PEACE

THE QUEEN OF BHUTAN

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." 

¬ALBUS DUMBLEDORE.

Before becoming a volunteer at Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) frrom 2015 onwards, I was, like any other person, also a visitor at the festival.

Let's go back in time.

JANUARY 2012 :

As soon as I reached the entrance of JLF (Diggi Palace, Jaipur), I witnessed a huge throng at a short distance, I failed to understand at first the reason behind such a huge crowd. I went a little further and pushed myself ahead in the barbaric crowd. As I reached a spot where everything was clearly visible, I saw 2 ladies signing diaries, 

WHO WERE THEY?

Well, they were the Queen (Dorji Waghmo Wangchuck) and the Princess (Jetsun Pema) of Bhutan. Yes, they had confirmed that they'll be attending JLF 2012. Even the Prince (Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck) had plans to attend the Festival but couldn't as he was exhausted after a long journey from Bhutan to India.

Queen Dorji Waghmo Wangchuck (center) with the festival Director, Namita Gokhale (right).
COURTESY : www.jaipurliteraturfestival.com

Delighted, I impatiently waited for my turn to take their autographs.
When my turn came, I gave my diary to the Princess to sign. 
'Aapka naam (Your name?)?', She asked.

Princess Jetsun Pema.
COURTESY : Google

'Kevika', I replied.
'Aapka naam' was the only Hindi word that she knew back then. 
After taking her autograph, I waited for the Queen, Dorji to sign my diary.

AFTER A SHORT WHILE :

The Queen held my diary.
'Your name?', she asked politely.
'Kevika', I said.
She nodded and began to sign.

Queen Dorji Waghmo Wangchuck's and Princess Jetsun Pema's autographs (respectively).

'Nice name.' She complimented. .
'Thank You.' I said delightedly.
She gave me a warm smile and started walking towards the entrance.
I couldn't contain my happiness. I was elated. I was on cloud 9!
Yes, I was happy because the Queen of Bhutan gave me a compliment. 

My day started on a low note but that one compliment turned my doleful day into a joyous one.

           'There's a good in everything bad'.