Blessed Rainy Day

 

Every 23rd September is Blessed Rainy Day where families gather together to celebrate it. I remember that when I was a teenager, I used to get very excited about the day a few days in advance because those days, it was a day where we get to eat so much, play so much and have lots of fun. Gradually everything changed. Now it is just like any other normal day except for the fact that it is a holiday. For me, so many occasions are just like any other ordinary day, even my birthday because I am not even sure of when it is my birthday. 

This year, I spent the day BRD with my mom, my niece, my son and a relative from my hometown. I really wished to be in an event which was happening in the district but I couldn't since there were so many inconveniences. My heart ached a bit, I felt a little bit of sadness and I felt pathetic but I am no longer alone and have to think so much so I decided to spend the day away from home. We went for a dry picnic and that relative took us to Khangma Choerten (A stupa believed to be built by the Dakinis). The place was serene, so silent and enchanting. My mom circumambulated the stupa 108 times and initially I also thought of doing the same  but it was too sunny and I could do it only 22 times. 

We had tea, snacks and lunch. We were chit chatting, video calling the loved ones and I fell into a slumber. When I woke up there was a granny who was talking with my mom and the relative. She went to the school to meet with her niece since they were not sent some for the BRD. She was with her daughter and her son in-law. They were so kind enough to talk with us and even took us to visit a place where there is a stone trumpet. People in the eastern part of Bhutan are known for their great hospitality to the guests and I think it really is true. I got a few minutes to read the book, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and it really is different to be reading in a serene place. I also walked barefoot for a while as I heard that walking barefoot on the meadow has some health benefits. Finally we reached back and I am sure that I really spent the day fruitfully. 

I cleaned the house, put everything into place and just when I was about to enter the bathroom to take a shower, my door bell rang. I opened it and saw that the wife of one of my team members was there at the door asking where we had been the whole day. They actually planned to have the meal together with us and I felt sorry for not asking them to join us for the picnic, next time, for sure. She said there was so much food and wanted us to join them for dinner. My mom went to have tea at their place with my niece and son. I went to a nearby shop to buy some juice and junk before taking a shower. After reaching back from the shop, I took a shower and I took some time alone to continue reading my book. My mom came back shortly after and I was playing with my son and niece till we were called for dinner. 

At their house was another team member of mine and his friend. I felt happy and grateful that they have invited us. We had a sumptuous meal and talked for a while after dinner. I thought of going to the office the next day so I went to sleep after reaching home. However, just like any other day it was 2 am when I was sleepy. I woke up at 9:44 am and felt lazy to go to the office. I made breakfast and at around 11:00am we had our breakfast. After breakfast, I wanted to come to the office but my mom was not really feeling well so I had to stay back. My neighbor’s baby sitter  came to my house to let her baby play with my niece so since my mom got some company, I came to the office. 

Yesterday was a day where I felt immense gratitude for the relative for taking us to the picnic spot, for the random stranger whom I met yesterday for being so kind and accompanying us to see the stone trumpet, to my neighbor for inviting me and my family to dinner. It was a day well spent and I look forward to similar days henceforth. I hope you have spent your days as great as ever.