April 25, 2015, marked a tragic day in Nepal's history. A massive earthquake struck the nation, leaving devastation in its wake. Amidst this crisis, my friends and I came together, driven by a shared purpose - to help those in need. It was during these relief efforts, under the banner of United Disaster Relief, that a love story quietly took root. This is the story of two dear friends of mine, Bibek and Shivanya, whose bond was forged through adversity and has continued to grow ever since.
I had known Shivanya since our bridge course days, while Bibek and I became friends in grade eleven. When the earthquake struck, my brother, Bibek, and I were deeply moved by the suffering around us. Determined to take action, we decided to establish a volunteer organization with our close friends. Bibek proposed the idea, and my brother wasted no time in reaching out to Mahesh Dai of Grand Academy. Mahesh Dai, in turn, connected us with Basnet Sir, one of the institution's founders. Although he was out of the valley at the time, he wholeheartedly supported our initiative.
With a core management team in place - comprising myself, my brother, Bibek, Shivanya, and another childhood friend - we set up our operations at Grand Academy. Upon Basnet Sir's return, he advised us to seek legal permission from the Chief District Officer (CDO). Our counselor, Ajay Sir, guided us through the bureaucratic process, and soon, we found ourselves preparing the necessary documents. As we lacked a printer, Bibek and Shivanya took charge of typing the applications at a cybercafé while the rest of us handled other tasks.
Left alone for hours, Bibek and Shivanya found themselves drawn to each other. Their conversations deepened, and an unspoken connection began to form. Unbeknownst to us, love was quietly blossoming between them.
Once the documents were ready, we visited the CDO's office in Manbhawan, where we navigated the complex approval process. While my brother, Rijam, and I handled the paperwork, Bibek and Shivanya spent time together, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.
As our organization gained traction, volunteer recruitment efforts surged. Within days, nearly two hundred individuals had joined us, and we began collecting relief materials. One day, during a discussion with my father and the inspector of the Mangalbazaar police station, we learned that they needed volunteers for a community cleanup. Without hesitation, we mobilized our team and secured the necessary permissions. However, securing equipment was a challenge. Thankfully, Ajay Sir facilitated funding through Grand Academy, while the Lalitpur Chamber of Commerce and Industries provided masks for our volunteers.
Over three grueling days, we worked tirelessly. On the third day, as we took a brief break at Yala Guest House to wash up, another earthquake struck. I had just stepped out when the tremors began. Inside, Bibek and Shivanya, hands covered in soap, rushed out to safety. In that moment of fear and uncertainty, Bibek instinctively embraced Shivanya, holding her tightly. It was then that I realized the depth of their affection.
The relentless aftershocks temporarily halted our relief efforts. During this time, we remained in touch through Facebook and Viber. Bibek attempted to conceal his feelings, insisting that he and Shivanya were like siblings. But Shivanya confided in me, revealing the truth. It was amusing to watch Bibek try to maintain his facade, oblivious to the fact that I already knew.
Once the aftershocks subsided, we resumed our mission. With substantial relief supplies in hand, we coordinated with the CDO's office, which assigned Mr. Govind Thapa Magar to oversee our distribution efforts. After careful deliberation, we decided to deliver aid to Gotikhel, a remote village in Lalitpur district.
Securing transportation was the next challenge, but Basnet Sir graciously provided a school bus and driver. On the day of departure, the principal of Grand School requested that some teachers accompany us for a survey, to which we readily agreed. None of us could have anticipated that this trip would mark a turning point in Bibek and Shivanya's relationship.
The journey to Gotikhel took us through breathtaking landscapes I had never seen before. Upon arrival, we met with the VDC chief and security personnel, who informed us that while the village had received substantial aid, much of it remained undistributed. A visit to the local school revealed inconsistencies in the reported damage. Seeing stockpiles of relief materials stored away, we decided that our efforts would be better directed elsewhere.
Before leaving, we took a short break. When Shivanya emerged from the washroom, she appeared distressed - her phone had slipped into a drain. Tears filled her eyes as she lamented the loss. Without hesitation, Bibek sprang into action. Wrapping his hands in surgical gloves and plastic bags, he retrieved the phone. He then sanitized his hands meticulously, driven by a singular motive - he couldn't bear to see Shivanya cry.
On the journey back, Shivanya remained dejected. Concerned that she would be reprimanded for losing her phone, she grew silent. Sensing her distress, Bibek discreetly pulled me aside and urged me to accompany them to a mobile store. Without a second thought, he purchased a new phone for her, spending nearly fifteen thousand rupees from his savings. He then took us to a restaurant, ordering an array of food to cheer her up. I left them alone, knowing that they needed the moment to themselves. Later, Shivanya shared the details with me, and I couldn't help but smile. Their love had taken root and was flourishing.
Another testament to their bond emerged during our relief mission in Telkot, Bhaktapur. At the request of Amit Dai, a Bhaktapur scout, we joined a health camp. Throughout the trip, Amit playfully teased Bibek and Shivanya, calling them "lovebirds." Though lighthearted, his words rang true.
As we conducted medical aid and distributed supplies, Bibek's protectiveness over Shivanya became evident. When we reached Kamalbinayak, he insisted that she wear a mask at all times due to the dust and pollution. Even when she needed water, he wouldn't let her remove it. When he briefly left to fetch my brother, Shivanya seized the opportunity to drink, hurriedly replacing her mask before he returned. His concern, though strict, reflected his deep care for her.
As time passed, their love story encountered trials. Following our board exams, I grew busy with other responsibilities, and our group met less frequently. Shivanya would occasionally update me on their dates, while Bibek continued his amusing attempts to keep their relationship a secret from me.
However, love is not without its challenges. A significant quarrel arose between them, leading to an extended period of silence. Their relationship seemed doomed, and we all mourned the loss of a beautiful pairing. Yet fate had other plans. As Shivanya's birthday approached, Bibek unexpectedly reached out to me. He planned a surprise for her, sparing no expense. Though I insisted on contributing, he reluctantly allowed me to pay for a single party popper. The celebration was a resounding success, rekindling their connection. That night, as they danced together, it was as if their quarrel had never occurred.
Over time, their love deepened, though new challenges arose - particularly concerning Shivanya's brother. Yet, despite the ups and downs, their bond endured. Many more stories bear testament to their unwavering love, but those shall be told another time.
As the saying goes, "Love needs no map, for it can find its way blindfolded."