Since Neten had already decided on giving up on the baby, she easily agreed with a wide grin. “That’s good, you are a kind man. I think her mother resides in your heart, not me”.
And then it was done but they were unaware of one thing that would matter in the future. They didn’t know about the country’s law regarding child adoption. Neten didn’t demand anything, she knew she didn’t deserve anything from this agreement.
Just as an evidence, they ended the agreement by a simple legal document witnessed by Namgyel, Nima’s best friend a few days later. Nima felt sorry for Neten but he cannot do anything for her, he just felt connected to the child after she left her in the bin. Nima confirmed Neten’s address thinking that he might need later.
Since then, life was different for Nima. He stopped drinking too much which used to be his usual habit since his college days despite his excellency in academic performance. Nevertheless, it wasn’t difficult to bring up his adopted girl. Nima’s mom Seldon who was in her late fifty was taking the role of mother believing that Nima’s choice was never a mistake.
“Lhajin! Come here to mom. Let’s have breakfast”. A beautiful cute girl of three call Seldon her mom. Lhajin Samten Choki was her name given by His Eminence Dzongsar Jamyang Khentse Rinpoche a few weeks after she was adopted. A baby girl picked up amidst the hospital waste had grown up beyond Nima’s imagination. Watching the starry night over the Thimphu valley, Nima smiled in contentment while gently stroking Lhajin’s small head. Lhajin was destined to live and impress Nima, her best brother and friend. Nima was known and called brother but not father which didn’t make any difference to him.
Nima was busy as he was involved in a new research work. Seldon decided to move to Phuntsholing to stay with Nima’s Elder sister- Karma, taking Lhajin with her. It was 25th January, 2011 when Seldon and Lhajin set off to Phuntsholing. They will be staying there for next three years and Lhajin will be enrolled in school in Phuntsholing with Wangyel. Wangyel- strong and handsome boy of Lhajin’s age – is Karma’s son.
Principal of the school-knowing that Lhajin was adopted child- requested Seldon to provide child’s details including details of her parents. It was somehow required to complete her enrollment. Lhajin and Wangyel became the best buddy in a short period of time. Seldon was worried a lot that they, perhaps, cannot study at the same year. A little chance that Lhajin would not be able to enroll that time.
“Mom don’t worry, I will try my best to get the details soon”, Nima spoke over the phone call as if he was not worried at all. Seldon had called him to inform the problem in enrollment because she cannot delay by keeping it for herself. Nima had almost forgotten everything about Neten in last six years. He had no idea what’s happening with her at all. Neten didn’t seem to bother either. However, the need of details pushed himself back to where it all began and managed to remember the address he had asked from her on the day of agreement. No contact number at all.
Pulling out the car key from his table, he rushed out of his office without even informing there colleagues about where he is heading. Preparing his luggage, he headed East. Early next morning, he found himself in Nunnery Centre, Kidheykhar under Mongar District. Despite having friends in Mongar, he decided to go himself in this matter. He could not believe himself he was that fast despite being an experienced driver. It’s the address he was given and confirmed several times.
