บท 21: Farewell to the Sherpas

-------The next morning-------

Sunlight shone through the small window like sweet honey. The warm light filtered through Ronnie's eyelids and woke him up indicating that a fresh day had begun and it was indeed time to bid farewell to the Sherpas who took so much care of them. He swore to himself that he'll get back to them with his team and provide them with all facilities once he gets back.

He freshened up and then woke up Jayne. By the time she came back, Ronnie had worn a white casual shirt and black jeans and was waiting for Jayne. He then asked her to get ready while he went to check on Da Nuru.

Soon Da Nuru and his new wife were ready and so were Jayne and Ronnie.

Jayne and Ronnie came out of their house. The entire tribesmen of the hamlet were standing outside to bid farewell to them. They hugged Auntie Mo for her kind motherly love and care all these days. They bid an emotional farewell to them, "Until next time, we love you guys and are forever indebted to you. We'll get back to you soon." Da Nuru translated it for the people.

Everyone smiled and waved at the couple until they found their figures slowly disappearing in the thick forest.

Da Nuru led the three couples out of the forest area. In between they kept resting regularly since Jayne was still recovering. Ronnie had kept fruits and a water bottle in his backpack. He also had biscuits and chocolates in his backpack which he'd got while coming here on his trekking.

He kept giving it the ladies when they felt tired and needed to rest. Finally after half a day's walk taking a number of routes, they finally inched closer to the outskirts of the forest. The four of them heaved a sigh of relief.

To their luck exactly at the same time, a local bus transport service cameby. They waved at the bus to stop and the driver dutifully stopped the bus for them. All four of them got into the bus and there were empty seats too.

Jayne sat next to a window and Ronnie sat next to her. Da Nuru and his wife sat in the seat behind them. Ronnie took out money from his pocket and paid for their tickets. This bus was only a regional connecting service. Hence they had to get down at the last stop to board another bus to the capital city.

Jayne was tired by now. She leaned herself against Ronnie. He supported her by wrapping his right arm around her waist. He asked her if she was feeling tired and needed anything for which she replied with, "No. I'm fine." He tightened his grip around her.

The gentle breeze blowing through the window as their bus whirled through the curves of the mountain made Jayne fall asleep.

Jayne was woken up by Ronnie when they reached the last stop."Jayne, please wake up. We need to get down here.

She fluttered open her eyelids and asked Ronnie, "Have we reached?"

Ronnie answered, "Not yet. But let's eat something here before we board the next bus. I heard it's a long journey and it will probably take us the entire night. We'll reach there by morning. So let's eat up soon."

All four of them got down the bus but momentarily stopped in their tracks. Especially the ladies. Since they were very tired and had slept off on their journey, they never cared to look at their surroundings. Now seeing what was in front of them, they stood rooted to their spot shocked.