It was a day before Dashain tika when we all decided to visit ‘Jhimruk Khola’(a river between Pyuthan and Arghakhanchi) .  Having made the journey many times before, we were all prepared for the long ride to Jhimruk.  As we went down a long and winding road we told each other made up stories about tiger attacks that had frightened my youngest relatives and some old ones too.

Finally, upon reaching Jhimruk, the fun began. The water was scintillating and beautiful. We started writing our names on the river bank and taking photos that we hoped would preserve these moments and make them indelible.  My brothers jumped into the cold water for a swim. I didn’t have the courage to do that, and so I sat there at the edge of the river, wavering. But eventually we all threw ourselves into the water.

I had got hold of a swimming tube and was confident that I could never drown as long as I had it on me. Even when everyone left to rest, I remained in the water. It was stupid of me to feel as confident as I did. Suddenly as I was paddling I became caught in a current. No matter how hard I paddled I could not overcome the force of the stream. Frightening, morbid ideas gushed into my mind. I started yelling for my brothers. At first, they thought I was pretending but when I started to cry, they took notice. More seconds passed and I was at the mercy of the currents that threw me against some rocks. I started thinking of death. As I floated away, my brother was running along the bank, trying to catch me but I just couldn’t reach him. Soon my brother was out  of sight and I became terrified.

Then I saw this large magnificent rock some meters away and I felt hope. I was already heading towards it and when I came close enough I flung myself to it and held on tightly. It was a struggle holding on and I lost my last ounce of strength doing so. I swear, I wished I could just float away from my body and leave the dizziness and pain behind. I don’t know how long this went on for because at some point I passed out.

I felt drops of water on my face and woke up abruptly. I could see my siblings surrounding me. I could see the nervousness in their faces. They seemed restless, everyone was trying to tell me something. As I came to, I realized I had drowned in the Khola. Later I learned that I was saved by a man of whom I know nothing about. I asked about him, the one who saved my life, but nobody knew anything.  He had saved me and I only wish I could thank him for it.

Banjade is a Bachelor first year student at Patan Multiple Campus.