Chương 8: Da Nuru Sherpa

Two weeks passed by in Jayne getting better at her health. She could now comfortably walk around inside the house. Jayne and Ronnie were now living in a separate house next to the medical practitioner.

It was a two storied house built of stone. The roof was flat and was made of wood, weighted down by heavy stones. The lower level was used to house livestock, fodder, food, and firewood, while the upper story holds the living quarters where Ronnie and Jayne stayed. The floor of this room was of wooden, covered with carpets and rugs. There was no furniture; platforms and benches were used for sitting and sleeping. But due to Jayne's illness they had made a small makeshift bamboo cot for her to rest. A small area of the house was also set aside for an altar. Incense and butter lamps were kept burning before the shrine.

Ronnie prayed before this altar everyday for her health. He was waiting for her to get better so that they could travel back to his country and continue her treatment over there. But then he had no idea about the exit to this place.

The next morning Ronnie had just then woke up. He came out of his hut and freshened up. He walked towards Aunty Mo's hut to greet her and check if their breakfast is ready. But to his surprise he found a new face sitting outside Chief Mo's hut. Unlike the tribesmen, he had worn a black pant and a white shirt. He was a tall, well-built, fair man. He looked like he didn't belong here, more so he looked like he belonged to the city.

Looking at the way the rest of the tribesmen were treating him, Ronnie was surprised and intrigued about his identity. He wanted to know who he was and majorly if he could get any sort of help from this person.

Ronnie walked up to the person and held out his hand and said, "Hello. I'm Ronnie Roy."

To his luck the man responded to him. He said, "Hello. I'm Da Nuru Sherpa."

Ronnie was overjoyed to hear from him. He came forward to him excitedly and said, "Hello Da Nuru. Thank God you could understand me. But then how is that you can speak English? You don't look like you belong here?"

Da Nuru smiled a bit and said," I can understand your excitement brother. I'm Phu Mo Sherpa's(**Uncle Mo) son. Well, I live in Srinagar. I've gone there to earn a living. I sell sweaters at a store there. Since I've to talk to tourists, I've learnt a little of English. As for my dressing, it has changed with the city. I've come here because its my wedding tomorrow." He seemed very happy and delighted at the mention of marriage.

Ronnie heard that and was at first relieved since he could communicate with him easily now. He found a mediator between him and the tribesmen. Also he stayed in the capital city of the state. Hence it would also be easier for them to go from here.

Ronnie said, "Oh is it? That's really nice. Many congratulations to you. I'm wishing you the best for your future life."

Da Nuru replied, "Thanks a lot. My parents told me everything about you two. I hope your wife is recovering well now?"

Ronnie was startled to hear that, 'Oh the people here think us to be husband and wife? What made them think so? Well, how I wish this does come true. I really want her as my wife,' thinking of which he was smiling to himself.

"Ronnie? Ronnie? What's wrong? Is she alright?" Da Nuru was tensed to see Ronnie not replying at all.