Chapter 11:- The Maymunah village

Heart filled with hopes and mind masked with questions.

Dr.Shah is curious, he is unable to define his feelings.He may finally meet his true parents.

How happy can one be?

When Dr. Shah has given away all the hopes, he finds a new one.

Dr.Shah drives 6 kms north of Aru village, he takes a right turn and drives further to reach Maymunah.

Heaven….!

A word that can truly define Maymunah!

Green paddy fields, surrounding mountain ranges, tall pine trees, clear small streams.

Beautiful houses with unique architecture. Built with bricks, slope wooden roofing, aesthetically curved wooden windows and doors. Large space in front of houses with wooden fencing, handmade paintings on the walls, small tulsi pot at the centre of the garden made the houses look more serene.

Cool breeze, mesmerising sunset, pleasant climate.

Maymunah had hardly 50 houses amidst the elegant nature. There is a small shiva temple at the centre of the village painted white with orange border and divine paintings on its walls.

Village people wearing warm pheran are returning to their houses after a busy day.

Dr.Shah is anxious, his mind knows that it is his hometown. His eyes are busy staring at every house he passes by, as his parent would be living in one of them. He asks a villager about Shree Ekaksha Bhat. The villager points out a 3 storey sangria coloured house.

Dr.Shah parks his bike in front of the house. He knocks the door.

A fair lady with black curly hair, wearing pink kurta, red sweater, head covered with pink dupatta, with small red bindi and sindhoor opened the door.

Dr.Shah : "Namaste! Is Ekaksha Bhatji in home? Can I meet him?"

The lady welcomes Dr.Shah and asks him to sit in the hall.

The hall is painted cream, there is a brown TV stand with a LCD TV on it. There is a old radio, few handcrafted items that added on to aesthetics. A black couch set, a old recliner chair, a table in front with newspapers over it. The walls has photos of Gods, family photos, black and white photos of elders and maymunah village.

Shuhul Bhat son of Ekaksha Bhat greets Dr.Shah, and asks his wife Sunaina to get tea and snacks for the guest.

Shuhul: "Namaste, I'm Shuhul. Sunaina told me that you want to meet my father. Nowadays his health is not that great. Is there something I can help? I have never met you before Sir! Do you know my father."

Dr.Shah: "Namaste, I'm Dr.Arvik Shah. This pendent is quite important to me, I wanted to know more about it."

Dr.Shah gives the pendent to Shuhul. Shuhul sees the pendent and gives it back to Dr.Shah. Meanwhile Sunaina brings Kahwa and Kashmiri Chochwor for the guest.

Shuhul: "Sir, This is ancient pendent of Maymunah village. I don't know things in details. Father is the best person to guide you with this."

Ekaksha Bhat is a old man of around 60 years. He had a history of heart attack 2 times in the past and is on wheelchair. For some reason, he looks dull, he seems to be fighting with something in his mind. He is lean and weak, it's time for his evening tea and snacks. Shuhul supports his father's wheelchair to hall and Sunaina gets Khawa and Chochwor for him.

Shuhul: "Mole(way of addressing father in Koshur language)! this a Dr.Shah, he has come a long way to meet you. He wants some information from you."

Ekaksha Bhat turn's towards Dr.Shah. He is stunned, he stares curiously at Dr.Shah, as if he knew him from before.

Dr.Shah: "Namaste Bhatji! I'm Dr.Arvik Shah. Sorry to disturb you in your weak health. Can you please give me information about this pendent? This pendent is really important for me."

Dr.Arvik Shah gives the pendent to Ekaksha Bhat.

Ekaksha Bhat holds the pendent in his hands. He stares at it, suddenly his facial expressions change. His eyes fill with tears, his heartbeat increases, he looks towards Dr.Shah. His face is reflecting both the feelings of guilt and happiness. He tires to tell something to Dr.Shah, but before he could tell anything he gasps for breath and collapses on the ground.