Saturday, 1 May 2010
Prem and I visited the hostel. I decided to return before it got dark. So I asked him, ‘I am going to head home, are you coming?’, ‘No, Later’ was the answer. I got home, and waited patiently for my Dhal Bhat.
The dogs started to bark uncontrollably. A local woman came and informed my host family that Prem was hit by a motorcycle. He was injured and unconscious. Taken to hospital, ironically next to the man who hit him.
Needless to say, I was very worried because Prem was unconscious. After an operation on his ankle. Remarkably, the only major damage was breaking his ankle among numerous cuts on his back, arm, head and torso. Movement on the toes was good news too. The only help I was able to give, was 10000Nrs (90 pounds). I guessed it would have been handy to ensure hospital treatment. It was good that I was there, I am sure the Lama’s could find that money elsewhere, most importantly was Prem recovers and it seemed he has.
Going to a hospital in Nepal also meant that one would be stripped of pretty much all possessions. Prem lost his glasses, wallet, mobile phone and one flip flop. I guessed someone just fancied his right flop.
Next time, I should have picked the little guy up and took him home. The geography of Nepal was not friendly for people who are disabled due to the inclines, potholes. Hence I had to step up and help him out beyond the call of duty of being a good friend. (Not my fondest memory of Nepal)
It just shows that life can be fragile but strong at the same time. He broke the bike more than the bike broke him. I am sure I would have sustained a lot more than a broken ankle. Everything in life has risks attached to it. The way I see things now, it is all probabilities, I just have to maximise my chances of staying safe and hope that unfortunate events do not occur.
Adventures of Delboy 