There was a different scenario on the opposite side of the world. It was the time when the breezy cold was taking over the scorching hot summer. Cool air when pierced Rita's skin from the still and strong Himalayas. Also when she beheld the complex yet fascinating mixture of culture, history, and Gen X from today's generation, she understood that yes, she is in Nepal now.
She was completely in disbelief that a college girl who was on a different side of the globe, studying and living a comfortable life, is now in a different country for a life-threatening adventure.
As soon as she stepped off the plane, she opened the diary of her mother as it was mentioned to be opened in Nepal. When she turned the page she found a blank white page.
Rita was in confusion. She said to her friends," It was written that it is to be opened in Nepal. But here is nothing. It's just a blank paper."
Jacob replied," There might be some undisclosed thing in this diary. Look! we have come here to understand the cause of your mother's condition and your father's demise which is literally not a normal situation. So this could be a puzzle"
Lily added," Even I also think the same thing. There is something that is hidden and we are not being able to see it."
Rita started to look in the diary in order to find a clue. There she noticed that the blank white paper is slowly turning wet. It was due to the cool breeze. The wetness slowly turned like some letters so she put some soil in it.
There she found the two clues: Tsering and Nagarjuna.
Rita said," Look guys, I found these two names. Now I think we need to find out what are these names and why are they related to our case.
I was seeing a new zeal and zest in Rita then. It was like she had found a boat that would help her to survive in the sea of difficulties It was like a small source of light in the whole darkness.
For resting and getting prepared for the next challenge, they decided to find a hotel. They somehow found a budgeted hotel in Thamel.
Thamel is a place in Kathmandu city where there are a lot of hotels, motels, and hostels as it is the epicenter for all the tourists. This place is near to the airport so it will be easier for the tourists to find their desired destinations.
There, they also found a place to stay and rest for the day. Even for preparing themselves for the challenges and adventures that they are going to face in the near future. Rita also rested for a while and began to think about how they will continue their journey.
The next morning, she and her friends went to the town for doing some research on Tsering and Nagarjuna. They wanted to understand who were those two and why they were related to the problems that she and her family were facing.
Lily and Jacob were also helping Rita in all of their possible ways. They were not going back from their promises made to her. But Rita was in great turmoil. Lily and Jacob were from the city side. They never in their wildest dreams had witnessed such top hill roads of Nepal and to go through it, was a big problem. But they were not saying anything. They were not complaining about the difficulties that they were facing.
Rita was pleased with their selfless love and care. So she decided something. A decision that she will take after they will understand Tsering and Nagarjuna.
They were looking from one place to another. They were going from one city to the next but they were unable to crack the mystery of those two names.
Days and days passed but still, the situation was the same. They were unable to understand what was the problem. So one day in the early morning, Rita decided to go to the nearby temple. She was so heartbroken and helpless that the almighty was only her last option. She started to weep loudly in the temple. She was explaining her agony in every her tears. She was shaken by the sorrows that life has shown her and now she has had enough. She asked for help or else give her death because now she was not able to bear it.
Then she heard a soothing female voice from behind.
"Rita, Listen my child"
Rita immediately looked behind and saw a wise old woman. The old woman was not looking normal. She was looking very peaceful and had a superior aura with her. She was glowing and her smile was euphoric. She was looking heavenly.
The old woman came closer and said," My child, this is not the state of crying yet it is the time to do something for your family, your mother. Don't you remember that she is in a coma right now? I know you are in dilemma but I am sure that you will find a way"
"That is so nice of you amma. But I am confused now. Where shall I begin if I cannot understand the hint from the very first time? " Rita replied.
"What is your problem? Tell me if I can help"
"These are the two names: Tsering and Nagarjuna. I am searching for these two names and the connection of these with the problems that I am facing" Rita answered.
"Do you see a man coming by? He is the priest of this temple for many years. He has information about every person living in this city because every people in the city visits this temple. I definitely can assure you that he can answer your queries"
When Rita turns back to say thank you, there she sees nothing. Then she goes and asks the priests herself.
"Excuse me! Do you know about a wise old woman who has a great smile and a very great way of speaking? She was just here but I didn't know where and when she left" Rita asked the priest.
The priest said," I know her. She is the goddess Mahalaxmi herself whose temple you are standing in right now. Are you in some sort of difficulty or were you crying?
"Yes, I was. I was in great agony and dilemma. I didn't know what to do next. And just then she appeared and suggested to take help from you" Rita answered.
"She is the mother goddess. She cannot withstand the pain and agony of her children. Therefore, if she had suggested that I could help you then obviously I will help. What is the matter?" Priest asked.
Rita then completely explained the situation and then she asked if he knew two of those names.
In return, the priest said that he knows them and said that Tsering is the name of the guide that takes you to the jungle named Nagarjuna for beholding the miraculous lotus.
Then Rita asked about Tsering's address then the priest confronted her by saying that Tsering was out of town on some trek. At the beginning of each trek, he comes to the temple to pray and it was just the day before that he came to pray.
The priest also unveils that the Tsering might return after the Indra Jatra festival which is celebrated this week.
Rita then slowly understands the line that connects the two scenarios. So she thanked the priest and went back to her hotel. There she made a decision that she had decided in the days of their search.
What will be that decision? Will the decision help her or will it be one of the stupidest decisions of her life which might cost her, her life? The answer is on the next side of the Novel. Stay tuned!