Splintered Lives Read Online Free PDF

you,” he whispers, as he leaves my side.   “I love you too,” I softly reply.
     
                                                                                                                                                                              
    I awake but feel as if I am still dreaming as I remember the previous night. I feel so light-headed and relaxed and I have a sunny smile on my face.   The children are heavenly at school, they are so caught up with their work on the presentation of Shevhi and they are so well behaved and interested, as well as, excited about the coming festival that I feel a freedom from the responsibility of having to discipline them.
     
    I spend the following days almost in a dream and I am in tune with everything around me.   The children are splendid and the villagers are eyeing me with gentle smiles.   I have a picture of Taj in my head, his beautiful brown eyes, his sculptured brows and long dark lashes.   His fine straight nose and his full sensual mouth accompany me through my thoughts, all my waking hours.
     
    The days turn into weeks and it is soon the time of the Hindu Festival.
     
    The preparation for the festival fills our working hours and the whole school is involved in it.   The parents also contribute to the making of the food and the atmosphere on our mountain is wonderful.   I have never been so happy and uplifted in my whole life.
     
    Everyone in the village is so involved in the festival and the people of Pokhara have their own Goddess whose presence they carry through the streets.   The whole area is in a carnival mood and I hope that Taj will have some time from his duties at the hospital so that he will be able to visit us in Pokhara.   I am longing to see him again soon.   Whilst I am helping the children prepare the festivities I receive a letter from home.   My eighteen year old nephew wants to come trekking during his summer- break before he settles down to go to university in the autumn.   He would like to join me for the three months on my mountain.   My sister realises that I have no room in my cottage but it would be nice for him to have some contact with me before he begins his trek.   I love my nephew Mark; he is the first born of my sister so he has always been very special to all the family.   There is a backpacker’s hostel in our village so I will be able to get him accommodation close to me before he begins his trek.   I am so thrilled with this bit of news and I am waiting to tell Taj about it.  
     
    I don’t have long to wait before I see Taj again because he is coming home for the celebrations.   Sahida tells me they have heard from him and he has sent a letter to me brought by his sister.   I can’t wait to open it. It says
     
    My darling Sarah,
     
    I can’t wait to see you on Friday; I have been thinking of you all the time here in Kathmandu and wishing for us to be together again.   I love the closeness we have found so surprisingly quickly and the commitment we seem to have together.   I miss the things that make us smile. I miss you on your mountain, sat on the terrace you have made into a lovely shaded haven by planting the apple tree and encouraging the wild flowers to grow profusely all around.  
     
       I will see you on Friday.   All my love
     
Taj
     
    Our meeting is courteous because his family is there and they are also glad to see him.   I am waiting for the time when we are alone and I can feel his strong arms around me.   We all attend the festival together.   It is a joyous affair. The Goddess is carried through the streets of the village and there is much merriment.   The people sing and dance. Taj and I join in the dancing and we have a wonderful time.
     
    We then all go to Pokhara where they have their own Goddess and we