Tribute to agay

Agay Dophu was an industrious man with stoical attitude. Bought up in Spartan life of mountains, agay was well versed in tending cattle’s and other domestic chores. He lost parents while he was young. Overcame with grievances, young dophu was left helpless. With no one to guide and support, agay shouldered responsibilities alone. Unable to take care of the possessions, he sold everything and decided to live a life of nomads. These cold and bitter experiences eventually changed his mental disposition and turned him into robust man. He worked for others and at other times, tended cattle’s for his living.

It wasn't until his late teens that he slipped into alcoholism. But during those days, it was too scanty to find alcohol sellers. Even if one did, the quality of it was strong enough to collapse the drinker. Instead of quitting, the young man risked his life by compensating for it. At one instant, agay even drank affixing his initial stating that the risk was on his own. When drunk, agay picked up fighting’s and troubled people around him. He squandered sweat earned money on alcohol. However, he was altruistic when sober. Realizing the hardship, agay made up his mind to remain celibate as there was nobody for him. One night, he planned for an escape. Agay descended down the hills and landed in the valleys of west.

Angay was then sweet sixteen when she first met with him. She sheltered him at her place. Young dophu worked hard for Angay and himself too. As time passed, he grew fond of her generosity and asked for marriage. Since Angay was alone, she thought it was better to get married. They worked in their fields and grew crops which fed them well. Everybody in the village dreaded agay for his strength. He worked all day and in night he drank like horse. Many rumors that nobody dared to talk when he was drunk.

Agay’s drinking habit worried Angay. She pleaded him so much. At times berated harshly but he never retaliated a word back. Her words were like pouring water on stone. Fed up with the scene, agay was left carefree and unattended.

Fall summer, Angay delegated work for him. He was to fence the garden and tether the cattle’s. She was unwell that afternoon. Later in the evening, when inquired about the work, agay responded worriedly. “I didn’t do work and went for fishing. I brought some for you”. Angay threw the fish right away on his face and stroke ladle on his forehead. At once, he disappeared and never showed up for a week. After round of peace talk, both agreed to split up mutually. Angay was aware of his secret concubine. Surprisingly, it was her elder sister.

Agay wrote his obituary some three years ago. He always advised us to be good human being. The last time I saw agay was in his bed saying his last words to his sons. I always knew that he was brave and firm in action.