Poonte said: " Disparity in luck ("Shanti" vs. you in this particular story) is a matter of fact in life that one would do better by accepting it with an endless degree of magnanimity, than take it in negative strides." *Applause* Very well said. That said,and this is addressed to the larger audience, I am a bit on the laissez fair side of the house when it comes to writing. This is John's story and it is interesting to see how he chose to tell it. It may or may not provide an insight into his thinking, since he hasn't said whether this is fact or fiction or what inspired the write-up, but it certainly does bring up some of the fault lines in Nepalese or any other immigrant society. By no means do I always agree with John or see the world the way he does. If I really had to opine on some of the subjects he has brought up, I would prolly be on the opposite end of him on many things.:) The reason I read and comment on his stories is not because I am expecting a Mark Twain or a Hemingway (or even the real John Galt) type of work as I know John has just started out (although I am sure with hard work he can do well in the field). I read him because he has a story to tell and is nice enough to share it and talented enough to do a decent job putting it together. I am not his English teacher and I will take his occasional grammatical slips (Yeeeesh, how many times do I slip on that account myself) anyday over some of the utter crap I see on Sajha every day. And he has done something many of us haven't : taken the time to put together his thoughts into a cohesive article. On that account, I have nothing but regards for him and his work. Just wanted to throw that out there. It is great to see so many people sound off with such diverse opinions. Have a good day. :)