Seasons crawled to walking tall

It is and was commonly said up to this day that no one dies from hunger in Burma (Myanmar). Then, Burma was the rice bowl of the world. That statement may be true or otherwise, however it does not matter in the least for Ko Ko Oo, fifteen years of age. He was just content to have a job as a collie during the school breaks. He shoulders 50kilo rice bags from the railway wagons to the awaiting trucks. The railway wagons can hold up to 55.5 and 58.8 tons, sometimes around 60 tons, depending on its type. The rice wagons rolls into Botataung Station, which was and still is the main goods rail station in Rangoon (Yangon) that can accommodate more than 3 to 4 trains simultaneously and work all at the same time. The trucks were usually parked 20 to 30 yards away from the platforms and can load up to 1200 bags per trip. Ko Ko Oo shoulder the bags in his shorts with an old longyi slung over his back, to avoid any contact with the rough gunny or polypropylene rice bags. The carriage on shoulders are and were done bare chested, come rain or shine till this day.

Ko Ko Oo (loosely to mean first born son) was made to leave his poor parents in Mawlamyine four years ago to search for greener pastures elsewhere. He had been living rough since, wherever and whenever he can, as long as his young belly can be filled. We would not be wrong to term him a street kid, living from hand to mouth daily, and keeping an open eye so that he will not be captured and be marched off to a borstal. He has traveled to many villages, towns and cities in his plight. He does not know where his parents are anymore, but was drummed into him that he has three other siblings and been told his date of birth. Apart from that nothing register in his young mind on his family anymore, except only how to make it to the next day. Living and sleeping rough was tough at that tender age, minding for himself. The monasteries do not want to have anything to do with him either, as his credentials were somewhat vague and lacking. He sought work wherever he could. He laid rocks in the construction of new roads, dug holes for new toilets, became a helper in teashops and carried meat at the morning and evening markets. He did anything and everything that would fill his hungry tummy and win a place to sleep. However, the streets did taught him a few things though, how hard to secure a decent job, what it takes to fulfill expectations, how diplomacy played in his line of work, last not the least, when to fight and when cut and run. In short, he soon became a streetwise kid. Survivability was the key. 

Two years ago, while roaming the streets in search for work and food, he found refuge in a home on 57^th Street, Rangoon. It was pure luck to say the least. Daw Ohn Sine, a moakhingar seller, lost her 12 years old only son, on account of cheap drugs available on the streets, only months ago.  Ko Ko Oo became her daily wage helper. Always willing to run the extra mile and good with the customers, and sales were up also. He slept in container yards while no one was looking and sneaked quietly on laid up trains to rest his tired body for the night. Daw Ohn Sine took him in on a trial basis, and he shone beyond expectations. Her husband, U Latt Khin, a Branch Clerk at the Botataung Railway Station gave his consent for the test. He just wanted his wife not to grief any further, and if Ko Ko Oo can be that instrument, he was all for it. Besides, they had a place for him to sleep and his late son’s old clothes were still there. Home was a small ground floor government owned apartment and Ko Ko Oo did the chores smilingly, never forgetting this was heaven. He was careful with the intake of food and always made sure his guardians U Latt Khin and Daw Ohn Sine came first and never too liberal with dishes or rice. After a few months, he called them dad and mum which pleased them. He was a bright lad with a sharp mind. Should some moakhingar gravy be unsold, he only ate with that for lunch and sometime dinner too, depending on amount left. He made sure nothing went to waste.  During the afternoons, if free, he would stand outside the state school windows and catch up on lessons he missed out on. The state no.8 middle and high school was just down the road from the apartment. He knew which side of the bread was butter as it were, and made sure nothing he did jeopardize his current amicable status. Opportunity only comes round once.

Knowing his love for knowledge, his guardian mother, Daw Ohn Sine took him to the nearby school down the road and had him tested on his intelligence quality (IQ) and placed him in the seventh standard. After a few months they noticed not only was he coping, but also excelled in his studies. He continued to help his guardian mother before and after school, but regretfully after two years of catering, this regime came to an abrupt stop as her rheumatism in her hands turns for the worst.  Since then, from the age of fifteen, he resorted to being a collie at the railway goods yard with the help of his guardian father. All the money that he earned was handed to his mother cent for cent daily. Ko Ko Oo never forgot the kindness showered on him by his new guardian parents. The work was taxing, but much better than the street life he was living. Any day.

Matriculation was a formality and walk over for him, but did not secure any distinctions. He did not want his guardian parents to fork out any extra money for special tuition on account of him. Money was hard enough to come by as it was. He enrolled at the Workers College for his Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) reading Chemistry. Classes were in the evenings during weekdays and daytime in weekends, thus the name Workers College. He endured, while his collie work was promoted to being a tally clerk that yielded better money after passing the matriculation examination. He was still a daily wages worker and secured this tally clerk position with the kindness and some nudging by his father U Latt Khin, and the work was not as back breaking like before. The money he earned was handed to his mother as usual. While he studied at the Workers College, he took upon himself to be a waiter at a nearby teashop during weekends in the evenings. Small portion of this salary he kept as pocket money, and handed the remainder to his mother, plus tea and a cake or two for his parents at the end of the evenings when the shop retired for the night. From his pocket money, he bought an umbrella for his father in exchange for his old one, which he kept for use during the rainy season after some necessary repairs. The parents were more than satisfied with his kind deeds.

He could have applied for a place at the Defense Services Academy (DSA) and secure his degree and become an officer in the armed forces. This would have eased financial burdens for his foster parents, not to worry about board, lodging, clothing, and never have to think where the next meal will be coming from. A career in the armed forces never appealed to him, he did not like fighting or trying to put someone down. He already suffered enough in his hay days and does not want to be a part of it no more. Ko Ko Oo does realize that someone got to do the dirty job, but just does not want to be a part of it. Life on the streets remained very fresh in his mind.

His guardian mother would say, “ Tha (son), no need to just fulfilling our needs, you also take care of yourself. I know you go out of your way to make our lives comfortable, but you are a growing man now and we understand.”

He replied, “ Mother, I should actually do more for you and father. I hope to better myself after my graduation and hope that you both be more than comfortable in the future. Your kindness really touched my heart and I cannot repay enough, ever.”

Ko Ko Oo grew up as a street wise kid thus also not difficult for him to make friends with the near by sidecar (three wheeler bicycle) stand. He would take his mother to the general practitioner by sidecar for follow-ups on her rheumatism three streets down. This way, at least riding a sidecar would be comfortable for her and the driver charged him less due to their ongoing friendship. The medications prescribed for her were of China and or India origins, costs were at a minimum and can be bought at most drug stores.  She did not needed much and content on looking after him and his father, which was her life. The money father makes plus his daily tally clerk fees just about cover their household costs, barring no unforeseen circumstances. They kept their needs to a bare minimum. He just thanked his lucky stars for this life, as it was incomparable to his previous street existence or before that.

The young man continued his studies at the Workers College and he did spy a beautiful young lady, roughly same age as him taking the same course and in the same lecture hall as him. She journeys to college in a private saloon car, possibly belonging to her parents, and at the end of the day, the car would be waiting about hundred yards by the next lane to fetch her back home. He usually stood by the columns of the entrance, allowing him a clear view, while the columns shielded him from onlookers. Ko Ko Oo finds her to be a fair young lady who did not overdress, like some others, who if did not know might think they be going for a photo shoot. With their hair in multi colour waves and their wears all shinning with artificial added on to make them more full on the boobs and backside. In the lecture theater, she sat quietly and maybe shares an odd comment or two with her girl friend sitting left from her. According to the lecture register, her name was Thazin Aye (meaning flowery cool).

During his second year one weekend in July, while experiencing a heavy downpour, she hurried in with an automatic umbrella in one hand and the other balancing her books and a small wallet. As she reached for the stairs, the wallet dropped.

He was behind her and picked it up and exclaimed, “ Excuse me, believe this is yours. I’d be more careful in future, there are all sorts here and you might make somebody very happy.”

She turned with a surprised look and said, “ Thank you, yes, this is mine, thank you again.”

Ko Ko Oo handed back her small wallet and also made haste for the lecture hall to ensure a seat where he can hear the lecturer and also see the blackboard as well. Nothing more was passed between them. After the lecture, all made a rush for the canteen during the lunch recess.

Thazin Aye exclaimed to him, “ Can I buy you something to eat?”

He replied, “ No thank you, instead may I buy you a cup of tea or coffee?”

She accepted his offer and they both made their way outside the college, to a teashop by the Botataung Pagoda. She with her automatic umbrella, and he holding his handed down black umbrella from his father, fully repaired of course. She settled for coffee with milk and he joined her, no sugar, they were already sweet enough.

He started the conversation, “ Terrible wet day, but the rice farmers must be happy. Should this continue, the price of rice ought to be not that high come next harvest in October and November.”

While sheltering by the shades of the teashop she replied, “ Yes I suppose so, thank you again for giving my wallet back. I’m Thazin Aye, how are you getting on with the course?”

He replied, “ I’m getting on fine. I’m sure we’ll pass this year examinations and move on to the third year. Hello, my name is Ko Ko Oo, and I live nearby on the 57^th Street and I see that you must be attending from quite a distance.”

She replied, “ Yes, I have to come all the way from Parami, at least 35 to 40 minutes drive.”

They continued to make conversation. They talked on their study subject and their aspirations too. Without saying much on the subject of love, they did talk with their eyes sizing each other up. Ko Ko Oo knew that should he continue, they soon will be a courting couple. He hated himself for starting something that he was not willing to go through. Their standings were from different worlds and he could not even offer a meal, as his limited budget will be down the drain. He was diplomatic but he decided not to continue, for this conversation to develop into a romance. He neither has the power of money, time or the patience to carry on something with no end. His priority was first, getting a degree, second, to find a worthy job with a good salary with prospects and third, to make sure that his guardian parents continue to live comfortably without the need to think about money in their old age. After the lunch hour, they both went their ways back to the lecture halls.

He now being a young adult does want a girl friend and his young body yearns for some physical comfort now and then. But due to his financial restraints, he could not make good his desires. Some of his friends enticed him to join them and go see a Blue Movie on discs, which he did. However, it was something beyond him and did not continue on such escapades. At times, he would like to be comforted in the arms of the ladies of the night, like some of his friends who enjoyed. He did not have the means and tried to shut it out from his mind. Should he become from bad to worst, he resorted to relieving himself that was safe, healthy, costs effective and did not hurt anybody in the process. This lustfulness overcame, he continued on his chores and matters at hand. Thazin Aye with time slowly disappeared from his mind and continued on the serious business of earning money and obtaining his degree within the stipulated time frame.

Monsoon rains came and passed. Water festivals and Thadinkyuts celebrated one after another. Final examinations were appeared and attempted yearly and the long awaited BSc degree was awarded after a much lengthy wait. He did not attend the graduation ceremony as Ko Ko Oo believed that it was a waste of time, money, clothes and patience, not to mention the stuffiness, humidity and the heat inside the convocation hall. After conferment of his long awaited degree, he applied to seven private companies after doing much research. Two in shipping, another two in pharmaceuticals, one in the hospitality industry, one in tourism and one in the airlines business. Four reverted back, one each from shipping, pharmaceuticals, Airlines and from the hospitality industries. He appeared for all the personal interviews and found the offer from the pharmaceutical industry was the most attractive. His parents left it to him for his own choosing, as they trusted his judgment. He joined Save Lives Pharmaceuticals, a medication and health equipments importing agency, as one of the new six Sales Officers for the company. His duty areas were Lanmadaw, Pabaedan and Latha districts of Rangoon, where their clients were most situated. He served under a Sales Executive. They were to fulfill set targets set out by the company. Otherwise, bye bye and be replaced by a new staff in lieu. Should there be a superimposed situation, the one likely to yield a fat contract takes over which was discussed in the meeting held every morning at nine. By ten, all sales personnel were driven to designated points where they made their rounds on foot. By evenings they are to make it back to the dropped points by five, then be driven back to office. The Company was situated on the Prome Road, opposite the Bund and thence to rejoin the ferry crowd back, at six prompt. Should there be entertainments or unfinished business, they were to find their own way back. Ferries pick them up in the mornings at seven thirty at predetermined points.  All very clear-cut.

Their main job was to promote and sell the company’s imported medications and health equipments plus spares to their customers. In their areas, there were a total of nearly two hundred identified customers comprising of hospitals, their separate departments, clinics, drug stores, medical laboratories and specialists. They carry brochures, sample medications, hand phone and an ipad for swift communications and work to be performed on the go. They advertise themselves as just a call away and acknowledge emails within the hour. All company products information’s were to be off the cuff. One needs about three months before actual functionality. Any outstanding work or clerical matters were to be cleared the same day and no overtime paid but a month bonus was made at the end of year service. The job was demanding but the pay was good. The Company’s motto was the carrot and the stick. No need for monitoring, their performance will do the talking.

Ko Ko Oo enjoys the challenges of work, and at home he was now the main bread winner, this pleased him. His parents were proud of him, however evening return times was most irregular and not like U Latt Win who was back at six. His additional income helped ease the household maintenance.  His mother kept his working clothes wardrobe always washed, ironed and crisp, ready to wear. His seven long sleeve shirts and three tetrex trousers were always at the ready. He washes his under garments while he bathes at night and shined his black shoes before bedtime. This he did for not wanting his mother to be imposed on those also. He also kept his hair short and combed, so that he was always smart, neat and presentable at work. This opens doors and the rest was up to his charm and diplomacy to woo them, this he learnt while he was still iving on the streets.

For home, he managed to buy a small television and an EVD (Enhanced Versatile Discs) player, which can be plugged in with the television to watch discs of their choice and also listen to religious chanting by well-known monks. At the same time he also installed a small out door air conditioner unit in his parents bedroom so that they could rest better at night. This was the least he could do after all they did struggled without a word of complaint up to graduation. This was his pay pack time and was happy to be able to do it. His quotas were met at work and during his second year, he was promoted to Sales Executive with a Sales Officer of his choice. Now in his third year, he intends to buy a medium size Korean made fridge and a China manufactured gas cooker for his mother birthday. Both his father and mother now tend to be more comfortable at home. He likes that and put a smile on his face.

He was happy on his turf. Ko Ko Oo turned down a promotion to Assistant Manager, Sales. The customers know him and he knows the customers well and they opened their doors with a smile. He intends to carry on at the same position for at least till the end of this year. Securing a big fat account also meant a small percentage of the sales, meaning quite a tidy sum for him also.

One day while he was on his rounds at the Cardiology Ward of the Rangoon General Hospital, he saw a new face, a young doctor by the name of Moe Moe Min (loosely to mean king of rains). She was fair with a ponytail and wears glasses. Beautiful and not overly dressed, age wise must be a few years younger than him. She wears a white duty coat with her stethoscope slung round her neck like a necklace. From the first moment he saw her, she seemed to attract him like a magnet. He spoke to her in the course of business and found to be responsive, cordial, efficient and intelligent judging from her answers. Not a loud person and rather quiet and keeps to herself. Everybody, staff and patients like her, including him.

After a few months he also found out that she was single also. One Friday, he shot her a question,” Dr. Moe Moe Min, I shall be most happy if you can join me for a simple dinner in Chinatown this evening at six. I can wait by the no.4 side entrance, it will truly be an honour.”

She replied,” You seem to know my name, how come you know I’m off at six today and uses the no.4 side entrance of the hospital?”

“I know a lot about the things that interest me. Will you do me the honour of joining me to a simple dinner this evening at six?” Ko Ko Oo insisted.

“ All right then, hope it is not a sales dinner, see you at six.” She stated and rushed off to the nurses’ station.

He waited by the no.4 side entrance of the hospital and walked together to Chinatown 21^st Street. They talked shop while sharing a few jokes in between. She looks a simple girl with Thanakha on her face with a hint of lipstick on her lips. He thought she must have some Chinese blood, as her features were not totally Burmese. She held a smallish sling bag and wears normal white lady slippers and not the western shoes. This was the fist time he invited the opposite sex for a meal or drinks since his college days with Thazin Aye. He felt real excitement and this was one affair he intends to walk the whole mile. The food stall on the 21^st Street was jam-packed. They waited, as he wanted to be seated by a small table in the street, more private with no additional people sharing the table. The food variety was endless and the portions were small, not to mention the prices were cheap too. It’s one of those places where one would go for the taste only and not the ambiance. The food was mainly precooked, and one could view through the glass penal before ordering. No need worry on the prices as all were the same and the bill was settled on the number of dishes on one’s table. Both viewed, pointed and ordered. The dishes were mainly with pork.

After that they sat on wooden stools and waited for their orders to be served. Ko Ko Oo started the conversation, ”Please rest assured this is not, I repeat that this is not a sale pitch and totally private and Dr. Moe Moe Min, please note I will not claim back from the company.”

She let out a small laugh and replied, “ Thank you for your clarification, nice to know. Don’t call me Dr. Moe Moe Min, it sounds very official. You may address me as Moe. It is good enough. Looks like you have been doing some homework?”

“ Thank you kindly Moe. Yes, in fact I did a lot of homework. You must be a Thursday born, I am Ko Ko Oo, not a Monday born, but my parents must have given me this name as I am their first born. If you wish, you can call me Ko.”

“ Yes, I am Thursday born. My father is U Hla Moe and mother is Daw Thet Thet. Father parents were Cantonese and my grandparents from mother side got Hokkien blood. Any problems on that?” she said and looked at him in the eyes.

“ No problem Moe. I was right in thinking you got Chinese blood. I want to be totally honest with the girl I like. I do not know where I was born, but believe somewhere around Mawlamyine. I also do not know where my parents are and nor I know where my siblings of three are today. I was very poor, a street kid, raised by my foster parents of U Latt Khin and Daw Ohn Sine. Foster father is a Branch Clerk at the Botataung Railway Goods Station and foster mother, a simple housewife, staying on the 57^th Street in a government ground floor two bedrooms apartment. I also worked as a collie before by matriculation examination, we were then living from hand to mouth.” Ko Ko Oo said sadly.

Dishes were laid on their table and both tugged in without much fanfare. The food was good and they used chopsticks.

After a while, Moe continued, “You poor man, it must have been a struggle. I am happy that you pulled up to what you are today. I like a man who got no airs and is utterly honest. My parents were small time shopkeepers in a store on Mahabandola Street. Now they continue to open a small supermarket on Parami Road and we live in nearby Gangawmyine Street in a small house within a compound. I have one elder sister, who is also a doctor, married to her doctor husband and stationed in Magway. They aim to settle down in Kyauk Mae, a small town in the Shan States as his parents are from there and has a house too.”

 

They opened up about each other and topped it all up with a glass of cold lemon juice. They walked to Sule, talking about their families, aspirations and their fears. The bus was not crowded around nine and they both manage to secure a seat right up to their destination of Parami stop. The breeze through the window as cool and he could smell the sweet aroma of the Thanakha on her face. Ko Ko Oo was happy and content and just hoped that Moe will feel the same about him. They alighted at the Parami crossroad with Kabar Aye Pogoda road and handed Moe to her mother in front of Sabai Oo supermarket and took a return bus to town and headed back to his home on 57^th Street. His satisfied smile was from east to west.

Months rolled on, monsoons rained, flooded and seasons withered and now once again the coolness of December returned. They have been a courting couple for about a year and he only dared to hold her hand for fear of loosing her. At the same time he does not want to be labeled as a dirty old man. One early morning during the weekend, both Moe and Ko climbed the Shwe Dagon hill and paid homage to Lord Buddha. After that, they found a quiet place at the outer rim of the Pagoda under the corrugated roof of a Zayat (resting place). There, he took out two gold rings especially to his specifications. It was actually thin gold bands. Ko could not afford more from his small budget.

He slowly said, “ Moe, I love you and do swear under the Shwe Dagon Pagoda that I shall be loyal to you and offer my undivided love till death do us part. Until our marriage, will you accept and wear my engagement ring?”

“ Yes my darling, I accept your engagement ring and shall wear it for always. I shall be yours till forever and a day. I shall have to inform my parents of our engagement and also my sister in Magway. Hope its okay?” Moe reverted.

Ko reiterated, “ Please do, I shall want you to inform them. I also will inform my parents too.  I will also wear the identical gold ring on my right second finger for all to see that I am engaged also. This is a big day for me.”

This said, Ko gave a full kiss on Moe’s lips. This was his first time he had done so and does not care if anybody was watching. After all, they were engaged. For the second kiss Moe declined saying that it was not done in public, however she did give him a small pap on his right cheek. Both wore their engagement rings, fully satisfied and content walked round the Pagoda in the crisp coolness of the morning.

On reaching home, Moe informed her parents and they were happy as long as she was happy. She then telephoned her sister at Magway General Hospital. They spoke for about four or five minutes. After the call, Moe was all smiles. Ko also informed his parents during lunch, and mother wanted to give her necklace gold chain as a memento, which he had to refrain her. His father was more realistic. Even though he concurred his engagement, he advised him to think about where he wanted to live. He informed Ko that should they be married in the near future, she was most welcomed to share his present bedroom, as this was all they had. All meant well and this kindness touched him.

Ko made it a point to see Moe at least one time in the weekdays during his sales visits and have a meal together during weekends. On such an evening, while enjoying hot pot at Shwe Yone Lay restaurant on the Parami Road, Moe broke her latest news to Ko.

“ I intend to tender my resignation in a week’s time before my transfer order is out. I hope to join a small private hospital in South Okkalapa, the pay is better there. I also do not want to be transferred out of Rangoon and can be beside my parents.”

He waited for a few seconds and after putting down his spoon he said, “ That’s a good move. So, you are at last joining us into the private sector. Jokes aside, maybe its all for the best. The only drawback is I cannot visit you during the weekdays, which I am presently doing. But at least you will be closer to your parents and need not move from town to town every few years. I’m all for it.”

Moe was relieved that Ko concurred her intended move. At least they will still be together during weekends. Ko was gauging when he ought to pop the question about his marriage offer. He was now 25, right age for marriage but he wanted a place for his foster parents to retire where there was some land and they can breathe freely and wander, not like the present 57^th Street apartment. At the same time, he needed a place in Rangoon where he can continue to generate money. He was truly in dilemma and was at a loss.  He did raise this point with Moe, looking for answers.

She said in a matter of fact manner, “ Oh, that’s easy. If you wish, built a small house in our compound. There is enough land and the compound is large enough for two houses. Sell your parents 57^th Street apartment and use the funds to build the house. In the meantime, they can put up in my parents house. It is large enough to accommodate all three of you, maybe a bit tight, but okay. The construction should be not more than a year. After all, we are engaged now and I see no negative response from my parents.”

Ko said, “ Thanks for your kind offer. I first need to discuss with my parents. My father ought to be retired in 2 or 3 years time, when he reaches 60.”

Ko Ko Oo’s brain was working overtime. Marriage next year means he will be 26 and Moe 24. His father should be around 58, so if any building was to be done, work ought to commence during the coming rainy season and lay the foundations. Thus he needs to seek their approval soonest as need time to advertise for a sale. Parami was in a high-class residential part of town. It may not be in the best posh residential bracket, but it was good enough. Today, a good location was so hard to come by and demand was on the rise while no more supply. All very expensive indeed.

Work wise, he will consider the promotion to Assistant Manager, Sales, meaning more late nights as his area of control will be at least for half of Rangoon. That’s a lot of area to be covered. There will be no gains without pains so he has got to bite the bullet. Selling the apartment, building the house, starting a family were all big issues and that got to fit in with his job like a glove. A tall order at that. First, he must get an agreement of marriage from Moe as that will get the ball rolling.

Come next Saturday, while enjoying their usual dinner in Chinatown, he popped the question, “ Moe, you know I love you dearly. You are the best thing that has happened in my life. I want to marry you come next December. Till then, I’ve got a lot to attend and arrange. By then, I’ll be 26 and you will be 24, will you agree to my humble proposal of marriage?”

Moe was perplexed with his proposal and delighted at the same time. All she had to say was, “ Of course I know you love me. I’ll marry you any day. I will be proud to have you as my husband. I’ll follow you wherever you go, but please stay in Rangoon. I want to be beside my parents in their old age to be their pillar of strength. I am sure you would like to do the same for your parents and want to be their daughter also.” 

That was the answer he was looking for and now he must ignite the fuse. He had swum in the difficult seasons to maturity. He had lived in poverty, on the streets and also endured in the harshness and toughness of his youth, and now this was his part two in life, which he did not want it to be full of thorns. He must make sure that his foster parents can retire in comfort. They had done so much for him when no one offered a hand to a sinking man, now it was his turn to hurl the flag in front of them and be their knight in shining armour and ward of all evils. Now was the time also for both his and Moe’s family to unite as one and stand together to face come what may.

Time and again Ko reminded to himself that after his marriage to Moe, he never want to take that sad path again. He suffered immensely in the seasons crawled to walking tall. He wanted it to be over and done with, once and for all. Subject closed.