Part 2 - Secret Diaries of the Himalayan Kingdom - Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon

Day 2

On the Second day we started off with exploring the sites of Thimphu, the Capital city of Bhutan in order to gain a deeper understanding of the life and culture of Bhutan. Our Journey began with the Visit of Memorial Chorten - a Big Stupa and one of the most Prominent religious structures in Bhutan with its Golden Spires and bells in Thimphu.

Memorial Chorten

It was build in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972). Very similar to few other religions, everything here works clockwise. For example, the Prayer Wheels are turned clockwise and the people walk clockwise around the Stupa here.

Next up is the world’s largest seated Traditional Buddha which is overlooking Thimphu and a great place to see the City from above

The Main religion in Bhutan is Buddhism and what people follow here is Mahayana, which is not just Considered as Buddhism or Religion, but taken by every Bhutanese person as the guiding philosophy everyday life.

The key belief is that whatever we do in our present life will determine the course of your future and your next life. Mahayana is not just about oneself but about thinking everyone as equal This extends to even animals. There are 4 types of Buddhism widely practiced across the world - Mahayana, Theravada, Vajrayana and Zen Buddhism.

Textile Museum 

 

Students at the Art & Craft School

Next Up is the Arts and Craft school in Thimphu. Arts and Craft in Bhutan represent the exclusive spirit and identity of the Dragon Kingdom .The institute of Zorig Chusum in Thimpu is the premier institute of traditional Arts and Crafts set up by the Government of Bhutan with the object of preserving the rich culture and tradition of Bhutan and train students in all the 13 art forms. In Bhutan everyone has access to free education. Unlike India, Bhutanese students do not get summer holidays but get to enjoy winter holidays.

Thimphu Bazaar

Thimphu is also a perfect place to go shopping in Bhutan. One can buy Thangkas (scroll painting), masks, prayer wheels, Buddha figurines, Mandala paintings, yak hair bags and colorful Kira’s from here. A must-try here is the locally brewed alcohol called Ara.

After spending almost a day I learnt that Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu is the only City in the world that doesn't have a single traffic light and still the traffic is really well organized and disciplined. Pedestrians are given priority and if a motorist finds anyone standing at the pedestrian walkway waiting to cross, they stop their vehicle immediately giving right of passage to their fellow citizens. Wow! Well that is what I call civilization & development of Culture and respect.

Traffic Cop at Thimphu City

Thimphu Dzong

A quick 3 km drive took us to one of the largest and oldest Dzong in the country - the Thimphu Dzong which is also known as Tashichho Dzong. The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu in Bhutan, on the western bank of the Wang Chu. Dzongs are the main heritage of the Country and most of them were built around the 17th Century to protect the people from and prevent foreign invasions. These Dzongs are still in use and almost all the Dzongs have been divided into 2. The first half would be the Regional Administrative Office and the second half designated to be used by the Monks. The Thimphu Dzong is the summer capital for the religious monks.

Bhutanese Cuisine

Despite roaming all day, not once did we feel the tiredness, possibly because of the warm and welcoming people of Bhutan. The Bhutanese always made us feel so comfortable that there wasn't even a single minute when we felt out of the country. We got back to the room to freshen up before going for a Typical Bhutanese Dinner later that evening. The dining experience in the city is also top-notch, giving your taste buds a lot of new flavors to savor by trying out the Bhutanese Cuisine in the capital city. Try Ema Datshi with Red Rice and don’t miss out on the delicious Momos . The people here are extremely fond of cheese and butter produced from yak’s milk

The government places priority on Protecting the country's and eco System and traditions to maximize the happiness of the people. People in Bhutan wear the Traditional Dress Gho and Kira which is mandatory in Public Institutions and Schools. During National events all Bhutanese are required to wear it. Korean TV Serials and Music are gaining popularity in Bhutan these days.

It was so surprising for me when I learnt that the country has only 6 cinema halls that are scattered across Thimphu and screens with an average of 30 Bhutanese movies a year. Bhutan is also the last on on our planet to be introduced to the idiot box.Yes, the television was introduced in 1999 and then came the Internet.

No wonder the country is known for its happy people. I'm glad to have gotten to know the Happy Kingdom.

To be Continued ...

Secret Diaries of the Himalayan Kingdom - Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon

Secret Diaries of the Himalayan Kingdom - Druk Yul – Land of the Thunder Dragon

There is something magical about Bhutan – The Land of the Thunder Dragon, the simple yet mesmerizing land somehow manages to touch your soul. The salubrious climate, the breathtaking views, and the majestic monasteries may seem to be the apt way to describe the beauty of Bhutan

Thimphu Tower - Thimphu Downtown

As I was wandering for an adventurous journey which is equally filled with fun and thoughtfulness I visited Bhutan to explore Monasteries, fortresses, temples, food and their tradition with that develop a deep understanding of their culture. In combination with a proper 4 days of Adventurous trekking and 3 days of cultural interaction with Local People, Bhutan simply blew me away. What makes Bhutan Unique is that, the Strong Culture that has been carried on from Generation to Generation and people still practice the same tradition in their everyday life.

Paro - International Airport

The Mountain Paradise of Bhutan Known as the Happy Kingdom on Earth has always been a Frontier land and a treasure Box of Alpine Scenery with Pristine Landscapes and Intriguing traditional architecture & perhaps its greatest asset – “The gentle and gracious People of Bhutan”.

Do you also want to have this unforgettable experience? Yes, well, then this is for you.

Flying to Bhutan from India is quite easy. There are two direct airlines, namely, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines that operate flights from Delhi, Gaya, Bagdogra, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport. Indian travelers can be offered special fares in Drukair, if the airline is contacted through email. Since we were travelling from Chennai , we booked our Flight from Chennai to Kolkata and from Kolakata to Paro. Our flight to Paro was at 8 AM IST on Sunday, So we booked the last flight on the previous night to Kolkata waited in the Airport since the International travel requires passenger to Check in 3 Hrs before the Boarding time.  With all the chaos around on Corona Virus effect the Airport Authorities were on high Alert and was flooded with people wearing Mask and looking scary even to go around within the terminal for a coffee. Tension and stress intensified whenever travellers  saw a Chinese or a Malaysian Airline Landing.

Aerial View of Thimphu Valley

Day 1 .

The west of Bhutan is Dominated by a fertile Paro Valley which sits placidly amidst the mighty mount Jhomolhari, the country’s highest peak. Paro is also the place where the Bhutan International Airport is located. Wondering how many international airport in the world are surrounded by undulating lush valley and rolling pastoral landscapes , yes we landed where the adventure began at the world’s most beautiful and most dangerous airport In Paro.

As soon as we landed our Bhutan Friend Mr.Nawang Dorji greeted us in the Traditional Bhutanese way.  We then headed off to Thimphu which is the capital city of Bhutan and on the way we visited Tamchog Lhakhang and adjoining iron Suspension bridge built by saint and engineer Thangtong gyalpo.

Archery Game being Played at Thimphu Archery Stadium

The very first day We had a chance to visit the Archery ground to see how the nation sport is being played . For Bhutanese Archery is not just a game , during the Game they Eat , they Drink , they Dance and at the same time it is a symbol for every man in Bhutan that once you play archery you have achieved your symbol of your manhood.

Traditional Brass and Wooden Handicrafts made in Bhutan

Way to Local Market

We then visited the Centenary Fruits & Vegetable Market which is located right opposite to the Weekend market , this is the place where the farmers sell their agricultural surplus.

Scene at the Local Market

The weekend market which is an Assault on the Sense , meander amongst the fluttering prayer flags ,traditional Dragon paintings and wooden handicrafts ,..Red hot chilies , dried grapes , dried cheese and what more than a freshly harvested fruits and vegetables on a breezy market preserved by Nature mother.

Sun Set view from Thimphu City

Artist making Brass Sculptures / handicrafts at Thimphu Market

It was 5 PM and the temperature was already dropping below 6 degrees ,the Windy and cold temperature reminded of the dusk which is all about to set off its curtains announcing the closure of another happy day on the valley. Foodies can acquire bottles of Wild Honey from the South of the country.

Dusk

A typical Bhutanese Restaurant 

Slowly as the sun sets off from the valley that evening we headed in search of the very own Café of Bhutan to try out the local Tea called “Suja’, Black / Milk tea with Butter and Salt…

No now don’t give that weird look..It was delicious. The people of Bhutan do not consume Coffee or sugar tea, unlike western countries, No Sugar , No Calorie ..But good Health ..

A Big ..Yes!!!!

Moon Rise view- Thimphu 

To be Continued ...

EPISODE 27 - UNSTRAINED

John was Strolling along the Railway Platform to Board the train ..He stood almost half an hour and got no announcement from the announcers desk about the arrival or departure of any trains...With little surprise and more of suspicion,John Inquired the man standing in the Brown uniform...John came to know that he is a Line man and the last Train from that station Departed Exactly at 11Pm..John turned his wrist to check the time and it was almost 11.40 Pm...But the line man gave john another option to reach his destiny on time..He was certain that there is a late service Bus is there around 11.45..Hearing that John Thanked him and rushed towards the Bus stand ..it was just few hundred yards away from the Railway station.There he was Surprised to see Nancy's Step mother waiting for the Bus.But She was waiting form someotehr state.Another Phone call from John's Dad.With a feeble Voice John said "HEllo dad,tell me" Seeding the ferocious mood Mr.Wilson asked him..Watta hell do u think of yourself ?? its already 12 and still u aren't back home yet..How long will u take to come back home.John Remembered the dialog that sandra said while he was leaving the previous day and paraphrased "Dad its already mid night and u want me to come back home in this graveyard hours ??,c'mon dad jus take rest for a couple of hours,by the time u wake up in the morning i ll be right on front of u r eyes.." But Wilson was not compromised with John's assurance...His prob was different ,for every mistake that John does,its not John that is going to get beatings or yellings,But its Mr.Wilson ll be the ultimate target for everyones mistake.."Oh my god your mom is such a Nerd,that i should have never married your mom -- Wilson's pathos" ..Ha ha sometimes it will be funny to see such things and other times very Horrible and irritating...Having not slept for 2 consecutive days and With no proper diet John felt Week inside..When he got on to the bus he hardly had space to keep even his single foot and However dreadful the Situation be,John has to Board the Bus and he did..Standing in the crowded Bus he has to Keep a Eagle eye upon his cash and other Valuables.Just to Forget the tension palisading him,he msg'ed all his friends about this Happy news.

Eric had already Introduced John to one of his UG friend Daffin.Daffin as John Knew him as a Animator, a computer Graphics Designer.John met him When he was Pursuing in final year of schooling.Later one day John Visited Daffin to share some Work CD's and he was amused to know that Daffin is a endowed Guitar Player.Daffin hides nothing from his people and he considered John as one ,hence John came to know that He was in Love with Sylvia.Even though he didnt propose to that girl ,it was know to known to every one.John On the other side came to know that Sylvia was in love with another guy,but that was also not a coherent one.Daffins other team mates namely Eric,Kenedy,Sylvia,Rosanne all made a wonderful team,though its not the truth thats what they claim.Kennedy was in a relationship with a girl named Rosanne.It was a serious and a matured decision by both and hence things were really smooth.

Atleast John reached his home town after a 7 hours journey and he boarded the first bus ,reached his area.On the way back home John Visited one of his childhood day friend Marcus who's hoz located in the same area where John Dropped his Painting kit which was awarded to him in the competition. Well Well Well At last everything ended successfully and in a very Thrilling and heart pounding way.John slowly stepped into the House mentally preparing to receive the tongue-lashings from Mr and Mrs.Wilson.yeah as expected everything started ..According to sandra John was Enjoying his life,wasting the valuable time.Sandra asked John to help her in washing the cloths and in by washing the utensils.Already Exhausted John,felt hard to work,But Things happened in the past week is more worse than doing this.After all everything is a Experience in life which we tend to Experiment it with our life.

What ever the situation be ,However tough John's life was..It was really a Beautiful Experience that John can never go through or forget it.

SOLITARY WALK

I miss you so much day and night

I can't realise why have you gone

I just think I treated you right

but now I'm again alone

The days without you are so long

these days - without your kiss and smile

and I don't know what I've done wrong

I've been thinking of this for a while

A few questions that I need to know -

why do my heart feel so bad ?

why you did ever hurt me so ?

why can't I get you out of my head ?....

I was losing you before I ever held you tight

Before you ever held me in your arms

And I won't make you blue

And maybe an eternal love will do

So tall, so wide, so high above the rumble of thunder

It's your memories I have, it's the only show

Which ll take me to the Joys and sorrows of yesterday

You killed the me,You blew away the memories of the Joy we shared But an eternal love will never die

Take me out of the cold

If it's the pleasure of taking my heart that you need

Then it can only make me love you more

And I won't make you cry And maybe an eternal love can try

Now I'm standing here alone

with this weight upon my heart

wondering why you're gone

remembering our Journey from the start

In my mind I have all my memories in a range -

each moment spent with you is unforgettable

but I can't realise what made you change

for me this is just un-get-able

I know I won't pull trough without you by my side

so baby come to me - don't run and hide

The only thing I want is to be with you

but i know my wish'll never come true

Don't you know that you make my days count?

And I'm always happy when you're around

it doesn't matter what we do

as long as I'm here with YOU

Purely sensual love is never true or lasting, for which reason first love is, as a rule, but a passing infatuation, a fleeting passion..........

EPISODE 26- CHEERS

Nancy was now certain someone was talking to her. Slowly, she tore her eyes from the white canvas she had been focusing on, and lifted her head cautiously to see who was speaking to her. Her eyes looked directly into the face of a grinning, young man.It was none other than John who was waiting for his first coat of painting to get dried and in the mean time was trying to build rapport with the people present in the competition hall. She had literally been crying, which was the reason he had spoken to her in the first place.

He had watched Nancy, approach the benches, struggling to carry two, heavy suitcases containing the painting kit. He noticed the way she kept her head bowed, and had witnessed the solitary tear that told him she was crying. Feeling sorry for her, he decided to try and cheer her up. He was unprepared, however, for the look in Nancy's face. Feeling embarrassed, he repeated the question for a third time. But, before he had the words out of his mouth, a tall, blonde headed woman sat down next to the short French window near the entrance. "Surely, that isn't her mother," he thought to himself. He came to know that her name was Anna.Anna's abrupt coming silenced him, for the young man decided it was time to end the one-sided "conversation." He prayed the girl should not get in trouble for anything her mother thought he might have said, for Anna's face betrayed that she was not happy. "Please God, don't let the little girl get in trouble for something I did. And please, help me keep my mouth shut!" It was almost 1pm and the co-ordinators of the competition announced the Lunch break.Nancy was left in solitude to wonder about the grinning American. She felt like laughing, every time she thought of him turning red with embarrassment. For the first time that day, she almost felt happy,and John was having a constant vigil on her. Mother and daughter sat there for several hours, waiting to resume the paused work,but they were occupied with their own thoughts. No signs of affection or concern came from Nancy's mother, a fact that did not escape the young man.

John resumed his work, painting his dream girl and witnessing the most surprised happy moments of his life.The girl in the portrait Resembled a flower in full bloom,As if, through a mist, a first loom;A fine line that holds beauty,So fragile she seemed, yet so pretty.Her eyes penetrated deep into the minds of the onlookers like a wind that grace the meadows Of thoughts and lights up the weary shadows ;John's Mind started wandering while giving the Finishing touch for the portrait which turned him a Romantic poet.For John, Ellen was a sun after his night That lights up everything in sight.He gave a final touch by adding few more details to its Eyes when He took a deep look ;Upon her blue eyes he let out a surprised gasp. They were the most beautiful pair of brown eyes he had ever seen! He couldn't help comparing them to fountains of deep blue water.Full luscious lips, long hair down her back, exotic hazel-black eyes her beauty cannot be explained jus by saying she was alluring, angelic, charming, dazzling, enticing, exquisite, and gorgeous.cha-cha.For John That portrait is much of a mirth As if the joy that welcomes birth,A beauty personified in earth ,A clock of immeasurable worth.It was almost the end of the day and It was the time to announce the final verdict.John patiently yet very tensed listening to the speech that was given by the Guest!Tring!! tring !!! it was John's dad "Hey John where are you still,its 9pm and why aren't u home yet ?? What the hell are you doing still,me and your mom waiting for you to have our dinner,come over soon!"OMG !! Even if he starts now it ll take 6 hours for him to reach his place,poor mom and dad believing that i ve come to attend my friends Marriage!!"dad,actually i just had my dinner,it already 9 so i ll board the first service bus tomorrow morning please bare with me dad" "Oh no, i 'm not gonna deal with this, you speak to your mom" There was a whole big blast for him from Sandra that night!Well Well Well wats happening in the presentation area,glanced John after a nice berating from Sandra!The presentation hall was even more quite that the competition hall.Not only John but the whole auditorium seemed to be tensed.It was earlier declared that the first three winners would be awarded with 15000,12000 and 10000 cash award respectively and also a Return flight ticket for self.So John was very much confident in fetching one among those prize.The results were announced the winners were announced in descending order.Few people depicted the pained expressions on their faces showed the work was not the only mutual dislike.the Judge paused while announcing the 3rd place just to increase the tautness in the crowd,John's name was not announced...It was heart pounding moment for John,A drop of sweat ran down from his forehead and fell onto his wrist.Again a pause yeah it was the time to announce the 2nd prize,the crowd knew it must be either John or it should be Nancy..

All Stretched tighter than a drum, about ready to blow, steam coming out his ears,John was sitting tighter than a tick, stretched tighter than spandex on a hippo, needs to take a chill pill, needs to chill their jets.Yeah this time it was none other that John and the first place goes to"you should be knowing it said the Judge-it was none other than Nancy" John sat down thinking and thanking Ellen."You are the reason why now I'm here,These simple lines so soft and lite.Yet, no amount of art can, e’en for a while;Describe the true beauty bestowed on your smile.!!!May god give you what all you desire."The biggest comedy and tragedy was It was announced that onl y the first prize winner would get a Return Air ticket..watt da hell ??? Now John has to Run in search of a Train or a Bus to reach his city by the Next day morning because after 11PM all services would be stopped.Now to add Up to the problem, Nancy came to John to speak with him something Personal,She spoke many things but John understood nothing,all that John understood was Nancy was in partial Love with John.But as of now John's only thinking was to Board a Transport so reach home in the morning..He Safeguarded his personal belongings and Proceeded forth wishing adieu to Nancy!!

EPISODE 25-THE APPREHENSION

Pushing back any rational fear for himself, john lifted an ice-cold hand, rubbed the unresponsive fingers between his palms.Ellen i gotta thank u first for invigorating my confidence back in me.U need to wake up, and should know how deeply you've enlivened me."i was totally blank when i entered the exam hall about what i m gonna present in for tomorrows competition but now i ve gotta a theme which was deeply inspired by you."I owe u Ellen"said happily John.

While standing in the college parking lot .A small groan eased Ellen's apprehension. A branch that covered her face fell back in a gentle breeze as she turned her head against the seat, allowing an unobstructed view of her face for the first time. The sight of her made John's breath catch. He questioned his eyes, wondering if he had plucked an angel unawares from the mud, and not a mortal like himself. Maybe that explained the unearthly cry. Rubbing her eyes, Ellen looked at him again, trying to decided whether she was going crazy, or just in bewildered shock from the scream.John Understood that Ellen is hiding something from him, but John never questioned back,thinking that it might make her uncomfortable.It was almost 6Pm and John left the place uttering thanks and byes to Ellen.

Back in his house John didnt reveal his parents that he is taking part in the national level painting competition but instead modified the story and said to his parents, that he is going to attend his friends marriage so he has to leave in a couple of hours,to add up tension and confusion to the situation John's folks never let him go that night,but instead asked him to attend the function in the morning.The problem is that even though the competition was only on the next day at 8am, the competition venue was not in New york it was it will take some 6 hours travel to reach his destiny. For john's parents it was just a party but for John it’s his Duty to achieve his lifetime goal. Some how he managed to get the permission to try out his fortune. John had nothing except a train ticket and just a 100 bucks and his mobile phone which is currently in debt. If he loses in the competition he can not even come back on time. John was different from others in the way he take up things, he can always contradict himself.The way John speak , few people thought he has become a saint, but it was not so..According to John "The fear about Future is the foundation of life “When u get everything that you want you can never feel the happiness to the core of your heart. And so John was confident to fetch the cash award of 10k and it was also declared that the first 3 winners will be getting their return tickets sponsored by a local airlines.If John fails he has no other option to return on the stipulated time(For John's parents he was jus a few kilometers away attending a Marriage function,so he had to maintain that,till he endorse the story with a beautiful touch), so it was just not a competition but it was a must win situation for John.

While in train john thought was wandering like a lonely sky.His eye approached Faint silvery moonlight filtered through the clouds, lending a storybook air of wonderment to John's already dazed mind. He saw a slender face, delicate skin, even features that could of come straight from the pages of one of the triplet's much-beloved books of fairytale princesses. Maybe this was no angel at all, but a fairytale princess come to life. With that crown of raven hair and cute little nose, maybe John had found Sleeping Beauty outside his castle walls.

Angel to princess, John sighed at his own nonsense. Beneath John was sitting a little girl who was about 8 yrs . Without warning, a pair of large, dramatic eyes blinked open. They stared at John in such profound horror, it startled him even more. He wondered if she saw something frightening over his shoulder, and turned only to find his own reflection in the window. With a sharp gasp, Sleeping little angel twisted in her seat. She tugged at the passenger door, and before John could stop her, it swung out into the downpour. She leaned through the opening, but lacking strength, tumbled onto the steps with a splash and a cry of pain. John burst from his position , ran around to collect the little gal who was behaving as though she'd lost her mind. A frantic arm pushed away his hands when he stooped to lift her from off the Foot board. John wiped the rain from her eyes, stayed crouched and watched in bewilderment as the child moved to his knees, struggling to stand but unable to get upright.

"You're going to hurt yourself!" he shouted. "Let me get you back into your berth “said john soon the child parents rushed out of their cabin and thanked John for saving the child from slipping off the train. By now, John was shivering convulsively, having given his shawl to the little kid who knelt in the rain. He stared at the ground, his frame shaking with cold and something else, John couldn't quite place.

With a stab of reality, John realized it was fear. He was afraid of what could have happened if he hadn’t caught the little gal on time. "Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself," the kid’s father grinned, hoping it would encourage John to calm down. "My name's Terry. I live nearby with my family, and I work with computers for a living ". The woman turned her head. The sarcasm in that glance was easy to recognize. By the time it was almost 6am and John was all set to get down in his station bidding adieu to the little girl and her parents. He refreshed himself in the station and started to the competition spot. The three mile drive into Chaumont couldn't go by fast enough for john. Getting off the main road, he navigated surface streets until coming to a wide, two story brick building. While waiting for Registering John met his old friend Nancy. Nancy a good friend,it was almost 3 months since they met first time in the qualifying round. In that round Nancy got the 1^st place with ease and entered the competition and she knew John is a big fan of all her creations .She was infact very much inspired by the way John bought out his thoughts. "What's going on in there?"the event organiser called up everyone. It was almost 8am ,the necessary Kit for painting competition was distributed for all the competitors. It was awfully quiet up there.The organizers jammed the key into the handle, threw open the door.John was infact very much afraid about the competition.John was the youngest one in the whole crowd. Thither about 300 artists from across the country. John's gray-eyed stare moved from the floor to Nancy. "Then did everything go all right?"”oh yeah John,how about u r side ” replied Nancy who was standing right next to him setting up the art board. "Well," John rubbed his neck, trying to buy time so he could figure out the best honest answer possible. "yeah, everything's fine." ”okay Nancy all the best” said John ; Surprised but grateful, Nancy thanked and wished him back.

EPISODE 24-ALL IN A DAY

The future no longer existed for John.

The past he had left it behind-- buried with him, with the pain he had been forced to accept. The rush of freedom quickened his pulse, fed him wildest dreams of living a normal life. The twenty years of his entire existence, the existence that led up to this moment, would never be remembered again.He wouldn't allow it. Let the memories haunt him, let them come and see how far they would get. His heart would be numb to their cries, his ears would be deaf to their torment. He refused to be the pathetic puppy who cried when the food dish remained empty, only to be beaten later for making so much noise.

An ache stirred within John as he watched the dark terrain speed past his exam hall window. He had to forget.Hewould forget. Tonight marked a new beginning, a life untouched by agony or the familiar terrors that for so long had refused to let go. The tortured voice within him screamed until he trembled, but John hardened himself against the pain. If running long and hard could erase the past, then he would succeed. He had gathered what little he could and bought a ticket to the furthest destination he could afford. It didn't matter where, as long as his surroundings wouldn't remind him of his past and about what Kenneth did.with all these things running in his mind John tried concentrating in his paper.John somehow had to win the competition the next day,but he had no idea on how he is gonna compete without any idea/Preparation.With a broken thoughts he caught the sight of Ellen.She sighed back,it was a surprise and awe to John as, the moment John thought about Ellen she responded back with a smile,which gently greased a feel of intimacy in Johns mind.

John continued his Exam but he couldn't concentrate ,the smile of Ellen unfolded his tensed mind.It bought in a confidence which reassured and restored his Courage and mental peace.Suddenly an idea popped up in John's mind.He admired Ellen's beauty as a divine thing.He captured her beautiful expressions deep in his heart.John quitely observed each and every moves of ellen from that instance .Her hair was a rich shade of raven black mixed with ebony. It flowed like a soft waves towards her shoulder which gently fell on her neck to adorn her glowing, porcelain-like skin. Her eyes, framed by long lashes which were guarding the precious glowing hazel and seemed to brighten the world. A straight nose which guides the onlookers,to the pink lips which drew a curve not only on her face but in the minds of her adorers too -for John she seemed to be the picture of perfection. Had she smiled, the world would sigh with contentment. Had she laughed, the world would laugh with her. And had she wept, the whole world would want to comfort her.Even if the world don't definitely John not Bcoz John adores but he admires her as a good friend, her good soul,her selfless attitude."Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"-John experienced this fact for the first time..By the time John imagined this it was almost 5pm, and he wrote nothing except the question number in the answer sheet,the invigilator gave a weird look upon John.But John never bothered about the Exam and he Just walked away delivering Good byes to his friends.Soon Garry and Ellen joined him.John felt some drastic change in Ellen's attitude towards him and he also conveyed these to Garry.He started off soon.John also explained Ellen how he adored her smile and what all he thought.John actually planned to envisage those in his painting competition the next day,which he thought would really win the hearts of evaluators.We need to know that, in this world Reality is always better than imagination.Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality.With all these thought John was ready to set off to try out his fortune.