READ 2B HAPPY

Image: ChatGPT/Concept: LB Thapa Ba’s Pension, a short story By  LB Thapa This story takes us back to a time when the world seemed to stop without warning. The relentless coronavirus continued its rampage, casting a shadow of fear across the globe. No one felt beyond its reach, and people everywhere were forced to live in constant anxiety, doubt, and uncertainty.   Bhim Bahadur’s family lives in downtown Pokhara, and they too are not spared from the looming threat. Under government orders, they remain confined by lockdown, and with each passing day, life grows harder.   Bhim Bahadur, a retired Indian Army pensioner, had turned seventy just two months earlier. Yet no one in the family cared enough to celebrate his birthday—or even to wish him well.   Bhim Bahadur lives with his son. About five years ago, his wife, Kanchhi Maya, fell gravely ill and passed away. Her death shattered him, leaving him broken and adrift in grief. After she was gone, there was no on...

Image:ChatGPT/Concept:LB Thapa   The cool air By Chhabi Subedi In the beautiful town of Pokhara, nestled beside the serene Phewa Lake and surrounded by majestic mountains, lived an elderly widow named Dropati and her only son, Ramesh. Life had not always been easy for them, but they shared a bond stronger than any hardship.   When Ramesh was a child, his father passed away unexpectedly. From that day onward, Dropati devoted her entire life to raising her son. She worked tirelessly, sometimes sewing clothes for neighbors, sometimes helping in small farms, and sometimes selling vegetables in the local market. Every sacrifice she made had only one purpose—to give Ramesh a better future.   Years passed, and Ramesh grew into a hardworking and respectful young man. He completed his studies and found a decent job in Pokhara. The small family lived happily in their modest house. Every evening, mother and son would sit together on the veranda, sharing tea and stories while...

Photo: Edwin Mijares   A SHORT STORY The cold sand of the Seti River By LB Thapa Preeti avoided the guard’s watchful gaze and quietly slipped past the tightly stretched barbed-wire fence behind Pokhara Stadium. The area had been declared off-limits after the devastating earthquake of April 2015 left deep fissures along the banks of the Seti River—fissures that had already claimed the lives of many domestic animals. To prevent further tragedies, authorities had erected a strong fence around the most dangerous sections.   Carefully making her way through tall grass and treacherous cracks in the ground, Preeti climbed onto a large boulder overlooking the river. From there, she had a clear view of the Seti far below, where foaming white water rushed through a narrow rocky gorge.   She glanced around to ensure no one had seen her. The dense bushes and towering grass concealed her from passersby near the stadium. Satisfied that she was alone, she sat on the boulder and stared...

Image:ChatGPT/Concept:LB Thapa   The glamour, a short story By LB Thapa The acting bug had stung Diwakar when he was in his early teens. After completing his +2 education, Diwakar decided to pursue his dream. His dream was to become a popular cinema star in Nepali cinema. But his parents were against his idea. They told him that he should take up acting as a pastime hobby but not as a career. Captain Padam Bahadur, Diwakar’s father, had already made it clear that he should complete a master’s degree and a PhD before joining a college in Palpa. Outwardly, Diwakar agreed with his father, but deep down in his heart, he sincerely apologized to his father for not being able to fulfill his dream.  Diwakar was sent to Kathmandu for higher education, where he rented an apartment at Jawlakhel. After getting admission to a college, Diwakar gave all his attention to making a career in the field of cinema. He started visiting different filmmakers, directors, and producers and asking t...

The old mother has no home to go to. Photo: LB Thapa.   Kanchhi’s parents were extremely angry, but they suppressed their anger and decided to give one chance to Kanchhi to mend her ways. Kanchhi was warned for not meeting the boy forever. Kanchhi nodded in affirmation only to keep her parents in darkness. Kanchhi was meeting Ramesh regularly. BY ISMITA RANA  Actually, the color of her skin was white, but it had turned black due to dust and dirt. She seems to be perplexed and bears no emotions on her face. Her teeth had turned yellowish and her hair shabby. Long and dirty nails made no difference to her; she was busy foraging for some eatable foods in the garbage.   Some benevolent people feel pity for her and give her foods and clothes that she would accept with awkward giggling. She was not aware of her situation, as she felt neither sad nor happy—she was indifferent to her emotions. When asked her name, she would always grin, barring all her stained teeth. The only w...