A Part of compendium of Nepalese Modern History
- By Bhakta Gurung,Boston USA.
It was the night of mid- winter. I was in the state of panic-station. My sound sleep was far away from me. I glanced at my wrist watch;it was almost mid night.There was pitch dark in the room and I was only hearing the howling sound of the wolves ,strong wind and the continuous sounds of owl.What a strange night that was! My better –half was just sleeping nearby me . She ‘d made the thousands of efforts to convince me;she cried and her tear rolled on her cheek,perhaps that was only the last weapon to stop me to go the foreign soil ……….
I’d joined the British Army just couple of years ago and had gone to the vacation back to home for three months and that was the miserable last night of my vacation.I’d married her during my vacation and she was my own maternal uncle’s daughter in relation.(We say SOLTINI)I convinced her saying ;” At least ,Maya,we’ve to think about our future.She tired and had slept………..I glance at her,I really think about my fate too. What a curse!I observed her innocent and soft face and gave her the gentle kiss………………. All of sudden,my eyes too fill with tear and instantly I wipe it out.
Next morning after that very night I’d have to live my beautiful mother land,my old parents ,friends and my own life Maya. Again,as before ,I’d have to catch the weapons ,fight in the battle ground ,spill the blood and get the fame as a “Rental Soldier”. Eventhough,I convinced her ,still I wasn’t able to convince myself.It was my own compulsion and one unique tradition of our society …..furthermore ,I’d different plannings and the dreams such as making big house as another villager;captain uncle and sending kids in the renowned private schools. There were thousands of dreams to be fulfilled.
I know ,that very night ,it was so hard to pass.I got ready early in the morning;My mother started sobbing so did my wife .My father was quite bold and he put some tika on my forehead and gave the blessings .He told me,” Don’t be coward.You are the son of Gurkha .don’t show your back to get the bullet but show your chest if such circumstances come. Fly the head of enemy By KHUKURI ,son. My son ,God Pashupatinath protects us and he may protect you as well.” They did fare-well putiing the holy colth called Khada. It was so difficult ,let’s say ,heart-touched situation to depart……………..
I returned to my military camp in London .I’d the nostalgic memories ,home sickness really pain for few days.slowly and gradually ,I started adjusting .We were preparing to go to the controversial land for Mission Kabul.There were many serious military operations and we’re going to deploy. It’s our duty to that should follow army rules and regulations because we had taken the serious oath. That was the oath ,I vividly remember right now too,I won’t leave anybody ,if my mother also come as an enemy in the battle field. So………………….and so forth………….
My platoon reached in the remote area of country side. I was ready physically and mentally to defence the enemy. I remembered everything my village to my wife in short span of time and completely concentrated on battle. One night I was patrolling the dangerous areas with my friends and suddenly,we are attacked from the high land . We took the position started firing .
There were only the panic-stricken soldiers,bombs were blasting and ambushes were exploding …………..it was really unforgettable moment……….panting sounds all over ,some were shouting for the help ,some were crying and the dangerous sounds of bullets and machine guns . suddenly ,one bullet directly hit my thigh ,I lamented ,I cried with unbearable pain and got unconscious……………….
I found myself ,at last,in the military hospital of London. I was saved with the rigorous practice of the team of medical personnel but I couldn’t stand my own feet then after. I’d already lost my both legs. I became the disabled.
Nowadays ,I’m observing the compulsion of our country.Everybody wants to go foreign country .I suggest my family member and relatives to do the work hard in our own country and to make happy our mother land .I vividly remember my past memories just like the clips of the movie. Thanks.
“WE ARE SELLING OUR PRESTIGE AND REPUTATIONS IN THE DIFFERENT CORNER OF THE WORLD .OUR HISTORY WILL CERTAINLY ONE DAY CURSE US.”
