Caged Flower

The wait

She waited with hope yet heard not a single word of his return.

She felt sorry for her first newborn as she would neither receive her father's love nor know who he was.

"What have I done? Why does my daughter have to bear the punishment of my mistake?"

"Why not just me?"

She would curse herself all the time.

She wished for a perfect family and a perfect home but instead, she got a broken home and a family with no husband to look up to and no father to embrace her daughter.

As time passed, she started to lose her faith in him yet her heart still refused to agree to the dismissal of hope. She was tired of thinking of the possibility of his failure to keep his words. Her heart couldn't bring to the conclusion that he might have died along the way.

But eventually, she stopped her wait.

When Yoezer became one year, Lhazom had to battle with her inner trauma and take care of her daughter. It left her neither space to breathe nor hope to look up to his return. She was busy gathering and storing stocks each season so that they don't suffer. Despite the hurdles, little angel brightened her edgy life with her radiance.

By the time she barely noticed, the most awaits celebration knocked on their door. "Locho" is celebrated once every after three years along with local "Tsechu". All the women in the village started to buy Kira and matching brocade so that they can outshine anyone around.

Lhazom rummaged through her wooden box so to find some clothes for her and her daughter. She came across the brocade she bought from him which remained the new as ever.

"Lhazom, thank you for your hospitality. You sure have a wonderful heart which compliments your beauty."

"It's the least I can offer to you. There is no need to thank." Replied Lhazom braving out her blushes.

"Since I am new here, can you be my guide? Only if you are not busy. I will pay for guiding me", said Dradok hopefully.

"I would love to guide you, Tshongpoen Dradok," said with a smile.

They went around the village, visiting every household.

"You came at the right time to our village. This year we are celebrating "Locho" and we also have a local "Tsechu". It is celebrated every after three years. So all the women here need to wear the best. Your trade will be fruitful as well." Lhazom excitedly told him.

Dradok was amazed by the way she went on sharing about her village nonstop. He was mesmerized every time by her beauty. He hoped to know more about her.

They didn't know how the day ended. They reached her home and she prepared dinner.

"Lhazom, it has been a tiring day for you. Can we talk after dinner?"

"It wasn't tiring. It was fun."

" We can talk after dinner. But right now, let us fill up our belly."

They spent time sharing about their likes and dislikes which eventually sowed a seed of love.

"How long would you stay here, DradoK?" She asked him with sparkling eyes.

"Lhazom,....", called her friend struggling to get hold of her breath.

Lhazom was startled but calmed.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

"Dradok, he is.....?"

Everything went blank for Lhazom.

She thought she won't hear it.

She thought she was fine till now.

She thought she was strong now.

But her eyes betrayed her.

The tears showered continuously.