Look, dear reader!

Sometimes we find love by accident.

It can be someone near or far away.

But probably not as far away as this guy.

He found love by accident in the middle of the forest.

With beautiful flowers in the forest

Groups of people with scarves covering their mouths stomped through the vine-covered trees. The branches and leaves spread out, blocking the sunlight. All around was quiet, without the sound of animals screaming. Revealing the secret power of the forest which may hide danger in every patch of grass

As they reached the village where each hut was roughly tied with leaves, a bald-headed man with an amulet tattooed in the middle of his head He ordered his people to bring the spoils they had taken. Gather together in the middle of the village. It appeared that wealth and wealth were piling up high. The jewels in the utensils glowed dazzlingly. The bald man laughed.

The soldiers cheered loudly. Celebrate success Not knowing that disaster was creeping up around them.

Just a blink of an eye The arrow shot into the middle of the bald man's chest. Troops in armor and helmets Revealing itself in doorways and window panes The crossbow was fired like rain. The thieves and criminals scattered in different directions. Another group of soldiers then emerged from among the bushes surrounding the village. His hand gripped his musket and he roared. The thieves who were scurrying to escape were startled.

They all dropped their weapons and graciously allowed themselves to be captured.

When the situation eased The young soldier commander has a sharp face. So he ordered a count of the number of captives captured.

“Six dead, five injured, no one escaped, Sir Harn,” one soldier came to report.

“Where is Ai Yot?” Han looked up, revealing a high bridged nose. A pair of sharp eyes were searching. He looked at the captives who were being chained to rattan.

“I am the thief leader. The arrow must have already lost its power, please.” Then the soldier under his command walked towards the corpses that had been dragged and lined up. The top thief's bald body stood out in the distance. Eyes wide and expressionless His mouth was open as if he was not ready to die.

Han dropped to his knees beside the figure. Hands stroking closed eyelids

“Rest in peace. My friends...let's not hold grudges against each other.”

He closed his eyes and muttered a request for forgiveness from the teacher who ended up killing his fellow disciple. Images of memories arranged in stages. He and Ai Yot have played with each other's heads and glasses since they were little. Until they both committed themselves to government service. The relationship became distant. Han was the favorite of the governor.

With combat skills and eloquence to please Therefore he was appointed as the left hand of the bureau. while Yod still serves as a lieutenant Take care of a small army

When he saw his friends crawling together has become bigger than my face Yod became jealous of his rank, so he rebelled and gathered his troops to form a band of guerillas. Relying on military experience They robbed some villages at night. Han received an order to send troops to suppress. The two fought for a month. Until he was able to investigate and find the source of the hideout. and came up with a plan to subdue his former friend.

A soldier led a horse from the forest and returned it to Han. The governor's left hand hurriedly mounted the horse. He jerked the reins to control the military formation that was starting to take off. Forcibly remove the captives and transport the stolen goods back to the bureau. But when he had gone far from the village The sky, which was once clear, became completely dark. Han then changed plans.

Order all soldiers to quickly find shelter from the rain. But the faster you move, The sky became darker The dense clouds screeched with fire and crackling noises at every distance. The wind howled hard and his helmet nearly fell off. Tall trees leaning The branches and leaves flutter with the force of the wind.

Finally, the rain came down like rice baskets. The soldiers pressed the brims of their hats to block the water droplets that bounced onto their faces. Everyone walked through the storm in chaos.

scorching!!!

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck a large palm tree. The tops of fallen trees separated Han and the soldiers at the front. Han's horse was startled by the lightning, and it shook itself and ran wildly without direction. The soldiers in the rear saw the bad posture and shuffled their feet and ran after them. But their master had already disappeared into the darkness.

Both legs cling tightly to the saddle. Han pulled on the reins and spoke soothingly to the sound of the thunder and rain to calm his horse. Until the rain almost stops Gradually, his horse became calm and yielded to his control.

“Damn!”

When you look left and right I realized that I was lost in the middle of a deep forest. Han tried to stay calm. Make the horse turn back in the direction he thought he had come from. But every horse steps The ground became even wetter. Tall trees lined up close together, with almost no gaps. The vines spread long and flowing like the hair of a nymph. If you continue walking randomly, you may become a forest ghost.

The young soldier then drew his horse and changed direction. Find dry, open ground or trees suitable for scrubbing.

Until he caught sight of a small light out of the corner of his eye and jerked the reins to make the horse stop. He was puzzled as to where the light had come from. One thought about the Rangers' torch. Another thought was that it was a Krasue or a ghost. The veteran soldier stopped and observed for a moment. When the light is still bright without flickering Decided to take a chance Lead the horse to follow the light.

It turned out to be the light from the window of a wooden hut on high stilts. Thatched roof Located alone in the middle of a forest. Han saw a staircase under the house, but there was no entrance. So he protected his mouth and called people in the house. For a moment, the old man held a candle lantern. Lean your head out of the window. Showing off a messy beard Hua Khian Turban

“Who are you? Are you a person or a ghost?”

“I am a soldier from Hemburin City. Now we are lost in the forest. So I would like to stay and nap in your house for the night. Assuming that you do not wish to be a guest at this time. We will not disturb you.”

“Please wait a moment,” the old man left the window sill. before returning with the lit stick “If you were truly human. Then hold up this stick for us to see clearly.”

Han pulled his horse away. Dodge the sticks that are thrown down. He watched it smolder for a moment, then got off his horse, picked it up and raised it above his head.

“I am not a demon or a ghost. We are just lost soldiers. Please have mercy on us.”

The young soldier's request ended. The floor above the stairs was flipped open instead of a door. Han felt relieved as if heaven had pleased him. Quickly tie the horse to a tree near the hut. Then he undid the bag that hung beside the saddle. He carried it over his shoulder to meet the host who was smiling at him.

“Please sit and rest. Let us prepare the mosquito netting for you first.” A wrinkled finger pointed to the mat spread by the window.

“Thank you very much,” the governor's left hand bowed. He takes off his hat to reveal a sleek, Western hairstyle. Sat down on the mat at the old man's request. But when he began to search his surroundings, Found many contradictions.

Firstly, an old man who looked as old as a hundred-year-old man. Instead, he walked briskly as if he were a man with a broken heart. Another thing is the fire from a candle flame. At that point in the hut there were only three volumes. but can provide warmth to the inside of the chest Clothes that were soaked in water immediately dried completely, like warming themselves to a campfire.

Never mind, this old man had probably lived in the forest all along. It was no wonder that his body was full of strength. Moreover, the reason that clothes dry quickly is It's probably natural. The rain stopped a long time ago. Along with the body just being hit by the warmth Therefore, comfort is the result.

Dare to let go of those chaotic thoughts. Picked up the silver ivory necklace and looked at it. It was intricately carved with the pattern of a crab's claw. But...the young soldier completely forgot the face of the person who gave him the necklace, as if it had been smeared with ink. I only vaguely remember that it was the love of my life. And he couldn't live without it.

A dark shadow hung over his head. young man looking up A young woman appeared in a simple dress. She carried a tray with a cup of water and was awkwardly kneeling. But his body suddenly slipped and his head nearly fell. So he rushed in to help pick up the tray. It was then that their two eyes met by chance.

She was beautiful, with big, sparkling eyes. Hair tied in a bun Eyebrows are sharp and dark without any drawing. A nose as slender as dewdrops Red lips Even if the skin is somewhat dull Probably because of the sun and rain. But it's still clearly gentle.

“Uh… well… Father, I brought you some water…” The little girl picked up the goblet and handed it to her. Your cheeks started to turn red from touching a man for the first time. The young Manop smiled and replied. But the other party quickly pulled away. He scurried away and disappeared into the house. Garden with an old man walking out He looked after his daughter and chuckled.

“This is our daughter. Our house doesn't have many guests. Our children will be delighted to meet you.”

“Your daughter?” Han repeated.

“She is an only child. Her mother died of jungle fever. So we, father and son, lived alone in this forest.”

A small smile appeared on two wrinkled lips.

“Come, please, follow me. We have already taken care of our daughter and arranged a room for you.”

Han shook his head and followed him to the bedroom. Even though the room is quite cramped There was only a mat, a pillow, an old blanket, but the young man didn't mind. How good is it to have a mosquito net? He knew that this was a deep forest. Rice, fish, food and equipment are not easy to find.

A moment later, the old man invited him to join him for dinner. He accepted and followed and sat down on the mat just moments before. Now the host's daughter has already arranged the krathong and prepared the food. It is a food such as dried meat and vegetable curry. Even though it looks simple But when scooping Instead, he felt the sweetness and the aroma. Incredibly delicious

during dinner time The old man asked the young soldier how he was doing. Got lost in the middle of the forest The young soldier answered truthfully that he was a major. Received an order from the city governor to go into the forest to defeat rebel bandits. But on the way back There was a storm first. causing him to become separated from the troops

At that time, Han glanced at the little girl from time to time. It's not just because you're beautiful. Meanwhile, he felt familiar, as if he had met her in the past...somewhere...but he couldn't think of anything. When the father noticed the young soldier's behavior I wished my own daughter

“Oh my dear, now the water in your cup has run out. Quickly find water and replenish it for you!”

Then the old man turned back to him.

“Sorry, sir. Our children are forest and hill tribe people. I have not refined my manners to please your eyes.”

“Your daughter has behaved well. We are the ones who are disrespectful. Disturbing you arbitrarily.”

Buppa returns to sit in the group. She poured her father a cup of rainwater from a silver jug. Give me one more cup of courage. The coolness of the water washes away any tiredness. When they had finished eating together Han then asked to leave and go back to sleep. The old man then sent his daughter to take care of the guests as befits a good host.

The young soldier saw the young woman sitting outside the mosquito net with her eyes wide open and lifted up the mosquito net. Aean said gently:

“Mother Bang Orn, You take care of us more than we should.”

“My father has assigned me. I will be ready to serve you at all times.” The young woman averted her eyes, embarrassed that the other party called herself 'Bang-on'.

Han knows that being alone with one man and one woman It's not pretty according to city manners. But his heart...it doesn't want her to go anywhere.

“You have a kind heart like your father, Mother Busaba.”

“My name is Buppachao.”

“Buppa or Busaba? It is beautiful too, Mae Bang-on.” He sat face to face with the young woman. The mosquito net covered half of his body.

“Not true, bro. The flowers in the forest can't be compared to the flowers in the city. The younger one is an honest person. You can't remove makeup powder. His body was dirty and covered in mud. The body stinks of a buffalo. Not a lady in the city where Chaweewan shines. Your body smells of milk.”

“Why do you think like that?!” Han moved to sit next to him. The woman acted embarrassed. But the lips smiled softly “Found flowers in the forest. The simile is like finding a gem in a cave. It's said to be buried under the mud. Washing it off is still beautiful. If you cut it a little, it will shine. How different is it from the ore scraps that were remelted? It can only be deceived from the outside.

I have met many women in the city. They were beautiful just in appearance and trained in manners. But it's not sincere.”

Needing flattery, she flattered and asked the young man,

“So, do you think...are you a gem or a piece of mineral?” That teasing tone was very heart-warming.

“My younger sister is like a gem on the earth. You must sail across the oceans to find it. I'm glad that now...I've found that gem."

The village girl is angry. In all his life in the forest, he had never been as shy as this time.

Suddenly, the sky struck. The little girl shrieked. Unconsciously, he hugged the young man tightly. When he regained consciousness, his body was buried in his thick, muscular chest. She quickly pulled away. His face was soft and red, almost like a rose apple. The young man definitely didn't miss this opportunity. He leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“The pillow in the mosquito net was uncomfortable for my head. Please let me lie on your lap, Mae Bang Orn.”

The girl nodded but didn't say anything. She let herself slide into the mosquito net. His eyes watched the figure lying on his lap with his eyes closed. My heart is so weak that I can't stand it. So he secretly kissed the middle of the young man's forehead.

Dawn arrives with the sound of wild fowl crowing. The young soldier raised his hand to feel over his head and found himself lying on a pillow. So he stood up. Pick up a shirt and armor and put them on. Put everything in a bag. Mother Buppha suddenly opened the door and walked in, holding a bundle of banana leaves. Whispering that she had woken up and prepared this rice cake early in the morning.

May your heart accept it.

The young soldier received the rice packet with a wide smile. It is certain that last night was not a dream. The gemstone really exists. So he kissed goodbye on the left cheek. Then he left the house and went to the horse where he was bound. Now the old man was putting out a bucket of water for the horses to drink.

“Are you definitely leaving now?” The old man turned to greet him with a cheerful smile. His hand stroking the horse affectionately.

“Of course. We must hurry and find the people we have lost.” He breathed in deeply. Before asking frankly, “Those who are gracious to us...myself and Mother Buppa. They like each other a lot. If we will return to your daughter What do you think about reading it?”

“We have no objection.” The old man shook his head. “But have you considered it well? Our daughter is a forest and hill tribe person. Did not practice good manners We are afraid that she will dishonor you.”

“We thought it through. Manners can be practiced later. You don't have to worry.” The left hand of the governor firmly confirm

“As long as you don't mind. We are happy to give her away. We also don't want Mother Buppa to have to suffer with Father. Please do it as a ceremony. We don't need much.”

“Thank you very much,” the young man smiled wider. When you know that the other party is willing He bowed to his future father-in-law. Then he hung his bag on his horse and rode away.

When the vision is clear Han could clearly see that the hut was located on the edge of a small stream, which he assumed was the same river junction where the thieves' den was. So the young soldier took a chance. Walking the horse against the current It was as expected. He found the main river and found the bandit village again.

'Wait a minute... It's said that Buppha's mother's hut is based on the same stream as the thieves' den. And have the thieves never found that hut?'

Even though he thought about it, Han shook off the thought. Because a forest is a forest. Your hair may cover the mountain. The near path may deceive you into thinking it is far. Thieves may be passing by. Without knowing that there might be a hut there.

A veteran soldier began to take control from the village. Follow the horse until the scene of the accident. Then he traced the footprints in the mud until he found his soldiers sitting in a cave discussing with each other. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the prisoners were all still there.

“Honest man! We are discussing following you! How did you get there?” A lieutenant approached.

“I found an abandoned hut near a stream. So he used that hut as a place to sleep. When morning came, he went back up the river and back to the thieves' den. Then I followed the trail until I found you all.” He told a half-true, half-fictional story. before ordering him to pack his things and hurry on his way

All soldiers returned to the city safely. Defeating the Great Thieves without losing any soldiers It became big news and spread widely. creating fear among many other groups of thieves The city governor who was already favored and courageous was even more praised. Called his left hand to come meet at the Luk Khun pavilion.

When Han collapsed and prostrated himself The governor, who sat smiling on his throne, rewarded the young man with a large sum of taels, but Han refused.

“Since offering myself to serve the government I performed my duties honestly. Do not desire property as a reward It is not necessary for you to give the tael in return.” That was only part of the reason. But another part of him was afraid that other nobles would be jealous. Soon there will be chaos like in the case of him and Ai Yok again.

“So what do you want, title? Or his wife?” The governor of the broker frowned.

“I confirm the same. I do not desire fortune or honor. If you really want to repay me I would like to request a temporary leave of absence,” he said in a loud voice. Hide the worries in your heart.

“Never waste cooked rice on your behalf,” the city governor exclaimed. "About temporary leave of absence, I can grant it. It's a small matter."

Han secretly sighed, everything was going well. Soon he will be able to ask for his mother's blessing.

“And you…” The governor cut the young soldier out of his trance. “What are you going to do on leave from government service?”

‘Shit!’ The major soldier gulped. Even though the governor was a good ruler of the city Help maintain the country until it is prosperous. It doesn't mean that You will be flawless like a great man. Because you are a person with a lot of sexual desires. There are many Anuchayas in the palace. There were not many courtesans. It is not a good idea to bring Mother Buppa to see you. She might be marked.

But how? Han needs to tell the truth. Because the governor detests liars. If you tell a lie The measure is that he was caught. Even if it's a little thing May face severe criminal penalties.

“I...uh...will go ask a lady. She lives in the forest with her father…” At the end of his words, beads of sweat appeared on his face.

“Putho!” The city lord became even more angry. “You told me from the beginning that you wanted to propose to a woman, that's the end of the matter. I don't mind anything. If you want to take leave from government service to get married, do you really have no adult relatives?”

“Actually, please…” Han's face darkened.

“You may refer to my name without hesitation. Bring her to me to look at first. Then I will please be an adult.”

“Yes…” The soldier accepted and hurriedly walked out of the pavilion.

Han rode his horse into the forest alone. Except for another fine horse that he had taken as a dowry. When Mother Buppa was standing to dry her clothes at the edge of the hut. He noticed a young man driving his horse towards him. cried out his name excitedly She quickly went up the stairs to call her father. The old man rushed out of the house with a look of joy on his face.

Han hurriedly unloaded his things from the saddle. Kneel and hold a bowl and begin to pray. As well as asking for forgiveness from his father-in-law who had to take his daughter away from his arms.

When the ceremony is finished The man invited his fiancée to get on the horse. But the old man refused to go with him. because he did not desire a chaotic life in the city Moreover, he wants to take care of this hut forever. The groom had expected that his father-in-law would think like this according to the nature of an old man. So the horse was given to him to use. Before taking Buppa back to the city to meet the astrologer

To clearly determine the auspicious time of the wedding day But the astrologer looked at the little girl with worry. He gave a mysterious warning:

“If any disaster occurs You all must accept it.”

One night passed. Today the young fiancé must meet the city governor to see for himself. Han saw the bride and groom plucking their eyebrows and covering their faces for their mother to cover Orn until she was glorious. I hardly ate rice. Can't figure out what to do to get the lover out of the hands of his master? Until he took his fiancée to step out of the house. He saw his own servant carrying coal into the house, so he came up with a trick. He instructed the servant to take coals and grind them into powder.

Blossoms wonder Why did he apply charcoal powder to disfigure her face? But the groom refused to answer. Because I don't want her to worry about this. The plan looks smooth. Every time the fiancée walked past someone, they would often hear whispers like,

'The estate is high! How dare you choose such an ugly woman as your mate!'

When the two of them reached the door One soldier brought a bowl of water and handed it to the two. Said it was the governor's order. where newlyweds wash their faces to remove impurities to enhance good fortune Han realized that his plan was doomed. But he couldn't do anything except let his mother wash her face. And the gossipers' eyes widened. He looked and followed until the young woman disappeared through the door.

The teacup fell from the governor's hand. Mother Buppa is too beautiful for words to describe. Han was therefore kept outside. So that the governor could talk alone with the blossoms. The lieutenant general has informed the police. that the mother blossom may not survive If this is true, he will give up on the world. Be ordained in a robe Because my heart doesn't want to be hurt by love again.

But a miracle happened. A loud voice called out from inside. When he stepped through the door, The governor officially announced that The wedding ceremony between Father Han and Mother Buppha will be held with honor. And you will be kind enough to be an adult as you promised.

heard that Han also paid homage to him deeply in the heart's water. Unbeknownst to him, the city governor was looking at the flowers in fear. My body trembled every time she smiled.

The night of being sent to the dormitory is the fifteenth day of the full moon. The sound of crickets crying out to find a mate is like a gamelan playing a song. The moon shines through the wooden window. It shows a male and female couple sitting holding hands on a fine mattress.

“Mother Buppa...I have a story that I should have told you a long time ago.”

"What's the matter, brother?" The bride tilted her head suspiciously.

"I used to be in love, but..."

“But what?” That made Buppa even more suspicious.

“I am an unlucky person!” Han sighed. “I am orphaned by my parents. Fortunately, the astrologer supported me. I ask you to serve the king well. When he reached puberty Cupid shoots an arrow I fell in love with a woman from another city. Her face is very similar to her younger sister's.”

The groom glanced at the bride. But she sat and listened intently, eyes closed, without any resentment at the lover's mention of another woman.

“She has no mother. Because his mother passed away when he was young. His father was very jealous of her. Keeping away young men who follow the woo But he was very hospitable to me. So I got engaged to Mrs. Sompratana. But fate played a prank. There was an outbreak in the town where she lived. Many people died and she contracted the disease and showed severe symptoms.

I followed the doctor and the medicine was not cured. When he asked the astrologer He said that his luck was doomed.”

Han took out a silver ivory necklace from his bag.

“When she knew that her destiny was broken. She gave this necklace as a foreign gift. Ready to pray that this necklace will show a miracle when we meet. Which I know very well that miracles...probably don't come true...and on the night that she died Her father also left together. Because he was heartbroken that his daughter had fainted in front of him.”

The young manop sat still. Silence fell between the two. And then suddenly The silver necklace suddenly glowed unnaturally. It slipped from the groom's hand and floated around your neck. The blossom's eyes now glowed brightly. She announced that

“My name is Busaba, daughter of Mr. Thongsak. It's your former lover!” The words were gone. Blossom's body collapsed into the young man's arms. Then the blossoms became conscious. She locked eyes with the young man who was now her husband. lips showing a smile Tears streamed down both cheeks.

“I don't know what inspired it. But you remember your past life. I remember you from the moment I met you. I remember how I flirted with my younger sibling in a past life. So the younger sibling teased the younger sibling to flirt like that again. Little Lu is sure that I must remember you.”

“Actually, I remember you from the first time I met you.” Their foreheads touched. Young woman puts her soft hands touching a young man's face

“You've always been waiting for me. I firmly believe that I must follow my younger brother...”

“I am confident that this necklace will find its owner.”

Two lips kissed passionately. Then Buppa or Busaba completely became Han's property.

Their married life is running smoothly. Even though time and water flow day by day The ears of rice in the fields were ripe and withered many times. But Buppa still doesn't have a child to carry.

Until one day While the blossoms were raising the teacup table She suddenly felt a sharp pain all over her body, as if she had been struck by lightning. She collapsed on the floor, moaning. Tea cups fell and broke.

“What happened! My brother!” Han hurriedly rushed to wrap his arms around the young woman. He doesn't care even if his body gets cut by a piece of the cup.

“That tree...my father and I's hut...it's fallen down. You won't be in this world for long.” A slender hand touched the young soldier's face. It's soft and never changes. “I have to say goodbye. I wish you lots of happiness. If it wasn't karma that destined us to be separated In the next life, I hope that we will live in a house together until we are old.”

Then the flower's body disappeared. All that was left was a pile of clothes that she was wearing. The husband knelt. Mouth stunned, unable to say anything. His hand grabbed the pile of cloth and hugged it tightly. The tears of a brave man flowed almost endlessly. After a moment, a voice called out from outside the house. Han grits his teeth and endures the physical wounds he received and the emotional wounds he just lost to his lover.

Then he will come and open the door. His hand still hugged the pile of cloth.

“You probably know. What is the reason that I came here to do this?”

An astrologer appeared waiting in front of him. The owner of the house was upset. Invite you to come and sit on the teakwood platform.

“The flowers are nymphs,” said the astrologer. “She was not human from the beginning. That is why the governor to the point of being afraid of your wife.”

“Teacher, please...it is said that Mother Buppa is a non-human...then why was she able to pass through the city gate? which is endowed with sacred things to protect Moreover, I took her to the temple to make merit many times. But she didn't show any symptoms at all.” Han wiped away the tears, trying to hold them back.

“No force in the world is equal to the force of heavy karma. Even if the force is sacred Because you and Mae Buppa have different karmic bonds together before.”

“Then...what should I do? To escape from this karmic trap..."

“That matter should have been revealed to you by now.” Then the astrologer raised his head, looked around, and saw a Buddha image standing tall on the shelf.

A few years after that event Water from the silver bowl washed away the shaved hair that remained on his head. Han was ordained in the shade of Kasavapat. Keeping precepts in the temple for a year Before going on a hike into the forest When they reached the stream where Mae Buppha's hut used to be located. It was found that there were no signs of settlement. Except for two large tree stumps that were close together.

According to the circle of the year, there are visible marks of the ax cutting, although faint.

Phra Han looked at the two tree stumps for a moment. He stepped up and sat down there and meditated without drinking water or rice. Until the surrounding area became dense and cluttered. Seedlings sprang up from the ground in patches, and the branches and leaves on the ground changed color and dried up, almost becoming fertilizer. But strangely, no insects or animals approached.

From a week it turned into a month. Months turned into years. No one found Phra Han entering the city again. At first, people went out looking for each other. But when there is no trace, they have to break up. Some people rumored that he was bitten by a tiger. Some people say that he has found nirvana. So he left the way to the eternal world.

Decades later, Phra Han's body was surrounded by the trunks growing from two tree stumps. It is like a shield that protects the rough body from decaying with time.

The last image in Phra Han's vision was a field of wild jasmine flowers in full bloom. Spreading a pleasant smell throughout the area There is a large Bodhi tree located on a high hill. Under the shadow of a tree appeared Mother Buppa, sitting with her legs folded and still. She turned around and smiled. It's a smile that will be joyful forever.