13: The Homecoming

The road from Tezu to Dibang Valley was in excellent condition as Koso stepped on the pedal and pushed his old truck to its limits. The thick green forests zoomed past on either side. The winding road seemed to make the mighty Himalayan peaks change shape as the truck turned on the frequent hairpin bends. The trip was completed in less time than they thought. The sun was about to set as Koso’s truck closed in on Dibang Valley. The road wore a festive look as the village came into sight. Coloured flags and banners lined both sides of the road.

“I wonder what’s the occasion?” asked Mayuka.

“Do you think it’s because we are returning home”? Asked Kiana.

Igashu laughed aloud and said, “our returning so soon is most unexpected. It’s definitely not in our honour. There must be some function”.

Tenzing and Koso pretended to keep a straight face. They knew of the hero’s welcome that awaited them. A dinner celebration was arranged in honour of their homecoming. The entire village was going to be at the village square, where a feast was set with music and dance.

A large banner across the street read, “WELCOME – THE GANG OF SIX PLUS ONE”. This gave away the surprise.

“Wow! This is unbelievable. Dibang Valley is welcoming us. Yippee! I am so excited”, said Kiana, hugging Mayuka.

“Hallelujah! Even I can’t believe this. I feel I am in a dream”, said Mayuka, hugging Kiana back.

Igashu, too, appeared embarrassed at the welcome. Modest as always, he said, “we haven’t even completed our adventure. I don’t understand the need for this celebration”.

“Considering that it was the first adventure, you three have done very well. Everyone is proud of you’ll. A grand welcome is only to be expected”, said Tenzing.

To their surprise, Cyan, Nevaeh, and Ahren suddenly appeared, darting out from the side of the road, waving excitedly.

Koso had hardly applied the brakes when the girls scrambled over Tenzing, opened the cab door, and jumped out. Not wanting to be left out, Zino jumped out of the truck and squeezed between them. Tears of joy ran down their cheeks as the five hugged each other, laughing and crying.

“We missed you’ll soooooo much”, said Cyan.

“Yes, we did”, said Nevaeh, “And do you know, Ahren used to climb the mango tree every morning, hoping to catch a glimpse of you’ll”

“Wow! How sweet”, said Mayuka and Kiana, showering Ahren with hugs and kisses.

Ahren blushed, red-faced. “No, that’s not right. I climbed the tree only to get Nevaeh her mango”.

“You little brat”, said Kiana, thumping him lovingly on his shoulders.

Poor Igashu had to wait till Tenzing helped him down. He, too, was overjoyed to see Cyan, Nevaeh, and Ahren. Nevaeh had thoughtfully made Fox-tail orchid garlands for each of them. She lovingly garlanded Igashu, Mayuka, Kiana, and Zino.

Koso and Tenzing clapped and cheered loudly.

“Trust Nevaeh not to miss out on the finishing touches”, said Igashu, giving Nevaeh a hug.

Ahren, opposite in nature to Nevaeh, always tried to mask his emotions. He felt awkward about any open display of affection. So, he sat on Zino’s back and charged ahead to the village square. Nevaeh took the back seat in the cab along with Iagashu, whilst Mayuka, Kiana and Cyan stood in the truck with Kay and Ayk. Cyan appeared uncomfortable, “are you sure it is safe to stand so close to these yaks”?

“They are as friendly and as gentle as Zino. They will never harm you”, said Mayuka, putting her arms over Kay’s hairy neck.

Cyan didn’t appear convinced, “wasn’t one of them the cause for Igashu’s injury”?

“Oh, no. You can’t blame Ayk. The poor fellow was startled by the sudden appearance of those strange creatures in the Lake”, said Kiana, rubbing Ayk’s forehead.

Koso sounded the truck horn repeatedly to announce their arrival. That was the secret signal between Tenzing and Igashu’s father. Tenzing immediately shouted out to the band to start the welcome music.

As the cymbals and drums started playing, the parents of the Gang of Six stood together for the welcome. They showered Igashu, Mayuka, and Kiana with rose petals and gave each of them a warm welcome hug.

The locals sang the welcome folk song Ja-Jin-Ja. This traditional song of Arunachal Pradesh is sung by men and women. It is usually sung on occasions of merriment and during marriages. The welcome song was followed by the popular folk dance – the Peacock and Lion Dance. The cymbals and drums played in the background. The village elders welcomed Igashu, Mayuka, and Kiana by hand-feeding them small balls of the local sweet dish, Bresi. This delicious sweet is made of cooked rice seasoned with dry fruits, sugar, and a liberal amount of butter.

Ahren appeared unattentive to the warm welcome. He was content riding Zino, racing, and weaving in and out of the large village gathering.

Igashu, Mayuka, and Kiana were overwhelmed by the joyous reception they received. Their parents escorted them home so they could shower, change and return for the lavish dinner at the village square.