek and find they have more energy after their lunch and rest.Theypuffalittleasthetrackgetssteeper.Theyseeterraceswithbuildingsonthemandfieldsofgrowingvegetableswithafewhens,andsometimes,asheep.Thepeopleworkingtheirterraces,wavetothemastheypass;thesuniswarmontheir backs. The day has been special and they feel happy but tired as theyreturntoSahida’sapartment,wherethereisalovelymealandaspecialwelcomeforthem.

The following day there is a market in the centre of the town, where thelocalsselltheirfruitandvegetables,aswellas,carvedwoodenpiecesdepictingtheirgodsoranimals. Therearealsoclothes,handmade,knitted jumpersand

colourfuljacketsandshirts.Sahidaisonholidayaswellandsheaccompaniesthem to look around the market, where most of the wares are set out on thepavements. It is a vibrant sight the atmosphere around the market is light-heartedand festive. The threeof themmeanderaround the streetsandhaveadayofrelaxation. ThefollowingdayisMula’sbirthdayandSimondecidestomake it a specialoccasion,havingadinnerbooked for the twoof themat thehotelinthecentreofthelake.

Simonhas confided in his aunt that hemeans to propose toMula andhasbroughttheringtoshowhisaunt.

“Oh I’msopleased.” Shecries as shegiveshimahug. “Youare suchaperfectmatch.Ihopethatyouwillbeveryhappy.”

MulaisexcitedtobegoingtotheFishtailLodgeandafterhershowersheputsonabutterflynecklace thatSahidahasbought from themarket. It lookslovelyonherslimbrownneckanditmatchesthegreendressshehaschosentowear.Simonwearsalightstonecolouredsuit,lookingveryhandsomewithhisvelvet-likeskinanddarkthickhair.Averyromanticlookingandlovingcoupleturnupatthehotelaftertheboatridetogetthere.Themanagerhasasurprisedlookonhisfaceashegreetsthemandhandsthemovertothehead-waiter.Buteveryone in thedining room looksup as this handsomepair is shown to theirtable.SimonisalittlenervousbutMulaisexcitedbytheambianceoftheplaceandthericharomawaftingfromthekitchen.

“I’mreallyhungry.”Shesaysasthewaiterhandsheramenu.“Whatdoyourecommend?”Sheaskshim.

Simongivesthewaiteranindicationwithanodofhisheadforthewaitertoleave them for a moment. He then gets hold of Mula’s hand and asks thequestionshyly.”Willyoumarryme?”

Mula’s eyes light up and then tears show in the corners as she feels theemotionofherloveforSimon.

“I’d love to.” She replies her voice full of love and hope for the future.Simonisdifferentfromanyothermansheknows,hehasacaringwaywithhisfriendsandhispatientsandisconsiderateandgentle.Hemusthavehadalovingupbringing although he has nomemory of it. She has been told his story bySahida who remembers his mother and is still grieving for his father, herbrother.DrMenonhasinsistedthatSimonmustbegiventhefamilynameandSimon is content not to worry too much about the loss of his memory.Sometimesacloudpassesoverhisthoughtsbutheshrugsitoffandgetsonwithhislife.

Thewaiterhoversaroundtheirtableandthehappycoupleordertheirmeal.Alltheotherdinershearthepopoftheopeningofthechampagneandgive

thecoupleaclapofhandsastheyallhavebeamingsmilesontheirfaces.Simon acknowledges their approval andMula gives a wave of her ringed

finger,withahappysmileonherface.

Chapter40

Sarah and David have just retired and after a lovely family doublecelebrationoftheirsilver-weddingandretirement,DavidhassecretlybookedaCaribbeancruiseforatreat. SarahisthrilledthatsheisnowagrandmotherasAnne hasmarried her doctor and they have a baby boy. She seesAnne on aregularbasis,asherhusbandisnowaG.P.inatownonlythirtymilesfromherparents.

After theparty,David foldsSarah inhisarmsandputsanenvelope inherhand.

“What’s this?” she giggles. She is a little worse for wear because of thedrinksshehasbeenconsumingduringtheparty.

“Openandsee.”Davidreplieswithalaughinhisvoice.HeisnotusedtoseeingSarahalittlebitdrunk.

“Oh this iswonderful.” Shecriesas shedancesDavidaround the room, Ihavealwayswantedtogoonacruise.

TheysettledowntosleepandSarahisheldsafelyinDavid’sarms.“I’vemissedSimontonight.”Shewhispersalmosttoherself.“Metoo.” Davidholdsher tightandafewtearsarespiltbybothof them,

“Heshouldhavebeenhereforourcelebrationbutwewillalwaysrememberhimwithprideandlove.”Theyeventuallysleepineachother’sarms

Charlie alwayswakens early and hemakes Sarah andDavid a cup of teaaboutteno’clock.

“Come on you two sleepy-heads.” He calls from the kitchen. “YourgrandsonwantshisgrandmaandgranddadandAnneandDanhaven’tallday.”

SarahisintheshowersoDavidreplies.“We’recomingbutAnnecanbringhimupifshewantsto.”AtthisawhoopofjoyisheardcomingupthestairsandAnnearriveswithlittleDanonherback.Shegentlythrowshimontothebed

andintoDavid’sarms.“Comeonlittleonelet’shaveasnuggle.”AsDavidhugsthelittleboyand

thenbeginstheticklinggamethebabyalwaysloves.“OhdadIrememberyoudoingthattomeandSimonwhenwewerelittle

kids.”Annetellsherdadandasadlookcomesoverherfaceassheremembersherbrother.

Although it is autumn, theday isbrightandwheneveryone is clothedandfedtheysetofftowalkaroundthelake. DanwearsaharnessonhisbackandlittleDanisdelightedtobecarriedbyhisfather,whoheadores.TherestofthepartyfollowsandDanisexcitedashesees thewild lifeand theotherwalkersandtheirdogs.

CharlieremembersthemanytimesheandSimonhavedonethissamewalkandalthoughheoftenfeelsaloss,heisgratefulthathehasthisothergenerationtocare for. Annewillnotbe longbeforesheextendsher familywithanotheraddition. Shesaysshewantsasisterorbrotherfor littleDan. Charliewillbethrilledwhenthefamilyisenlargedandthehousewillbefulloflaughteragain.HeshakeshisthoughtsofSimonoutofhismindandcatchesupwiththeothers.ThereisplentyofkiddinggoingonasAnneteaseshermotherabouttheforth-comingcruise.

“You’llhavetobuyanewwardrobeofclothesforMum.”Shetellsherdad.“Oh dear,will I?” LaughsDavidwho has already decided to take her to

Manchesterandfitthembothoutwithsomesmartclothes.HehasbookedoneofthebettercabinswithabalconyandheintendstogiveSarahthebesttimeofherlife.

DanwhohasagreatsenseofhumourbeginstodancethehornpipeandlittleDaniswhoopingwithlaughter,asheridesonhisfather’sbackandtheyareallbentdoublewiththeacheoftheirlaughter.LittleDanhastakenanygloomforthe lossofSimonoutof all themembersof the familygroupandby the timetheyreachhometheyareallinahappyframeofmind.

Annepackstheir thingsin thecarandtheywavetoall thefamilyuntil thecarisoutofsight.

CharliegoestohispartofthehousetoreadhisSundaypapersandSarahandDavidbegin toplan theirholiday. Sarahhasn’t felt so thrilledfora long timeandshewantstoknowabouttheiritinerary.Davidfindsthebrochureandtheyspendtherestoftheeveninglookingattheinterestingplacestheyaregoingtovisit.Theyreadupaboutthehistoryandtheenterpriseofeachislandaswellasthepolitics.

Thentheyreadaboutthelifeonboardtheship. Sarahfeelsanenthusiasmshe hasn’t felt for years and her love for David overwhelms her. He is so

thoughtfulandhealwaysknowsjustwhatshewantsandneeds.Theirclosenesshasincreasedovertheyears,theirlifetogetherfeelingliketheyarebothinsideacomfortablecloak,thatiswrappingaroundthem,keepingthemwarmandsafe.

DavidhasbeentotheCaribbeanbeforeinhislifeasacivilengineer.Hehasalsobeenasavolunteeratvariousdisasters,earthquakes,typhoons,andvolcaniceruptions. He fell in lovewith the islandsand thepeoplewith their laid-backwaysandheissureSarahwillfeelthesamewayashedoes.Charliehasbeenwithhima coupleof times, as a fire fightingvolunteer,whenDavid’smotherwasalive.DavidislookingforwardtothelongsailinthesouthAtlanticwhenSarahandhecanrelaxandfeelthesunontheirfaces,afterthepoorweatherofthelastthreesummersathome.Theyhaveliterallybeenletoutofschool,andtheyfeelalittleliketheyfeltwhentheywereteenagers,goingofftoUniversity.Theyhave both loved their teaching jobs, but as the years have passed, it hasbecome much harder and the work has changed from actually teaching tospendingtoomuchtimefillinginformsandmakingoutreports.Theyfeelthefreedomandtheyintendtomakethemostofit.

They arrive in their cabin after a train journey to Southampton and arethrilledwith the comfort of it, as thiswill be their home for the nextmonth.TheystepontotheirbalconybutitistoocoldhereinEnglandtolingersotheyclose theFrenchwindowsand take a lookaround the inside. It is roomyandsmartwithall themodconsand theyhugeachother likechildren. There isaknockatthedoorandacabinboyappearswiththeirluggage,hegivesaquicksmileanddisappearsbeforeDavidcantiphim.Sarahbeginstounpackandtheyare soon on deck as the ship leaves Southampton, where people on the dockwavethemout.

Thereisacoldwindandtheysoonscuttleinsidetobewarmandtodiscoverthe amenitiesof thegreat liner. Soon it is lunch-timeand theygo to find thevarious restaurants. Theyhavedecided to use themainonewhichhaswaiterservice for their evening meals but they go to the nearest they find for theirlunch,becausetheyweretooexcitedtohavehadaproperbreakfast.Whentheyventureoutagainondeckthesunhaswarmedupandtheyfindsun-bedstolieonandbegintorelaxandenjoythesail.

“Lookatthedolphins.”DavidsaysandSarahgetsupandstandsbytherailasthedolphinsleapoutofthewaterastheyfollowtheship.

“Ohthisissogreat;I’veonlyseendolphinsinthezoo.”Sarahsaysasshefeels the freedom of the beautiful creatures and their graceful movementsthroughtheoceanwaves.

The sun becomes warmer as the days pass and they are able to wear theswimwearandbeachweartheyhaveboughtforthisholiday.Theyarecarefulto

usehighfactorsunscreen,buttheysoonbegintoturnalovelybronzecolourandtheystillmakeahandsomecouple.

In theevening theydance to the residentbandand theyhavenot forgottenthestepstheyweretaughtyearsago.SarahlovesdressingupandDavidlooksstunninginhistux.ThelongseajourneycomestoanendwhentheyarriveatthedocksinBarbados.Theygoondeckwithmostofthepassengerstoseetheirarrival in Bridgetown. The area around the dock is filled with shops sellingjewelry and colourful clothes. The town has a duel identity, smart publicbuildings and graffiti on some of thewalls around the places,where the poorpeoplelive.Andaswetravelaroundtheislandonourcruisebusweseeopulentareaswherethebeachfronthotelsaresituated,andthetinylittlehousesthatarefor the locals. The lush interior is tropical and looks exotic to our eyes. Thedriver stops at a place where we see green-blue sea caressing a silver whitebeach with palm trees edging the land with the sparkling blue of the skyoverhead. We can’t believe our eyes after the bleak grey weather we left athome. Wereturn to theship, readyforourshowerandthesail-awaypartyonthe deck. Aswe leave Bridgetownwith its lights like a necklace around theshore,wedanceondecktothebandandhavesomechampagnebroughtbyourcabinboywhosmilesshylyatus.HetakesasecondlookatSarahandsays.“Ithink Iknowyou,youcame tomyvillagemanyyearsagoandyou taughtmeEnglishatschool.”

Sarahisastonishedshesays.“Is thatRajfromthevillagewhereI lived, intheseventies?”

“YesIusedtowalkupthemountaintoschoolwithyou,doyouremember?”“Oh yes I do remember, youwere one ofmy first pupilswhen I came to

Nepal. It is sogood to seeyou. Whendoyouhave timeoff? Wemustgettogether for a proper chat.” Sarah replies with happiness lighting up her facebecausesheissothrilledtoseeRajagain.

SheintroduceshimtoDavidandthenhehastogotoattendsomeAmericansatthenexttable.

“OhmyGod.”Sarahistakenabackwithshockatthismeetingwithsomeonefromherpast. Davidholdsherhandandgripsittoensureherthatshehashissupport. Theydrink theirchampagneandSarahgoesquietassheremembershertimeinNepalandwithittheterriblelossofTajandthenSimon.

Davidgetsherup todanceaslowwaltz,holdingherclose inhisarmsshefeels his warmth, and she responds with a smile as she puts her depressingthoughtsoutofhermind.Thebandchangesthetempoandtheyswirlaroundthefloortoaquickstepandtheybothenduplaughingandbreathlessasthenumbercomestoanend.TheyreturntotheircabinandDavidpoursthemabrandythat

theytakeouttothebalconywheretheysitwatchingthemoonlightoverthesea.Davidgoesbackinsideandcomesbackwiththechocolatesthatarelefton

thebedeachnightforthem.“We’re reallybeing spoilt,” laughsSarahwhoenjoys a chocolatewithher

nightcap.“It’slikeadreamhereinthewarmthofthenightwiththebalmyseaairallaroundus.”

TheyhavemanysuchdayswhenSarahandDavidfeelthejoyofseeingthebeautyof themanytropical islandsandhavinghappyeveningsmakingfriendsanddancing.TheyaretobeinTrinidadonaSundaywhentheEnglandcricketteam isplaying, andDavidand someof themalepartnersof the couples theyhavemadefriendswithontheship,decidetoriskgettingticketsatthegate.

SarahdecidestostayontheshipaftergoingaroundtheDutyFreeshopsattheport.Theheatistoomuchforhersoshereturnstotheshipandgoestotheircabintocooldown.SheclosesthedoorandassheturnssheseesRajcomingoutofthebathroom,wherehehasbeengivingitaclean.

“RajperhapswecancatchuponthingsinPokhara.HowisMissMenon?Doyouseeherwhenyougohome?”“MissMenonistheheadmistressoftheschoolnowandthelasttimeIwas

homemyfatherwasillandshecamewiththedoctor,whoattendstothepeopleofthevillage,outofrespectformyfamily.Ithoughtitwasherbrotherbutshesaiditwashernephew,whomshecalledSimon.”

Sarahcatchesherbreath.“Tellmeaboutthedoctor.”Shealmostwhispers“HewasverylikeMissMenon’sbrotherTaj.”Rajlooksembarrassedashe

remembersthatatthetimeSarahwasthereteaching,shewasveryclosetoTajandthenheremembersthetragedyofTaj’sdeath.“Ishouldhaveknownthatwas impossible but I have spent so many years working on cruise ships thatsometimesIforgetwhathappenedathome.”Rajcontinues.

“Howlonghasthedoctorbeencaringforyourfather?”Sarahasks.“The last time Iwas homewas two years ago, and before then the young

lady Dr Taz attended my father, but she then stayed in Kathmandu at theteachinghospital.

I’msorrybutIhavetogoorIwon’thavefinishedmyroundofthecabinsontime.”Rajsaysashemovestowardsthedoor.“I’llseeagainwhenwecantalksomemore.I’msopleasedtoseeyouagain.”

Sarahcurlsupon thebedandsobs. “Howcan thatbe?”sheasksherself.“HewaskilledinFrancewithJackandhisfamily.AndhowcouldhehavegottoKathmandu?”Sheremembersthestrangefeelingsshehadatthefuneral,

asthough,Simonwasnotthere.Andhowshesometimesfeelsherloveforhersonoverwhelmingheratthestrangestoftimes.Whenshewalksaloneinthe

countryside near to home, when she listens to a piece of classical music sheadores.Thesearegoodfeelingsandshehashadthemovertheyearswhenshehasbeenatherlowestedge,butshehasnotmentionedthistoDavidorAnne,asalthough,shehasgotsomecomfortfromthesesurprisingemotions,shehasfeltaneednottoupsetherfamilybyhavingthemrememberthebadtimes.Assheruminatesaboutthepast,shefindsarayofhopeshiningintoherthoughts.

”What if he is alive? Whyhas he not comehome?However can he be adoctorinPokara?Hehadn’tfinishedhisdegree.”HermindisinawhirlassheawaitsthereturnofDavid,whosheurgentlyneedstotalkto.

Chapter41

MarkleavesKathmanduafterseeingSimonandhisfriendsoffandaftertheprojectofthebridgeisfinishedhegoeshomeforavacation.SimonisalreadyatBristolsohedoesn’tseehim.HisnextprojectisinAlaskaanditiswhilstheistherethathehearsoftheawfuldeathofSimoninFrance.Hetravelshometobewith the familybut it is anunhappy time for themall. He seesSarah andhequietlytellsherofthetimehehadwiththeladsandSimonandhowhefeelsthelossofhim. Heremembers the timehehadwithSarahwhenhewasSimon’sageandthewonderfultimetheyhadthereontheWhiteMountain.Theyhugforalongtimeandwhenhereleasesher,tearsarestreamingdownboththeirfaces.

HereturnstoAlaskatofinishthejobandeventuallyreturnshometoworkintheU.K. Hekeepsin touchwithSarahandDavidwhoheadmiresverymuchforhisgentlefatheringofSimonandhiscaringforhisfavouriteaunt.HeisstillworkingasacivilengineerbutheismostlyawayfromhomeinScotland,Walesor thesouthofEngland. Hehashadmanygirlfriends,buthehasnotmet theone.HehasabachelorflatinManchesterandenjoyshislifeinthecitywhenheishome.

HehearsfromSarahwhenshegetshomefromhercruiseandsheisinastateofindecisionaboutsomethingsheheardfromastewardontheship.HeagreestomeetherinManchesterwherehepicksherupfromVictoriastationandtakesherbacktohisflat.ShetellshimthestoryofSimonappearingasadoctorinthevillagewhereshetaught.

“Howcanthatbe?”SheasksMarkwhoisstaringatherinwonder.“Idon’tknowbutI’msureyouaregoingtoinvestigateit.WhatdoesDavid

think?”Davidcan’ttakeitinandalthoughhequestionedRaj,thesteward,hehashis

doubtsandheisnotverysurehewantstofindthatRajismistakenandwearein

foragreatdisappointment.“Sarah,whatdoyouwanttodo?”“I’llgiveyoumysupport;heyI’dloveto

go to Nepal again. How about us taking a look around the village on themountainortothehospitalinKathmandu?I’msureDavidwillbewillingifyoureallywanttodothis.HaveyouspokentoAnneaboutit?”

“No, that’spartof theproblem. Anne is,asyouknow,havingher secondbabyandwedon’treallywant toburdenherwiththis. Shesailedthroughherfirstpregnancybutherhealthhasnotbeenasgoodandsheisalmostathertimeofbirth.ShehastobeourfirstpriorityandDavidandIareabitworriedabouther.”

“Hey,wouldyou likemetogo? IhavesomeholidaysdueandI love thatpartoftheworld?”Markasks,fullofenthusiasm.

“IreallywanttogobutitissuchabadtimeandDavidcan’tbelieveitcanbetrue and I feel that I can’t be away when Anne gives birth. She is due thisweek.”Sarahsayswithasigh.

Markconsidershisworkoptions,heisduesomeholidaysandalthoughheisnotayoung ladanymore,hewould love togo to theWhiteMountainsandhedecidesthathewillgoalonetoseewhatishappeninginKathmanduorPokhara.

SarahisrelievedwhenMarkdecideshewillgotoseeifhecanfindSimon,shehugshimagainastheyleavehisapartment,togotohavesomelunchinthecity.

WhenshegetshomeAnneistherewithlittleDanandDavidismakinghimchucklebybouncinghimonhisknee.

“HowisMark?”Davidasks.“Hashenotgothimselfagirlfriendyet?”Annesmilesasshesays.“Heishavingagreatlife;Idon’tthinkhewillwant

togiveuphisfreedom.”Anneheaveshersonontoherhipassheisnowgettingawkwardatthispoint

ofherpregnancyandDavidrelievesherofDanandliftshimontohisheadashecarrieshimtothecarandfastenshimintohisbaby-seat.DavidandSarahwavethemoutofsightandthengobackintothehouse.

“Mark isgoing togo toNepal.” Sarah tellsDavid. “But Ididn’twant tomentionitwhilstAnnewashere,Idon’twanthertoknowaboutSimonuntilithasbeenconfirmed.”

Davidpullshertohimsaying.“Idon’twantyoutogetyourhopesupandthenbedisappointed.”

“I’lltrynottobe,butIwouldlikeustogotofindhimourselves.ButyoucanseethatAnnewillnotbelongbeforesheneedsustohelpwithDanandthenewbaby.Idon’twanthertofeelthatsheisholdingusbackfromdoingthat,”Sarahsays.

“ItdependsonwhathappenswhenMarkgoesandthenwewillgoourselvesifSimonisthere.Annewillbejustasanxiousaswearetofindhim,ifsheknewthestorytoldtousbyRaj,”Davidreplies.

SarahresignsherselftoagreementwithwhatDavidissayingassheknowsshewantstobeavailabletohelpAnneandherfamily.

MarkarrangeshisworkloadandthenfindsaflighttoDelhiwithconnectionstoKathmandu. He is looking forward, to perhaps, seeingSahida again if shestillteachesinthevillageschool.Sheisprobablymarriedbynowandmayhaveleft the area, he is thinking. He decides that hewill start his investigation atPokharainthevillagewhereSarahusedtolive.Hefindstheflightlongandheeventuallysleepspartoftheway.AfterhischangeofplanesinIndiahestartstofeel anticipationof findingSimon, andbeing inhis belovedmountains again.He decides to fly to Pokhara to save time and he hopes to get a taxi to thevillage.Heintendstostayatthehostelnearthevillagesothathemaygetsomeanswersfromthelocalpeople.TheplanearrivesatPokharaandhemanagestofind a taxi to take him part way up the mountain. He finds Pokhara hasdevelopedandissurprisedatthenewbuildingsaroundthetown.

“ThishasgrownsinceIwashere in theseventies,”heexclaims to the taxidriver.

“Yes we are lucky now to have a brand new hospital that is part of theUniversityofKathmandu,”Hereplieswithshysmileofpride.

“Mydaughterhaswonaplacethereforthenextfullyear,”hecontinues.“Wehaveprogressed since the seventies and thevillagerswho liveon the

mountainshavenowabetter,healthierlife.”Markpaysoffthetaxidriver,getshishaversackandwithawaveofhishand

starts off to find the hostel. He remembers that it is a little way outside thevillagebuthesoonfindsit.Ithasimprovedalotsincehewasherebeforeandhesignsinandisshownhisownroomthathehasrequested.It’sgoodtosharewhen funds are low but now he feels he needs a bit of privacy. He uses theshowertogetridofthejetlagfatigueandafteragoodnight’ssleephedecidestohavealookaroundthevillageandthengoupthemountaintotheschool.Theprecinct of the village is very quiet as everyone is working on their terraces,seeingtotheirfewlife-stock,fruitandvegetables.Thevillageispeacefulwithnobodyaboutsohedecidestofindtheschool.Hewalksupthemountainuntilhehearschildrenchantingtheirlessonsastheyaresittingonaterracewiththefishtailasabackdroptotheir“classroom.”

Markischarmedashelooksatthechildren,whoaresobeautiful,astheyaredressedintheirschooluniformswithsparklingwhiteshirtsandblouses,sittinginthesunshine.

“CanIhelpyou?”Ayoungmansays,walkinguptoMark.“Yes,perhapsyoucan.I’mlookingforateacherwhousedtoworkherein

the seventies, with the name of Sahida Menon,” Mark replies. “Do yourememberher?”

“Yes,ofcourse,sheisnowtheheadmistress;I’lltakeyoutoher.”Markfollowshimtoastructurethatisusedininclementweatherandfinds

Sahidainacornerofficedoingsomepaperwork.Markrecognizesher immediatelywithhersteadybrowneyesandhereasy

smile.Mark always had feelings for her, but hewas only eighteen, and shewas

alreadyateacher,sohekepthisfeelingtohimself.Heremembersdancingwithherathispartyandhowhelovedtoholdherinhisadolescentarms.Theroseperfumesheworecalminghisemotions.

“Heydoyourememberme?”Markaskswithatwinkleinhiseyes.Sahida sees a sophisticated, handsome man leaning on her doorpost and

somethingclicksinhermemory.“WhendidImeetyou?”Sheasks.“Andwhere?”“Here in thevillagewhereyouandmyauntgavemeandmyfriends,who

had just finished our “A” levels, a party before we set out on our trekkingadventure.”

“OhmyGodit’sMark.”Sheexclaims.“IwassosorrytohearofthelossofSarahandherfamily,inthatawfulcarcrashinFrance.”

“What are you talking about?” Mark askswith confusion. “Sarah,Davidand Anne were not in any car accident. It was only Simonwho had gone toFrance,toskiwithoneofhisfriends.”

SahidalooksatMarkwithastonishment.“But wewere told that Simon’s family had all perished in the fire of the

burntoutcar.Myfatherwastoldthatwhenwewerecontactedbythe

FrenchHospital. Simonhadaphotographofmyfatherandhim in his pocket, when hewas found almost dead by theroadside. TheFrenchpolicehadnotconnectedSimonwiththe other family and the only information they could findwas the photograph that Taz had taken, of Simon and myfather,onhislastnighthereinKathmandu.

MyfatherwenttopickupSimonbutSimondidnotknowhim.Hehad,andstillhas,losthismemory.MymothernursedhimbacktohealthandtaughthimthelocallanguageinorderforhimtolivehereinNepal.HeissolikeTaj,ourbrother,whodiedinaplanecrash,asyouremember,andwhenSimonwashere

before we helped him with Ben, his friend. That is the reason he had aphotographofhimandmyfather,Taztookitwhenwehadafarewellpartyfortheboys.”

“Howdidhecometobewithyoubefore,whenhewasherewithhisfriendstrekking? Imet themon thedayof their return toEnglandandneitherhenorBensaidanythingaboutbeingwithyou.” Marksayswithaworriedfrownonhisface.

“YouknowthatBenwashurtonthemountain.HowdidtheyexplainhowtheyhadmanagedwithBenoncrutches?”SahidaasksMark.

“Theysaidadoctorat thehospitalhadgiven themaccommodationuntil itwastimetogohomeandthatthedoctor’sfamilyhadbeenwonderfullykindtothem,”hereplieswonderingwhySimonhadnottoldhimthefamily’sname.

“We have grieved for Simon and Sarah and the whole family has beendevastatedsincethefuneralwhentheythoughttheywereburyingSimon. TheonlyreasonIhavecometo lookforhimisbecauseSarahmetaboyfromthisschoolwhowasworkingasastewardonacruiseshipintheCaribbeanandhementioned a doctor calledSimon attending to his sick father. At first he toldSarah he thought itwasTaj and then you explained that itwas your nephew,Simon.”Markcontinues,feelingsadatthethoughtofSimonlosinghismemory.

“Whywouldyou think thatSimonhadperished in thecrash?Sahidaasks,and why were we told that his whole family had died? The French hospitalcontacted my father because of the telephone number on the back of thephotograph and therewas no other information they had, only the loss of theboy’swholefamily.”

“ThefamilywhotookSimonskiingmusthavebeentheoneswhoperishedinthecrash.Jack’sgrandparentsinformedmyrelativesofthefatalaccidentandSarah,DavidandAnneaswellasmygrandparentsandDavid’sdadwenttothefuneral.IwasworkinginAlaskaatthetimebutIgothomesoonafterwardstofind thewhole family devastated.” Mark replies, as the circumstances of theaccidentbecamecleartohimHewonderswhySimonhadnotbeenopenwithhimabouttheMenons,whenhesawhimandhisfriends,offfromtheairportinKathmandu.

“HowisSimon?”MarkasksastheinformationispiecedtogetherbetweenSahidaandhimself.

He’swonderful, he ismarried to another doctor calledMula and they areawaitingthebirthoftheirfirstbaby.Hehasstillnoideaofhisotherfamilybuthe seems to have settled down, they both work here in the new hospital inPokhara.”Sahidatellshim.

Mark feels overloaded by the information given to him by Sahida and he

wantstocollecthisthoughtsbeforehefindsSimon.HemakesarrangementstomeetSahida, after shehas finishedwork, and shepromises to takehim to seeSimonandMula. HewandersbacktothelodgewherehehasalunchandsitsthinkingofSimon.SimonhadnotbeentoldoftheMenonsandhehadacceptedDavidashisfatherfrombeingasmallboy.Sarahhadgivenhimagoodstableupbringingbutshehadnever toldhimanythingabouthisbirthfather. Hehadlivedahalfalifeandnowhewaslivingtheotherhalf.Howmusthehavefeltwhenhemet theMenons, andhowmust theyhave felt abouthim? Theyhadlost theironlysonwholookssolikeSimon. Itmusthavebeenashocktoseehim,aswellasajoy;forSimonnotonlylookslikeTajhehashisgentlecalmingways. Howwill he react tome? Will he eventually recoverhismemoryandrememberhisfamilyinEngland?

Chapter42

SarahisanxiouslywaitingforwordfromMarkbutsheknowsthejourneyisalongoneandthenhehastofindoutwhereSimonisliving.ShealsobeginstofeelguiltyaboutherreticencetotellSimonabouthisotherfamily.TheMenonsweregoodpeopleandtheymadeherapartof theirfamilyat thetimeshewasworkinginPokhara.SahidawasagoodfriendtoherandsheknewoftheloveTajandSarahhadforeachother.ShehadheldontoSimonbecausehewasapart ofTaj as shehadmournedhis loss so relentlessly, butwhenDavid camealongandSimonlovedhimashewouldanyfather,shedidn’twanttospoiltherelationship between the three of them. Simonwas partlyHindu and she hadstarvedhimofthatculture.Whatifhedidn’twanthisWesternlifeanylongerandshemayhavelosthimforever?

MarkhadwantedhertotellSimonabouthisfatheralongtimeago,butshewas selfish, and she didn’t want to confuse him after he had accepted Davidhappilyashisdad. Whyhadn’t theMenonssentwordofSimonbeing there?WhyhadSahidatoldRajthatSimonwashernephew?ShemusthaveknownhewasTaj’sson.HelookssolikeTajIknow.HerheadisreelingwithconfusionandshegoestolieonSimon’soldbed.Sheeventuallysleepsandisawokenbythe ringing of the telephone. David is out in the garden so Sarah gets up toanswerit.

Anne rings her mother to say she is going in to labour so Sarah shakesherselfoutofherguiltysleepandDavidtakeshertoAnne’shouse,wherelittleDaniswhiskedoffbyhisgrandfather,whilstSarahringsthehospitalwhereDanisworkingthatdayinhisclinic.HehasaroomfullofpatientssoSarahassureshimthatshewillstaywithAnneuntilsheisreadytogotothematernityhome.AnneisreadyveryquicklyandSarahtakesher.

“Don’t panic, you’ll be fine.” Sarah reassures her. “We’ll be there in no

time.”“Oh mum my pains are coming much quicker, please hurry up.” Anne

whispersasshetriestoblowoutherbreaths.Afterafrighteningjourney,SarahgetsAnnetothematernitywardandsheis

takenstraighttothebirthingroom,Sarahisoutsidepacingthefloorlikeanewdad.

SarahringsDanonhermobile tosayAnneis in labourandheassuresherthathewillbethereimmediately. ShethenringsDavidwhopromisestokeeplittleDanamuseduntilhehearsfromheragainwiththenewsofthebirth.

Anneistryingtobebravebyfollowingtheinstructionsofhermidwife.Shepushesandbreathesoncommand. Sheeventuallyproducesalovelylittlegirlwhohasherfather’seyesandarosebudmouthlikehermother.Sarahisthefirstto see thebaby, asDanhasnotyet arrived. Anne isbrought to thematernitywardand thebaby isput in toherarms. Danarriveswithabouquetofwhiterosesandaproudlookinhiseyes.

“Darling,howareyou?”Whenheseesthebabyhiseyesdimandhegoestothebedsidetohughiswifeandthenewbaby.

Sarah leaves the ward with another loving look at her daughter and hergranddaughter and ringsDavid to tell him the news. David says that hewillbring the littleboy tomeethis sister. Davidarriveswithhisgrandsonandheleaveshimwithhismumanddadandhisnewbabysister.DavidandSarahsitoutsidethewardandholdhandsastheyaresogratefulthatAnneandthebabyarefineandtheirdaughterneedstobewithherownfamilytoconcentrateonthebondingoflittleDanandhisnewsister.Theypeepthroughthewarddooranddecidethattheywill leavethemforalittlewhiletogotothecaféforacupoftea. WhentheyreturntothewardDanhashissononhiskneeandthebaby’slittle hand is gripping her brother’s finger and little Dan is grinning withhappinessashelooksacrossathissister.

Davidtapsquietlyonthedoorandsays.“We’llleaveyoutohavesometimetoyourselves,areyougoingbacktoworkDan?”

“No,I’mhavingsometimeoff.ThepracticehasarrangedforalocumandI’llbehometohelpAnnewithbothofourchildrenuntilshefeelsstronger.”Danreplies.

“That’s great, but if you need anything you knowwherewe are so don’thesitate toask.”DavidsayswithawinkforAnneandaproudsmileforallofthem. Sarahwaves as they leave theward and they go home together, proudgrandparentsagain.Charlieiswaitingforthemtotellhimthenewsandhegrinswhenhehearshehasbecomethegreatgrandfatherofalittlegirl.

WhenCharliehasgone,SarahtellsDavidthethoughtsshehasbeenhaving

about Simon, whether she should have told him about Taj when he was oldenoughtounderstand.Theguiltyfeelingssheisnowhavingareabouthisothergrandparents.TheywereasdevastatedasshewasatthedeathoftheirsonandshehadkeptthebirthofSimonasecretfromthem.Nowtheyknowofhim,aretheykeepinghimtherewiththem?Howdidithappenthattheyfoundhimandwhydoeshenotcontactus,ifheisalive?”

“We will get to know the answers to your questions when we hear fromMark.”Davidreassuresher. “I’msuretherewillbealogicalexplanation. Hewouldnotmeantohurtus.Hehasalwaysbeenathoughtfullovingsontobothofus.

Comeon,let’swalkaroundthelake,itwillmakeusfeelbetteraboutSimonandwecangivethanksforthelittlegirlborntoday.”

“I’lljustgetmybootsbecausethegroundlooksabitmuddy.”Sarahreplies.Thewalkrefreshesthemastheynoticethelovelyfeaturesofthelandscape

andthewildlife.Theyarrivebackhometiredbuthappier,thewalksarefeelinglonger now that they are older, but they are still healthy and young at heart.Charliewhohashadamanual job isstillveryfitandhecankeepupwith theyoungermembersofhisfamily.

“I’m going to ringMark.” Sarah tellsDavidwhen they get home. “Thewalkhasgivenmetheresolvetotrytogetsomeanswers.Markistheonlyonewhocangivethemtous.”

SheringsMark’smobilebutshecan’tmakeaconnection.“Itwillbedifficulttogetasignalinthemountains.”Davidtellsher. “He

willhavetogettoalandphonebeforehecancontactus.IknowbecausewhenIwasworkinginremoteareaswhenIwasacivilengineerIhaddifficultyringinghome.IhadtowaituntilIwasinadecenthotelwithalandlinebeforeIcouldgetintouchwithmyparentsorfriends.”

“So we will have to wait until Mark contacts us, is that what you aresaying?”Sarahsaysinanimpatienttoneofvoice.

“Yeslove,that’swhatI’msaying.”DavidknowshowhardithasbeenforSarah,losingSimonandthinkinghewasdead,thentohearthathemaynotbedeadbutbelivinginanotherpartoftheworld.Hefeelsthesamebutheneedstokeep

apositiveattitude,sothatSarahfeelshissupport.Anne is home from hospital and her parents can’t wait to visit the young

family.TheytakeCharlieandheissothrilledwiththenewcomerthatnobodycangetalookinashecradlesthetinybabyinhisarms.

“It’slikewhenyourparentsbroughtyouhomeAnne,IfellinlovewithyouthenandIhavedonethesameagain.Whatareyougoingtocallher?

WellgranddadwehavedecidedtocallherAmy,Maryafterhertwogreat-grandmothers.”AnnetellsthemwithasmileatCharlie.

TheyareallthrilledwiththeirdecisionandCharliegivesAnneawarmhug.Dan ispleased thatAnnehashonouredhergrandmothers andpicksuphis

namesakesothatthelittleboydoesnotfeeloutofit.ThevisitisenjoyableandSarah feels much better for it. David drives them home and Charlie is soenthusiasticaboutthenamesgiventothebaby,theycan’tshuthimup.

Chapter43

Sahida

MarkmeetsSahidawhen shehas finishedherworkat the school.Shehasnow changed her scooter for a four-wheel vehicle and she offers him a lift toPokhara,whereshelivesinanewapartmentbythelake.

I’llmakeyouamealandbythenSimonwillbehomefromwork.Mulaisonmaternityleavebecausesheisverypregnant,butIdon’twanttoimposeonherathomewithoutSimonbeingthere.”Sahidasays.

“Great, I’ll love that, I remember the foodyouandSarahprepared forourpartysoIknowyoucancook.”Marksayswithagrin.

“Ican’tpromiseanythingspecialbutIhavetheingredientsforacurry.”Shereplieshopingthathercookingwillpleasehim.

Theydrivedownthemountainandalongthesideofthelaketoanapartmentblockthatlooksnew.TheyleavethevehicleandSahidaunlocksagroundfloorapartment. Sheinviteshiminandhe is impressedbythestyleof thebuildingand the comfort of the furniture. She shows him aroundwhen she notes hiscuriosity and opens the back doorwhere she hasmade a small garden on herterrace. The back of the apartment looks over the lake and the front over aforest.Thereisagardentableandchairsaswellasabuilt-inbarbequeovensetoutonapatiobythebackdoor.Thesuniswarmandsheintendstoservetheirmealoutonhergarden terrace. ShesettlesMarkdownat thepatio tableandbrings twoglassesandabottleofwine. Shepourshimaglassand thengoesinsidetostarttheeveningmeal.Markfollowshercarryinghisglassofwineand

sayshewillhelpherpreparethecurry.Sahidaacceptshishelpandcompanyasshegiveshimonionsandvegetablestoprepare.Shebringssomechickenfromoutofthefridgeshehaspreparedinstripsforthewok.Withagoodtablespoonofoliveoilsheheatsupthepanandfriesthechickenthegarlicandspicesgointhentheonionsandpeppers.ShestirsthemfrequentlywhilstMarkchopsothervegetables for the salad. The yogurt is added last and the aroma of the currywaftsaroundthem.

Thetableisready,setwiththeclothandthecutlery; thecurryis leftonaverylowlightuntil theyhaveeatentheirlargecrisppopadomsandthevariousdipsSahidahasprepared.

They sit at the table andMark saysashe raiseshisglass. “CheersSahida,I’msopleasedtobeherewithyou,thankyouforthisfeastofameal.”

“CheersMark,I’mgladyoufoundmeandhere’storesolvingourproblem.”Sahidareplies,liftingherglass.

Whentheyhaveeatentheirmealandfinishedthebottleofwinetheyrelaxintheeveningsunshineandreminisce. Mark looksatSahidaandwonders ifshehassomeoneinherlife.Shewasalovelygirlwhenhefirstknewherandatthattime he thought she was so much older than him but now he sees a lovelywomanwhoisnotthatmucholderthanhim.Hetriestoworkoutherage.Sarahwas an adult studentwhen shebecame a teacher butSahidahadonly just leftcollegeanditwasherfirstyearofteaching,hereckonsshemaybethreeyearshisseniorbutshecertainlydoesn’tlookit.

Their eyesmeet across the table and they both feel a connection. Sahidafeelsshy,shehashadboyfriendsbutnobodyhasbeentheone.Markfeelsboldandflirtswithhersaying.“MayIseeyouagainevenafterweseeSimonsothatIcanrepaythecomplimentwithdinnerattheFishtailLodgerestaurant?Ihavenotfelt likethisforalongtime,Ifeel theyearsbetweenhavemeltedaway. Iwas eighteenwhenwe firstmet and I’m forty-fournowand I didn’t thinkwewouldevermeetagain.”

Sahidasmilesandchangesthesubject. “WeshouldbegoingtoseeSimonandMula,hewillbehomefromworkbynowandtheyshouldhaveeatentheirmeal,socomeon.”

Theyleavetheapartmentandgetintothecar,theroadisabitroughastheyturntowardstheforestandtaketheroadthroughittotheothersidewheretheyfindasmallbutlovelyhousesurroundedbyagarden.Thereisashortdrivetothefrontdoor.ThesoundofthecarbringsSimonoutofthehouseandhebeamsasmilewhenheseesSahida.Helooksagainandseesamaniswithher.

Mark is astonished to see how Simon has grown in the image of Taj andalthough he has a smile of greeting for him, Mark can see that he is not

recognized.SahidaintroducesMarkasanoldfriendandanephewofSimon’smother.SimonlooksconfusedbuthethenturnsasMulajoinsthemandtheyallgo

intothehouse.MarkcanseethatMulaadoresSimonbuthenoticesshelooksdisturbedasshehearstheconversation.MarkshakesSimon’shandandfeelstheconnectiontheyalwayshadbutSimon’seyesshownoneandMarkfeelshurt.

HethenturnstoMulaandhisgoodhumourreturnsashetakesherhandandwithatwinkleinhiseyeshekissesherfingers. Simonlooksalittleannoyed.Mark takes Simon into his arms and gives him a hug. He can’t have thisdistancebetweenthem,asheagainencountersonlySimon’snaturalfriendlinessbutnorecognition. Hefeels frustratedbuthe tries tohide it. Sahidasteps in,askingMula, about her health and the coming confinement. Simon suggeststheygoout to the garden and let thewomenhave a chat. Hewants to knowwhat’shappening;heneedstoquestionthisstrangerwhoseemstoknowhim.

Simon I’m your cousin. Do you not remember me? Asks Mark with aquestioningfrownonhisface.“ImetyouhereinNepalsixorsevenyearsagoandIsawyouandyourfriendsoffattheairportinKathmanduwhenyouwereabouttogotoBristolUniversitytotrainasadoctor.Doyouremember?”

Simonlooksuncertainbuthedoesnotwanttohurtthismanwhoisstandingbyhim in thegardenandhe smiles and takesMark’shand to shake it. MarkwantstogiveSimonahugbuthefeelsfrustratedbecauseheknowsthereisnorecognitiononSimon’sface.

“How is the work out here for a doctor?” Asks Mark trying to have aconversationwithhiscousin.HewantstobreaktheiceandgetsomeknowledgeofSimon’slife.

Heisdisappointedwiththe“reunion”andfeelshehastohavesomethingtotell Sarah, and soon. He promised to let her know as soon as possible howthingsareherebutatthemomenthehasnothingconcretetotellher.

“It’sgood,IlovetheworkbutIhavenotbeenqualifiedlongbecausewhenIcame there was no medical school within the University and although mygrandfather and aunt trained me at the hospital, it was not possible to get adegreeuntilfouryearsago.ThatiswhenImetMula,shewasastudentalongwithmeandwehavebeenmarriednowforoneyear.Ourbabyisduetobebornintwomonth’stimeandMulahasjuststartedhermaternityleave.”

“DoyourememberanythingoftheterriblecarcrashyouhadintheFrenchAlps?”

“No,Iwastoldthattherestofmyfamilyhadperishedinthecrashandtheonlyotherrelativesweremygrandfatherandhisfamily.Itwashewhocametobringmehere.Ihavenomemoryoftheotherfamilyoranythingthathappened

before thecrash. I lovemylifehereandI feel that this ismyhome.” Simonreplies.

“Have you been told about your mother and all your relatives back inEngland?”Markwantstoknow.

“Sahida is the only onewho has toldme about her friend Sarahwho hadtaughtschoolwithher.Shetriestoexplainhowshewas,herpersonalityandherwarmth,andhowsheadoredmyfather,whodiedbeforeIwasborn.ButIhavenomemory of them and as they died in the car crash I had no connection tothem.MygrandfathertellsmethatTazfoundmyfriendandmyselfstrandedinamountainvillagewheresheattendedasmallclinicthere.ShebroughtusbacktoKathmandu,where she andmy grandfather attended tomy friend’s brokenbones.ItwasFestivaltimeandwecouldnotgetaccommodationinanyhostelorhotelsotheykindlylookedafterus,untilitwastimetoleaveandgohometoEngland. They recognized me as my father’s child and they have beenwonderful. Mygrandmother taughtme the language and someof the culture,shetaughtmetomeditateandIamveryclosetoherandallthefamily.”Simontellshim.

“You have a family at home Simon. It was not your parents who died inFrance. Itwas the familyofyour friend Jack andyourparentswere toldyouweredead.TheywenttoyourfuneralinFranceandbecauseofthattheydidnotknow thatyouwerestillalive. Sarah,yourmotherandDavid, theonly fatheryou have ever known, retired and for a treat they went on a cruise to theCaribbeanandmetaboywhowastaughtbySahidaandSarahandbecauseyouhadattendedhisfather,asadoctor,hetoldSarahofitsayinghethoughtitwasTaj,yourbirth fatherbecauseyouareso likehim to lookat. He toldher thatSahidahadintroducedhimasSimon,hernephew.ThatisthereasonIamhereto find you and let them know that you arewell and safe. Theywould havecome themselves but your sister,Anne, has just given birth to your niece andtheywereneededtohelpwithyourlittlenephew,Dan.ImusttellyourfamilyinEnglandthatyouaresafeandwellandabouttobecomeafather.”

“I’msorrybut Ihavenomemoryofanyof it.NomemoryofcomingherebeforebutIknowImusthavedonebecauseDrMenon,mygrandfather,hastoldmeofthattimeandSahidahastoldmeofmyEnglishmotherbutIbelievedthewholeEnglish familywasdead. That iswhatmyfamilyherewas toldby theFrenchAuthoritiesandmygrandfathercametothehospitaltobringmehome.IdidnotrecognizehimatmybedsidebuthesaidIhadaphotographofthetwoofustogethersoIbelievedwhathehadtotellme.”Simonsays.

“There has been a sad misunderstanding, your family here were told thatyour English family were dead and your English family were told you were

dead.”Markexplains.“Butyouhavebeenlivingherewhilstyourmother,fatherandsisterhavebeengrievingforyou,whatdoyouwantmetodo?”

“Idon’tknow,youpromisedtocontactthemifyoufoundme,didn’tyou?”Simonreplies.Hefeelssomethingofaconfusionhehasfeltbeforebuthismindwillnotcleartolethimmakesenseofit.

“Yes,IpromisedtoletthemknowassoonasIfoundyoubutIwillhavetofindalandlinebecauseIcan’tgetasignalonmymobilehere.Iknowtheywillbewaitingformyphonecall,withimpatience,becauseSarah,andallthefamily,becamefranticwhenshetoldthemofthestoryshehadheardofyoubeinghere,fromRaj,

Anne,yoursister,hasnotbeentoldthatyoumaybealivebecausethebabywas due and shewas not verywell. Because of these circumstances I havecometolookforyouinsteadofyourparents.”Marktellshim.

Simon is confused and distracted as he tries to come to terms with thisstrangesituation.Markrubshisforeheadinanefforttofindasolution.

“DoyouwantMulatoknowoftheseproblemsorwouldyourathercometoaconclusionofwhatstepsyouwanttotake,beforeyoutellher?”Markasks.

Simon knows thatMula will support him, she has a strong character andnothingseemstoupsether.

“Letsgo inside, IwantMula toknow this storybefore I decide to contactanyone.IfeelhappierSahidabeinghereasshewillbeabletoexplaintoMulawhatmymother is like. Wehave not talked a lot aboutmypast becausewethoughtallmyEnglishfamilywasdeadandmyfamilyhereisconsiderateaboutmy loss ofmemory. They know I sometimes feel confusion and sadness andtheyhavealwayshelpedmeoutof thesemoods. Mygrandmother talks tomeaboutmyfatherandsheonlyhaskindwordsformymother,whosheknewforsuchalittletime.”

MarkputshisarmaroundSimon’sshoulderandtheywalkupthepathtothehousetogether.

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Sarahhasbegun to feelhappieraboutAnneandheryoung familybecauseDanieliscopingwellwiththenewfamilyunit,andAnneisbreast-feedingAmy,who is always cooingandgrowingwell. Daniel is enjoyinghis role as fatherandisdoinghisbesttomakeAnnecomfortableandhappy.Itisalovelytimefor theyoungparents, as theyneed thisperiod to rest andadjust to their jointresponsibilities.

NowthatAnneseemssettledSarahisanxioustohearfromMarkandwillingtobeofftoNepalwithDavid,whoisfeelingthesame.Heenquiresabouttraveltimesandtheyarebothreadytobeoffatamoment’snotice,whentheygetthecallfromMark.

MeanwhileMarkandSahidaarefillinginthestoryforMula,whoseemstoshowgreat interest in it, as sheholdsSimon’shand to supporthim. Simon isstillconfusedbutbecauseheisveryfondofSahidaandknowsthatshewillnotmisleadhim,hebeginstotrytofollowtheeventsthathavehappenedtohim.

HeturnstoMarkandbeginshisquestions;“TellmethenamesofmyEnglishfamilyplease.”Markreplies.“Yourmother’snameisSarah;yourfather’snameisDavid.

Hebecameyourfatherwhenyouwereaboutthreeyearsoldandyouchosehimandhehasbeenagreatdadtoyou.YouhaveasistercalledAnnewhohastwochildrencalledDanandAmy,theirfatheriscalledDanielandAmyisjusttwoweeksold.”

Markcontinues.“YourpaternalgrandfatheriscalledCharlieandhelivesinapartofyourhouse,soyouhavehadhisinfluenceallyouryounglife.Hehasalwaysadoredyou.YourmaternalgrandfatheriscalledJoeandyourmaternalgrandmother is called Mary and all the family have always doted on youSimon.”

MulagripsSimon’shandandtearsshowinhereyesasshesays.“OhSimonIamsosorrythatyoudon’trememberthem,theyseemsucha

lovelyfamily.”Simonasks.“Howareyoumycousin,Mark?”“Mymother isSarah’s sister andwehavealwaysbeenacloseknit family

andwhenAnnewasfeelingunwelljustbeforeherbabywasborn,Sarahaskedmetocomeouthereandlookforyou.”Markreplies.“YourparentswillbeontheirwayassoonasIcangetamessagetothemthatyouaresafeandwell.”

“Whydidmymothernot tellmeaboutmybirthfamily? Whydidshenotevermentionmybirthfatherandhissisters?”Simonaskswithapuzzledlookonhisface.

“Yourmotherwasdevastatedwhenyour father died and Iwas in the areatrekkingat the timeand Icame tohercottage to findher ina terrible state. Iranghermotherandfather,mygrandparents,andtheyflewouttotakeherbackhome. Shedidnotknowshewaspregnantuntilyouwerethreemonthsinhertummy. Until she found herself to be pregnant she was withering away butwhenshefoundthattheloveshehadforTajhadbroughtthiswonderfulmiracleofyourcreationshefeltthatTajwastherewithherandshebloomedallthroughherpregnancywithyou. Whenyouwereborn everyoneof the family adoredyou.YouwereabeautifulbabyboyandeverymemberofSarah’sandmyfamilyadored you. Sarah stayedwith her parents for a while and then she found ateaching job and your grandmother looked after you in the mornings. SheboughtasmallcottagenearthefamilyandyourgrandfatherJoewasamalerolemodelforyou.

SheconfidedinmewhenIwasathomeandshedidmeantotellyouofyourotherfamilyinPokhara.Sheaskedmetobewithherwhenshetoldyou,butshedidn’tgetaroundtodoingit.IwasawayalotasacivilengineerandthenshemetDavid, aman she had shared her college dayswithwhen she decided tochangehercareertoteaching.Theybothattendedaweddingofamutualfriendand their friendshipwas renewed. Hecame toseeherwithoutknowingaboutyou,butyoufell in lovewithDavidfromthestart. Idon’t thinkSarahwouldhave fallen in lovewithDavid ifhehadnot taken toyou likehedid. HehasbeenawonderfuldadtoyouandhisfatherwhowasawidowerwasjustwaitingforDavidtomarryandproducegrandchildrenforhimtolove.YouryounglifewasidealbecauseyoulivedbyalakethatwasteemingwithwildlifeandCharlietaughtyouthenamesofeveryoneofthebirdsandcreaturesthatroamedaboutthebanks.

Youwereabrightboywithplentyoffriendsandyourfamilywereoutdoortypes,lovedwalkingandclimbinginthenearbyLakeDistrictandtheYorkshire

Dales.Whenyouwereolderyouwentclimbingwithyourfriendsandwhenyouhadfinishedyour“A”levelsfourofyoudecidedtotrekhereintheHimalayas.Iwashereatthetime,buildingabridgeeastofKathmanduandImetyoufourattheairportandstartedyouoffonyourway.Seeingthefourofyoufullofbanterandlaughterremindedmeofmyself,almosttwentyyearsbefore.”

Sahida smiles and says. “I rememberMark and his friends andwe had apartyforhimwhenhecametovisitus.SarahwasanxiousforMarktomeetmybrother Taj and for them to become friends. Taj had come specially tomeetMarkandweallhadawonderfultime.MarkwilltellyouthewaySarahandTajfeltabouteachother,itwassoobviousthewholevillageknew.”

“Your father was a gentle loving man and if he had lived I’m sure yourmotherwould havemarried him andmade her life by his side,wherever thatwouldhavebeen,but thehorrorofhisdeath leftyourmotherdevastatedandIhadtogetherhometoherownfamily.”Marktakesupthestory.

MulahastearsrollingdownherfaceasshehearsthetragicstoryandSimonwrapsherinhisarmstohecomfortsher.

“DarlingI’mgoingtobefineandwewillfacethistogether.MygrandfatherwastoldthatallmyfamilywasdeadsotheycouldnotbecontactedandIstillhavenomemoryofmylifebefore theaccident,noteventhe timeIcamehereandwasmetbyMark. The familyherewasstrange tomewhenIarrivedbutbecauseoftheirloveformeIhavesurvived.Ilovemylifeherewithyouandthework at the hospital. The familywe have planned and this place and itspeople.”Simonassuresher.

“Ithinkyoushouldletyourmotherknowthatyouarehereandwell,”Mulawhispers;closeinSimon’sarms.

Simonstepsbackfromherandlooksdeepintohereyessaying,“Shallwedoitnow?”

MarkandSahidamoveinforajointhugandMarksays,“Doyouwantmetospeaktoherfirstandbreaktheice?”

MulanodsherheadandSimonagreestakingMarktothesmallofficewheretheykeeptheirtelephone.ThefourofthemgatheraroundthetelephonewhilstMarkdialsthenumber.IttakesalittletimetogetthroughandthenMarkhearsDavidanswerthephone.

“David,guesswhoIhavehere.”“OhSarahcomehere,thisisMarkringingfromPokhara.”DavidcriesSarahrushestothephoneasMarkasksSimonifhewillspeaktohismother.

Simonholdsthephoneandfeelsparalyzed,ashedoesnotknowwhattosay.Sarahrushesonsaying,“Ohdarling,Ican’tbelieveit’syou,tellmehoware

you,areyouwell?Wehavemissedyousomuch.Pleasespeaktome!

Mark takes the phone back and says, “Simon is fine, he is just a littleconfusedbutheisfine,he’llspeaktoyounow.”HehandsthephonetoSimonwhoisstillhesitant.Sahidatakesitfromhimandsays,“Sarah,it’smeSahidaandwe,Markandmyself,arehereatSimonandMula’shouseandwehavejusttoldSimonthathisfamilyisnotdead,ashehadbeentold,buthismemoryhasnotreturnedandhefeelsconfusedbuthewillspeaktoyounow.”

Simon takes the phone again and says, “I’m so sorry I do not rememberanythingofmylifebeforeIcametoliveherewithmyfather’sfamily,butMarkhas toldme aboutmyEnglish family and I feel so sad that I caused somuchstressandsadnesstoyouall.Mula,mywife,andIwouldlovetohaveyouvisitusandperhapsImaygetmymemoryback.

“Ohdarling,mylovelyboy,wewillbethereassoonaspossible,yourdadandme.” Sarahsobs. David takes thephoneasheholdsSarahwhoiscryingwithjoybuttheemotionistoomuchandshecannotspeak.

David says, “Oh Simon this the most wonderful day of both our lives toknowthatyouarealiveandhavefoundalifeforyourself.Wewillbewithyouassoonaswecanarrangeaflight,justgivemeyouraddressandyourtelephonenumbersothatwecancontactyouwheneverythingisarranged.”DavidisthepracticaloneandSarahreliesonhimtodothenecessarythings.

Simonhearshismother’svoiceandfeelsaconnectionbutDavid’svoicehasaWelshinflectionandhehearsinhisconfusedstateamemoryofDavidsaying”Who is this little fellow then?” and a rush of feeling for David invades hisheart.

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SarahringshermumanddadwhilstDavidgoesintohisfather’spartofthehousetogivethemthegloriousnewsandtotellthemthattheyareoff,assoonaspossible.JoelooksatMaryandsays.“ItfeelslikethetimewewenttotheverysameplacetobringSarahhome.Doyourememberthescenerywesawinthatpartoftheworld?”

“I’llneverforgetit,itwassobeautifulandtothinkthatSimonhasreturnedthere,Iwonderhowitcameabout?Hewouldn’tletusthinkhewasdead,unlesshelosthismemoryorsomething.Itisamysterybuthehadbeentrekkingtherejustbeforehewenttouniversity.Andwhatabouthisfuneralweattended,howcanallthisbe?Butletusringeveryonetotellthiswonderfulnews.”

InthemeantimeSarahrangAnneandDanieltotellthem.AnnehadnoideaabouttheboywhoSarahhadmetontheshipsoitwasallawonderfulsurpriseforher.

“Whydidn’tyoutellmewhenyoufirstknew?”Anneaskedaccusingly.“Darlingyouwerealmostdue,youwerenotverywellatthetimesoIasked

Marktogoandseeifitwastrue.HehasjustrungustosayhehasfoundhiminPokharaandheisadoctorwithawife.”Sarahtellsher.“Weareofftoseehimassoonasyourfathercanarrangeaflight,isn’titwonderfulnews?”

“I’msothrilledtoknowthatSimonisaliveandthatIwillseemybigbrotheragain.”Annesaysassheburstintotears.

SarahhearsDaniel comfortingher so sheknows thathewill calmher andshe will eventually be thrilled with the news, although the whole thing is amystery.

Sarah throwsclothes into a suitcasewhilstDavidhastily arranges for theirflight.Itwilltakethemalmosttwenty-fourhoursbecauseoftheconnectionsbuthehas arranged thebest he can at short notice. Theydrive to the airport and

havetoflyinternallytoHeathrowwheretheypickuptheirflighttoNewDelhi.Thisisthelongestflightsotheytrytogetsomesleep.Theyarebothtooexcitedbutafteradrinktheysettledownasbesttheycan.

In the meantime Mark and Sahida leave the confused couple and SahidatakesMarkhome to thevillagewhere theysaygoodnightandarrange tomeetagainthefollowingday.TheyhavehadaphonecallfromDavidwhilststillatSimon’sbeforetheylefttosaytheywillbethereatPokharaaftertheirvariousconnectionsintwenty-fourhours. MarkhasarrangedtomeetthematPokharaairport to take them toSimon’shome. Sahidawillbewithhimas theyhaveworkedoutthetimetheywillarriveandshewillhavefinishedherschoolday,becauseofthetimedifferencesbetweenEnglandandNepal.

Sahida is excited to be seeing Sarah again and has difficulty sleeping,thinking about Mark, who is a very attractive man and who has shown aninterestinher.SheremembershimasaboywhenhecametostaywithSarah;shelikedhimthenbecausehewasfunnyandmadeeveryonelaughalot.Mark is having problems sleeping as well because he finds Sahida a very

beautifulwoman,heremembersherwhenshewasayounggirlonherfirstteachingjob.Allthoseyearsinbetweenandneitherofthemhavefoundasoulmate.DavidandSaraharriveatKathmanduairportwheretheycatchtheirconnectiontoPokhara.Thesmallplanefliesabovethewhitepeaksandthewonderoftheglorious scenery catches their breath. Sarah had forgotten themajesty of themountainrangesandDavidhadnotbeeninthatpartoftheworldbefore.Theylookateachotherinwonder.ButastheplaneglidesintothelittleairportSarahcatchesherbreathforanotherreason,sheremembersthatawfuldaythatTajwasburnttodeath,whentheplanehitthetreesanditwentupinflames.Shefreezesand cannotmove. Theother passengers aregettingoff theplanebutSarah istrembling in her seatwith remembered emotion. David holds her close as hegentlytalkstoher.“Comeonlove,wehavecometofindoursonandIcanseeMarkandaladywaitingforusbytheterminal.”Hetellshergently.HerlegsaretremblingunderherbutwiththehelpfromDavidshemanagestoleaveherseatandverytimidlywalkdowntheaircraftsteps.Mark is the first to see themandhewaves to show themwherehe is. Theyhavetopickuptheirluggagebutthatdoesn’ttakelongbecauseofthesmallnessoftheairport.SarahspotsSahidaandshefeelsherstrengthreturningtoherlimbsasshewavestobothofthem.SarahgivesMarkahugandthenturnstoSahida.Theyhugandcryfortheyare

bothrememberingthetragedyofTaj’sdeath.SahidaisthefirsttoletSarahgoandsays.“Ithinkyoushouldintroducemetoyourhusband.”“ThisisDavidandthisisSahida,Simon’sauntandTaj’ssister.”Sarahsays.DavidsmilesandtakesSahida’shandandsays.“Ithinkwehavealottothankyoufor.MarksaysSimonhasmadeawonderfuldoctorandagoodhusband.”Sahidasmilesgraciouslyandsays.“Simonhasmadeourfamilywhole,myparentsandTazalladorehimandhe

fitsinwellhereatthehospitalwherehehasbeenadoctorforalmosttwoyears.Youmustbemystifiedhowallthiscameabout,buthestayedwithuswhenhecametrekkingwithhisfriendsincludingBen,theonewhofelloffthemountain,and Taz brought them both to Kathmandu to the hospital there. My fatherrecognizedSimonasTaj,heissolikehimandheandmymotherputtwoandtwo togetherandcame to theconclusionyoumusthavegonehomepregnant.MyparentsandTazwere living inKathmanduandwhenIcamehomefor thefestival inSeptember Iwasblownawayby thewayhe looksso likeTaj. Wehadapartyforhisfriendsandsomephotographsweretaken. TaztookoneofSimonandmyfatherandputourphonenumberontheback.Hehaditonhim,when hewas thrown out of the vehicle and found by the roadside in France,wherehewaspickedupbyanambulanceandtakentohospital. Hehadabadhead injury and had lost hismemory. The French authorities thought hewaspartofthefamilythatcameofftheroadonabadbendandthoughtallhisfamilywasdead.TheyfoundthephotographwithmyfatherandpresumedhewashisgrandfathersotheycontactedhimandeventuallymyfatherbroughthimheretoKathmandu. He did not recognize any of us, butwewere told that his otherfamilywas dead. I hope you can bring hismemory back for him but he hassettledhereandalthoughhecouldnotgetamedicaldegreeuntiltwoyearsagomyfatherandsisterhadhimworkingwiththematthehospitalandtheytaughthimaswellasanylecturerattheuniversitycouldhavedone.

SarahsmilesthroughhertearsandhugsSahidaagain.“Let’sgoandfindoursonDavid,leadthewaySahidaandthanksagainfor

all you and your family have done for Simon. I remember how charming allyour familywas and how they tried to helpme at the time of Taj’s death. ImeanttoletyouknowaboutSimon,butImetDavid,anoldfriend,andSimonfellinlovewithadaddywhoreallylovedhimandIdidn’twanttoconfusehimwhenhewaslittle.”

Marksays.“Thatistruebecausesheaskedmetobewithherwhenshetoldhim about his birth father, but I was always away on my civil engineeringprojectsandDavidwasmakingawonderful jobofbeingafather to their littlegirl,whowasbornacoupleofyearsafterSarahandDavidweremarried,and

Simonhiswell-lovedson.”They put the luggage in the boot of Sahida’s four-wheel vehicle and they

proceededtowardsSimonandMula’shome.“OhIrememberthispartofPakhara!”Sarahexclaimedastheypassedbythe

lake.“YouusedtoliveneartohereSahida,didn’tyou?”“Yes my father was a G.P. here when you were teaching with me at the

school.”Sahidareplies.“IhaveanapartmentalongtheshoreandIthoughtwecould

gotheretofreshenupandhaveacupofteabeforeItakeyoutomeetSimonandMula. Simon won’t be home fromwork for another hour and asMula onlylearnt his story a little while ago, I thought we would wait until Simon getshome,whatdoyouthink?”

Although Sarah andDavid are anxious to see their son they feel Sahida’ssuggestionisagoodone,astheydon’twanttoupsettheirdaughter-in–lawandtheyarefeelinggrubbyaftertheirlongjourney.

“Thatwillbegreat.”Davidsays,sotheyproceedtoSahida’shomeandtheyareimpressedbyhowmodernherapartmentis.

Sarahlooksattheamountofnewbuildingsaroundthelakeandsays.“WhereisthehospitalwhereSimonworks?”“Overthere,ontheothersideofthelakenearesttothetown.”Sahidapoints

outthelargenewmodernbuilding.“ItispartoftheUniversityofKathmandumedicalcollege,aswellas,ageneralhospital. MyfatherandTazhavehadagreatlotofinputintotheideaofateachinghospital,butitwastheideaofTaj’sbecausehecaredabout thepeople in themountainvillagesandhishopes, thattheywouldgetpropermedicalcare,washisdream.”

MarkhelpsSahidatomakeafewsandwichesandbrewstheteawhilstSarahandDavidfreshenupinthebathroom.

“Come out on the patiowhere there is a view of the lake and the fishtailpeak.”

SaysMark.“Whenyouareready.”Sahidamakeshervisitorscomfortableandfeedsthemalightmeal.“Iwouldlikeyoutostaywithme,Ihaveaspareroomwithanensuiteand

youwillbeneartoSimon’shouse.Ifyouwouldratherfindahotel,butitmaybedifficultatthistime.”

“Wewouldlovetostaywithyou,Sahida;itisverythoughtfulofyou.”SarahrepliesafterlookingatDavidforhisapproval.Markgoestothecarandgetsouttheirluggageandputsitintheroomforthem.

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MulalooksoutofthekitchenwindowwhensheseesSimonpacingupanddown thegardenpath,with a lookof sadness andconfusiononhis face. Shegulpsbackasobastearsrundownherlovelyface.Simonseesherandherunsintothehousetoher.

“Whatisitdarling?”Hesaysashepullshertohimandtenderlyholdsherthereuntilhersobssubside.

“You look so unhappy Simon and I hate to see you like this. Are youworriedaboutmeetingyourmotherandfather?”Mulaasks.

“IkeephearingDavid inmymemorybecausehis accent isdifferent and IwonderifIwillrecognizemymotherandhim.MarktoldusthathehasbeenagreatdadandthatmymotheronlybegantoliveagainwhensherealizedshewaspregnantwithTaj’schildandafterIwasbornsheadoredme.HowcouldIhaveforgottenthem?”HerageswithhimselfandgripsMulatofeelherhugginghimasifshewillneverlethimgo.

Shewipeshereyesandsays.“Let’sfreshenupandhaveacupoftea,beforethey arrive, it will give us a chance to get our heads around it and see thepositiveside. Youhave this family thathasmissedyouand Iknow thatyouhavenotbeencompletesinceyou lostyourmemory,sometimesI feelyouaresadandconfused.”

SimongoesupstairstothebathroomwhilstMulamakesacupoftea.“They’rehere.”ShoutsMulaassheseesSahidaparkinghercarandthenthe

fourofthemstrollupthegardenpath.SimonrunsdownthestairstobewithMulawhentheyarriveatthedoor.TheyallarrivetogetherandasSimonopensthedoorSahidagoesinfirstto

standwithSimon andMula, in a protectivemanner. Mark enfoldsSarah andDavidwithhisarmsaroundtheirshouldersandbringsthemtoSimonandgives

themallagrouphugincludingMulaandSahidaandbreakstheiceastearsrundownSarah’sfaceandDavidfeelsagreatlumpinhisthroatasheseeswhatahandsomemanhissonhas turned into. SarahsobswhensheseesSimonwhonowlookssolikeTajthatsheunderstandshowtheMenonsmusthavefeltwhentheyfoundhimwithhisfriend,whenhewaseighteenandtrekkinginNepal.

MarkhasatwinkleinhiseyesasheintroducesSarahandDavidbysaying“Simonmeetyourmumanddad. Youdon’tknowhowoverjoyed theyare tofindthatyouarealiveandwellandthatyouhavemanagedtobecomeadoctor.”

SarahholdsontoSimonbecauseherlegshavealmostgonefromunderher,asshesmellsSimon’sfamiliarskin.DavidhugsSimonandshakeshimbyhishand

“We are so proud of you and so grateful to theMenon family for findingyou,Idon’tknowwhatwouldhavehappenedtoyouiftheconnectionwithyourotherfamilyhadnotbeenmade.”

Simon looks at hismother andDavid and likeswhat he sees. Hehas feltsomeangerthathehadnotbeentoldbyhisEnglishparentsaboutthehistoryofhisbirth. AfterMarkhadtoldMulaandhimself thefullstoryandSahidahadconfirmed it, hehadworried and raged inhis head and tried to rememberbutevennow,althoughhefeltsomeconnectiontothem,hestilldoesnotrememberthe time before his accident. But he thinks he didn’t remember, and he stilldoesn’tremember,theMenonfamilyfromwhenhewaswiththemwhenhewaseighteen but they have been a stable and reassuring influence in his life.Withouttheirloveandcareforhim,hewouldnothaveachievedthelifehehasnow. Butwhat about his life up to the timeof his accident, this other familymusthavehadagreatinfluenceonhischaracter.Hehadadividedlifeandtheonlyoneheremembersistheoneheislivingnow,hereinPokharawithMulaandhisdailywork.Thisisthelifehewantsbecauseheloveshisworkandthepeoplehetreats.ThepeoplehereintheHimalayasaregentleandhardworking.They need him here and he is determined to stay. He shook the confusingthoughtsoutofhisheadandtookhismother’shandandledheralong,withthewholepartyintothesittingroom.

Mula asks “Would you like a drink, Iwas about tomake us a cup of teawhenyouarrived?”

Sahida says enquiringly, “Shall I helpyouMula and leaveSimonwithhisparentsforalittlewhile?”“ComeonMarkyoucanhelp.”

ThethreeofthemgointothekitchenandSarahandDavidlookatSimoninwonder.

“Shall we go to sit on the terrace, it is still warm and the mountains arelovelywithsunonthem.Doyourememberfromwhenyouworkedherewith

Sahida?”Simonaskedhismother.“Yes, Ido, I still think this is themostbeautifulplaceonearthandDavid

wasveryimpressedwhenweflewoverthemaswecameontheplane.”David tells him, “I havebeen all over theworldwhen Iworked as a civil

engineerbutIhaveneverfeltthiswonderatthesights.Iamsopleasedthatyouhavefoundyourvocationhere,amongstyourbirthfather’speople.IknowyouarenotmybirthsonbutIwantyoutoknowthatIhavelovedyou,andstillloveyou, as if you are. Wehavenot come to claimyouandbringyouhome,butthosewerethefirstfeelingswehadwhenwerealizedthatyouwerealive.Butwecan see thatyouare settledhere andevidently loveyourwork. Ifwecankeep in touch and when your family is older, you can come back to us forholidaysorperhapstocontinueyourstudiesasaspecializeddoctor.”

SarahkissesDavid’scheekassheholdsontoSimon’shandandsays“Simon you have no idea howhappywe are to have found you in such a

goodsituation,alovelywife,workthatyouhavealwayswantedtodoandlivinginthisidealareaoftheworld,aswellas,findingyourotherfamily.Ihopeyouwill forgiveme for not telling you of your father butDavidwas such a goodsubstitute that I did not want you to feel different about him. You and yoursister Anne had a close relationship and she is so happy that we have foundyou.”

Simon feels a sense of comfort, as he understands that they have nomoreexpectationsofhimthanhewantstogive.Hewillstilllivehereandworkhereandasshesaysheandhisfamilymayvisitthemwhenthebabyisolderandabletotravelonalonghaulflight.

Thereisarattleofteacupsastheotherthreecomeoutontotheterraceandtea is served. SarahandSahida start to reminisceabout the time theyworkedtogetheronthemountainandaboutthechildrentheytaught.SahidagivesSarahanaccountofthechildrenSarahknewandtheconversationopensoutasMarktellshisstoriesofthetimeheandhisfriendscametovisitSarahandthevillagerwhoguidedthemontheirtrek.MulahasarelativethatwastaughtatthatschoolaboutthetimeSarahtaughttheresoshefeelspartofthehappyconversation.

Thenightcomestotheterracesuddenlyandtheygoinsidewheretheyhavetotakeleaveofeachother,asSahidaandSimonhavetoworkthefollowingday,

MulakissesSarahandDavidas theymake their farewells, theypromise tomeetupthefollowingevening,whentheworkershavefinishedfortheday.

Sarah feels jubilant, but deflated, she has found her son but he does notrecognize any of them,Mark, David or herself. She needs to get inside hisforgotten memory of them, before she can feel happy, before she can let thefamily at home know the circumstances of his survival. Shewill try to have

sometimewithhimalonesoonbeforesheringsAnneandCharlieaswellasJoeandMary.

Davidfeelsconfused,thislookslikehissonbutSimonhaschangedfromacarefree boywhowas full of enthusiasm for sport, fun and laughter into thisseriousmanwhoissoontobecomeafather,whoisalreadyanaccomplishedandbusydoctor. Simonhasno ideawho the threeof themareandDavid, for thefirst time inhis life, doesnotknowhow tohandle the situation. HowcanhetakesomeofthestrainoffSarah’sshoulders?Hehasalwaystriedtobetheonewhomakes things right, to be the mainstay for his family, and now he feelshelpless. Hecould feelabriefconnectionwhenhe shookSimon’shand, thenSimonseemedtowithdrawandthemomenthadpassed.

MarkwaspleasedthatSarahandDavidarestayingwithSahidabecauseheknows that shewill calm their fears and try to reassure them. Heknows thatSimonneedssometreatmentforhisamnesia,butheisnotinagoodplacetogetit.HefeelsthatSimonishappyherewithhislifeinPokharaandevenwiththeadventofhisnewfamily,hewillbeunwillingtoleavethisplace.

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Mulawasbornyearsafterhertwobrothers,theeighteen-yeargapbeingofgreat inconvenience toherparents. They runa first classhotel inKathmanduandhertwobrothersarepartoftheworkforceandareinvolvedinrunningthebusiness.

Her father is an accountant and he oversees the financial part whilst hermotherattendstothereservations,ofthemostly,Westernvisitors.Onesonruns

thebarsandtheotheronerunsthekitchen.ThereisnotimeforMulaandshefeelsneglectedbyherparentsandrejectedbyherbrotherswhotelltogoawayastheyarebusy.ThenMularemembersAli,hereldestbrother,tellingherthathedidhavea soft spot for the lovelybabygirl. He loved the feelofher softcheekandthegripofhertinyhandencirclinghisthumbasheheldhertohim.Hismotherorderedhimaway,tellinghimtogetbacktothekitchen.Thenursewillseetothebaby.

WhenMulastartstowalk,sheescapesfromhernurseandfindsherwayintothehotelkitchenwhereshehangsontoAli’slegwithherlittlearms.AlibringsherhighchairintothekitchenandliftsMulaintoit,givinghersomedoughtoplaywith.Shelovesthewarmth,thesmellandthefeelofthesoftdoughashersmallhandstrytorollitout.Thensheeatsalittleofit.ShecriesasthestickymessisonherfaceandfingersandAlihastocleanandcomforther.Herfatherfinds them,his face set in adeep frownashe tellsAli togetMulaoutof thekitchen.Alidoesasheistold.Mulaisnotallowedtogothereagain.

Another timewhen she is about three years old, she finds herway to thelargeloungebarareaandfollowsJamul,herotherbrother,around.Shefindsacrateofbottles thatshemovesabout, fromcrate to floorandbackagain. Shelovesthenoise,theclunkasthebottlehitsthewoodenfloorandtheclankofthebottleasithitsthemetalcrate.Jamulliftshergentlyandtakesherbacktohernurse.Hefeelsheisbetrayinghislittlesister,buthisparentsinsistshebekeptoutofsightofthehotelguests.Jamulwonderswhytheyhavetolivelikethis,lackinginwarmthwhenMulahaslotstogive.Butsheishiddenaway.

Shebecomessadasherapparentworthlessexistencebegins toeat intoherinnerthoughts,whyamIpushedawaybyeverybody?

HerparentsfindherateacherwhensheisfiveyearsoldandshefindssomeresourcefulnessfromthecareNonapoursuponherandsheentersanewworldoffriendshipand,even,love.Nonateachesherinthemorningandtakesheroutand about in the late afternoons, showingher the sights of her hometown andtakinghertoseethetemples,andtheholycowsthatstrollaroundtheplacethataregivengreatrespectfromall theotherroadusers. Shelearnstoskipassheholds Nona’s hand and to laugh at the antics of the monkeys. Her life hasimprovedsointenselythatherparentsarepleasedtoseethedifferenceintheirlittlegirl.

WhenMula is nine years old hermother takes her to see her grandfatherwholiveswayinthehillsaboveKathmandu.Heusedtoguidetrekkersontheirwalks and he has a good command of the English language. Mula finds hergrandfathersomuchmorecaringthanherparentsandasksifshecanvisithimmoreoften.Hermothershrugshershouldersandsays.“Perhaps,whenyougo

toboardingschoolyoumayspendyoursummerholidaysherewithhim.”“WhenIgotoboardingschool;whydoIhavetogotoboardingschoolwhen

IhaveNonatoteachme?”Mulacries.“Youwill gowhenyou are eleven,Mula. Wewant you to have a decent

educationandthenyouwillhaveachoiceofcareers,”hermotherreplies.Mulawithdrawsintoherheadandfeelsagainfrustratedandangry,thinkingI

knowNonacaresformeandsheistheonlyonewhogivesmeanytime.Mula dreads her eleventh birthday because she knows Nona will have to

leaveherwhenshegoestoboardingschool.TheschoolisinDelhiandshefeelsasthoughitisamillionmilesfromher

home. Nonahadgivenhermore than thenecessaryeducationand the lessonsareeasyforher.Nonahadalsogivenherasenseofherownworth,aswellas,an enthusiasm for reading. She had fed her curiosity with the classics andmusic.Herparentshadencouragedhertoplaythepianoandshefoundsolaceinthebeautifulsoundsofthemusicsheplayed.

Whenshearrivedattheboardingschool,shefeltuneasyandwhenshemettheothergirls,whoweremostlyWestern,shehadstrangefeelingsandsheknewthatshewouldnotfitinthere.TheparentsoftheothergirlscametotheEasttostart up high tech businesses or as government civil servants working in theconsulatesaroundIndia.

Mula felt isolated amongst these European girls, as they are moresophisticated thanher and they look smarter atweekendswhen they canweartheir own clothes. The school uniformsgives thema semblanceof unity, butMulafeelstheoddoneout,especiallyonweekendswhenMulawearsherjeansandtopsandtheothergirlshavetheirdesignerclothes.

Becausesheisdifferentshebecomesthebuttoftheirjokesandalthoughthebanter may be light, she feels bullied and very unhappy. However she isinterestedinthelessonsanddoesextremelywellinherexamsbecausesheisnotdistractedby,whatshe thinksof,“theothergirls’patheticself interest in theirlooksandclothes. OhmyGod, I’mgettingas spiteful as them.”Shegrins toherself.

Whentheschoolbreaksupforthesummer,sheissenttohergrandfather’shouseinthehillsaboveKathmandu.

Hereshebecomesherself,dressedintopsandjeans;sheroamsthefoothillswithhergrandfather.Hetakeshertohisterracewherehehasplantedherbsandriceandshehelpshimeachweektotendhiscropsandharvesttheonesthatareready.Hergrandfathersays.“ItslovelyhavingyouhereandIamgratefulforyour company andwewillwork together in harmony. Iwas a trekker guidewhenIwasayoungman.IlovedtheyoungpeopleItooktothepeaks.Someof

themstillwritetomeandtellmehowtheyaredoingnow.” He tells her about his life as a guide and she loves his stories. He

remembershiswifeand talksabouther;he tellsMulashe isvery likeher lategrandmotherbutMuladoesnotrememberherbecauseshediedwhenMulawastwo.Sheisfreehereinthissmallcottageinthemiddleofavillagewherethepeople smile shyly and call out to her andher grandfather as they pass by ontheirfrequentwalks.TheysometimesgodowntothetowntobuythefewthingstheycannotrearorgrowandMulalovesthecamaraderieoftheolderfolkswhohaveknownhergrandfatherallhislife,andthebantertheyshoutateachotherastheycongregateoutsidethetemple,inthecentreofKathmandu. Hersummersareperfectandsheworkswellatschoolwhilstshedreamsofthenextsummerupinthehills.ThetwopeoplewhohaveshapedherintotheconfidentgirlshehasbecomeareNonaandhergrandfather.

She wishes for the love of her parents but she has resigned herself thatalthough theyarebuyingheragoodeducation, theystillhaveno time togiveher. She understands that they are leading very busy lives and she makesexcusesforthemtoherselfandhergrandfather,whenhetellsherthatheisnothappywithhisdaughter’sattitudetowardsMula.

Whenshebecomeseighteenandgetsgoodgradesinherexamsandbecauseofherinterestinthesciences,shedecidesshewillbecomeadoctor.Thepeopleofthevillagesaregettingolderandtheirchildrenaremovingtofindworkaway,theyneedcareandashergrandfatherhasencouragedhertofollowherdreams,she has decided that shewill try to get a place in the newmedical college inKathmandu.

Sheiseighteenandverybeautiful,sheisunawareofherlooksandbecauseofher lifeuptonow,whereapartfromhersummerswithhergrandfather,shehas had no feedback on how people perceive her, and she is very shy incompany.

HergrandfatherdecideshewillgotogetsomesuppliesatthetimeMulahastoenrollforthemedicalcollege;hedressesinhisbestsuittoaccompanyhertothe college. Heknows she isnervous and isdetermined to supporther at herenrolment.TheUniversityofKathmanduhasjustopenedtheirmedicalcollegeand it is incorporatedwith the teaching hospital ofKathmandu. It is the firstyeartotakestudentsandMulaishopingthattheywillbetakingfemalesalongwiththemaleones.Shedressessmartlyinasummerfrockandthankfullygetsintohergrandfather’soldrattlecartofacartobetakenforherinterview.

Shefindstheplaceofenrolmentandhergrandfatheraccompanieshertothereception,where she is asked forherdetails and then shown to an areawherethey can sit until it is her turn to see a lecturer. Her grandfather gives her agentlehugtocalmandreassureher,shehasnothingtobenervousaboutandthatheisthereforher.

The interview goeswell but the lecturer tells her that only a few femaleshaveappliedandisshewillingtotakeupaplaceunderthesecircumstances.Shesmilesshylyassherepliesthatsheis.

Shecan’tbelievethatshehasaplaceinthemedicalpartoftheKathmanduUniversityandshereturnstohergrandfatherbeamingwithsuccess.

“Shallwegototellyourparents,I’msuretheywillbeproudofyou?”“Yes,let’sgonowwhilstIfeelthissuccessandwhatevertheysaywillnot

upsetme.”Mulareplies.Theyfindtheirwaythroughthebusystreetsandenterthehotelfoyer.“Mother,dadIhavesomethingtotellyou,”callsMulapullinghergranddad

bythehand.Hermothercomesfromherofficelookingangryatthenoise.“WhateveristhematterwithyouMula,youaredisturbingtheguests?”Mula’sgrandfathertakesonelookathisdaughterindisgustandshouts,“HaveyounotimeatallforMula?Shehasjustbeenofferedaplaceatthe

University’smedicalcollegeforthebeginningofOctoberandyouallshouldbeproud of her. If this is your attitude we are leaving, come on love let’s gohome.”

Herfatherappearsfromhisofficeandherbrothersarriveatthesametime.“What is going on here?”Her father demands. “This is a quiet hotel;we

don’twant all this shouting. Mula’smother goes to calmher husband tellinghimquietlythereasonMulaandhergrandfatherhavecalledwiththeirnews.

”It is very good news,” she says, looking embarrassed and givingMula atightsmile.

“Congratulations,youhaveexceededourexpectations,”herfathersaysinadryvoice. Willyoube livingwithyourgrandfatheror is thereanyresidentialaccommodation?”

“IhavebeenofferedaroomintheresidentialblockandIshallstaytheresothat Iwill havemore time to study.”Mula answered, feeling rejected all overagain.

“Wellwewillbeoff,weknowwherewearenotappreciated,comeonMulalet’sgethome,”hergrandfathersays,puttinganarmaroundhisgranddaughterinaprotectiveway.

“Don’t takeanynoticeof that lot, theydon’tdeserveyoudarling, let’sgetback up themountain and see to the chicks,” her grandfather says bringing a

smiletoMula’slips.TheOctober termbeganandMulaarrivedat theUniversity equippedwith

thebooksshehadbeenadvisedtobuy.Sheencounteredtwoothergirlswaitingtobeallocatedaroomandthethreeof themweregivenadjoiningoneswithasharedbathroomandkitchen.Shesettleddownquietlyandtriedtobefriendlywith the other students but she is tentative because of the bullying she hadreceivedatherschool.Thetimesofthelecturesarepostedonacentralnoticeboard, where the students are expected to copy from it. As there is a crowdaroundit,mostlymalestudents,shemovesawayanddecidestowaituntilthereisalull.Shehasbeentoldthatthereareonlyforty-ninestudentsinall,asitisthefirstyearthemedicalcollegehasopenedattheUniversity.Shearrivedatthefirst lectureandcountedonly fourgirls, includingher, inaseaofmale faces.Thepersonsittingnexttoherwasamaturestudent,mucholderthantheotherswhoareboysofasimilaragetoher,justleftschool.

Hegivesheratentativelookandthenafriendlysmile.Heissohandsome,withdark eyes andvelvet -like skin. His smile showsevenwhite teeth andatwinkleinhiseyes.

“My name is Simon and I have been waiting quite a few years for thiscollegetoopenandI’mverypleasedtomeetyou,whatisyourname?”

“MynameisMula,andI‘msopleasedtobehere.Ifeelsoluckytohavebeengivenaplaceinthefirstyearofthiscollege,”shereplieswithasmile.

“DoyouliveinNepal?”Heasks,seeingavulnerableyounggirlwhoseemstohavetroublemeetinghisinterestedgaze.

“Yes,IlivewithmygrandfatherinthehillsaboveKathmandu,”sherepliesshyly.

“I live with my grandparents in Kathmandu and one of my aunts. Mygrandfather and aunt are both doctors at the hospital here, and I have beenworkingwith themforafewyearsbutIhave tocomehere inorder togetmymedicaldegreeandbecomearecognizeddoctor,“Simontellsher.

Thereisnomoretimeforconversationasthelecturerarrivesandquietnessdescendsonthestudentbody,asashowoftheirrespect.

ThelecturegoeswellbutMulafindssomeofthemedicallanguagestrangeandlooksapprehensiveasshelistenstothetermsbeingused.Simonissensitiveto the vibes she is giving off and decides hewill help her all he can,withouttrespassingontoherselfimposedisolation.Sheisfriendlywiththeothergirlsbutshedoesnotjointheirgroupwhenshehasherbreak.Simonseesthisandtriestodrawherintoaconversation.Hefeelsdrawntothisbeautifulyounggirlwhoshowsintelligence,buttimidity,

“Comewithmetothecanteenforacoffeeandifthereisanythingyoudon’t

understandaboutthemedicallanguage,Iwilltrytoexplainit,”Simontellsher.“Oh thatwillbesohelpful,but Ican’t takeyour time,youhaveyourown

worktodo,”Mulareplies.“ItwillbetobothourbenefitsifweworktogetherandbesidesIwillenjoy

yourcompany,”Simontellsherwithlaughterinhiseyes.Mulafeelsaspurtofhappinessriseinherheartasshesmilesatthisyoung

manandhopesthatshemayhavefoundaproperfriendatlast.

Chapter48

Simon has always been a friendly boy and nowhe is a friendlyman. Hesoon earns the respect of the younger students, because they ascertain that healreadyhasknowledgeofthemedicalworld,andtheyfindhimforeverhelpfulwhentheyarehavingdifficultieswiththeirstudies.Mulafindshimanexcellenthelpandthoughshedoesnotwishtomonopolizehistime,heisalwayswillingtohelpher. Shehasagoodideaof theapplicationof thescienceofmedicineandsheisenthusiasticinallherworkandlearning.Sheisfaraheadofalotofher fellowstudentsandSimon findshehasagreat respect forher intellect, aswell as, her determination to be a good doctor. She lets her reserve slip forSimonandtheyspendalotoftheirsparetimetogether.Shefeelsthefreedomshehadwithhergrandfather,andshebecomesalighterandhappierperson.

In her second year she knows that she can trust Simon and she tells himsomethingoftheproblemsshehaswithherparents.Howhergrandfatheristhemainstayofherlifeandthelifeshehadasaschoolgirl,livingwithhimduringherlongholidays.

SimontellsherofhislossofmemoryandthatonlyforhisgrandfatherhewouldbelanguishinginsomeFrenchinstitution.Howhelosthis“otherfamily”in an accident in France and how his grandfather brought him home toKathmandu.Hestillhasnorecollectionofhisformerlife.

MulalistenswithtearsinhereyesbutSimonwipesthemawayandsays,“Ilovemylifehere,Iwouldnotliketobeanywhereelse.”AndnowIhavefoundyouIamgladthishappenedtome.

Mulalooksathiminwonderment,“WhatareyousayingSimon,tellme?”“IloveyouMula,IknowIshouldn’ttakeadvantageofyou,Iknowyouare

onlynineteenbutIhaveneverfeltthiswayaboutanyoneelse,ever.”“OhSimonI loveyoutoo,Ihaveneverhadafriendlikeyou,infactapart

frommy pre-boarding school teacher andmy grandfather, I have never had afriendbefore.”Mulaanswersasshemovestowardshimtogivehimahug.

“Iwouldlikeyoutocomeandmeetmyfamily, theyhaveheardaboutyoubecausetheyhavebeenteasingmeandsayingIlooktoohappythesedaysandtheremustbeagirlinthepicture,soItoldthemofthisbeautifulgirlIsitwithatcollege,”Simontellsher.

“I’dlovetomeet them,theysoundsowonderfulbutImayfeel inadequatewiththefamilyIhave,andIcan’ttakeyoutomeetthemastheyaretoobusytobotherwithme.TheywererudetomygrandfatherandmewhenwewenttotellthemthatIhadsecuredaplaceinthemedicalcollege.”

Simonisshockedatthisvisionofherlifewithherparents,andintendstoseethatshefindsthecareheissurehisfamilywillgiveher,hemakessurethatshewillbemorethanwelcomebygettingtheaidofhisauntTaz,andtellingherthestoryofMula’spast.

Simon arranges forMula to visit him at his homewhere he liveswith hisfamily.

They are curious to see the girl that has stolen Simon’s heart and Mrs.Menonmeans to pull out all the stops to make the girl welcome. Taz, whoknowssomethingofMula’sbackground,isdeterminedthatthegirlwillbemadetofeelcomfortableattheMenonhouse.

Mula,whohasbecomemoreconfidentbybeingbefriendedbySimon,andhasfoundfriendsamongsttheotherthreegirlswholiveneartoherinherroomat thecollege residence. They teaseheraboutSimonbut shegetsused to thebanterandcangiveasmuchasshegets. Her life isgreatly improvedandshehasneverbeenashappyassheisnow.Shelovestheworkatcollegeandnextyearshewillhavesomeworkexperienceattheteachinghospital.Shevisitshergrandfather weekly on Saturdays. And has recently told him about her closefriendshipwiththismorematurestudent.Heispleasedforherandasksher tobringhimthefollowingSaturdaytomeethim.

“I’dloveyoutwotomeet.”Mulasayswithasmile,“Youwilllikehim,heis so different to anyone I have met before and he is so helpful with myconfidenceandmystudies. Hemakesmefeelspecialand the thoughtsofmyparentsdon’tmattertomenow.HehasaskedmetomeethisfamilyandIamtogothisSundayfortea.”

“ThenyoushallbringhimforteaherenextSaturdaysothatIcangivemyapproval,”

Mula’sgrandfathersays,withateasinggrinashepullshertohimandgivesheroneofhisbearhugs.

Theygoupwardstohisterracewherehefindssomefreshvegetablesforthe

makingofasaladandacoupleofeggsfromhisfewhensandtheyreturntothecottagetomakethetea.

Mulaboilstheeggswhilsthergrandfatherwashesthevegetablesandwhentheeggsarecoldandslicedtheirsaladisreadytoeat.Shelovesthesetimesshespends with her grandfather and always feels refreshed on her way back tocollegeandbacktoherstudies. Sundayssheusuallyworksonherstudiesandsometimes she meets her friendly roommates and they spend time together,walking in the parks that surround the college. But thisSunday shehas beeninvited tomeet Simon’s family and although she is looking forward to it shefeelsapprehensive.Shechangesherclothesafewtimesbeforeshedecidesonaprettyyellowdress.Shehashaditalongtimebutitmakesherfeelbrightandsunny.

Simonarrivesinhiscar,astheMenonslivealittlewayfromthecollege,andhewants tosupportMula,asheknowssheisa littleanxiousat the thoughtofmeetinghisfamily.

“Wow!Youlooksensational.”Simonwhistlesandgivesherahandintothecar.

“Thanks,Ihavehadthisdresssometime,areyousureitlooksalright?”Mulaasks.

“Youlookgreat.”Simonanswers.“Andtheyaregoingtoloveyouanyhowbecauseyouarelovely,whateveryouwear.”

Mula blushes and touches his arm as he starts the car. Simon takes amomenttolookatheragainandpridefillshisheart.

HisgrandmotherhassetoutthegardenfurnitureandtheyareinthegardenwhenSimonandMulaarriveonthedrive.

DrMenon is the first to reach themandwelcomesMulabykissingheronbothcheeksashetakesherhand.

“Come and meet the family, this is Simon’s grandmother,” as she isintroducedtoalovelykindlookingladytowhomshegivesherhand.

“AndIamTaz,Simon’saunt.”Tazintroducesherself.Mulaseesamodernyoungwoman,whoshetakestoatsight.

SimonispleasedtoseehowhisfamilyhastakentoMulaandheisfullofpridewithhisfamily,aswellas,withMula,whoisshowingthemhowfriendly,althoughrathershy,sheis.

TheymovedtothetableandMrs.Menondisappearedonlytoreappearwiththeteaandtheyallchatteredamiablyastheytuckedintothetastyfoodshehadprepared.

TheMenonsareafriendlylotandtheymakeMulafeelverywelcome.MulaisfascinatedbyTaz,whosheseesasarolemodel,andisinterestedinthework

shedoesinthehospital,aswellas,thevisitstoclinicsandsmallhospitalsinthehills around the city. Taz tells Mula how she found Simon, because of anaccident to his friend, Ben, when they were trekking in the Himalayas. Sheexplainstheworkshedoesinthevillagesandhowthereisashortageofdoctorsforthiswork.Shewantsthepeopleofthevillagestohavebetterhealthcareandsheisexcitedwiththestartofthemedicalcollege.

MulaleaveswithSimonwhenitistimetoreturntoherhallsofresidence.Shehasanewperspectiveofwhat shewants todo. She is enthusiasticaboutTaz’s achievement and hopes that shemay do similarworkwhen she is fullyqualified.

Simonkisseshergentlyasheleavesheroutsidehercollegeflatanddriveshome in a trance. He has found the girl of his dreams and his family, theMenons,havealsofalleninlovewithher.Hesingstotheradioandisgrinningwidelyasheenters thedrive. Theycan’twait to tellhimhowimpressed theyarewithMulaandhegoestobedtodreamofher.

The following Saturday Simon drives Mula up the mountain to hergrandfather’scottage. He iswaiting inhisdoorwaytogreet them,and isveryimpressedwhen he sees howSimon treats his granddaughter. Howhe showshowhecaresforherbyholdinghergentlybythehandastheywalktowardshimfromthecar.

Mula introduces them,Simonandher grandfather, the twomost importantpeopleinherlife.Sheisthrilledtoseehowtheysmileandshakehandsandsheknowsthetwomen,theoldandtheyoung,showtheirapprovalandrespectforoneanother.

Her grandfather hasworked hard to find them a celebrationmeal. He haskilledoneofhischickensandcookeditbeautifullyandserveditwithherbsandvegetablesfromhisterracegardenalongwithhishomemadeciderfromhistwoappletrees.

Simon is impressedby theoldmanandunderstands the loveMulahas forhim.

She would have been without the confidence she has if he had not been,alwaysthereforher.

“Thanksforalovelydayandawonderfulmeal,SimonsaysasMulaandhetakeleaveofhim.Ihopeweseeyouagainsoon,infactIwouldliketopaybackthe compliment andnextSaturdayMula and Iwill takeyouout for ameal inKathmandu.

Willyoucome?”“OfcourseI’dloveto,whereshouldwemeet?”Hegrandfatherreplies“We’llpickyouupat the temple in thecentreof thecityat threeo’clock,

willthatbealright?”“Yes.”Herepliesashewavesthemofffromhisdoorway.“Whatagreatmanyourgrandfatheris,Iunderstandnowwhyyoulovehim

somuch.”SimontellsMulaastheydrivecarefullydownthemountain.“OhSimon, I can’t tell youhowpleased I am that youhave includedhim

into our lives. He has been so lonely since grandmother died and I know hemissedmewhenIhadtogobacktoboardingschool,afterourlovelysummerstogether.”MulasaysasshecaressesSimon’sarm.

Their college life continues as they work hard, now and then, havingpracticalmedicalexperienceat thehospital,whereDrMenonandTaztakethestudents under their wings. The other different disciplines have doctors whoalsoteachandthere isgoodselectionof themanymedicalpracticesofferedtothestudents.MulawantstobecomeaG.P.sosheneedstohaveexperienceinallthedifferentpractices.Simonhopestobecomeasurgeonlikehisgrandfatherand as he had experience in the hospital before the opening of the medicalcollege,hefollowsthesurgicaldoctorsandhelpsintheoperationtheatres.

Theirlivespassquicklyandthecongregationfortheirdegreesisannouncedandticketsarranged.Mulaisthrilledtoseehowproudhergrandfatheriswhenshe invites him to attend alongwith theMenons, Taz has been givenMula’ssecond ticket and Simon’s grandmother and grandfather have been given his.Thepartysetoff to themainhallofKathmanduUniversityandareushered totheirseats;MulaandSimonaretositinanotherarea,wheretheywillbeabletowalk on to the stage when their names are called. There is a feeling ofexcitement in the large hall as the parents of all the students, taking manydifferentdisciplines,areassembledwaitingfortheceremonytobegin.

Mrs.MenoncannotunderstandwhyMula’sparentshavenotbeeninvitedtothisparade.Theotherparentsaresoproudoftheirchildren’s’successesandsheandthewholefamilyaresoproudofSimonandMula.HowcanMula’sparentsmissthisbigdayoftheironlydaughter?ShementionsherthoughtstoTazwhorelates the story Simon has told her, wherebyMrs. Menon is horrified. Sheremembersallthecongregationsofallherchildrenandhowproudsheandtheirfatherwere. SheisgladthatTazhasbeengiventheopportunitytoattendandpressesTaz’shandtoshowhertenderness,aswellas,thesadnessshefeelsforMula.

Theceremonybeginsandthereislongapplauseforallthestudentsastheywalkontothestagetoreceivetheirdegreecertificates.

TheMenonsandMula’sgrandfatherwaitfortheyoungdoctorstofindtheminthecrush.DrMenonhasarrangedfortheirpartytohaveamealinanearbyrestaurant tocelebrate theiryoungpeoples’success. MulaandSimoncometo

findthem,breathlesswiththeexcitementofitall,andtheyallwalktothenearbyrestaurantchattingalltheway.Themealisgourmetandenjoyedbyall,itistheendofawonderfuldayforallofthem.

Chapter49

ThefollowingSaturdaySimonaskedMula’sgrandfather ifhecouldmarryMula. She is of the age of consent but Simon wanted to do it right and hethoughtthat,asMuladoesnotseeherparents,hergrandfatherisherguardian,andhasbeensinceMulawasnineyearsold. Theoldmancalled forMula tocomeinfromtheterraceoutsidehiscottage,whereshehadgonesothatSimoncouldbeprivatewhenheaskedhergrandfatherforherhandinmarriage.Mulacame in, with a questioning look on her lovely face, as she looked at hergrandfatherforconfirmationofhisapproval.

“OfcourseIapprove,Ihaveneverseenyousohappy,”hesaidashegavebothofthemasmile.Theyspentalovelydaytogether,asalways,andwhenitwastimetoleave,Simontoldthemhewaseagertoseehisfamilytotell themthenews.

Mulawantedaquietwedding;shewasconfusedaboutwhatsheshoulddoaboutherparentsandherbrothers.Simontoldherthathewouldbehappytogoto see them with her and that he would ring them before hand to make anappointment. This he did and they asked themboth to come to their hotel ateleveno’clockonthefollowingSundaymorning,asthatwastheonlytimetheycouldseethem.

Simonwas surprisedat their attitudebuthewasdetermined thathewouldsupport Mula and they arrived at the allotted time. It was a beautiful sunnymorningwhentheyenteredthehotelfoyerwhereeverythingwasspickandspan,thewoodworkshinningalongwith theglass. Therewasnobody therebut thereceptionist so they gave her their names and told her of their eleven o’clockappointment.

Sheshowedthemtoaquietsittingroomandsaidshewouldcalltheowners.Mulafeltnervousandsheheldherhands tightly together. Simonsawthis

andgaveherhishandtohold.“Mula,whatisthisabout?”Herfathersaidonenteringtheroom.“We have no word from you for years and we were not invited to your

congregation,althoughweheardaboutitfromfriends.Simonstoodupandmovedforwardtoshakethefather’shand.“IamSimon,

yourdaughter’sfiancée,andweintendtogetmarriedverysoon.MulaandIaredoctors

And we have been offered posts at the new hospital in Pokhara, and weintendtomarrysoon,beforewemovethere.Mulahasbeenconfusedashowtoincludeyou,her family, in thecelebration sowehavecomehere today toaskyouifyouwouldliketocometoourwedding?”

Bythistimehermotherandbrothershavearrivedinthesittingroomandhermother looked with approval at Simon. Her brothers were arrogant andunsmilingandMulaheldontighttoSimon’shand. Simonputhisarmaroundherwaisttosupportherashefelthertremblingbyhisside.

“AreyouoneoftheMenons,thedoctorsatthehospital?”Askedhermotherwithasmile.“Theywerewonderfulwhenyourfatherhadaheartproblem,”shesayslookingatMula.

Thebrothersleftastheyhadtheirdutiesinthehotel.Herfathersoftenedalittle and nowoffered his hand toSimon, after ignoring it the first time. Hermother asked if they would like some tea butMula refused, as she felt veryuncomfortableandwishedtheyhadnotcome.

“IknowyouareverybusypeoplebutI thoughtofmymarriageasbeingabigstepforme,andIwonderedifyoucould,perhaps,findthetimetoattendtheceremony?”Mulasays.

“Ifitiswithinthenextfewweekswewillbetoobusy,itisapopulartimefor touristsandevery roomis full,”her fathersaid inhisusualassertiveway.Hermotherwaslessso,butshehadtofollowherhusband’sdecisionandsmiledsadlyatthecouple.

Simon was angry at their reception and he took Mula’s arm and gentlywalkedheroutofthehotel.

“Come on love; let’s go home to my house where we will both bewelcomed.”SimonsaidashehuggedMulatohim,thereinfrontofherparents.

TherewasamomentwhenhermothersteppedforwardandstrokedMula’scheekandtearsbegantorundownhermother’sface.

Mulawasmore confused than before andwas glad to be on their way toSimon’s home. They were received with laughter and chatter and Mula andSimondidnotmentionwheretheyhadbeen,orthereceptiontheyhadreceived.

AfewdaysafterwardsDrMenonreceivedaletterfromMula’smother.She

was afraid her family was too busy to attend the wedding but she hoped thecouplewouldbeveryhappy.ShethankedhimforhiscareforherhusbandwhenhehadhishearttroubleandforthecarethefamilyweregivingtoMula,atthisimportant time in her life. DrMenon showed the letter to Simon and SimonaskedhisgrandfathernottomentionittoMula,asshewasdevastatedenoughbytheirrecentvisittoherparents.TheweddingwastobeonthesecondSaturdayofAugustastheyoungdoctorsweretostarttheirregistrarpositionsonthefirstofSeptember.TheyalsohadtofindaplacetoliveinPokhara.Sahidaofferedtohavethemtostaywithheruntiltheycouldfindasuitableplacetolive.

The wedding was joyous, friends from the college came and theMenonsgave thecouple thebest send-off ever. As theyweredrivenoff in the taxi toKathmanduairport the family and friends showered themwith rosepetals andtheyfellintoeachother’sarmsastheyweredrivenaway.Theyhadkepttheirdestination a secret but they were off to Pokhara to the Fishtail Lodge hotel,where they had become engaged. The little plane bumped along the flightpathwayandthehappycoupletookataxitothelakeside,whereaboatwastiedup to the shore. The couple dragged in their luggage and rowed themselvesacrossthelake.

“Lookupthere!”Simonsaid,pointingtothefishtailsummitofAnnapurna,“Doyourememberseeingitonthenightwewereengaged,butitwastheninthemoonlightandsoromantic.”

“Yes,”repliedMulaalmostrockingtheboatasshetriedtomovetoSimon’ssideandlaughedexcitedlyasthelittleboatmovedroughlyinthewater. TheyarrivedsafelyandSimonliftedMulaoverthedoorstepoftheirhoneymoonsuiteandopenedthechampagnefromtheicebucketawaitingthemintheroom.

“Here’s to us, darling!” Simon lifted his glass, after handing one toMula,“andalifetimeofhappiness.”

MulatouchedherglasstoSimon’sandreplied,“foreverandever.”MulahadnothadmuchexperiencewithmenandSimonunderstoodthis.He

gently undressed her and himself and carefully caressed her until he felt herrelax and snuggle into his arms. She felt as if she was flying and could notbelievethefeelingshegavetoher,thelovingcaresses,thetouchingandkissingand the overpowering sensations of his nearness. They hardly slept that firstnightastheymadelovecontinuallyuntildawn. Theirhoneymoonwasagreatsuccess.HewasaloverlikehisunknownfatherhadbeenandonlyhismotherknewhowTajcouldmeltherheart.DuringtheirdaystheytrekkedonthelowerslopesofAnnapurna andoneof thosedays theyvisitedSahida at her school.They atewonderfulmeals and drank goodwines, in the restaurant of the firstclass hotel where they were staying. One or two days they did some house

hunting,but theydecidedthat theywould takeupSahida’sofferandstaywithher until they could find somewhere perfect for them to settle and begin afamily.

Simonhadsomeproblemswithhishead,itsometimesachedandsometimeshe felt confused and angry with himself, for losing his memory. But thehappinesshe felt forhiswifeand the life theyhad found togetherwasagreatcompensation for theunknown life hehad forgotten. They found their dreamhomeinafewweeksandtheythankedSahidaforall thetroubleshehadgonethrough to help them find it. She had taken them, almost every night, to seehousesforsaleorevenforrent.

DrMenonhadmade sure thatmoney for ahouse forSimonwasavailableandSimonhadassuredhimthatitcouldonlybealoan,andtheywouldpayhimbackassoonaspossible. Hehadverystrictvaluesandhe thoughthis formerlifemusthavegiventhemtohimandhesometimeswonderedhowthatlifehadbeen.

Chapter50

MulaandSimontookuptheirpostsatthehospital. TheymovedintotheirnewhomeandwiththehelpofMrs.Menon,TazandSahida,theymanagedtofurnish the whole house. Mrs. Menon had some lovely antique bedroomfurnishings,abed,dressingtableandchairstomatchandtheywereputintothemainbedroom.SahidahadasurplusofdiningchairsandasideboardandTaz,whostilllivedwithherparents,boughtthemadiningtable.Mula’sgrandfathergavethemabirdbathfortheirgarden.TheotherbitstheyneededtheyfoundinsomestoreinKathmandu

AndthedrivertakingstorestoPokharahospitalfromKathmanduhauledtheremainingitems.Theywereandarehappyintheirlovenest.MulahasemergedfromhershellwiththeloveandcaringshowntoherbySimon,andheisproudof theway shehasprogressed froma shy abandoned little girl, to a confidentattractiveandcaringwoman. Their life together isperfect. Theyhavebuiltalifetogethercaringforeachother,aswellascaringfortheirpatients.Theyhavefriendsatthehospital;oneofthegirlsMulalivedwithinthehouseofresidencehas found a place there, at the same hospital. Simon has friends fromKathmanduwhosometimesvisitthem,andtheirlifeispleasantandalwaysfulloffunandlaughter.

Simon’sgrandfatherhasretiredat lastandhevisits themwithMrs.Menonwhentheymisstheirdaughter,Sahida,andSimon,theirgrandson,andtheyloveMula as their own. Taz callswhen she is in the vicinity andMula loves herstoriesofthepeopleofthehillvillages.ShemeanstobeaGeneralPractitionerwhen she has the experience she will gain as a registrar. She knows she isacceptedasoneof the family,and theyhavemadeupfor theunhappinessshesuffered at the hands of her parents. Sometimes the Menons bring Mula’s

grandfather toseeMulaandSimonandhe ispleasedfor theouting,ashisoldcarhasfinallygivenuptheghost,andthejourneyisalongonebyroad.Hehaskept in touchwith theMenonsandtheyincludehiminanyentertainment theygive,andhestayswith themwhen the festivalsareon. DrMenonsometimesvisitshiminhiscottageandtheywalkupthehillsidetohisproductterracejustasMula used to do and hemakes a gift of some rice fromhis plot and picksapplesfromhistreesfortheMenons.

Taz isnow inher late thirties and shehasbeengiven, to train, anEnglishdoctor,who has been seconded to the hospital inKathmandu, as a part of anAction Aid programme. He is in his forties and a latecomer to the medicalprofession as a non-military person, and he asked to be sent to some outbackcountrybecauseofhislifeasasoldier.Hisserviceinwarzoneshastoughenedhim and he has served his twenty -five years, leaving him determined to dosomethingdifferent from thewarcasualtieshehasmended so far.HisparentsliveinDerbyshireandhehasalwaysbeenaclimberandanoutdoortype. HisnameisJamesKnoxandheisaconfirmedbachelor,helovesthemountainsandissurprisedtohavealadydoctorforhismentor.Hefindsherveryefficientandattractive.Whentheyrescuetrekkersfromthehigherslopesheisinaweofherskillsandsometimesfeelshumbledbyhersuccess.

Tazwas surprised to find that James seemed sensitive to the needs of thevillagers,andsheencouragedhimtoworkwiththeolderpeoplewhohavenothad theopportunities theyoungerNepalesehavehadfor theirhealthcare. Hefound the shyness and the profound way they used their few resourcesadmirable,andhiseyeslitupatthedryhumourtheysometimesuseduponhim.His language skillswere fewbut he had awayofmakinghimself understoodandhefoundfriendsupinthemountainvillages.Someofthevillagershadbeentrekker guides and theywouldhelp Jamesoutwith the language,much to thejocularityoftheothers. Tazfoundshecouldleavehimtotreat thelessseverecasesandshetoldhimhewasagreathelptoher.Jamesappreciatedhertrustinhimandthetwoofthembecamegoodfriends.

When theywereworkingaroundPokhara,Taz took James tomeetSimon,her nephew, who felt the genuine warmth of James’s handshake and the twoEnglishmentooktoeachotherimmediately.SimonwastwentyyearsyoungerthanJamesbutthecamaraderiewastherefromthestartandthetwomenwereoften found laughing at some joke that James had told Simon about his armylife.SimonwouldtellJamesofsomeofthethingsthathappenedtohimwhenhe had not learnt the Nepalese language properly and how the patients hadteasedhim.

At Festival times the young couple would go to Kathmandu and Sahida

wouldjointhem.JameswouldbeinvitedtojointheMenonsandthepartiesandthedancingwouldfillthestreetswithcolourandjoy.SimonadoredhislifeinNepalandwouldnotchangeamomentofit.

Chapter51

Sarahfeltupsetbythelossofherson,Simon;shewasrestlessinthebedbythesideofDavid,whoputhisarmsaroundhertotrytocomforther.

“Whyhasthishappenedtous?”“Thatmustsoundselfishtoyou,foritissomuchworst for Simon.” Sarah said, whilst fittingmore closely into David’sarms.

“Hey! We’ve found him and he is happy here,we can’t disturb his life.”Davidreplied,ashedrewSarahcloserandhuggedhertight.

“Iwantmysonback,hedoesnotknowusandhehaslostallhismemoriesofourlifeasafamily.”Sarahrepliedwithtearsinhervoice.

DavidtriedtoplacateherashetoldherhewouldtrytofindsometreatmentforSimon’samnesia.

“GetsomesleepnowSarah,wehaveafewdaystogettoknowSimonandMula,

I’msurewewillresolvethingsbeforewereturnhome.”Sarahisagitated,shefeelsfrustratedanddepressed,moresothanbeforethey

came here. “What canwe do for Simon and ourselves?” Shewonders as shetosses and turns, without sleep the whole night. “I should be grateful to theMenonsforsavinghimandgivinghimthelifehisfathershouldhavehad.”Thememoriesofher lifehere, the loveTajandshe shared,cameback toherwithsuchstrongemotionsthattearsrolleddownherface.“WhatamItodo?”Sarahcreptoutofbedanddressedquietlybeforeslippingintothekitchenandmakingacupoftea.Shetookhercupoutsideontheterraceandlookedupatthewhitepeak ofAnnapurna towering over the lake. The beauty of themorning light,shreddingagoldenauraoverthemountain,gaveSarahafeelingofpeace.Shetriednot to thinkof thesadeventof losingSimonforever;shemust try tobecontenttoleaveSimonhere,intheworldhewasnowusedto,andtolivehislife

withhisfather’speople.Sahidacameoutontotheterraceandbroughthermugofcoffee.Shewas

dressedforworkandhadalittletimetospeaktoSarahandassureherthatthingswouldworkoutforallofthem.Shesmiledassheleftandwavedfromhercarasshesetoutforwork.

WhenheawokeDavid foundanemptybed,and lookedaroundforSarah.Hefoundherontheterrace,asshelookedatthesurroundingscenery,andjoinedher.

“Howareyoufeeling,”heaskedashegaveheratroubledlook. Hecouldseethatshehadhadnosleepandhereyeswereredfromcrying.

I’m better now, sat here in these lovely surroundings,” she replied as sheheld out her hand to takeDavid’s. “Andnow that you are here, I’llmake ussomebreakfast;Sahidaleftfoodinthefridge.”

“Good,thenwewillfindMarkandhavealookaroundPokhara.Iknowyoulivedherebeforebut I think thingshavechangeda lotsince that time.”Davidreplies.

Theybothwentintotheapartment.DavidhadaquickshowerwhilstSarahcookedeggsandtoast.

Mark appeared at the door some time later and the three of themwalkedfromSahida’shometothecentreofthetown.Therewereafewshops,butmostofthecommercewasdoneoutsideonthepavements,wherefruitandvegetablesaredisplayed,alongwithsmallstatuesofvariousgodsandgoodluckcharmsaresold.

SarahremembersthetimeshewasbroughtherefromKathmandubyJoe,herdriver,tobuywarmclothesandsoftfurnishingforhersmallcottage,whenshefirstcametoPokharaintheseventies.ThebuildingsandtemplesareattractivetoDavid,whohasnotseenthembefore.

Sarah bought some products so that she can make them dinner, and theymeanderedaroundthelittletownuntiltheydecidedtohavelunch.Theyfoundasmallcaféandsatoutsideatatableandorderedfood.SarahturnedtoMarkandsaid.“Whatdoyouthinkofoursituation,andwhatcanwedotomakethingsright?”

Marklooksstunnedbyherquestionandreplies,“IthinkitissadthatSimonhaslosthismemory,butIalsothinkthatheisveryhappyhere,withMulaandtheMenons.

Idon’t think there isanythingwecandoabout it,butaccept it. I’msorrySarahandyou,David,butunlesshegetshismemoryback,that’sallwecando.I havenoticedhe seemed tohave a connectionwithbothof you, andperhapswith a little patience, we will enter his mind and he will remember the time

beforehisaccidentinFrance.Come on Sarah, we will see the happy couple tonight when Simon has

finishedhisworkandSahidawillbebackfromschool.Youhavetoadmitthatitisbettertoknowthatheisaliveandhappy,thanallourfamilythinkingheisdead,inagraveinFrance.Markcontinues.BythewayIranggrandmothertoletherandallthefamilyknowsthatSimonisaliveandsafe.Iknowthatyoutwohavebeentooupsettothinktoringthem.”

“Oh thanksmate, saysDavid. Wemust ringAnneandCharlieas soonaspossible,infactassoonaswegettoSahida’s.”

MarkaccompaniedthembacktoSahida’sandtheystartedtoprepareamealforwhen Sahida returned from school. The atmosphere had turned lighter asMark and David put on a double act, to make Sarah laugh and by the timeSahidawashomethethreeofthemwereinholidaymood.

Theyateoutontheterrace,theirfavouriteplace,andwhenitwastimetogo,they climbed into Sahida’s car, andwith the twomen joking and the four ofthemlaughing,theyarrivedatSimon’splacefeelingalotlessagitationthanthepreviousnight.

Whentheyarrivedthereweretwoextracarsonthedrive.MulaandSimoncame to the door before they could knock, andwelcomed them allwith openarms.

“Come and see Aunt Taz and Grandmother and Grandfather and this isJames,anex-armydoctorwhohascometoworkhere.”Simonintroducedthem.

SarahwenttoMrs.Menonandenfoldedherinherarmsandwithtearsinhereyes she told theMenonshowsorry shewas forkeepingSimona secret fromthem.ShemadenoexcusesandDrMenonmovedtowardshiswifeandSarahandheldthemboth.

“We understand how devastated you were when Taj died, and we shouldhavedonemoreforyouatthetime,butyourparentscametotakeyouhome,andwedidnothearfromyouagain.”DrMenonsaidinhisquietvoice.

SarahputherarmsaboutthembothandthankedthemforthekindnessandthegreathelptheyhadgiventoSimon.SheintroducedDavidandexplainedhewasanoldcollegefriend,whoSimonhadtakentoandclaimedforafather.

Shemoved toTazandsaid,“I rememberyouwhenyourfather tookusallfordinnerattheFishtailLodgeandthatwasthefirsttimeIsawTaj.

Weknew therewas something going on becauseTaj came home less, butwas seen on the mountain.” Taz said, with a wink at Sarah.” A disturbedquietnesscamebetweenthemastheyallrememberedthatterribledaywhenTajwaskilled.

SahidacametohugSarahandsaid.“Wehavehadenoughsadnessforone

day,comeon,let’sgoinside,SimonandMulahaveanothersurpriseforyou.”Mula’s grandfather was in the sitting room and he stood up to greet the

newcomers.Sarah saw howMula loved the old man and she liked him immediately.

When they had all been introduced,Mula came in with a bottle of wine andsomeglassesandtheyalltoastedthecelebrationoftheirmeeting.

JamesandDavidtooktoeachother,astheywereonthesamewavelength,andtheyhadbothseenalotoftheworld,andfoundtheyhadalotincommon.SahidaandMarkweresatclosetoeachotherandcouldnotkeeptheireyesoffeachother.SarahwasfillinginthemanyyearssinceshehadseentheMenonsandMula and Simonwere thrilled by the good vibrations thatwere all aboutthem.

DavidaskedJamesabouthisarmycareer,andwas told thathehadbeenadoctor, who dealt with battle trauma. Mark was, and David had been, civilengineers and they had all three, traveled the world but until now James andDavidhadnotbeentoNepal.Theybothsangitspraisesandsaidtheyhadneverbeenanywhereasbeautiful.

SarahandDavidaskedSimoniftheycouldusethephone.TheyrangAnnefirst,Sarahbeingsoexcitedshecouldnotspeakquicklyenough.

“Anne, darling, we have found Simon and he is a doctor here, in theHimalayas.”

“Please let me speak to him, Grandma has told me that he has lost hismemory,isthattrue?”AsksAnne

“Yesitis,butIwillaskhimtospeaktoyou.”SarahtellsSimon,whowasstandingnearbyandheagreed,althoughsomewhatreluctantly,ashewondersifhewillrememberhervoice.SarahhandsoverthephoneandAnneisecstaticasshewhispered,”Simonisthatreallyyou?”

Simon replies, “Yes I’mSimon, but I have lostmymemory and althoughSarah and David have found me here, I don’t remember them but I felt aconnection to them, when I first saw them, I’m sorry I can’t recognize yourvoice,butyousoundlikealovelysister.”

DavidtookthephonefromSimonandtoldher.“Wehavetobepatientloveandalthoughhedoesn’tknowus,weknowhim, andhe’s just the sameashealwayswas,butheisnowajoyousandcaringman.”

DavidtouchesSimon’sshoulderasheputsdownthephone.“Don’tworryson,Iwilltrytogetsometreatmentforyouramnesia,butyour

motherandIwillneverinterferewithyourlifehere,Ipromiseyou.”Simon isconfusedafterhis talkwithAnneandhewisheshecouldgethis

memoryback.Mulawouldhaveasister-in-law;someoneshecouldhaveinher

life,aboutherage,Annehastwochildrenandoneayoungbaby.Heshruggedhis shouldersand returned to theparty. Tazbroughther cameraand she tookmanyphotographsandpromisedtosendcopies toSahidabefore theThomas’sreturntoBritain.

After a lovely evening, Sarah and David say goodbye to everyone andSahida andMark leave with them. TheMenons andMula’s grandfather arestayingatSimon’sovernightbecauseofthedistancetheywillhavetodrivebacktoKathmandu.

Chapter52

ThefollowingdayafterSarahandDavidhavehadagoodnight’ssleep,theymetMarkat thehostelandbegantheir trekupthelowerslopesofAnnapurna,visitingSahidaattheschool.Sarahhadgoodmemoriesofhertime,teachingontheterraces,inthesunlight,underthewhitepeaks.Sahidawaspleasedtoseethethreeofthemandasitwasherlunchtime,shewalkedalittlewaywiththemandstayedtohavelunch.

“Why don’t you take the day off, now you are the boss, you can allowyourself a treat?” Mark asks Sahida, laughing as he gives her arm a playfulpunch.

“Ican’tdothat!Ihavetoshowmystaffanexample,ortheymayallthinkthat they can do the same.” She waved as she returned down the mountain,whilst theother threeclimbedupwards. Thesunwashotand theclimbsteep,butthethreeofthemwerereallyenjoyingtheirtrek.Markhadtoslowhispacetomatch theirs,buthewasyoungerandfitter,althoughSarahandDavidwerecompetentwalkers,theyhadnothadaclimblikethisforalongtime.Sarahsatonaflatstoneonthesideofthepathbecauseshefeltdizzy,asshelookeddownontotheforest,farbelowthem.

“Ithinkyouhavewalkedupfarenoughtoday.”DavidtoldSarahashesawthecolourleaveherface.Marklookedconcernedandknewitwastimetoreturntothelowerslopes.

“ComeonSarah,it’stimetomeetSahida,shewillhavefinishedschoolbynow andwe promisedwewould.” Mark says, as he helped her up from herseat.Sarahfeltherheartbeatmoreslowlyasshecarefullynegotiatedthesteepterrain.

SahidawaitedforthemandtheyallreturnedtoPokhara.ThedayspassedandasDavidandJamesbecamefriendly,Davidbroughtup

the question of battlefield trauma and the treatment for it. He thought that asimilartreatmentcouldhelpSimontogethismemoryback.Jamesfeltunsure

as the traumaofwarwashorrific,and the treatmentwasverydeepseatedandsevere,he toldDavid. Withoutaword toDavidhedecidedhewouldaskTazherviewsonit,butheknewitwasadelicatesubjectandheadinjuriescouldbeseriousandsometimesthingswerebestleftalone.

SarahandDavidspentalotoftimewithSimonandMula,andthemoretheysawthemthemoretheyknewthatSimonwaslivingintherightplaceforhimandhislovelywife.WhenMulatookSarahintoherconfidenceandtoldherofthe problemswith her parents and her brothers, Sarahwas astonished but shethenunderstoodthebondthatwassewnbetweenhergrandfatherandMula.Herheart went out toMula and shewas proud to have such a lovely girl for herdaughter-in-law.

Sarah told DavidMula’s story and asked him if they could stay until thebabywasborn,sothattheycouldbetheretosupportthemwhenthetimecame.Sheknewthat theMenonswouldgive themall thehelp,but theMenonsweregettingoninyears,andTazandSahidawereunmarriedandtheyhadnochildrenoftheirown.

Davidagreedbuthesaidthat theycouldnotstayforeveronthehospitalitySahidawasgivingtothem.TheyshouldlookforsomeaccommodationneartoSimonandMule’shome.

ThefollowingmorningSarahwasupwiththelarks,aftertellingSahidathatthey ought tomove out and give her homeback. David awoke to findSarahhumming around the apartment and already dressed. He smiled at herenthusiasmand jumpedoutofbed to joinher. Hewas ready for the frayandtheydecidedtheywouldbreakfastinthetown.

“Sahida seemed pleased to have her home back. I think that Mark isinterestedinSahidaandfromwhatI’venoticedSahidaseemsverypleasedwiththat.Ithinkwehavebeenplayinggooseberries,David.”

DavidlookedatSarahwithasmile.“AreyouplayingmatchmakerSarah?Iknowwhatyoumean;Inoticedthelooksandsmilespassingbetweenthem?”

There is a shop where there are notices of flats to let for the manyholidaymakersthatarenowarrivinginthispartoftheworld.

Theyenteredandfoundtheshopemptybuttherewasabellforthemtoringforassistance.Afterwaitingafewmoments,ayoungwomanenteredfromthebackoftheshopandsmiledawelcome.

“MayIhelpyou?”SheaskedingoodEnglish.“Wearelookingforaccommodationforamonthorso.”Davidanswered.“Letmeshowyousome, thereare somephotographson thewall, canyou

seeanythingthatyouthinkmaybesuitable?”Sheasked.Sarahwas looking for something thatmightbenear toSimon’shouseand

shefoundaflatinthatvicinity.ShefeltexcitementattheprospectofbeinghereinPokharawhenhergrandchildwillbeborn.

“David,maywelookatthisone?ItseemsthesamesizeasSahida’sanditisquiteneartoSimon’shouse.”

Theflatisfurnishedandthepriceisreasonable.“Itwon’tbreakthebank,”Davidsaidwithaquicksmile.“Andwecaninvitebackallthepeoplewhohaveshownustheirhospitality.”

Thedealisdoneandtheymovedinimmediately.Sarahlookedaroundandloved the modern furniture, and the kitchen suited both her and David. ThetowelsandbedsheetswereleftonthebedandSarahmadeupthebedandtookthetowelsintothebathroom.

“I thinkweshouldchristen thebed, Iamfrustratedbystaying in someoneelse’shouse,asIhavebeenafraidtomakeanoise.”Davidwhoopedashefellbackwardsonthebed.Sarahlaughedandjoinedhim.

They settled down and enjoyed their extended holiday. Mulawas gettingneartohertimeandSarahandDavidvisitedhereveryday.Mulawasgratefulfortheirdevotedcare,shesawthelovetheyhadforoneanother,andshehopedsheandSimonwouldkeepthewonderfulaffectiontheyhadforeachother,justlikehisparentshad.

Mula awokewith great pain in her abdomen, and she cried out to Simonwhowassleepingdeeply,nexttoher.

“Pleasegetyourmother,SimonIthinkthebabyiscoming.”Mulacriesoutinfear.

“Butyoushouldbeinthehospitallove,I’lltakeyounow.”Simonreplies.“Iwantmymotherbutshewillnotcome,pleasegetSarah.”Mulasounded

breathlessandSimonwasupsetandflustered.SimongotdressedquicklyandranuptheroadtowhereSarahandDavidwerestaying.

“Can you come quickly,Mula has started with the baby and she needs awoman’stouch.Shetoldmesheisnotreadytogotohospitalandthatyouwillknowwhen it is time.” Sarah dressed quickly and followed Simon down thepath.Whenshecaughtupwithhimshelinkedherarmthroughhis,becausethenightwaspitchblackandthepathwasnotverylevel.

“Don’tworrySimon,IhavedonethisbeforeforAnne,andIhadmymotherwithmewhenIhadyou.Girlswanttheirmothersatthistime.I’msorryMula’smother isoutofher life,but Ipromiseyou that Iwilldomybest tocover forher.Ithinkyouhavechosenwell,sheistheperfectwifeforyou,andthebabywillsoonbehere,andtheworryyouarefeelingnowwillsoonbebehindyou.”

“Thanks Sarah, I feelmore confident now you are here.” Mula says as agreetingandSarahgivesMulaahugandshoosSimonawayfromthebed.

“I am having the birth pains every twentyminutes andmywater broke alittlewhileagobeforeSimoncametogetyou.Ihopeyoudon’tmind,butIneedanother woman to be with me, and you are the nearest thing I have for amother.”

“OhMula you have givenme somuch pleasure that you think ofme thatway,”SarahrepliesassheputsextrapillowsbehindMula.

“Areyoucomfortable,whenthenextpaincomesholdontomyhand?”“When the pains come every ten minutes, that is the time to go into

hospital.”Sarahtellsher.Davidhasarrived,andshecanhearthementalkinginthesittingroomdownstairs.

“Wouldyoulikeacupoftea,itwillsteadyyournervesandthoseofthemen.ItwillgiveSimonsomethingtodo.”Sarahtoldher,

Sarahcallsdownstairsforsomeonetomakeapotofteaforallofthem.“You’re too late.” Davidwalks inwitha trayandSimonfollowswith the

milkjug.“Hey! What a team.” David says with laughter in his voice as he gave

Simonahug,outofhabit.SimonwasconcernedforMula,butalotofthepressurehadbeentakenfrom

his shoulders because of the presence ofSarah andDavid andhe knew in hisheart,thesewerehisparents.Muladrankherteathankfully,shefeltthecomfortofSimon’spresenceandtheflutteringoffearleftherheart.Therewasastateoftranquility, hung in the room and they all felt it. The time passed withoutincident,untilfouro’clockandthenMulahadstrongermorepainfulbirthpangsanditwastimetogotothehospital.TheywerebothdoctorsbutitwasdifferentwhenMulawent into labourproperly andSimonwanted thebest forher. Hestayed in thebirthing roomwhilstSarahandDavidstayedoutside. SarahandDavid, who were the only interested grandparents there, waited for theirgrandchildtobeborn,outsideofthebirthingroom.

Simon heldMula’s hand and tried to take the pain for her. Hewas verysurprisedatthestrengthofthepainandthestruggleforthebaby,aswellasthemother,tocomeintotheworld.Eventuallythebabycrieditsfirstcry,andthereliefofitsparentswasgreattosee.Thenursetoldthem,“It’saboy.”

The nurse came to find Sarah andDavid and told them to go to see theirgrandson.

“OhmyGod,”Sarahsobbed.HeistheimageofSimonwhenhewasborn,”andwith tears inhereyes, she touchedhis littleheadgently. Therewasnonethere tobackher statement, for itwashermotherwhohadheldherhandandbeenherbirthpartner.

“Simon,heisexactlylikeyouwhenyouwereborn.Mulaheisbeautiful.”

Sarahtellsthem,withaweinhervoice.David shakes Simon’s hand and bends to kissMula and the baby. “This

little baby has a cousin in England just a few weeks his senior, your sisterAnne’syoungestchild.”

DavidwasquiteemotionalandSarahhuggedherhusbandandherson.“We’llleaveyouinpeaceandletSimongettoknowhisson.Ringusifyou

needanythingSimon.HaveyoutoldtheMenonsandSahida?”Davidasks.“Yes I have informed everybody in Kathmandu and my grandfather

promised to letMula’s grandfather know the news.” Simon told them, as heenfoldedthebabyinhisarms.

It’stimeforSarahandDavidtogohome.ThebabyhasbeennamedandhisparentsareproudofTajDavidMenon–Thomas.TheMenonsandtheThomas’sfamiliesarehappywith thenaming,andSahidaandMarkpromise tobe therefor little Taj. Mark has been given a job for his firm in the area and he andSahidaareveryclose.JamesandTazwereworkingwelltogether,andMulaisstayingathometolookafterthebaby,andSimonisaproudfather,whoenjoyshisworkatthehospital.

Chapter53

There was a reception for Sarah and David, a couple of days after theyarrived home. Charlie had invited all the relatives, and everyone wanted toknowthescore.

AnneandDanielandthechildrenarrivedfirst,whenDavidwhoopedaslittleDantriedtojumponhisback.Hekneltdownsothatthelittleboycouldputhisarmsaroundhisgrandfather’sneck,Davidranaroundthegarden,tothedelightoflittleDan.Annewentouttotalktoherfather,holdinglittleAmyinherarms.

“Myword,she’sgrownwhilstwehavebeenaway,she’s threemonthsoldnow,isn’tshe?”Davidaskshisdaughter,ashehuggedthewholelotofthem.

“Yes,she’sputontenpounds,whilstyouhavebeenaway.”Annetellshim.“She’sbeautiful,justlikeyouwereatthatage.”Hereplies.Sarahwent out to join them, and took the baby girl from hermother and

snuggledhergranddaughter,Amy,inherarms.“We’ve missed you all, but Simon has become a father, whilst we were

there.WewaiteduntilMulahadtheirbaby,beforewefeltwecouldreturn.“You’llloveMulawhenyoumeether,andSimonhasmadealovelydoctor

andfather.Iwishyoucouldhavebeenthere,darling,butitwasn’tpossibleasthingswere. WhenAmy is older, I’m sure you’ll bewelcome in Pokhara, atyourbrotherandMula’shome.”Sarahsays.

Therestofthefamilyspilledoutontothegreen,well-keptlawns,andasthedaywasbrightwithblueskies,therefreshmentswereservedoutside,wherethechildren and the adults could take advantageof thewarm sunnyday. Charliewas reminded of Simon,when he first saw him. Sarah and her sister, Katie,werechattingandlaughing,SarahtellingheraboutMarkandSahida.

“IthinkhemaybesmittenwithSahida,hemetherbefore,whenhecametovisitmeonhistrek,whenhewaseighteen.She’soneoftheyoungersistersof

Taj,Simon’sbirthfather.Therewasquitealotoflovinglooksgoingon,whenwewerewith them, both seemed interested in the other, itwasn’t one sided.Hey, wemight have in-laws in common and the family ties stronger, if yourMarkhashisway.”Sarahteased.

After tea, thepartywent into thehouse,andDavidshowedthemthemanyphotographs,hehadtakenofthefamilyandfriends,aswellasthesceneryoftheareawhereSimonlived,whereheworkedandwhereSahidahadworked.

“That’swhereSarahworked, and fromwherewebroughtherhome,whenTajdied.”Joesays.“Itwasthemostbeautifulplacewehadeverseen,wasn’titMary?”heaskedhiswife.

“Absolutely!”Maryreplied,shethenturnedtoKatieandsaid,you’llperhapsbe invited tomeetMark’s friendand thenyou’llget theopportunity to see it.They showed themwhere theMenons lived inKathmandu, aswell asMula’sgrandfather’s cottage in thehills, andbecause thepictureswere relevant toallthefamily,therewasexcitementandenthusiasmandquitealotofchatter.TheyadmiredthepicturesofMulaandSimon,andtheirhouseneartotheforest.

Katiewas surprised to see her son,Mark, in the pictures, always close toSahida,andthetwinkleinhiseyesalwaysforher.

“Oh,doyouthinkheissmitten,andwhatalovelygirl?”KatieasksSarah.“Theymetbefore,anddanced together,at thepartywegaveforMarkand

hisfriends.”Sarahtellsher.“Doyouknow,Markhasn’tsettleddownandIhavewonderedwhy,because

heseemsthefamilytypetome.Heisacaring,happyman.”HismothertellsSarah.

“I know, he saved my life, when he told mum and dad about mypredicament.

Strangely enough, Sahida hasn’t married either, but they do seem happytogether.”

“Hey!Areyouaccusingmeofmatchmaking,likeDavidhasalreadydone?”Sarahaskedhersister,asshethrewbackherheadinlaughter.

CharlieentertainedlittleDanbyshowinghimthewildlifeonthelake,atthebottomof thegarden. Hewasgettingabit frail,buthewaseighty-sixandhewasunable tocarryDan, likeheused tocarrySimon. He loved theextendedfamilyandalways feltpartofSarah’s family,ashisown. Hisonly sisterhaddiedtwoyearsagoandDavidwasall thatwasleftofhisownfamily. Charliehad had a wonderful life, being part of David and Sarah’s. He fretted aboutSimonandhopedhewouldseehimbeforehedied. Hefelthewas tooold totravel to Pokhara,with all the airplane changes and the large airports towalkthrough.Buthehoped,inayearorso,SimonandMulawouldtraveltoBritain

and bring little Taj with them, as David had told him Taj was the image ofSimon,whenhewasthatage.Thepartycametoacloseasalltherelativesleftfortheirhomes,sun-kissedandlookingwellandhealthy,havingsmilesontheirhappyfaces.

Lifewaspleasantandtheyearspassed,SarahandDavidtookuptheirretiredlife,walkingaroundthelakealmosteveryday,inbetweenhousechoresandtheshopping. Charlie would sometimes walk with them, other times he wouldprefer to do a bit of gardening, although Sarah had started to do the hardweeding, and David had taken up the job of mowing the extensive lawns.CharliehadfriendswhocametovisithimandSarahandDavidinvitedpeopletodinner,sometimes,as theyboth lovedcookingandtheytriedoutnewrecipes.Theirsociallifewasfullandtheirdaughterlivednear,sotheysawalotoftheirgrandchildren,andbabysatwhentheywereneeded.

2008

Chapter54

CharliewasalmostninetyandDavidwantedtomakeapartyforhisfather.Charliewasstillhealthybuthewasabitfrail,buthewouldnotownuptothelossofhisstrength,hetriedtodotoomuchinthegarden,stillgrowingtomatoesandpeppersinhisgreenhouse,aswellas,courgettes,potatoesandgreensinthevegetablegarden.Hehadstartedwhenhefirstmovedintothehousebythelake.

DavidknewthatCharliewouldlovetoseeSimon,hisfirstgrandchild,andhedecidedhewouldmentionthepartywhenhenextspoketoSimon.Tajwasalmostfiveyearsoldand,hopefully,heshouldbeabletotaketheplanejourneytoBritain.

David tentively asked Simon, if it would be possible for him to bring hisfamilyonaholidaytostaywiththem,atthetimeofCharlie’sninetiethbirthday,asasurpriseforCharlie.

MulacameontothephonetotalktoDavidandshetoldhimhergrandfatherhaddiedjustaweekagoandthecremationhadtakenplaceandthey,Simon,Tajandherselfhadtakentheashestotheriver. Hermother,hisdaughter,hadnotattendedandshewasfeelingsad.DavidcalledtoSarahtospeaktoMula,aftertellingherthesadnews.

Sarahwasfullofsympathy,andMulacouldhearitinhervoice.“Mula,wearesosorryforyourloss,weknowthathewasthemainstayof

yourlife,untilyoumarriedSimon.Wewouldloveyoutocomeandvisitus,ifitispossible,andgiveyousometime tocometo termswithyour loss. David’sfather, Charlie, will be ninety in threeweek’s time and hewould love to seeSimonandhisfamily,wearehopingthatitispossibleforyoualltocome.We

wouldlovetoseeyouallandespeciallylittleTaj,wholookslikeSimondidatthatage.CharliehasbeenthrilledwiththephotographsyouhavesentofeachofTaj’sbirthdays,andheswearsheissolikeSimonatthatage.DavidhasmadeacopyofeachphotographforCharlie,tokeepinhisroom.”

MulafeltbetteraftersheheardSarah’svoiceandshesaid,”I’dlovetocomebut I will have to ask Simon if it is possible for him to get away from thehospital.Wehavenothadaholidayforalongtime,soI’msurehewillbeabletogetsomeleave.

I’llputhimonthephone.Ihopetoseeyousoon.”SimontookthehandsetfromMulaandreplied,“Wewouldlovetoseeyou

bothagainandthefamily.I’llaskatwork,ifIcanbespared,andletyouknow.Jamescould,perhaps,workmyshiftsatthehospital.Heis,atpresent,actingasa G.P. to the mountain villages. James has helped with my amnesia andsometimes,memories come back tome, I remembered a lake,with birds andanimals,differentfromtheoneswehavehere.Jameshasbeenverypatientwithme, and he thinks that eventually, I’ll remember everything. I’ll ask atworkabouttheholidayandletyouknow.”

“OhSimon,wouldyouaskMarkandSahidatocomewithyou,iftheycanmanageit?Iknowtheyhavebeentogetherforsometimenow,andCharliewillbethrillediftheycancomewithyou.CharliehasalwayslovedMark’scheekyhumour.”Sarahtellshim.

Chapter55

Shortly after Sarah and David left Pokhara, Mark and Sahida moved intogether, he first moved into Sahida’s flat, and then he sold his flat inManchester and they bought a house together, close to Simon’s. He took upemploymentagain,with theover sea’sdepartmentofhis firm,and they foundhimjobsintheareawherehelived.

MarkwashappywithSahida,hehadneverthoughtthathewouldgiveuphissinglelife,butSahidahadwonhisheart.Hehadnotconsideredmarriageandhethought Sahida was of the same mind. He thought their life was happy andsettled, they saw a lot of Simon and Sahida’s family, as well as their ownfriends.Marksometimeshadtospendtimeaway,ifhewasworkingattheotherside of Nepal. Sahida fretted when this happened and she sometimes feltinsecure. Shewanted tomarryMark,butshedidnotknowhowtopursue theidea.Whenhewasaway,shehadadreamthathewaslost,andwouldnotcomebacktoher.Healwayscamebackandwasneverlost,asSahidahadseeninherdreams.Markwasbackwiththeloveandhumourthere,forhertosee.

MarkbecameveryclosetoJames,becausetheyhadalotincommon,travel,trekkingandsharedmemoriesofBritain.WhenMarkwasinbetweenprojectsandSahidawasatschool,hewouldtraveltothemountainvillageswithJames,onhis rounds. Hekepthimcompanyand theyenjoyed theirconversationsontheway.Theyrodeinthevehicleandhadlunchtogetherinsomeofthevillagehostels,whentheywereluckyenoughtofindone.

TheyspokeaboutSimon,andMarkwasdeterminedforSimontorememberhis past. “He had such a good life with his mother and David; they were aperfect familywhenAnnecamealong.” Mark told James“Ihope that all theworkyouhaveputinwithSimon,paysoff.”

James has a friend, from his army days, who works in London, as a

psychologist. He promised to get in touch him, ifMark thought it would bebeneficialforSimon,andhecouldgethimtoagreetoseehim.

“He was magic with the battlefield trauma soldiers, a real professional.”JamestoldMark.

When Mark got the invitation from David to attend Charlie’s ninetiethbirthday,hementionedJames’sfriendtoSahida,andsheagreed, that ifSimonwouldseehim,whilsttheywereallinBritainitcould,perhaps,beofhelptohernephew.

Sahidawaspleased that shewouldbegoing toBritainwithMarkand thattheywouldbestayingwithherfriendSarah.Simonandhisfamilyweregoingtoo,andSarahhadpromisedthemthatshewouldarrangeaccommodationforallofthem.

JamesapproachedSimonabouthisfriendinLondonandafterSimonagreedto seehim, Jamesmadean appointment forSimon, as soonas they arrived inBritain, before they traveled up north. After the long air travel, Simon knewthey would all benefit from a short stay, in London. Sahida had been oncebeforewithherfamily,beforeshewenttouniversity.ShewasthrilledforMulaand littleTaj to see the sights, and forMarkandherself to seea show. TheystayedattheStrandPalaceHotel,becauseitwascentralandtheycouldshowthesightstoMulaandTaj,whilstSimoncouldkeephisappointmentwithJames’sfriend,DrPaulBuka.

Simon found the surgery inHarley Street and approached the receptionistattentively.

Hegavehisnameandwasaskedtowaitinthewaitingarea,untilhisnamewascalled.

DrBukawasawell-respected,hypnoticmemory-restoringdoctor. Hehadfirst worked on the battlefields, alongwith James but had then specialized inpsychology.

Hewasyoung,enthusiasticabouthiswork,andhehadstudiedwiththebestprofessors in that fieldofmedicine. Hehadafullworkloadbuthadmade theappointmentforSimonbecauseofhisrespectforJames,whohadsavedhislifeinIraq.Theywerebothworkingtogetherinafieldhospital,ontheoutskirtsofBasrawhenabombexploded,andPaulwasstunnedandhad injuredhis foot.James dragged him to safety before going back to rescue the injured soldiersunderhiscare.

Simonwas called and he entered the consultant’s room. Paul smiled andstood to shake Simon’s hand. He pointed to a chair opposite to his own andbegan to take notes of Simon’s case, asking him the relevant questions andputtingSimonatease.

HeaskedhowJameswasfaringinNepal,hesaid.”Ilovethatguy,doyouknowhesavedmylife?”

“Notatall, Jameshardlyevermentionshis timeasasoldier,andwhenhedoes it is only to say he was concerned about his patients who were battlescarred:Ihadnoideahewasahero.Heisveryhappy,workinginthevillagesas a General Practitioner and helping at the hospital. I could not have comeawayifJameshadnotvolunteeredtotakeovermyworkatthehospital,whilstIamhere.”Simonreplieswithasmile,ashereasseshisknowledgeofJames.

“Lets start the procedure; you will know what hypnosis entails, beingyourself a doctor. Lie comfortablyon the couch and Iwill begin.” Paul toldhim.

Simon tookoffhis shoesand laydown. Hewasused tomeditating sohewassoonrelaxed.

Heseesawhite landscapeand feels thespeedofhis skis, the swishof thewind,ashefliesthroughthiswhitebleakplace.Hefeelshisspeedincreaseandincrease as he screams and falls into a deep ravine. He recovers to findPaulpattinghisshoulderandreassuringhimthatthenightmareisnotreal.Thathismindhasreturnedtotheplaceofhisaccidentandheadinjury.

When the treatment was finished, Paul left Simon to come back to thepresentslowly.ThereceptionistbroughtthembothacupofteawhenSimonwasready, and the two of them chatted about the experience Simon had gonethrough.

He remembered his childhood, but not before David was his father.Confusingimagesweregoingthroughhismind,andheshookhishead,hopingtogetthepicturesright.PaulsatwithhimandtheydiscussedthefeelingsSimonwashaving;hisconfusion,hishelplessness,hisinabilitytoremember,andnowthisfeelingthatabreakthroughmaybepossible. PauldecidedtomakeSimonanotherappointment for the followingday,with thehope that furtherprogresscouldbemade.

“Isitpossibleforyoucometoseemeagaintomorrow?”Paulasks.“Itwillhavetobeearlyinthemorningoraftersixbecausemyworkscheduleisfull.”

Simonwanted to spend some timewith his family and he thought that hewouldbebettercomingatsixo’clockso thathewouldn’t feelconfused,ashefeltnow,justafterthehypnotism.

“I’llbeabletofityouinatsixthirtytomorrowevening,itthatalright?”Paulasked.

“Yes,thatwillbefine,IwanttotakeMulaandTajsightseeingandTajwillbereadyforbedbythattime,Thankyousomuchforseeingmeatall,fittingmeinto your tight schedule,” Simon said, as he shakes Paul’s hand, and took his

leave.Thefollowingdaywassensational,thewholepartyofthem,Mark,Sahida,Simon,MulaandlittleTajwenttoseethesightsofLondon.They

tookaboattripontheThames.TheywentontheLondonEye,arideonthetubetoRegentParktotheZoo,whereTajfellasleeponSimon’sback.Backtothehotel forMula toattend toTaj’sneeds,andforSimontohaveaquickshowerbeforehesetoffforhisappointmentwithPaul.

Simonwasreluctanttohavehissecondhypnosisbecauseofthefearhefeltthefirstonehadonhim.Ithadtakenanhourforhimtorecoverfromthefirstone, but he felt steadier the followingday. Someof the foghadblownawayfrom the inside of his head. He was determined to carry on with the nexttreatment,butfeltapprehensivewhenPaulbegantotalkhimunder.

Heseesgreaticescapesanddangerousterrain.Hisfriendisverybreathlessandheisstrugglingtoclimbupaslipperypath,whenhefalls,screaming,offthemountain,Simoncandonothingtostophimfromfalling.Hisfriendgivesonelastshoutasanavalanchecovershim.Hehasgoneoutofsight.

When Simon comes round from his second nightmare, he knows that hisfriendisnotdead.Hedoesn’tknowwhyhehasthisfeelingofrelief,butheissurethatthedreamisnottrue.

PaulgivesSimonadrinkofwaterandtogethertheytrytointerpretthevividdream.

“Hassomethingsimilarhappenedtoyou?”Paulasks“Abitmorefogisliftingfrommymind;Iknownothingbadhappenedtomy

friend. I feel lighter,mymind feels clearer, there is something stirring inmyhead.Simonsaid.

PaullookspleasedandtellsSimontosleepitoff.When Simon awakes, the sky has darkened in to night. He looks at his

watchandfindshehassleptthreehours.HejumpsupashethinksOhmyGod,Mulawillbeworrying,asIpromisedtobebackatthehotelto

seeTajbeforehegoestobed.HefindshisshoesasPaulenterstheroomtotellhim thatMula rang andhe explained that the treatment had taken longer thantheyhadanticipated

Afterhistreatmentandhisconsultation,Simonfeltlessconfused,Paultoldhim to relax and enjoyhisholiday, andhopefullyhewould rememberhis lifebefore his accident. He set off to his hotel full of renewedhope andpositivefeelings.TomorrowtheygoupNorth.

Chapter56

SarahandDavidbegantogetreadyforCharlie’sparty.Sarahhasbakedthecakeandthetwoofthemhadbeenworkingendlessly,tomakeagreatspreadforCharlie’sfamilyandfriends.Sarahhashadthesparebedroomscleared,boughtnewbedlinenwithcurtainstomatch,forSimonMulaandlittleTaj,aswellasMarkandSahida,whosheunderstood,nowlivedtogether.

CharliehadhisspareroomsclearedforAnneandDaniel.YoungDannyandAmywill use the twin beds in the other one of Charlie’s bedrooms. Charliewantedtohaveallhisfamilyaroundhim,forlongerthanjustthepartyday.

Thedayhadcome for thevisitors toarriveandMark,whoknew theway,drovethemfromManchesterairport,inahiredpeoplecarrier.

Sarah, David and Charlie were all waiting outside, in front of the house,whenMarkdrove thecarup thedrive. Taj jumpeddownandwentstraight toCharliewhohuggedhimwithtearsinhiseyesashesaidinawhisper,“you’resolikeSimonwhenhewasyourage.”Tajlikedtheoldmanwiththecrinkledsmile,andunderstoodthattheywerethereforhisbirthday.SimonbroughtMulaforward to meet his grandfather, as he experienced a faint recognition of thelovely old man, who opened his arms and hugged them both. When all thepeoplewereintroduced,CharlieaskedSimontobringTaj to thebottomof thegardenso that theycouldboth showTaj theducksandbirdsaround the lake.Simon’sheartalmoststoppedasherememberedCharlie,andthedaystheyhadaroundthelake,whenhewasaboutTaj’sage.

“OhCharlie!Iremember!Iremember!ThedaywhenIfirstcameherewithmymother andDavid and the things you taughtme about thewildlife on thelake.IhadsomehypnosistreatmentinLondon,beforewecameupNorth,andIthink it might have worked, along with the magic of the lake.” Simon toldCharlieasheliftedTajintheairandhuggedthemboth.

Mulaheardthesoundsthatcamefromthegardenandshejoinedthethreeofthem and asked, ”What is going on here, all this fun and laughter,what am Imissing?”

Simonbroughther to themand toldher. Herfacebroke intoherbeautifulsmileasshemovedclosertoCharlie,heldhisfaceinherhandsandkissedhischeeks,oneandthentheother.“Iusedtodothattomygrandfather,whoIhavejustlost.Youshallbemygrandfather,Charlie.”

Sarah and David watched from the kitchen window, and when theyunderstoodwhathadhappened,theywhoopedwithjoyastheyranouttobewiththem.

Mark andSahidawere upstairs,whereSarah had shown them their room.Theywereunpacking,whentheyheardthehappyshoutsfromthegarden.

“I think Simon has remembered his life here, Oh my God, isn’t thatwonderful,let’sjointhem.”MarksaidashesweptSahidainhisarmsandpelteddownstairs,intothegarden.

Simonwas ecstatic, his heart felt more calm, the heaviness that had beenalways

theresincehislossofmemory,haddisappeared.Hefeltwhole.HeheldSarah’shandandthenDavid’swithhisotherhandandsaidtothem

both.“IwantyoubothtoknowthatatthetimeTajwasborn,thecareyougaveto

Mulaandmyself,Ifeltinmyheartthatyouweremyparents.”“Welcomehome son,” they said inunison, as they felt relief pour through

theirveins.Asthiscommotionwasgoingoninthegarden,Anneandherfamilyarrived

on the drive. They passed the house and went straight to the scene ofcelebration.AnnerantoSimonwithtearsrunningdownhercheeksandhuggedherlonglostbrother.

“Oh,mydarlingbrother.”Shesobbedasshehuggedasifshewouldneverlethimgo.”Simonheldhertohimasherememberedthemanyyearstheyhadbeen together. Their childhood and their adolescence and their many hoursspentwithCharlie,aroundthelake.

“Oh granddad, what a wonderful birthday present for you and all of us.”AnnehugsCharlie,wishinghimaveryhappybirthday.

Theyoungfamiliesgot toknoweachother. SimonandDaniel,aswellasMula andAnne, had a lot in common, because of their careers. The childrenwere playing ball together on the lawn, as the other guests arrived. Mark’sparents were the first to arrive, Sarah’s sister, Katie and her husband, Stan.Mark proudly introduced Sahida to his mother and father. They were both

impressedwithher,asmuchas,shefeltateasewiththem.KatietookMarktooneside,afterawhileandaskedhim.”Whyhaven’tyou

marriedthatlovelygirl,whatarethinkingabout?”Markgrinsathismotherandwithinhear-shotofSahidasays. “Shehasn’t

askedme,but ifshedoesIwillsayyes.” Sahidajoinsthemsaying. “HewillhavetoaskmefirstandthenIwillsayyes.SahidaandMarkhughismumanddadlaughingandMarkpulledoutaringandoffereditSahidaasheasked.“Willyoumarryme Sahida darling? I bought this ring in London but had not theopportunity toaskyouuntilnow,andasmymothercan’thelpbut interfere, ithashadtobeafamilyaffair.Marksaysashewinksathismother.

SahidagoesstraighttoSarahtoshowhertheringandtheylaughtogether.“Weareallofusnow,partofourtwofamilies,isn’tthatwonderful?”Mary and Joe arrived at the same time as Charlie’s friends and the

celebrationsbegan.Davidbroughtoutthechampagne,asSimonapproachedhisother grandparents and introduced them to his family. The meeting wasemotionalbecauseTajlooksexactlylikeSimon,whenhewasthatage.

“Comeon,everyone;liftupyourglassestoCharlieonhisbirthday,toSimonandhisfamily,whowehavejustregainedintoourfamily.ToSahidaandMarkwho have just announced their engagement, what a wonderful number ofcelebrations!”

The twelvebottlesofbubblywereconsumed,alongwith the food,and theparty was a great success. David had arranged for fireworks to go off atmidnightthatgaveawonderfuldisplay.

Chapter57

Thefollowingmorning thewholeextendedfamilywalkedaround the lake,the children around Charlie’s knees, Simon and Anne catching up on theirdifferent lives,MulaandDan listening to their reminiscencesof theirgrowingup.

“DoyourememberwhenweallwenttoWalesandyoufelloffthatcliffintothesea?”AnneaskedSimon.

“Yes,andallyoudidwaslaugh.”Simonreplied.“Well, I knewyouwereagood swimmerand thecliffwasn’tveryhigh.”

Annetoldhimlaughing.“What about the timeyouwere all broody aboutmy friendBen?” Simon

asked.“HeyhowisBen,bytheway?HewasthereasonIfoundmyfather’sfamilyin

Pokhara?”Simoncontinued.Ben’shasdonewell.Heisajournalistononeofthebroadsheetnewspapers

inLondon.Heismarriedandhasalittlegirl.”Annesaid.“Ohwehavesuchalotofcatchinguptodo.”Simonhuggedhissisterasthe

chatterwenton,astheothersjoinedinwithnewsofSimon’soldfriends.Sahidawas impressed by the strangeness of the beauty of the lake and its

surroundinglandscapeastheycontinuedontheirwalk.Markwasproudtoshowhertheplacefromwherehecameandwasdelightedthatshewasimpressedbyit.

SarahandDavid founda short -cuthomeandprepared theSundaydinner,havingputinthebeeftoroastbeforetheystartedtheirwalk.

TheyweresocontenttohaveSimonintheirlivesagainandtheyenjoyedthedinnerpreparation,makingafancystarterandanelaboratesweet,andsettingthe

tablewiththeirbestchina.InthefiveyearssincefindingSimon,Markandhehadbecomeverycloseas

their lives interlocked,andMulafoundagreatfriendandconfident inSahida.Taz and James were also a part of all their lives and there had been manypleasant outings, as the six of them became close friends. Simon andMulaenjoyedhavingdinnerpartiesandinvitedtheotherfourtoeatwiththem.MarkandSahidadidthesamebutTazandJamestooktheotherfourtorestaurants,torepaytheirhospitality.

WhilstSimonwasonleave,JameswasworkinghisshiftsatthehospitalandTaz had had to get a locum to replace James as her assistant as G.P. to thevillages. Rashiwasayoungermanandhewasveryhandsome. Hehaddarkthickhairheworejustoverhisearsandhiseyeswerelargeandluminous.Hissmilewasbeguilingandhiscaringwaystookthevillagers’needstohisheart.He was in awe of Taz and the way her patients’ gentle eyes followed herwherever shemoved. He sawhowefficient sheworkedand thecheerfulwaysheaddressedthem.HewouldgotohisroomattheendofthedayanddreamaboutTaz,hehadaseriouscrushonher.ShewouldmeetupwithJameswhentheyhadfreetimeandsometimes,inviteRashitojointhem,ashewasastrangerto the place. James could see the adoration in Rashi’s eyes when Taz wasanywhere about and hewasn’t happy about it. James hadn’t ever committedhimselftoalastingrelationshipwithanyonesincethelossofhiswife.Histimein the army had made it difficult to sustain one. Now he was sure that thefeelingshehadforTazwerestrongbuthewasreticenttodoanythingaboutitbecausehedidn’twanttospoilthefriendshiptheyhadtogether.

SimonandthepartywereduetoarrivebackandRashiwouldleavesoJameswouldonceagainbewithTazonhervillage-clinicrounds.Jameswaswaitingfortheday,althoughhehadenjoyedhistimeworkinginthehospital.

JAMES

Chapter58

JamesgrewmoreandmoreclosertoTaz.Hehadbeenhurtinhispastbyhiswifewhohadstolenhisheartandthenlefthim.Hehadnotrecoveredfromthatlossformanyyearsandthememoriesstillhauntedhim.

James left Sandhurst in the early eighties and at the time there was anincreaseinthenumbersrecruitedfortheArmy.Hewaspromotedveryquicklybecauseofhiseducation,hispersonalityandhisenthusiasm.Hisparentsweretea growers inSriLanka his young life hadbeenpamperedwith a nanny andservants. Hisfriendsweretheworkers’childrenandhegrewupthereuntilhewas eleven years old, living a life in the sun with many friends and dotingparents.

When he was eleven, his parents brought him to a boarding school inEngland.Hisfather’sparentslivedinDerbyshiresoaschoolwasfoundinthatarea.Theywerehisonlylivinggrandparentsandhewouldbeabletovisitthemfrequently’

Jameswassadtoleavehisparentsandhisfriendsbutitwastheonlywayforhimtogetapropereducation.

James had been taught well at home so he had no difficulties with hislessons. But because he entered the school mid-term, he found difficultiesfindingfriends.

Hewas lonely at first but because of his skills in sport, he found himselfincludedinvariousteams,rugby,tennis,hill-walkingandclimbing.Hevisitedhisgrandparentswheneverhecouldandmethiscousinsandwasreunitedwiththemthroughtheyearsofhisschooldays.ThelongsummerholidayshespentinSriLankawithhisparents.

WhenJameswastwenty-oneandhadjustcompletedhisdegreehedecidedto apply to Sandhurst forArmy officer training and he passed out as a juniorlieutenantattwenty-twoyearsold.Hethentrainedtobeamedicaldoctorinthearmyashefeltthiswouldbeofmoreuseforhismen.

Hewassenttovarioustroublezones.Hesawthingsinhisearlyarmydayshefoundhardtoforget.Hewashorrifiedbytheregimesheencounteredbuthehardenedhimselftotherealitiesofasoldier’slifeandfoundthecomradeshipofhisfellowofficersgaveabalancetohislife.

At Christmas in the middle eighties, when he was home on leave at hisgrandfather’shouseinDerby,hemetSusan.ShewaswithhiscousinMary,herfriendfromDurhamuniversitylibrary,wheretheybothworkedintheresearchsection.

Susan was beautiful with a confident air and a sweet smile. James was

flatteredbytheattentionshegavehim.“Hey!Howareyoudoing?”She said as shegavehimhermost endearing

smile“I’mfine.”Jamesrepliedashelookedintoherwarmblueeyes.Just then James’s parents arrived for their Christmas break with all the

family.Bytheendoftheevening,JameshaddancedandbecomeenchantedbySusanandhemadearrangementstoseeheroverhisChristmasleave.

“MarywhatdoesJamesdoforaliving?”SusansaidassheandMaryleftthepartytogether.

“He’sanarmyofficer.”Marytoldher“Ohmygod.”Susancried.“What’swrongwiththat?”Marysaid.“Wellhe’llalwaysbeaway,”thatmeansIwon’tseemuchofhim.“Hey,what’sgoingon?”Marysaid.“HeistakingmeoutonTuesday,wearedininginDerby.”Susantoldher.SusanandJamesspenthis leave togetherand theybecameveryclose. He

wrotetoherwhilsthewasfarawayinvarioustroublespots.Theybothlookedforwardfortheirreunion.Theymetagaininthreemonthstimeandfoundtheirfeelingshadbecomestrongerfromthemanyletterstheyhadexchangedduringhisabsence.

James arranged to meet Susan in Durham so they could spend the fullweekend together. She told Mary, with whom she shared a flat and MarydecidedtogohomefortheweekendsothatSusanandJamescouldhavesometimetogetheralone.

Susan was in a tizzy, spent all Thursday evening cleaning the flat. ShechangedthesheetsonFridaymorningsothebedwouldbepristineforJames.Shearrangedcandlesaroundthebathroom.Shewantedtomaketheweekendasromanticaspossible.

AsshecamethroughthelibrarydooronFridayafterwork,shesawJames,dressed in casual clothes, and his face lit up with his attractive smile as hesteppedforwardtokissandhugher.

“OhIhavemissedyousomuch”,hesaid“Metoo,”Susanreplied.Let’sgohometotheflat.”They linked arms and their steps matched and rhymed as they quickly

walkedhome.SusanopenedthedoorandJameswascharmedbythelookandtheperfume

oftheplace.Theyfell intoeachother’sarmsand theyspent thewholeweekend loving,

sleepingandoccasionallymakingmeals,whentheywerestarving.

JamesandSusanmarriedonJames’sfollowingleavewhentheyspenttheirhoneymoonon thebeautiful islandofKefalonia inavillaon theoutskirtsofavillage. Itwasan ideal timefor the twoof them. Thecouplesettleddowntomarried life andwere delightedwhen James got a home posting at a trainingcampintheNorthEast.Susanwasdelightedwiththeaccommodationbecause

Jameswashighupincommand,whichbroughtwithitmanyadvantages.SusanandJameshadawonderful lovingrelationship. Hisparentsadored

her and her parents opened their arms to James andmade him a part of theirfamily.AfterthreeyearsSusanandJamesdecidedtostarttheirownfamilybuttheywereunsuccessful. Afterusingvarious techniquesnothinghappenedandSusanbegantofret.Jamescomfortedherandtheywenttoseeadoctorforthembothtohavetests.ThehospitalfoundsomethingamissinSusan’stestsandshewasdiagnosedwithneuronmotordisease.JameswasdevastatedandhekepttheseriousnessofherillnessfromSusan.

Susanbegan to feelmuscleweakness and shewas alwaysdropping thingsthatshecouldnotretrieve.Whenshewalkedanydistance,perspirationpouredoffherandshefeltveryweak.ShetriedtokeepherweaknessesfromJamesbutheknew theyhadnotmuch time together. He tried togiveSusanagood lifewhilstshewasabletodothings.Theywouldholidayinthesunandtheywoulddancetogethertoslowdreamymusic,holdingeachotherclose.Hewouldfloather in thewarmsea and seeherdelight, the tension flowingoutofher lovelyfaceas sheenjoyed thewarmthof the sunonherbody. Jamessufferedashewatchedherdeteriorate,althoughshewasfightingwithallherwilltostay.

Afterhergreatfightforherlifeshediedattheageofthirty-twoandJamesnever wanted another relationship. His love for her sustained him and hevolunteeredforoverseasbattlefieldhospital time. Hehadnotfeltanythingforanyotherwomanfor fifteenyears. Whenhisarmy timewasoverandhewasgiven a pension after twenty-five years, he volunteered for work in the thirdworldthusbringinghimtoworkinPokhara.

TAZ

Chapter59

TazwastheyoungestoftheMenonfamily.Shewasteasedandspoiltbyhertwosiblings,TajandSahida,andadoredbyherparents.Shewasquiteahandfulofmischiefandassertivenessinherteensbutwasdevastatedwhenherfavouritesiblingdiedintheplanecrash.Shehadthoughtshewouldmakeagoodlawyerbutwhenshesawthegriefofherparents,shedecidedtobecomeadoctorlikeherfatherandherdeadbrother.

TazattendeduniversityinDelhi’sMedicalschool.Itwasnoteasythenforfemales tobecomedoctorsbut the trainingshehadwithher fatherheldher ingoodstead. Shewasapopularstudentandmademanyfriends. Shewasalsoflirtywiththeboys,feelingherfreedomfromhomeandlovingtheattention.

Liamwas a fellow student but older, a post-graduate, studying a Ph.D. intropicaldiseases. Hewas Irish,veryhandsomewith fairhairandgreeneyes.Tazfellforhim.Hewaspartofherlectureteamandseemedexotictoher.

Liamwas a happy-go– luckyguywhohad lots of his students falling forhim.Tazwasdeterminedtocatchhiseyeandshedidallshecouldtobeneartohim.Itwasagirlishcrushbutshehadnevermetanyonelikehimbeforeandshedidall shecould tobenear tohim. Shemaneuvereda seatbesidehim in thecanteenandafriendshipfloweredfromhissenseofhumourandhereasywit.Heaskedheroutonadateandthingsheatedupasanattractionsprungupbetweenthem.

Liamhadmanyfriendsamongstthepost-graduateminorityandmadethemhis priority. He hadmore in common with them than the larger majority ofyoungerstudents.

TazattendedLiam’severylecture,tryingeverytimetocatchhiseye.Theybegantodateregularlyatherinstigation.Shehadseriousfeelingsforhim,butforLiam,itwasjustabitoffun.

HearrangedaweekendawayinoneofthebetterhotelsinDelhiandwined

and dined Taz. He took her sightseeing, visiting the garden where Ghandi’slightstillburnsathisremembrancesight. Theystrolledaround,handinhand,andTazfeltengrossedbytheattractive,lovelyIrishman.When,however,theyreturnedtothehotel,Tazfoundthatonlyoneroomhadbeenbooked.Shewasvery nervous and she had no intention of sleepingwithLiam. She had neverbeenwith aman before. Shewas eighteen and hewas twenty-eight, she hadtrustedhim.Hetookhertotheroomwhilstsheprotested,shovingherroughlyontothebed.Hetookherquicklywithoutanyforeplayandrippedhercausinghertoscreamoutinpain.Hedressedquicklyandlefthercryinginfearasshesawthebloodonthesheetsandfeltarushofshame.Shehadbeenraped.Whatcould shedo? She layon the bed feeling torn apart andwonderingwhat hadhappened to her. She knew she had made moves towards him but in herinnocenceshehadnotexpectedwhathadhappened,hislackofcareforher,hisquickandangrydisplayofdisdainashelefthercryingontherumpledbed.

Shehadnoclosefriendshecouldturnto.Sheknewshewouldhavetogetback toherclassesandhideher feelingsofherutter lackof self-esteem. ShewouldhavetofaceuptoseeingLiaminclass,andlivewiththecontempthehadforher.Shemadeasecretofherrapeanddecidedshewouldlivealifewithoutamaninit.

Shesurvivedtherestofheruniversitydaysbyworkinghardandwhenshebecameadoctor,shereturnedtoherparentsandworkedwithherfather.

UntilshemetJames

Chapter60

Rashi left and James was back on his rounds with Taz, who had missedJames’seasy-goingwaysandhadfeltuncomfortablewithRashi’sadorationofher. He was like a puppy, showing her how pleased he was when she wasaround.James’stimewasupbuthevolunteeredforanotherspell.HedecidedtomoveintoaflatinKathmanduwherehecouldsettleandfeelathome,forthetimehewouldbeworkingthere.Tazwaspleasedbecauseshetrustedhimwithherpatients.ShedidnothavetocheckhistreatmentofthevillagersasshehadtodowithRashi.

The easy friendship renewed itself as the pair worked the village clinicstogether.

JamesthoughtTaztobeaveryattractivewomanandTazfoundJamestobeacaring,charmingman.

Therewasanattractiongrowingbetweenthem,justasstrongonbothsides.Theyhadnever spokenof theirprevious lives,butoneeveningwhenTazhadbeen invited to visit James in his new home, he felt he should tell her aboutSusan.

ItwasfifteenyearssinceshehaddiedandherememberedthewonderfullifetheyhadtogetherandfeltreadytocommitagainnowtoTaz.WhenJamestoldherhissadstory,shelookedathimwithcomprehensionofhiscareandkindnessandsheknewhewouldnotuseherasLiamhaddone.

WhenitwasTaz’sturntoconfesshersecret,shefelttheshameofit,alloveragain. Jameswas horrifiedwhenTaz told himof her only experiencewith aman.

Jamesheldherassheshiveredandrememberedtheutterself-contemptshefelt.Shehadnottoldanotherlivingsoul,notherparents,nothersister,nobodyuntilnow.Jamesfelthonouredthatshetrustedhimenoughtohavetoldhimandheheldhercloseashegentlycomfortedher.

“Notallmenarelikethat,SusanandIhadamutuallovingrelationshipthathelped to sustainus at the endof our life together. The closenesswe felt for

eachotherhelpedmetocontinuemylife.”Jamessaid.Jamesturnedherfacetowardshimandgentlykissedheronherlips.“Idon’twantyoutobeafraidofme.Iwouldneverhurtyou.Iwillteach

you the love you should have had.” Taz feels her heart beat faster as Jamesgentlykissesheragain.

Chapter61

Simon’s grandfatherwaswaiting atKathmandu airport to take his family,Sahida,Mark,Simon,MulaandlittleTaj,homeforamealandanight’ssleepbeforetheironwardsjourneythenextday,backhometoPokhara.Hefeltthathewasparticipating in littleTaj’s life,havinghadnocontactwithhis father’suntilhewaswellintohisteens.

Hewasrelivingthetimewithhisownson,Taj,aswellasthetimehecouldhavehadwithSimon,hisgrandson,asalittleboy.

Mrs.Menon,TazandJameswerewaitingwithamealandawelcomehome.James was holding Taz by the waist and they were beaming happily as thetravelersreturned.

“Hey!What’sthisabout?”Sahidaaskedhersister.“JamesandIareengaged.”Taztoldthem.“Well,soareMarkandI.”Sahidareplied.“Well, thisneedstobecelebrated.”DrMenonsaid.“Thehomecoming,the

engagementsofmytwodaughtersandthereturnoflittleTajtoourhome.”Adoubleweddingwas arranged to takeplace in the spring andSarah and

David, Katie and Stan, Mary and Joe, along with the beloved Charlie, wereinvited.

AlthoughCharliewasninety,hewaswellanddeterminedtomakethelongjourney, to seewhere Simon and all the family lived. TheNepalese scenerysearedCharlie’sheart,liftinghisspirit,ashehadneverfeltsoclosetonatureinallhislife.TheroadjourneytoPokhara,hefeltwasthebesthehadevertaken.Sahida and Mark accommodated Mark’s mother and dad, in the house theyshared.SimonandMulahadmadepreparationsforSarah,DavidandCharlietostaywith them. Mula lovedCharliebecauseheremindedherof the timesshespentwithhergrandfather, in thehills aboveKathmandu. Shewould sitwithhimandholdontohishandasshesmiledshylyandCharlie’seyescrinkledwithhumour and laughter.Taj followedCharlie about, pulling himby his hand, toshowhimthegardenandpointingtothewhitepeaksabovethem.CharliewasinhiselementandfelthislifewasbacktothedayswhenSimonandAnneweresmallchildren,demandinghisattentionallthetime.Herememberedhowtheyhadfilledhisdays,takingthelonelinessofthelossofhiswife,alittleatatime,untilhislifewasfullagainwiththechildrenofhisson.HemissedAmyandhewondered how shewould feel about his life now, hewas sure that shewouldhavelovedithere,withthisfamilyandthisscenery.WhenDavidwasworking

asa civil engineer, shewas thrilled togoonholiday towherehisprojectwasbeingcompleted,andseehersonaftermonthsofhisabsence.Charlieponderedon his life, being forever grateful for his son and his extended family. TajwouldnothaveasplinteredlifeasSarahandSimonhadhad,hewasherewhereheshouldbeandwhenheisolder,hewillbeabletoincludehisgrandparentsintohislife.

“Mylifehasbeenmagical.”Charliesaysashesmilestohimself.