He took a public transport bus from his village to Moirang and walked two-and-a-half kilometres to my house in Kangathei. He describes it as a long, hot journey. Anu received him at the gate and brought him in. But Apa's countenance changed to a ‘deathly look' (as Onler puts it) upon seeing him.
‘Who are you?' Apa asked.
‘I am Onler, son of Rekhupthang Karong, chief of Samu Lamlan village.'
‘You …,' my father paused to control his rage, ‘are you thinking of putting an end to my daughter's career? Why are you disturbing her? Are you showing me disrespect?' My father was not pleased with Onler's visit and did not bother with playing the gracious host. Without even looking at the visitor's face, he continued, ‘Don't follow my daughter around. If you don't help her, there will be others who will. I don't want you acting smart, trying to convince me.'
I felt sorry for Onler, because my father did not give him a chance to speak. Finally, patiently, he explained that he truly loved and cared for me. He wanted to marry me and take care of me, even if it meant putting his own career on the line. He had even given up his job in Customs and Excise to be near me.
