“Sis, I heard result is out, can you look into mine,
I will message you my index number” came panting voice filled with anxiety and
impatience. “Just now I am having lunch, I will go check right after
lunch” said I and ended the call.
Anxiety and curiosity filled my stomach so full that taking another bite is
just out of question. So I did my dishes and hurried to office. The way to
office never felt so long. With each step my heart beat increased and curiosity
raised its bar.
After what it felt like hours (which was actually 10
minutes), I was in front of my desktop. I opened Bhutan news and there the
names of toppers were announced corresponding to the scored percentage. I could
not find the site where the results were displayed. I asked my friend and came
to know that the site is currently not loaded and it will be coming out
shortly. So I was compelled to wait again ( worst thing I ever have to do).
My waiting was finally over when my friend messaged
me with a link. Following the link I came to a page where I have to punch in
the index number. After having punched what felt like never ending 12 digits
index number, I waited for the page to display the result. I remained still
with my pupils fixed straight on the displayed page. What should I do next,
should I call her or not, should I say my net isn’t working or should I just
say that the result is not out yet, those were the questions jumping in and out
of my head while my eyes still scanning the marks from top to bottom.
While I remained battling with my thoughts, my phone
rang and the incoming call displayed my sister’s name. Since I could not talk
at that moment, I pressed the red button and started to message her marks with
shivering cold fingers. About ten minutes after sending the message, I decided
to call her. “Hello” came a low spirited voice filled with
anguish and sadness. My heart sank, lips dried and throat tightened, I thought
I won’t be able to speak a word. The loathsome part of being an elder sister is
when one has to comfort and shower your warm words to the little one’s when
actually you yourself are the one in need of it. So there I went with my words,
“Ong Yangchen, did you get my message”. “Yes I got it “came back the plain
reply. “ I am glad that you have managed to get PCA this time, so
congratulations dear” I blurted out.
“My English mark is very low, I won’t be able to get
admission in any of the college” came the crying voice. “ Oh that is not the
problem dear and more over you only need a pass mark in English( that was a lie
because many college demanded a minimum of 50 marks in English), I am sure
there are many college that will welcome you. Don’t worry; you will be able to
enjoy your study in a very good college. Stop thinking about your marks and
prepare yourself for your college life. Common dear you are going to be attending
a college and I assure you that you will have a very good college life. So just
be happy and eat well. Keep healthy and take care of yourself tubga dear” was
everything I could say to comfort
.
“Yaya Azhim…byee” she said with the biggest sigh
ever. “ok bye, catch you later” I said and ended the call. The next moment I
found myself going through the Criteria for admission into Tertiary Education
Programmes for the Academic Year 2015. Scanning through the criteria for each
college, I decided I have to eat ice-cream tonight.
