Guilt that strikes hard

Rajendra Gurubacharya

1980 remains unforgettable in my memory as that was the year I had gone for a week’s respite to Pattaya Beach in Thailand. Accompanying me were my wife Sharda and her two friends Deepa Lama and Bijaya Malla KC.

We had Bijaya as our escort. In Bangkok, she put us up at President Hold and the accommodation was to cost us 30 dollars for a double room. After staying for two nights, before going to Pattaya beach, we went to settle our bills. Then only we realised that one double room was 90 dollars not 30, as Bijaya was carrying an old tariff of the hotel. Later, Bijaya approached the General Manager. When he saw the old brochure, and also knew that we came from travel trade in Nepal, he charged us only 30 dollars while keeping the old booklet for proof.

We thanked him and proceeded to Pattaya Beach. We enjoyed it a lot, unlike the stifling, busy, noisy and polluted Bangkok. We had wonderful cuisine to our heart’s delight.

Next afternoon, we went to the sea beach which was something new for a visitor from Nepal. It was fun watching the exotic sea fish and other creatures. It was time for lunch. What really puzzled us was an European couple having something like crabs on square wooden plates. What horrified us was that the “delicacy” was cut live and covered with some sort of sauce. Nothing like that greets us in the eateries of Kathmandu.

In the evening, as we lounged at the hotel swimming pool, Bijaya and Deep one after another felt a need to take some rest. When my wife also left for her room, I was all alone left from my group. And, of all the things a girl came slowly swimming towards me. She politely asked me, “You want to have massage, sir”? Not to be taken aback, I asked, “How much?” “300 bhats.” “Ok, I will come back after 15 minutes.” Having said this, I went to my went to the room, feigning body pain, and advised my wife to her to go for a massage. She gladly agreed. That done, I changed my dress quickly and was just about to leave the room, when my wife came rushing in. Getting hold of my collar, she threw me forcefully onto the bed. Her enraged voice flew,” My friends have well advised me not to leave my husband alone in Bangkok.” I felt very ashamed of myself, and couldn’t face the three ladies for hours.