CROSSING THE BOUNDARY

  The novel Raipali Bhanjyang by Sagar Khadka immerses readers in the life of a rural village in Lamjung, Nepal, a setting that is both picturesque and deeply symbolic of the characters' experiences. The village, nestled among terraced fields and rolling hills, is not merely a backdrop but a living, breathing entity that shapes and influences the lives of its inhabitants. Its rhythms, dictated by farming cycles and traditional festivals, provide a vivid depiction of rural Nepali life, where simplicity and hardship coexist. At the heart of the novel is the relationship between Buddhi and Kushum, childhood friends whose bond grows stronger as they mature. Their connection, forged in the innocence of youth, evolves into something profound and complex. As children, they share a world filled with laughter, dreams, and the unspoken promise of always being there for each other. However, as they grow older, the weight of societal expectations begins to press down on them. The friendship t...