Chinthe in me

My name is Sithu Aung.  ‘Aung ‘ is taken from the last name of my father, U Hla Aung. My parents named me ‘Sithu’, as I am a Tuesday born. Subject to the day I was born, a Burmese alphabet was thus selected according to the Burmese 8 days a week Astrological calendar. We Burmese are an individualistic lot, we need not have surnames nor follow the customary patronymic or matronymic systems.  However, being a modern Myanmar, my parents followed the Burmese Buddhist tradition while also following the patronymic system, best of both worlds I suppose. Should we apply the Burmese-Buddhist zodiac animal sign, I am a Lion or Chinthe in Burmese. A Chinthe is a leograph (a lion like creature), usually are found in pairs in front of Pagodas as guards. I like to think that I guard my parents, brother and myself at the same time. The Minder.

When I was about eight years old, I once asked my mother what does Sithu Aung meant and why was I christened with that name.

Mother replied, “ Your name Sithu Aung is in two syllables. In ancient Burmese, ‘Sithu’ was a high-ranking army title, and ‘Aung’ means success. Therefore Sithu Aung is to mean successful titled general and it was also in keeping with your Burmese zodiac sign. The reason for christening this special name was because you being a Tuesday born, we wanted you to be blessed strong and powerful like a Chinthe and have every success in life like a general at war. Want to change it? ”

“No mother, I like it just fine. I wanted to know so that I am aware of its meaning and the reason.” Satisfied, I continued the serious business of playing with my mates.

I also have an elder brother by two years. His name is Aung San Hla Aung. A Sunday born, his name was taken from the most famous martyr of our country and to mean successful beaming. Even though we have our own rooms, we share our thoughts and he always let me have the toys and the games I wished to play. Always making leeway for his little brother and father and mother also spoils me silly. In short, I was the little brat of the family. I suppose this is one of the benefits of being the youngest in the household. My demands, may be how ever trivial, becomes a reality. Fabulous!

Sithu Aung’s father is a Senior Engineer with the Rangoon Municipality and mother is Daw Su Su, a doctor, general practitioner, with the Myanmar Customs. As such, we were never out of stock for seasonal products and fruits. Gifts galore would pour in from satisfied customers and patients in the form of rice bags, peanut oil in cans, seasonal fruits, Thanakha wood, charcoal, etc. etc. House is also privately owned, built according to his father’s drawings and specifications on Kanbawza Road, Bahan Township, well respected high-end residential area of Rangoon. The house is a two stories brick building with a comfortable compound. A property many can only dream about, and the land, which was handed down by grandfather from father’s side. Understand he was a First Secretary with the then, Burma Foreign Service. The land prices those days must have been exceptionally cheap, or his salary pretty good or must have enjoyed a windfall from the family. It does not matter either way, as it’s ours today.

My father’s job fringe benefit included a brand new Mazda Jeep and a driver. The driver takes me to school before he leaves for office in the mornings and fetch me back in the early afternoon. Mother’s transportation was a ferry by the courtesy of her Myanmar Customs. During those days, everybody including the police knows that a Mazda Jeep was only assigned to executives, over a special position of the governmental service. Most automobiles try to give it a wide berth where possible. Besides, some automobiles were fearful of possible sustaining damages should there be an accident, as the other party was a rugged Jeep. When I was fifteen, in the ninth standard, I would sit behind the steering wheel with the driver by my side. We would enter into the school compound together with the school bus from Yankin, and stop together five minutes before the first morning bell in front of the school gate. I wanted to show off and impress Shwe Zin, my classmate with her pale molasses or coffee with milk colour skin. Same age as myself, budding slim figure with blossoming boobs and short hair. Her skin was silky smooth without a trace of blemish, honey nor butter cannot do justice. Always smiling and eyes of sparking diamonds was the darling of our class. We boys or young male adolescences would love to win her heart. All our eyes were on her, hoping she would return our glances, for us to workout courage to approach her. Our school was known as Teachers Training College, or TTC for short. It was one the top three schools in Yangon. Shwe Zin sometimes utilize and dip in the university swimming pool, a walking distance from our school together with her sisters and brothers. I have seen her in a red swimming suit. She sure was a beauty, a most desirable creature, top prize for us adolescence boys.

With time, we all passed our matriculation examinations. With two distinctions, I was permitted to attend the BSc (Bachelor of Science) Physics course. The thoughts of Shwe Zin disintegrated into the sunsets, as the competition was most plentiful at the university. My brother Aung San Hla Aung was attending the Yangon Institute of Technology reading Civil Engineering for his Bachelor of Engineering (B.E. Civil), thus the campuses were different. At times we drove him to his campus and he stops by a pharmacy on route. There he topped up his stock of condoms, I was sure he was scoring but did not know whether with his regular girlfriend(s) or ladies of the night. The irony was, I never even got a chance of holding a girl’s hand. My brother never did share his escapades with me anymore we were all growing up very fast.

During my second year at the university, I applied for a position at the Institute of Marine Technology (IMT) to be a Navigation Cadet. The course was only one year and job openings were bright. I always wanted to see the world and this was the only way I know how. With my positive matriculation marks, I managed to get in while registering at Workers College to complete my BSc degree (just in case I needed a Plan B). During my pre-sea cadetship, we were given liberty passes on Saturday mornings and to be back at IMT by 1630hours on Sundays. On one such Saturday late afternoon, we, a group of pre-sea cadets were enjoying noodles at a famous stall on 22^nd Street. There I caught glance of a young maiden with her friends enjoying noodles like us by another table. My fellow colleagues commented that they were from Medical College no.1, MC1 for short. Since we were locked in for five and a half days a week, it was our duty to know all things female. Through my extensive intelligence network of my school buddies, I was informed that her name was Saw Saw Saing, a second year medical student and single with no known boyfriend. All was music to my ears. My female associates attending MC1 also enlightened me that she comes from a doctor family, and does her household wet marketing on early Sunday mornings at Hledan Market as she resides on Inya Road.

By the following early Sunday morning, I waited by the bus stand. There she was, in full glory with a large bamboo basket. Myself in full attire of my liberty dress of light blue tie, white long sleeves shirt, well pressed grey trousers and a brass belt buckle that would put gold to shame. My black shoes were so shinny, one does not need a mirror.

I worked up courage and said, “Hello Saw, I’m Sithu Aung, your personal helper for the morning. Please do not think that I’m being rude or impertinent. I met you last Saturday at the noodle stall on 22^nd Street.”

“You seem to know my name and I do not recall meeting you last Saturday at 22nd Street. Furthermore, I did not put in a requisition for a personal helper either.”

Sithu Aung smilingly discharged her large bamboo basket from the grip of her soft hand and said, “Yes, we were not introduced officially last Saturday. But in my heart of hearts, it’s telling me to get to know you better.”

Sithu continued his rounds as her helper in the market till Saw’s large basket became full as the morning wore on. Then he boarded a bus together, to her stop at the top of Inya Road. Thence he walked her to the top of their lane.

He sighed, “ The basket is pretty heavy. In my opinion, that’s a lot of stuff to be consumed.”

Saw laughed and replied, “ This shopping is for a week and I do this every Sunday, presume you already knows this?”

“Yes I do, just don’t injure yourself lifting such heavy loads.”

That said, he slid a folded note into her purse in the large bamboo basket and let her continue the last leg of the walk home by herself. He bid his salutations to Saw and journeyed back to IMT to be the earliest cadet back on record. He would call home later and make his excuses.

Saw Saw Saing entered this world in 1956 and was a sickly child. She was born prematurely and suffered jaundice, thus was warded for about a month on delivery at Dufferin Hospital. As a child she was prone to a variety of illnesses and was a sad looking duckling. From the age of thirteen, she blossomed into a beautiful swan and was good in her studies too. Believe she was a bit of a bookworm.

Saw after completing her chores in the kitchen with her mother, placed everything in its rightful place. Meat inside the freezer, fish to be cooked in the fridge and vegetables duly washed and cleaned in the cool chamber, headed back to her room upstairs. In complete privacy, beside her study table by the window, she unfolded the note and read it slowly.

Dear Saw,

First, please forgive me for barging into your life like this. I harbour no ill intensions to spoil your life. Since I first saw you last Saturday, your beauty has not left my mind and I would like the opportunity to know you better. For what is worth, I have never done such as this in my life.  I had thought long and hard for the past five days and since you have not left my thoughts, thus writing this letter. I am sure you’ll be wishing to conduct some sort of enquiry about what type of looser I am. For the benefit of your inquisition, here below are my credentials. Father is U Hla Aung, Senior Engineer with the Rangoon Municipality. Mother is Dr. Daw Su Su with the Myanmar Customs. Both are in their late forties and I have an elder brother Aung San Hla Aung, now in his final year at YIT, reading Civil Engineering. We all reside at no.39 Kanbawza Road in Bahan Township of Yangon.

I am now nineteen years of age and undergoing one-year pre-sea cadetship at IMT and hope to be joining Burma Five Star Line (BFSL), our one and only national shipping line by coming April or May. You may find it a comedy, since I have not even held a girl’s hand, don’t talk about anything else. True virgin in every essence. Be sure it’s hard to come by, at this day and age. We cannot leave our IMT compound except for permitted liberty from Saturday morning 0900hours till Sunday 1630hours. Much regret this being a pre-sea cadet training college and nothing that we can do and beyond us. Our Principal is Captain R. Verdon, a mariner and a Port Master Attendant previously. He runs a tight training establishment.

Please conduct your inquisition and kindly let me be your special friend. I am yours to be done as per your pleasure during the above timings. Any chance for a dinner at Chinatown, come next Saturday. Say, 1800hours? You may write or phone me at 39464, extension 029 for your kind concurrence. I am reachable between the hours of 2200hours to 2230hours most evenings, except when I am off or on duty watch. You can ask for Cadet Sithu Aung.

Looking forward to your favourable acknowledgement.

Yours,

Cadet Sithu Aung (CD09/74)

IMT, Rangoon.

Saw Saw Saing read it twice. She sensed from the writing that he was sincere and no looser. Being a woman, with an intuition at that, she felt it was her duty to check him out with her various sources. No harm done. Actually, she did see a group of students in their uniforms by the next table, on that late afternoon in question at 22nd Street that Saturday, but she did not recall seeing him.

Sithu anxiously waited daily for some sort of acknowledgement, but there was no phone call at the cadet’s duty office or any letters for him either. How could she have accepted his advances last Sunday and remained silent? Questions abound. All his hopes and dreams were disappearing fast and felt like soon to be neaped. However, that Friday evening, just before lights out, he heard a loud shout.

“Cadet Sithu Aung, telephone call for you. Make it on the double.” Duty Cadet hissed at him from the alleyway with a stern stare.

“Hello, this is Cadet Sithu Aung?”

“Hello, this is Saw Saw Saing. See you next Saturday around six p.m. at the corner of Maha Bandola and 21^st Street, bye.”

She did not even waited for his return answer and put the telephone down. Unladylike and not a nice thing to do he thought. For Sithu Aung, the call was neither here nor there. He was ecstatic all the same though.

He did smile and said, “Thank you Duty Cadet.”

“Don’t thank me you buffoon, thank your lucky stars that I’m in an accommodating mood.”

In his mind, he was actually cursing and saying watch out you louse, that was not the way to treat a fellow cadet, I’ll get you one of these days and disappeared in the direction of his cabin. Once on his bunk, he noticed only then that he was totally bushed, but sleep did not come by his way. Was the thought of holding Saw’s hand just a dream? He did not know at what time he drifted off to sleep. He was rudely wakened at 0500hours for the morning physical training (PT), and only then did he realize that he slept without putting down his mosquito net. If the Duty Officer knew, that was punishable with an hour of overtime work. After an hour of running round the football pitch and the usual exercises, breakfasted on fried rice with beans. He then cleaned his room spick and spam and got dressed according regulations for his weekly liberty pass at 0900hours.

The liberty pass inspection went well and he was off the gates by 0910hours. He rushed off for home without his usual cup of morning tea at the corner teashop. At home, he spent the day with his father and mother trying to win over their sympathy. By 1630hours, he took a long leisurely shower and combed his hair, picked a freshly pressed longyi and a nice sport shirt, and left his house at 1710hours for the rendezvous with Saw. Sithu was at the designated place by 1746hours and waited for Saw. He just wanted to be early so that he does not miss her. By 6.08 p.m. Saw showed up.

“Have you been waiting long?” Saw enquired.

She was a beautiful sight. Slim, long black hair curled to a bun at the back, fair, about five foot seven, smallish boobs, comfortable and carried herself well in her cotton htamein and short sleeve blouse.

“No, not long. You sure are a beautiful sight for sore eyes and worth every minute of waiting. Would you like to walk down the Maha Bandoola Street and browse at the stalls what might suit your fancy?” Sithu said.

“Sure, that’s a nice idea.” They walked slowly smiling and thinking what to eat.

At the top of 28^th Street Saw exclaimed, “ Oh! Fresh spring rolls haven’t had those for a longtime. Shall we?”

They sat down in front of the stall by stools and he ordered two each and a generous helping of chili sauce. The evening was just drawing in and the crowds were just beginning to build up in its coolness.

He said, “Thank you for coming. I mean no harm. Please also forgive me in advance for any inadequate etiquette, as this is my very first time that I’ve been out with a girl. I also know I write bad letters as my essays always receive poor grades and not afraid to admit very nervous.”

“Not to worry, you are doing fine. For your information, this is also my first time being out with a man. This is all new to me and I liked your letter too. I can see that it was from the heart and not superficial. Why do you think I came?”

Sithu was all smiles and the feeling and vibrations in his body felt so strange for him. In his heart, there were three merry-go-rounds, all spinning at the same time.  There were a million things he wanted to say and ask her. He was hungry for more of Saw. He wanted her more and more. Where does it end he wondered?

“Thank you for your kind words. I am just at the bottom of the ladder and hoping to climb the mountain of success. Furthermore, my parents are civil servants and I also aim to be one. I know for a fact that you and your family are all doctors, afraid we are no match for that.”

“Yes, we are all doctors, but the person is more important. My elder sister married a doctor also, but she married the man not the position. They are now in Mandalay and aim to settle down in Lashio, as all his family are there and they have a house too.”

They both turned back and made their way to 20^th Street where hot pot stall was very famous.  They managed to secure a small table on the platform and the waitress approached and asked, “Yes?”

Saw said, “Flat rice noodles with pork.”

Sihtu ordered, “ Fine rice noodles with pork also.”

The waitress took their orders and gave it to the cook in front of the hot stove for preparation. He was cooking four orders at the same time on four pressure burners with sweat pouring down from his face like rain. Maybe we will not need additional salt by the look of things he said to himself in the mind.

Saw Saw Saing insisted that they go Dutch.

They continued to see each other every weekend. Saturdays were spent sight seeing followed by a road side dinner and he would take her home by bus. Sundays were marketing in the mornings coupled with a visit to Shwe Dagon Pogoda and a late lunch at ‘Feel’, before taking her back and rushing in time for 1630hours deadline back at IMT. Sundays on the Shwe Dagon around noon were hot and not too many people there, quite understandably. They would find a quiet spot in the shade and wispier their never-ending tales. He also took a few snap sots of her with his brother’s instamatic camera, with her permission of course. When no one was looking, he would steal a kiss or two or three. It went no further though. Passing out was in the morning of late March. He did not secure any prizes, but was selected as one of the five cadets earmarked to join BFSL. Saw Saw Saing spent her Water Festival holidays at a retreat in Bago, meditating. Sithu Aung spent his on a back of a jeep visiting pandals and marquees, splashing water as this being his last free days before joining BFSL. His elder brother, Aung San Hla Aung passed his final year Civil Engineering examinations and was awarded a B.E. Civil degree and joined the Irrigation Department. He was posted promptly to Myitkyeenar in the north of Burma as an Assistant Engineer.  He was very pleased with himself.

By the first week of May, all five navigation cadets reported to the Marine Superintendent of BFSL. They were instructed to join m.v. Bassein, the training ship by 10^th May. They would spend a minimum period of a year there under the supervision of Commodore Master, Captain Myo Nyunt and his Chief Officer, U Aye Maung. They were given a sheet where all necessary uniforms, type of overalls and clothing’s were specified. All items such as peak cap badge, epaulettes, blues collar turnbacks, etc. etc. were kit out by the Marine and Engineering Office staff. The ship was scheduled for Europe to call at Avonmouth, London, Hamburg, Rotterdam and Antwerp. The round voyage was estimated to take more than two and a half months via Suez Canal, after which a trip to Japan, if lucky. Pay? Not worth wasting words on it.

Reporting at a stipulated morning on joining onboard m.v. Bassein, Captain Myo Nyunt gave his blessings, “The most senior cadet by passing out roster will be permitted to bunk in the Fourth Officer cabin, then the next two cadets to share the Pilot’s cabin on the bridge deck. The most junior two cadets to take up residence in the Cadets’ cabin, next to the Chief Officer’s day room. The cabins at all times are to be spotless so that you can even eat straight off from the deck. All daily works, registers and journals will be as per Chief Officer’s orders and instructions. Are they all well understood cadets?”

All stood at attention in front of the Captain’s day room and replied together in one voice, “Yes Sir.”

“Good, Chief Officer, they are all yours. Carry on.” And the Captain retired back to his day room.

The next lecture was by the Chief Officer, “For the time being, the most senior cadet will assist my day work with me. The next two will assist the Second Officer on his cargo watch, and the most junior two cadets to assist the Third Officer on his. Fully uniformed at all times. You all are to start tomorrow at 0800hours sharp. For today till 1800hours, store your gears in your respective cabins and find your way around the ship. Write your daily journals in English and no copying or cheating either. Senior cadet to collect and place the duly entered journals on my work desk daily at 0800hours sharp. You all heard what the Captain just said, start cracking and now get out of my face.” 

The cadets did not know where to turn. All five ran in different directions as long as they were far away as possible from the Chief Officer and the Captain.   Confusion in the brewing he presumed.

The welcoming speeches by the Captain and Chief Officer were over and not at all heart warming. We were not overjoyed and nearly broke down in tears. We all did not look forward to our year onboard. Suppose this must be the beginning of the practical learning curve. Luck would have it that I being the second most junior cadet, had to share the cabin by the Chief Officer Day room. I shall have to bear it for a year, at least.

The only bright spot onboard was Saw’s photographs, which I kept in a small photo album beside my pillow in the bunk below. All cleared every morning into my side locker neatly without fail, otherwise if seen by the Chief Officer can mean overtime added to my account, which started running with a credit balance.

During my off days, I journeyed to MC1 to be beside Saw during lunch breaks and accompany her back home at the end of her daily time-table. This was most enjoyable and looked forward to. I gave Saw all my mailing addresses at each port and likely eta/ets (estimate time of arrival/estimate time of sailing) so that she can judge which port to airmail. With that, my onboard cadetship started in earnest. I wrote to her on aerogramme with a fine tip ball pen and with smallest alphabets I could muster. This way, I could squeeze all to be said within the space allocated. Besides, the standard aerogramme blue format was much speedier to reach its destination. I shared my knowledge with Saw also. Our ship never berthed more than two weeks in Rangoon, meaning only a week liberty. How time flies.

On my return from my first overseas trip, I bought 12 red Apples, a packet of sliced Kraft cheese and 2 large bars of Cadbury milk chocolates for her parents and the same for mine. I gave Saw two, small stuffed camels made of real camel leather which I exchanged with a carton of English filter kings cigarettes at the Suez Canal. All this I bought with my pay and some cash presents from the Captain and Chief Officer. The Second and Third Officer could not give any as they were in the same boat as them. Life was tough to say the least but never boring.

After my second trip returned from Japan, Saw told me, “My parents would like to invite you for a dinner.”

By the sounds of things it must be another inquisition, this time by Saw's parents. Come what may, will not turn down a good dinner. He just hoped that the meal would be sumptuous. The dinner must be a prelude to what?

I replied, ”Next Saturday will be fine.”

Come next Saturday, I was having a dinner at Saw’s place together with her father and mother. There were quite a few dishes on the table and all tasted superb. After the meal her father asked, “How do you find the food?”

“I like it a lot. Nice cooking and I am sure that I shall grow fat around the waste with eating it daily.”

Saw interrupted and said, “I cooked everything.”

Shitu gave a smile in return.

While enjoying a cup of black coffee, her father shot a question at him, “Sithu, do tell me your aspirations in life?”

“Well Sir, I want to pass my Master’s License examination, that is about in 7/8 years time and maybe secure a couple of years command and move back ashore to work as a superintendent for our national shipping line or be a pilot in Rangoon or anyplace that may suit my fancy.”

Her father continued, “ What happens in between?”

Sithu replied, “ Pass my Second Officer License examinations in about a year, and should I succeed, I aim to let my parents request to you for Saw’s hand in marriage to me.”

All seated at the dinner table smiled.

After some more small talks and a few jokes, Sithu bid his salutations and with a full belly made his exit around 2100hours. Saw accompanied him to the gate. Under a cloudless sky with the stars as witness, she gave him a strong full kiss on the lips.

Sithu questioned, “I like it, but what was that for?”

“For standing tall and spoken like a true responsible gentleman. There’s much more to be given. All good things come to who waits. In good time my love.” That said, Saw closed the gate and turned back for her house. He made haste to the bus stop on Dhammazedi Road.

Sithu and Saw are both Chinthes being of Tuesday born, and intends to guard both their households in safety against all ill winds. Intended, as still too young and junior to cause any waves.

Modern Myanmar Maiden

Thin Thin is a young modern Myanmar maiden. A wee bit fashionable with her hair dyed Brownish Black, not totally Brunette. Her hair is cut short with a touch of punk, at times seems as though a bit unkept. Actually, she paid a lot of money and spent long hours sitting in the saloon to achieve this look. In her line of thinking, it was money well spent. She also wanted her nose pierced but refrained from doing so, as it might discriminate herself when applying for a job. She also dons on more slacks, jeans and dresses short and long, compared to htameins. She is good looking, with a figure to match, fair, out spoken and a personality second to none. On graduation with an Arts Degree reading Philosophy, she applied for a passport and flew to Singapore to enrich her empty coffer and brush up on her English at the same time. She knew that there were not much openings back home with her qualification. Thus her new found bravery to venture out all alone to seek for greener pastures. Thin Thin just turned 20 when she left home to stay with her three friends, who left 3 years ago to become student nurses. Home in Singapore was a rented three rooms HDB apartment, level four in Clementi Avenue 3, block 448 near the market, 10 minutes brisk walking to the MRT station.

Thin Thin enquired with her friends, checked in the Strait Times, Classified Section and Today’s daily newspapers for available positions that might suit her. After a week, she was already scraping her empty coffer again and she owed a few hundred dollars to her friends, and also did some walk in interviews as well. The best she could muster was a sales girl position at Robinson Department Store in Raffles City. The job was five days week shift job, but at least it paid her bills. She was assigned to a Cosmetic Counter as a temporary under a Malay girl, her supervisor. She enjoys the position as she was allowed to use many well-known brands of makeup and be their real life advertisement.  Thin Thin looked at herself many a time at mirrors by the cosmetic counter. Should that were not enough, she would view herself by the nearby sparkling glass counters. If she really needed more, she venture into the ladies wears section and takes a long deep inspection of her body in the full- length mirror. There was no end to passing comments of her own, in her mind. Face looks okay but needed to attend to her eyebrows. Her nose does not look flat or too pointed. Lips were full and maybe she ought to change the colour of her lipstick. Boobs may not be up to par but important thing it was not sacking and in full bloom. Not a blemish on her skin, which satisfied her. Arms were firm and her stomach was flat. Her legs were not fat, thin or flabby, and it was soft and shapely with not a hair sticking out.  She takes every opportunity to view herself, at times she makes a private joke saying ‘ mirror, mirror on the wall, I’m the prettiest of them all ’ in her thoughts. She liked that and squeezes out a slight smile, not too plain for all to see.

Days passed and at least she can now sleep nights. All four girls slept with a slim mattress on the floor side by side, similarly to a dormitory hall. They share all costs equally, including food, household, gas, PUB (Public Utility Board) bills, and any other common expenditure. The girls kept a list for all to follow. Cleaning, cooking, washing up and keeping the toilet in a sanitary condition, for all to do was according to the roster of the week, pinned outside the bathroom below the light switch. Each time Thin Thin showers, she check that her figure was prim and proper and not an ounce of extra fat in the wrong places. She knows that she has got a decent body and she aims to maintain it this way. This was her selling point. No compromise on this count.

After two months, her S Pass has been approved and she got the hang of things at Robinson. There was still a small outstanding amount, which she intends to finalize it in her third month. After that, money was all hers. The expenses at her digs, was minimal with most free time spent in their HDB (Housing Department Board) apartment.  Washing of clothes was done altogether in the landlord’s supplied washing machine if the load was acceptable, however ironing were done by themselves at their convenience. They had a lot of visitors sometime they would have a cook out during weekends. Most of the visitors were single young men, doing their part of sizing the availability market. They were a mixed lot, students, sailors, construction workers, programmers etc etc. Somehow they did not click for Thin Thin, they seem to her as shopping for a wife with love as a side dish. She did laugh and have a nice time with them, but that was it, no further did she go.

At work, she noticed a young lady would venture into the department store around lunchtime and browse through the cosmetics and lady wears during weekdays. This young lady was a regular supporter as far as she could make out. Maybe she was killing time during her lunch breaks, as she was not holding any packets or shopping bags. After about a month, the young lady in question approached to her directly and posed a question.

“ Please do not think I am impertinent, I think you are very beautiful and wondering whether you would like to share your evenings with me. I can sure give you a good time that you will not regret or forget.”

Thin Thin was shocked but she was taught to be cordial with the customers and thus replied with a smile, “ Why thank you ma’am for your kind offer, but regretfully it’s not my style. Why don’t you try some other girl?”

She was clearly shaken though. 

The young lady smiled back in return and walked slowly to the direction of the main entrance. Thin Thin cannot help but force a smile. It takes all sorts to make this world go round. This experience was not something she would like to share with her colleagues in the store or friends back at the apartment. It did give her a fright though, she said to herself that she was attracting the wrong gender and wondered whether it was the way she carried herself. She was not hard up for a partner, male or female, she was in Singapore to find her pot of gold and nothing more. She took another good look of herself in the mirror, on top of her cosmetic show case and criticized herself. She found that her features were not radiating similar to the ladies on Geylang Road and wondered why in the heck the young lady approached her. There was nothing she could do, but console to herself, and let the incident pass as it comes with the territory she presumed. When her relieving girl came, she again viewed herself in the changing room face mirror. Yes to be sure, there was no lustfulness callings or encouragements on her feature, but she was just pure and plain beautiful. Some passer by made a comment whether she was still not satisfied looking at herself in the mirror.

She just made a disgruntled loud remark, “I’m just looking whether I am in need of a haircut or not."



This reminded her to check out the saloon near the market beside her HDB Building.  Maysi said cutting hair was S$15/- only, she will size them up and see whether the barber knows how to cut the in crowd style she wanted. No use wasting good money if the lady was not up to it, cheap or otherwise.

On the MRT train during her way back to Clementi Station, her stomach was hinting sounds and then realized only that she was famished. That also reminded her that it was her turn at the stove. Fish to be cooked, and not fresh water at that. She was still thinking how to suppress the fishy smell and whether to add carrots and ladyfingers, to make the curry more interesting. Adding some tamarind might be the answer. Cooking was not one of her favorite chores but she does cook a mean dish or curry.  No dispute on that. Actually, when one was hungry, everything tastes good, come what may.

The department store was running back to normal. Thin Thin did not spot that young lady again, at least during her shift that is. She tries to eat the cheapest item on the canteen menu saving money was her main agenda. One day, a young man approached to her, she had seen him before but does not know from which department. She did not check further, not to be seen as much interested in him, which she clearly was.

He said, “ Hi, I’m Kelvin from the mans’ wear. May I offer you a cold drink from the food court?”

With an uninterested aloft face she replied, “Okay, on some days perhaps.”

That started the ball rolling. He said that he is from The Philippines, and studying Civil Engineering at the (NUS) National University of Singapore. Two years completed and now taking a year sabbatical to save enough money to continue study at UCLA (University of California Los Angles) in The United States. As his family is from the slums of Manila, this was the only way of obtaining the capital he required. His statement impressed her as he showed no false pretenses and since he was also not bad looking, neat and presentable, she said to herself that he was worth further assessment.

Off and on she let him buy a few meals and after about eight weeks elapsed, while enjoying a small snack at the staff canteen, Kelvin posed a question, “ Thin, I know a great place where they serve a mean chili crabs at Clarke Quay, will you please join me next Saturday evening?”

Thin replied with a not too eager expression, “ Okay Kelvin, just to make you happy, see you at six in the evening outside Clarke Quay MRT Station next Saturday.”

That said, they both attended back to their respective positions to serve the customers. She as usual took another glance into the mirror on top of the cosmetic showcase. Her lips were fine, so was her mascara and makeup. While walking up and down by her cosmetic stand, she spared a thought about Kelvin. She does not know him well enough but she was willing to share her free time to assess him further. One can never judge a book by its cover. How much she should read, depended on him.  Saturday evening came and they met outside Clarke Quay MRT Station as rendezvoused. They first took an easy stroll into Diamaru Department Store and checked for bargains. Not found, they walked and proceeded back to Clarke Quay and sat by a table beside the Singapore River. The chili crab restaurant was packed, but since Kelvin made a reservation in advance, there was no hassle. The dinner was long and the chili crabs were great, so was the red wine, it complemented each other. There was no rain and the evening drifted in gently, the night was beautiful so was she.

Kelvin then had a question for her, “ There is a disco by the next lane called Starbright. How would you like to join me after a quiet dinner at Clarke Quay next Saturday, say seven?”  

Judging by his fine gentleman etiquette she had no hesitation. Filipinos are well known good dancers and as such replied, “ Okay Kelvin, at seven as usual. “  Than enjoys disco dancing and looked forward to the time next Saturday evening on the dance floor.

At the department store she did not see him as work takes precedence. Thus no time for idle minds either. Come Saturday, Than chose a shining and sparkling blouse and a black sequenced skirt with her best high heels. ‘You only live twice’ Ian Fleming wrote, but she believe only once therefore she was ready to dance the night away, maybe up till wee hours of the morning too. By that evening, she met Kelvin at the designated time and headed straight for a European dinner by the river. The beef was tender and rare, so was the red wine. He must have bought two bottles. By the time second bottle was drained, it was already around ten. They joked and laughed, leisurely joined the crowds, which started to pour into the Starbright Disco. Once inside, they both hit the dance floor under the revolving chipped glass dome. They must have danced to four continuous records before they sat down by the dimly lit tables lighted by a single candle on each. Kelvin ordered a bottle of red house wine and with a glass in their hands, sat and watched the dancers on the floor. She felt Kelvin hand on her shoulders reaching for her breasts. She thought it was an accident and brushed it aside. Later on, his hands went for her skirt, only then she knew the full intent of Kelvin. She was a wee bit tipsy but not drunk.

She got up and said, “Thank you” and stormed out of the club with guilt and anger boiling inside.

She heard him say, “Anytime girl” while still sitting on the dimly lit side chair.

She took a taxi waiting outside the club for her apartment in Clementi. She was furious with herself. She should have known. She should have checked him out at the department store. Now she understood why the Malay girl was giving her the mischievous mocking smile. She could not tell her friends and get a sympathetic shoulder to cry on. She just has to bite the bullet. One lesson well learnt the hard way, she asked for this, no two ways about it. Next Monday at the beginning of her shift, she tendered her resignation. She needed a change of scenery, a different environment, a new set of colleagues. She knew that she would be a laughing stock behind her back, let it be and no use crying over spilled milk. Than had served a total of eight months there. If not for the unfortunate incident, she has no intention of leaving.

The interview at Takashimaya Department Store went well. It was brisk, very professional and with eight months working experience at Robinson, the job was hers. Before the start of the new job, she had her hair trimmed in an Orchard Road saloon which set her back S$43/- to her original style without tinting. The cut was nothing to shout about but the expenses did hurt her, she felt the pinch. Beginning of next month, at eight in the morning, she reported for work. At the staff entrance while clocking in, she was duly informed to report to kitchenware in Basement two. The floor was large. Her duty was in glassware section. The job was similar to the regime at Robinson. Than chores were nothing out of the ordinary and needed no rocket science. Takashimaya Department Store is the largest department store on Orchard Road, and also in Singapore. This department store also supplied uniforms similar to Robinson, thus eases the taxing on ones clothes. Pay and overtime rate wise were similar. The S pass was in order within two months.  After a year of service there, she took a week off to journey back home and saw her parents. Time rolled on without much further incidents. Than was quite happy and content in kitchenware department. Some of her colleagues were much older than her and treated her as their niece, which was nice like working in a family environment.  

One day, a man walked in, age maybe five, six years older than her, was describing by the help of his hands the item he required. On her way to the payment counter, she knew that he was from the home country by his accent.

In Myanmar she offered her help, “ Can I be of some help to you? “

He was overjoyed and said, “ Yes, thank you. I would like to buy a French made juicer, Moulinex brand, if possible? “

“ That’s a strange request as there are much cheaper other reliable brands from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China to choose from.”

He countered, “ Thank you for your enlightenment. The people I work with are mostly French and one or two from Belgium and Holland. The French are very nationalistic, I would like to give them a present as they enjoy a real fruit juice, organic if they can. I work for Medecins San Frontieres (MSF), and they arranged my second trip here for my amputated left foot to be custom made and fitted with an artificial one at Mount Elizabeth Hospital here.”

After a few moments she brought a red Moulinex fruit juicer, his face lit up and was all smiles.

She said, “ Here you are, a bit more expensive being European made, is it what you are looking for? ”

“ That’s just fine, I’ll take it. Thank you very much. Look, it’s lunchtime, will you please join me for a meal in the Food Court I hate to eat alone. No funny business that I promise. Outside of the Supermarket checkout counters?”

Than being a sporting type replied, “ Okay, catch up with you in fifteen minutes. “

Thus they met and made their way into the Food Court. She chose Japanese, as less oil. She settled for saba fish set lunch, which he joined.

They set down among the crowds and she enquired in all earnest, “ Tell me about MSF? Tell me how you lost your left foot? Do tell me your predicament? ”

While waiting to be served he replied, “ Well, MSF in English stands for doctors without borders. I work for them. One day, outside the town of Myawaddy by the Moei River, I was walking beside a dirt track with a colleague when he stepped on an anti personnel mine. We do not know whether the rebels planted the mine as they have the China made anti personnel mine also. We were checking the track for the doctors to go into towns and villages to treat patients with HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The town is just inside Myanmar on the border with Thailand. My colleague died on the spot, I was lucky as I was wearing industrial boots, thus lost only my left foot well below the knee. Presume MSF felt that they were responsible, and attended to my wounds. They sent me to Singapore on their account for further treatment and transferred me also to work at their small office in Yangon. The physiotherapists and the people doing my left foot told me that the limp would be ever so slight and be as good as new. I will go there after lunch and again tomorrow for a final fit and fly back home the next day. That’s about it really.”

Than with a sad face said, “ You poor man and I can see that you hold no grudges against anybody, which demands stellar strength and you seem to have that. If it was me, I’ll make every living soul pay for my loss and make hell for all to witness.”

With that said, both tug into their lunches and washed it down with hot green tea. Then she made her way back to the kitchenware department and he made off to the Mount Elizabeth Hospital. Than was happy that she could be of some help to a fellow citizen, and to a person who did not dwell on his predicament, but picking up the pieces and choose to face life again. Than carried on working in Takashimaya and it suited her personality quite well. One day after being there for about a year and a half, she received a letter from her mother stating that her father suffered a stroke and he had diabetes also. She could not phone home, as the family does not own a house phone or a mobile. At the earliest, she rushed for the Peninsular Plaza level three Ye Yint store, where she remitted about S$1000/- to home through the back door channel. Then she wrote a resignation letter and settled all outstanding matters. She thence was on the next month flight back to Yangon. She has got an elder brother in the Mawchi Mines, Kayar State, about 40 km west to the Myanmar-Thai boarder, working as a Chemist, and for him to comeback was next to impossible. The access to transportation was somewhat questionable. She took it upon herself to be near her father and mother under the circumstances. Next month, she was back at home beside her parents. She did all the chores to keep the household going and relieving her mother of mundane matters. Seeing her mother showering her love, kindness, attention and doing all the dirty work for father with sincerity touched her deeply. Times like these, their undivided love for each other really shined and she was very pleased to witness that. At their age, sex was no more part of the equation and what she saw was deep love, pure and simple. Their love was beyond words and she understood now that love was more to giving than taking. Father labored all these years for his wife and family without a hint of the heavy load he was carrying. Now mother was giving all she could, if it meant surrendering her own life, she would undertake it, for father be back to his normal self. Than felt it in her heart and really understood the true meaning and value of love, which was total and undying.

She gave up work and concentrated on her father getting well. By about six months, he was able to walk with a stick and mother remained throughout beside him, no need to say what was required. Only then did she apply for work at the nearby Sein Gayhar Department Store opposite Hledan market, close to their house in Kyun Chan 2^nd Street, 5^th ward near the Hledan Railway Station. Sein Gayhar was only 12 minutes walk from her home. The interview was a walkover after working in Robinson and Takashiyama in Singapore. She was assigned to its supermarket on the ground floor. The pay was incomparable to what she was earning in Singapore. This was one sacrifice she had to make. As long as she was bringing money home, it was all well worth it.

One day while she was changing the prices on the tin products, she heard a voice.

“ Well now, are you not a wonderful sight for sore eyes. Who would have thought seeing you here in the flesh again? ”

She turned around. It was the man she met in Takashimaya about one and a half, two years ago. Now in his beige colour cotton pants and Hang Ten yellow tee shirt with not a hint of a limp.

She smiled and said, “ Hello, I see you are now doing fine. What brings you to our neck of the woods? "

“ I work not too far from here. My MSF Office is on the Pyi Road and I drop in here now and then to get a few things for my parents. I aim to get a few packets of Korean instant noodles to quench their in-between meals hunger. I am amazed with our strange fate. May I please offer you a dinner around here next Friday evening that is if you are free? What time can you make it? ”

Than looked pleased and replied,” That’s very thoughtful of you. Okay, six, outside the Sein Gayhar next Friday. See you then.”

That said, he walked to the next isle to get his instant noodles and she continued with her chores. She does not even know his name but extremely happy for him that he was coping with the ever demanding, life of ours today. That reminded her of a sick joke that went round the department store in Singapore. It was said that in the western culture, girls nowadays are seeking the five ‘C’s to consider for marriage. Meaning, to be considered a bridegroom, they are to have a car, cash, condominium, credit card and career. Such are the dilemma of our materialistic world today. She was sad to notice that it was not only in their cultures, but also in Myanmar such thinking was being adopted by some girls here also. A marriage of fair weather and convenience, if you like, they loved themselves most above all, quite simple. Not a mention or murmur about sharing love anymore. She said to herself that she might be modern in her thinking, the way she dresses, keeps her hair and being individualistic, and having views of her own, but when it comes to marriage, sharing love was still important to her and a strong believer in abstaining sex before marriage also. She said to herself that she still stands by the phase ‘ in health and in sickness, till death do us part. ’ Maybe no more their cup of tea, for the girls following that western materialistic culture, but there you are. Times they are a changing. Sad really.

Come Friday evening, he took her to an Indian restaurant serving only vegetable dishes and curries with one fixed price. Eat all you can, prices remained same. 

He started the conversation, “ Please do not think I am a cheapskate. I am not rich and cannot afford to take you to a high-end restaurant. By the way, my name is Myo Win, you can call me Ko Myo if you wish. It’s nice to see you again and what gives for you to be here? Or you rather not say? ”

While the waiter served rice and dhal curry onto their steel plate cum tray she said, “ Ko Myo no problem, take me to wherever you can afford, this is fine also. Hi, my name is Than Than and live on Kyun Chan 2^nd Street, near the Hledan Railway Station, just about 12 minutes walk from here. You may call me Than. I came back just over six months ago as my father suffered a stroke and mother was alone to help him in the house. I still left my CPF (Central Provident Fund) savings there just in case I decide to go back. Thus my reason for working in Sein Gayhar, near my home to ease the financial burdens. I am also happy to see your artificial foot is fine too.”   

While tucking into his rice mixed with dhal and vegetable curry, Ko Myo resorted, “ I’m sorry to hear about your father’s condition, so that’s why you are here. My father U Htay Win was a Sergeant Clerk at the War Office and about ten years ago, he built a wooden house on Thit Sar Street, off the Way Zayan Tar Road in South Okkalapa. I have only one elder brother, age 32, a Health Assistant, now stationed in Taunggyi, still single. I now live with my parents. My artificial left foot is fine, I don’t even think about it anymore, its second nature now. I do wear my longyi when I’m not working or at home since it is thin, roomy, airy and loose. Not too westernized, I’m afraid ”

They both laughed and tugged in, when bellies filled to the brim, he walked her to Hledan Railway Station and then took a bus ride back to South Okkalapa. Than liked him and they continued to see a lot of each other. By another six months, he was holding her hand. Than thought carefully about Ko Myo as once bitten twice shy. He’s an honest hard working guy, maybe five years older than her. He may not have the five ‘C’, but does love her immensely with a stable job. She criticized herself and found she also loves him and willing to share her old age with him similar to her mother and father. She does not know much about religion nor Myanmar classics but was willing to learn, he’s a stanch Buddhist and a lover of Myanmar classics. She was also willing to share with him to everything that she owns or to likely own in the future. 

One day while having their dinner by the road stall near Sein Gayhar off the  Hledan market, he posed a question, “ Would your mother and father mind, if my parents and myself make a call at your place next Sunday, say around ten in the morning?”

Than much surprised shot back, “ What ever for? "

While enjoying his hot pot Ko Myo replied coolly, “ To ask officially for your hand in marriage to me. "

Than sarcastically forced a smile and remarked back, “ While I shall not be too unhappy, I think my father and mother will also not be offended either. "

The hot pot was good.