The two kids (Naupangte lah dinga kibawl hi)

The two kids (Naupangte lah dinga kibawl hi)

Scene – 1
(A sad-looking old man is watching the two little kids coming home from their school. The two kids stopped and speak to them.)
1st kid: Grandpa, why are you looking so sad. Is there something wrong with you?
Old man: Kids, I am not sad. Go home now and help your parents at home.
2nd Kid: We are not going home grandpa. Our parents are working in the field and it’s not yet time for them to come home. We can spend time with you for a while.
1st kid: Yes grandpa, my friend is right. Please tell us a story.
Old man: Ok, then. Sit with me and I will tell you a story about a man who was an expert engineer.

Scene – 2
(Inside the interview room)
Director: I have gone through your Resume. Yet I would like you to tell me your name and your qualification? Tell me about yourself and your experience briefly as well.
Sianpi: My name is Thang Sian Lian. I had graduated from an Engineering College last year. I am a fresh graduate with no experience yet. I live in Tedim with my parents who had retired from Government jobs.
Director: Why do you want to become an engineer?
Sianpi: Since my childhood I was interested in building bridges and houses by using small sticks and stones. I also like drawing beautiful houses. And when I grow up I used to tell my parents and teachers that I will one day redesign our Tedim city to make it more beautiful and durable.
Director: That’s cool. Seeing your passion and ambition I see that you need an experience to fulfill your dreams. So, I will select you to work in my company.
Sianpi: Thank you sir. I will do my best.
Director: You are welcome. For the first five years you will work in USA, and then if your performance is satisfactory I will extend our contract. Now go home and tell your parents that you need to get ready for your new job in Los Angeles, USA.
Sianpi: Thank you sir. (He left the interview room. His parents were waiting outside the room to greet him.)
Sianpi: Mom and dad, I am selected for the job. I will be in Los Angeles next month to work. Thank you for all your support and prayers.
Mom & Dad: Congratulation son. We are so pleased. Oh God, you are so good!

Scene – 3
(After two years of working in US he spoke to his parents from his office asking for a wife.)
Sianpi: Hi mom, hi dad, how are you?
Mom: We are doing well. Thanks for all the money you sent us every month. How are you son?
Sianpi: I am okay mom. I think it is time for me to think about getting married. You know that I am earning enough to look after a family. What do you think about it mom?
Mom: We have been thinking about that all this time and waiting for you to tell us your desire about getting married. Otherwise we don’t want to force you. Now that you have mentioned, let’s get serious. Do you have anyone in mind whom you want to be your wife?
Sianpi: You are free to select anyone for me, mom. The fact is that I won’t be able to come home due to my tight schedule. Please arrange everything. I will meet all the expenses.
Mom: That’s fine, son. We will speak to Huaipi and to her parents. I hope she will say “Yes”. You knew her since you were a child, right?
Sianpi: Of course, I knew her. I will be fine with her if she is willing.
Mom: Hahaha. I know everything son. You cannot hide anything from me. And I even know that you spoke to her quite regularly too. Don’t worry. We will send her for you soon.
Sianpi: Thank you mom. Please send my love to dad too. Bye.
Mom: Bye. Take care son.

Scene – 4
(The old man and the two kids continue their story.)
1st kid: So, Sianpi got a wife, right?
Old man: Yes he did. He had a very beautiful and original Zomi wife.
2nd kid: Did you see his wife? I wish I see her. If she is a Zomi she must be very beautiful and wise.
Old man: Now, we will continue the story. Sianpi had a wife and two children. They lived in Los Angeles. One day he got a phone call from his native Tedim. He picked up the phone and the News he got almost knock him down.
1st kid: And what was the News, grandpa?
Old man: The news was his parents were very sick. Both the parents were looked after by the nurse in the hospital and there was no hope for them to recover. Sianpi wanted to go home. But he could not.
1st kid: Why couldn’t he go home? His parents needed him. They need someone to look after them. Didn’t they?
Old man: You are right kid. But Sianpi was very busy with his work. His boss did not allow him to go home.
2nd kid: His boss is too bad.
Old man: Yes. His boss is bad. After a week his parents passed away. And there was no one to bury them. His neighbors did everything for his deceased parents. Cutting the story short, Sianpi finally decided to return to his native home. But his wife and two children did not want to go with him. Nevertheless he returned home never to go back to US.
1st kid: Interesting, though his parents had already passed away. I wish he quits his job and go back to Tedim to look after his parents.
Old man: Sianpi bought a new house and lived alone. His wife died five years ago. And his two children were married to the Americans who do not know who is Zomi and the language that Zomi are speaking. Sianpi is now 75 years old, waiting for his final call. Now kids tell me, who will bury Sianpi when he dies, and who will cry over his coffin?
2nd kid: Of course the neighbors will bury his dead body. But I am not sure who will cry for him. His wife had died and his children were already lost though they are still alive. Moreover they will have no time for their old father.
1st kid: Who is the real Sianpi, grandpa?
(But the old man gave no reply. He is no more in this world to answer the two kid’s question, for he has breathed his last towards the end of the conversation. At last they were the only people left for him- the two kids!)

Francis Lamthang