Subenthung had somehow managed to arrive home after everyone in Ete village had gone to sleep. He had been saved by a mysterious man who had rescued him from a hut in the forest, where he had discovered a secret plot involving dynamite and a dragon. He had no idea who the man was or why he had helped him, but he had promised to explain everything later. Subenthung was still shaken by the events of the day, but he was also relieved to be alive and safe.
The next morning was the last day of Tokhü Festival, the main event of the celebration of the harvest and the culture of the Lotha people. Everyone in the village was gathered there for the festivities. Subenthung joined his friends and family at the festival ground, where he tried to forget his troubles and enjoy himself.
The festival ground was a large open space surrounded by trees and hills. It was decorated with colorful flags and banners that displayed the symbols and motifs of the Lotha tribe. It had a stage where various performers would entertain the crowd with their songs, dances, and stories. It also had several stalls where vendors would sell food, drinks, crafts, and souvenirs.
The people were dressed in their best clothes, which reflected their identity and pride as Lothas. The men wore shawls and jackets made of cotton and wool, with patterns of stripes and checks. They also wore hats made of bamboo or cane, with feathers or flowers on them. The women wore mekhalas, which were skirts made of cotton and silk, with designs of flowers and animals. They also wore blouses and shawls that matched their mekhalas. They also wore jewelry made of beads, shells, bones, or metal.
The mood was happy and festive, as the people celebrated their rich and diverse culture. They greeted each other with smiles and hugs, and exchanged gifts and blessings. They sang songs of praise and gratitude to God and their ancestors for their bountiful harvest and their peaceful life. They danced dances of joy and harmony that expressed their unity and solidarity as a tribe. They told stories of their history and legends that conveyed their wisdom and values as a people.
Subenthung participated in the games, listened to the wonderful Lotha folklores and folk songs, and watched the folk dances with admiration.
He was especially captivated by one girl from among the bunch of Lotha young girls who were performing the traditional Lotha dance. They were all wearing red coloured mekhalas, which symbolized their vitality and beauty. They also wore earrings made of traditional wool, which added a touch of color and charm to their faces. They also wore necklaces made of shells and beads, which matched their outfits. The girl who caught his attention was absolutely stunning, with long black hair, fair skin, and eyes as enchanting as the moonlit sky. She moved with grace and elegance, as if she was one with the music and the rhythm. She wore a white top with a blue skirt, which complemented her eyes. She also wore a crown of feathers on her head, which made her look like a princess.
She was Yani, but Subenthung did not recognize her at first. He had met her once before, when they were children, but he had not seen her since then. Yani mostly stayed at Kohima, where she was learning music at a prestigious academy. She had a passion for singing and playing instruments, and she had a natural talent for both. She had come back to her village for the festival, where she wanted to showcase her skills and honor her heritage.
Subenthung felt an instant attraction to Yani, as if he was seeing an angel for the first time. He could not take his eyes off her, nor could he hear anything else but her voice. He felt a flutter in his heart and a warmth in his chest. He wanted to get to know her better, to talk to her, to be with her.
Fate somehow made it possible for them to meet, communicate, and exchange numbers. It happened after the dance performance, when Yani was walking back to her tent with her friends. Subenthung gathered his courage and approached her, hoping that she would remember him.
"Hi, Yani," he said with a smile.
Yani turned around and looked at him. She blinked in surprise and then smiled back.
"Hi," she said.
"Do you remember me?" he asked.
She tilted her head and studied his face.
"Of course I do," she said. "You're Subenthung, right? We used to play together when we were kids."
He nodded, feeling relieved that she recognized him.
"Yes, that's me," he said.
"It's been so long," she said. "How have you been?"
"I've been good," he said. "And you? How's Kohima?"
"It's great," she said. "I love it there."
They continued to chat for a while, catching up on each other's lives and interests. They found out that they had a lot in common: they both loved music, nature, and adventure. They also shared their dreams and aspirations: Subenthung wanted to be a teacher and help his community; Yani wanted to be a famous singer and travel the world.
They felt a connection between them, as if they were old friends who had just reunited. They enjoyed each other's company and laughed at each other's jokes. They felt comfortable and happy with each other.
They exchanged their phone numbers and agreed to keep in touch. They also made plans to see each other again before Yani left for Kohima.
They hugged each other goodbye and parted ways with smiles on their faces.
They did not know it then, but they had just started a new chapter in their lives.
A chapter that would be filled with friendship, joy, and surprises.
But also with danger, secrets, and challenges.
A chapter that would change everything.
A chapter that would begin with a phone call.
A phone call from the mysterious man who had saved Subenthung's life.
A phone call that would reveal the truth behind the dynamite and the dragon.
A phone call that would start with these words:
"Hello, Subenthung. It's me. Your friend."
They also did not know it then, but there was another secret that would affect their lives.
A secret that was hidden from them by their parents.
A secret that was related to an old feud between two prominent families: the Benchumos and the Janthungos.
A secret that would shock them and test their bond.
A secret that would reveal their true identities.
A secret that would say these words:
"Subenthung, you are a Benchumo. Yani, you are a Janthungo."