Time Of Our Lives

No Regrets

“Didn’t Yuphel come with you” they asked. “What do you mean?” I asked. “Well she said that she wanted to surprise you, so she left early.” Said Chimmi. Upon hearing that, I left everything behind and went to look for her. The first place I searched was the roof top, but no dice. As I exited the building, snow began to fall. I did not let that bother me, I ran to the shops and across the roads. Still with no sign of her I began to panic. The snow began to fall rapidly, and I could barely see. As I reached near ChangangkhaLhakang, I heard a familiar voice. It was Yuphel singing. I ran up the stairs with all my might, but due to the snow I slipped and hit my head on the stairs. Though I was bleeding, I felt no pain. Her voice was the encouragement I needed. On the edge of the Lhakang, where Thimphu can be seen.Yuphel sat there singing with teary eyes. “Yuphel!” I screamed. “Jamyang? Why are you beeding? Are you ok? “ she said as she jumped towards me. “I am glad you are safe. But why are you here? Don’t you know how worried I was?” I said as I hugged her. “I heard everything” she said. “What” I asked as I wiped the blood and tears from my eyes. “I was planning to surprise you, but I heard your conversation with Kuenzang.” I had nothing to say, I did not know I had caused her such a distress. I quickly got down on my knees and begged. “I am sorry! I am sorry for being selfish.” Tears dripped from my eyes uncontrollably. “I did not realize I would cause you such harm, it is true. I love you with all my heart, but I do not wish to lose you. I am ju….” Before I could finish, Yuphel sat beside me. She stared into my eyes and said. “Don’t beat yourself up, you made this best year of my life. All of our moments, I have always cherished them. If I had another life, I would want to be with you. My last regret was true love.” With tears in her eyes Yuphel said “I love you Jamyang, our love is not possible in this lifetime, but I will pray it will happen in the next one.” After she said that her body faded into a million sparks of light, before she completely faded. She embraced me by kissing me. “No, no. Please come back, don’t leave me. Yuphel. YUPHEL!” I screamed as the lights ascended to the heavens. She was gone, all I could I do was cry.
Three years have passed since that day, I still remember it vividly. The alarm sounded and I awoke in my new apartment. As I stared to the ceiling, I was interrupted by a phone call from Kuenzang. “Hey man, I need to confirm it. You will attend me and Deki’s engagement party tonight, right?”I replied by saying. “Would not miss it for the world buddy”. “So are you done with your latest project? Who knew that woman who bought your first art was a director. Ever since her film came out you got bombarded with commissions. “he said. “Well I managed to finish it last night. I still feel like this was all a dream.” I answered as I drank some water. “Oh right, my sister and her boyfriend Chimmi will also like to come to your party” Kuenzang with a big sigh said “I cant believe that demon found a boyfriend, are you sure he is not being forced? Speaking of the boyfriend, who was the model on the book cover you made for his story?” though it caused me pain I said “She was not a model, actually that was the first painting I had ever made of her. Now I have 2 more.” “It seems like you have a crush on her, see you later. Got to go shopping with Deki.” He said before hanging up.
After our call I cleaned myself and went to attend the altar. After offering my prayers to the gods, I went to my studio room. I was now a freelance painter, I had made my passion into my job. In the studio I had many projects to be completed, but on the walls. I had portraits of Yuphel, to highlight our memories. First was the portrait I made about her smile, the same one on Chimmi’s book and my first painting. The second was her swinging on the tire swing in her village. The third one, it was Yuphel singing on the edge of ChangangkhaLhakang.
I gazed at the painting for a while and moved on. I ate my breakfast, and went for a walk. The day was cold and I walked pass the bus top at Changangkha. I stopped by Aunty Kezang’s bakery and got some orange macarons. Each passing day I miss her more, but I know she would not have wanted me to just mope around. So I try to live my life to the fullest, now with a meaning. I have abandoned my once strict routine, I have a much simpler and relaxed lifestyle these days. So much has transpired in the span of last three years. Chimmi finally published his book, I allowed him to him use my painting of Yuphel as a cover. He has a become a best selling author with Dechen as his exclusive editor. Speaking of Dechen, she currently runs her own trucking business. She has been able to expand all across Bhutan and India. Those two kids gave grown up a lot in the last 3 years, it has also been 2 years since they have started dating. Speaking of dating, Kuenzang and Deki got engaged, they are both still happy and crazy for one another. For me none else has come for me, never since Yuphel. Walking back to the studio I was still lost in thought, suddenly I got hit by something. My body lay on street with something heavy on top of me. “I am so sorry, are you ok?” said the voice on top me. It was a girl, she quickly pulled me up and she apologized a lot.
“Its fine, just stop apologizing.” I said as I wiped the dust from my clothes. The girl finally lifted her head and I was able to see her face. She resembled her, how can it be possible. “Excuse me sir, are you hurt? You are crying, I knew it. I am sorry I messed up.” said the girl in a panicked tone. “Is there anything I can do for you?” I wiped my tears and said, “Just smile, live your life the way you want it” she chuckled nervously and smiled at me. “Thanks I will keep that in mind, Oh no! My bus is leaving, bye. Take care.” She said before running away. Her face, I saw it one more time. As tears rolled down my cheeks, I walked back to the studio with enthusiasm. With no more regrets, I looked forward to my future.