FICTION: The award he never sought

Diwakar, armed with an engineering degree in Information Technology from Australia, chose to return to his hometown of Tamghas Bazaar, Gulmi, defying his friends' arguments to stay for well-paying jobs. He felt that the conventional life path of finding a job, marrying, and raising children was a "vicious circle" and a "golden cage" that trapped a beautiful life. He resolved to live on his own terms.

His decision was partly influenced by witnessing the darker side of marriage, including his elder brother's failed union and his elder sister's departure from an alcoholic and abusive husband. Observing the constant bickering and potential for divorce among married couples, Diwakar yearned for a life of peace and freedom.

While contemplating his next steps, a friend named Bijay proposed starting an IT company in Kathmandu. Bijay, experienced in the IT field, was confident in the venture's profitability and sought a trustworthy partner. However, Diwakar's enthusiasm waned upon hearing the required startup capital of 30 lakh rupees. Knowing his father's financial strain from repaying a bank loan and the land sold for his studies, Diwakar immediately declined the offer.

The narrative then shifts to Diwakar's morning routine, where he observes his mother and sister engaged in household chores. He heads to Dumre's Chiya Pasal for his daily tea, where the owner, Ghan Bahadur, has an interesting backstory. Ghan Bahadur had borrowed money to go to Europe but was stranded in Malta by his agent. To survive, he began working at a tea shop there, which was known for its diverse tea selection.

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Finding a job, getting married, having children, and raising them, is this what life is worth living? If so, where is my freedom? This is nothing but a vicious circle that traps a beautiful life inside a golden cage. I don’t want to put myself in that cage. I will live my life on my own terms.