Original subtitles

Pema.

You're about to begin a new life.

A bride shouldn't be working.

I want to do this on my own.

Your husbands are very lucky.

You can do both men's and women's work.

No.

My only daughter will not be a servant.

Do some magic and make them work for you.

Drink your tea.

Be equally nice to all your husbands.

Hubby,

that's the principle.

But there's

always one

closest to your heart.

Pema,

a house only turns into a home

when everyone is happy together.

Father, trust me.

I'll make my new family happy.

Welcome!

Pema.

Now this belongs to you.

Good luck!

I wish my brother was here.

Completing his high school is important.

They're waiting.

Let them wait to see

their beautiful bride.

Pema,

your marriage to these brothers

is not just tradition, it's your karma.

- Got it? - Yes.

Tashi,

now your family is complete.

If your parents were alive, they would've been so happy.

- Isn't it? - Yes Rinpoche.

Karma.

If your brothers fail

in their duties as husbands,

you will be equally responsible.

Be a good boy.

Okay?

Welcome!

Your voice is beautiful.

Keep singing.

You still remember our love song?

Of course!

It's always...

in my heart.

Please sing.

You don't want it?

Please sing.

Pema,

I love you.

Careful, it's hot.

Eat the meat, I won't tell anyone.

- Here's some veggie soup. - Thank you.

Thank you.

No tea for me.

You drink.

Is it spicy?

No, it's delicious.

- Really? - Yes, thank you.

- Better than in the monastery? - Yes.

Delicious.

Very delicious.

- Try this. - No.

- One bite? - No!

- Sure? - Yes.

Did you like it?

Yes, it's very good. Want some?

You cook delicious food.

- Cheers! - Smart-ass.

One more?

Finally, this house feels lively.

Pema...

you brought happiness to our family.

Hey, smart-ass?

Cheers!

Karma?

Yes, good luck!

Come home more often.

Sure.

While I'm away on trade, take care of the house.

Okay.

When?

Once the official letter arrives from Lhasa.

Karma, time to go.

Good luck.

Long life.

Prosperity.

- Thank you. - Take care.

- Brother. - Yes.

You won it at the horse race?

Yes, it was my first prize.

Then don't overburden it.

Karma, you can take mine.

You know monks don't ride horses.

He doesn't know how to...

Karma,

a man should learn how to ride.

I'm not a kid, I'll walk.

I'll drop you off at the monastery.

Brother Karma.

Be a good boy.

Go safely.

Brother Karma!

Pull.

Pull harder.

I'm tired of doing this.

This is nothing.

More difficulties lie ahead of you.

This is your job.

No way.

I don't want to be a farmer.

- What do you want to be? - A pilot.

- What? - A Pilot.

- Come again? - A Pilot!

Pilot? Spell it.

P-A-I-L-A-T.

Perfect! Come here.

Go away, you daydreamer!

- Will you take me on your plane? - Sure.

We'll fly all over the world.

Slowly.

Ready for takeoff!

- India. - You smart-ass.

- China. - Stupid boy.

America.

Bye-bye!

This kid...

- Thirsty? - Yes.

Barley flour or potato?

Potato.

- Shall I peel it? - Yes.

Let me take a bite.

Don't be shy.

Look at the love birds!

Going to Pasang's or Samdup's house?

Samdup's.

Very nice!

Stay away from that woman.

Why?

Everyone says she has many lovers.

It's snack time!

Aunty, aren't you tired?

Yes.

Then get some rest.

Hungry?

Not really.

Why are you carving our names?

What is it for?

To take my family memories with me

on my long journey.

What about this one?

This one?

This is a symbol of our love.

- You like it? - Yes.

Tashi!

Ram Sir.

The postman left this at the school.

Finally!

Dawa has become a daydreamer.

Really?

He wants to be a pilot but can't spell it.

The letter from Lhasa is here!

Gather around!

"Respected leaders,

our communities have been trading for many years.

This year's trade has been allotted

for the first week of next month.

We've arranged salt, rice, wheat, butter, tea,

and other such items for trade.

As per our earlier agreement,

we expect from your community

wool, caterpillar fungus, yak tail,

and grains.

We hope you'll prepare accordingly.

Have a safe journey.

See you soon in Lhasa!"

When my mother was pregnant,

my father wanted a girl

and said he would name her Lhamo.

My mother said it'd be a boy and named him Tashi.

Then?

As he lost the bet,

in my name and to express love for my mother,

he carved a stone and placed it here.

What a romantic story!

If I get pregnant,

what would you name our child?

Something as beautiful as yours.

What's wrong?

Take me with you.

Pema, it's a matter of a few months.

Smile.

Tashi!

I want to go with you.

- Study hard. - Okay.

Good boy.

Tashi, hurry up!

Coming!

I'll come back soon.

Take care of yourself.

You have to be responsible now, okay?

Look after Pema.

Keep this for your protection.

I'll leave Dawa in your care.

Tashi!

Come back soon.

Ram Sir!

I'll get you a bride from Lhasa.

Let's go home.

Dawa, let's go to school.

Dawa.

What?

Eat and then do your homework.

Namkha.

Smart-ass!

Dawa!

Dawa!

Dawa's bride is here!

Namaste, Sir.

Hey, what's going on?

Come in!

Pema.

- Hello. - Good afternoon.

- How are you? - Good.

- Have a seat. - Okay.

Here.

- Anything urgent? - Yes.

I'm worried about Dawa's studies.

I see.

Dawa's studies...

This is for you.

Thanks.

That's so kind of you.

Dawa,

finish your homework.

I don't want to study.

I want to go trade like Tashi.

Didn't you want to be a pilot?

Then study harder.

Got it?

I don't want to go to school.

I don't like my teachers or friends.

Dawa.

Don't say such things.

Ram Sir is giving his precious time to teach you.

Pema...

Dawa,

Tashi and Pema dream

of making you a successful man.

Isn't that right?

Memorise this.

"As I feel the snowy river,

the ice melting away,

how I wish they'd touch you too.

As you take soft breaths, miles and miles away,

how I wish your smell would drift towards me,

as I breathe this cold mountain air.

Here the colourful birds have arrived.

Hovering above me,

how I wonder if they have a message from you.

Alas! The letter that

ends with your name

is never to arrive."

I didn't understand your poem, but it sounds beautiful.

Cheers!

Cheers!

Tasty.

Thank you.

Pema, what are you making?

A sweater.

For whom?

This is for my beloved,

Tashi.

So tasty.

It's really good.

Ram Sir?

Dawa!

What is this?

You peed again?

Go get water.

What happened last night?

Go get the horse.

Namkha.

Then...

a giant yak with big horns,

white as snow,

walks to

the entrance of my house.

After a while,

the door swings open.

The yak slowly walks towards me

and stares with compassionate eyes.

Then in my dream,

that yak enters my womb.

A golden light emanates from my body,

and I transform into Shambhala.

Shambhala.

That's my reincarnation's wish land.

Now you will fulfil my long-awaited wish.

Pema.

You are with child.

Tashi...

- Dawa? - Yes.

How long do I need to do this?

Only if it properly faces the stars

will your tongue boils heal.

Look.

That bright star seems like my mother.

The one near the Moon is my father.

They're sending you love from heaven.

Dawa,

see that cloud?

That one?

Doesn't the shape

look like Tashi's horse?

What will Tashi bring us?

Tashi will bring a lot of surprises.

Isn't that star twinkling like Karma's eyes?

That one?

No.

That one.

Really?

I think

it's twinkling like your eyes.

My mother used to say

that I kicked a lot in her belly.

Does your child kick too?

That's so cute!

Why do stars twinkle at night?

When we die,

we all become stars

and twinkle

to spread love and happiness on Earth.

So cool.

Pema, you shouldn't remain silent.

Let Tashi come.

Up to you.

Stop.

Stop fighting.

Why do you always fight?

Your nose is bleeding.

- You're fighting again? - It's his fault.

You punched me.

Dawa, stop it!

What's wrong with you?

Pema,

let him be, he's just a kid.

No, Ram Sir.

He's getting out of hand.

Go to your classroom.

Dawa.

Let's go home.

You never listen to me.

They keep talking about you.

Huh?

I'll tell Tashi everything.

What?

Dawa?

About you and Ram...

Dawa!

Tell Tashi about your wife's affair.

Motherfucker.

Hey, go away.

Here they come!

Welcome!

I spotted our yaks without Tashi.

Where's Tashi?

He wasn't with us after Nang-lha Pass.

Where did he go?

Nobody knows.

I told you to take care of Tashi.

Now I'm the man of this house.

Are you drunk?

Don't act smart. Pour me a drink.

Stop it.

Don't try to be like a mother.

You bitch.

You think Tashi will accept Ram's child?

Beating your husband?

Rot in hell.

Get out of my house.

Tashi came to me, crying.

I asked him:

"Why you are so upset?"

He said: "Pema is carrying Ram's child."

So he's ashamed to face society.

He then took off

from Nang-lha Pass.

I tried to stop him, he didn't listen.

Who told this nonsense to Tashi?

Pilgrims from another village,

but he didn't recognise them.

That's what he told me.

When was that?

About a month ago.

Pema, I'm sorry.

Tashi returned this to you.

Where exactly is Nang-lha Pass?

Close to the Tibet border.

Please take me there.

I'll give you my yaks.

Pema, I'm sorry.

We're going to Kathmandu

for her infertility checkup.

Pema, all men are the same,

but Tashi will come back.

The Amchi said to take that medicine.

Dawa,

take care of the yaks

and our home.

Be good at school.

I'll come back with Tashi.

I know you have done nothing wrong.

Neither has Tashi.

Then how could he leave you in such a condition?

I must tell Tashi the truth

and bring him back.

I won't let you

go on this journey

in such a condition.

If I do nothing, the villagers will say it's my fault.

Wait until your father returns from Dharamsala.

I don't want him to suffer because of me.

Pema,

stay with me for a while.

No.

I should go home.

Then how will you face society?

Mother...

Don't worry.

Dawa is there to support me.

Reincarnation is a phenomenon

that takes place

either by a person's voluntary choice

or by the strength of one's karma,

merit, and prayers.

The reincarnation has sole authority

over one's rebirth

and how

that reincarnation can be recognised.

It can't be forced

or manipulated by anyone.

On the auspicious occasion of a full moon,

with the blessings of your good karma,

may you continue to show compassion

towards sentient beings.

May you have a reincarnation

upon your wish.

May God bless you.

May Lord Buddha bless you.

You'll find more

than what you're searching for.

Karma?

Rinpoche...

I won't leave your side.

Don't worry.

I'll always be with you

in different forms.

I swore to take care of you.

That's why

you must take care of Pema and her child.

Rinpoche,

I don't want to bother him.

A true monk accepts the reality

and practicality of life.

He wouldn't shy away

from his family duties.

Sir,

did I ask you to come with me?

Missing your monastery?

Don't ask personal questions.

Pema.

Did you see Namkha?

What?

You tied him up yesterday.

I left him to graze.

You are so irresponsible.

Find my horse or go back to the monastery.

Good thing the poor horse ran away

or else he would suffer along with us.

Now it's your turn to suffer.

Namkha!

Madam, shall I carry that bag too?

First, go find my horse.

Look!

Hey!

Do you know anyone named Tashi?

There are many Tashis in our village.

Have you seen a grey horse?

We have many grey horses in our village.

He's a trader riding a brown horse.

Many traders pass by this route,

it's impossible to know all of them.

It's a bulky horse with a braided tail.

Namkha.

Hey, go away.

Don't touch my horse!

You thief!

It's mine.

I'll kill you.

She's stealing my horse in broad daylight.

Bitch.

Karma, it's my horse.

Oh!

You dirty monk.

Go to the monastery instead of mingling with her.

Leave Pema or I will...

Your horse destroyed my crops.

Pay me compensation.

Stupid.

How dare you...

Pay up!

Idiot.

Not enough.

Miser.

Get lost.

Why did you stop humming?

Because...

you stopped playing.

Let me start again.

Look what I found.

Dawa's name is carved on it.

Where did you find this?

Near Tse-Lha Pass.

This is Tashi's carving.

Did you see other stones with our names?

Shoot!

Hit the target!

You're not innocent!

You liar!

Shame on you!

What's going on?

I thought I saw Tashi.

You liar!

Leaving a letter to convince me?

Stupid girl!

Shame on you!

Mother, I didn't mean to shame you.

Couldn't you obey me and wait for your father?

Mother...

Mother-in-law.

Karma.

Why are you here?

Let's go home.

I must bring Tashi back and settle this issue.

Then I'll go with you.

Let Karma return to the monastery.

Why did you come all this way?

I'm here to take care of Pema.

I also must find Tashi.

Please sit.

You can rely on me.

Karma.

- Thank you. - It's okay.

Sit here.

Mother.

How are brother and father?

Your brother is doing well in Dharamsala.

Your father is alright.

Mother, I'm sorry.

My poor daughter,

you've suffered a lot.

Take care of yourself and the child.

Be careful on your journey.

Mother.

Everything will be alright.

Okay.

Are you okay?

Karma.

Now you should learn how to ride.

I still recall how Tashi came looking for shelter.

He found me sick and helpless and nursed me back to health.

Since then he always visits me

and worships me like his own mother.

How many months?

Five.

Is it Tashi's or Karma's child?

It's time for my prayers.

Such a cute couple.

Grandma?

Yes.

Are you sure Tashi will come

to the horse race festival?

Yes, he participates every year.

Come, come here.

Karma.

What will you ask when you meet Tashi?

You tell me.

I asked you first.

I'll ask

why he ran away from you.

You?

I'll ask why he trusted others

and not me.

You deserve better.

Good luck.

Long life.

Prosperity.

I hope to see you with Tashi

and the child before I die.

Take care of yourself.

Pema!

Let's go back home!

I'll stay with you!

I can't see you suffer like this.

Will you accept my child?

You better go back.

Forgive me...

I'm paying for my sins.

My daughter committed suicide because of me.

I should have stopped her

from taking the arrow test,

but the villagers...

Please forgive me.

How can we help?

I couldn't find a monk

to carry out the death ritual.

Karma.

Ride.

It's time.

Slowly, you have to learn everything.

The sweater is coming out well.

Do you want it?

Earlier, who did you prostrate for?

For Tashi?

Or for your child?

Don't ask personal questions.

I prostrated for that girl who died

to have a better rebirth.

While you were prostrating,

I was worried for your child.

You've never asked...

whose child it is.

It doesn't matter whose child it is.

Just the act of giving birth itself

is a miracle.

I've never seen a pregnant woman's belly.

Shall I play a tune for your child?

Karma,

who did you prostrate for?

For Rinpoche's good health.

Why are you so quiet?

I shouldn't have left Rinpoche.

Is that your biggest regret?

No.

When I was young

I wanted to be carefree like Tashi.

Rinpoche's disciplines felt like a burden.

So I wished he would die.

Now I'm scared

that while I'm away...

his health might take a downturn.

If that happens,

I'll never forgive myself.

What about you?

I have no regrets.

Except...

if I don't get to tell Tashi...

the truth.

Namkha,

let's go.

This flower...

will look beautiful in your hair.

No.

Let the flowers bloom.

I really like that sweater.

When you can't express your feelings,

you always compliment this sweater.

Creating this sweet melody with you

makes me feel free and happy.

I really enjoy being with you.

Our paths crossed for a reason.

What made you so wise?

Being with you.

See you in a few months.

Ram Sir?

Why are you here?

You've ruined Pema's life.

What else do you want?

Karma.

I'm returning to Kathmandu forever.

So I came to say goodbye.

Karma.

I'm sorry.

Rinpoche is no more.

Rinpoche...

Is it necessary to shave your head?

I want to wash away all my attachments

and liberate myself as a tribute to Rinpoche.

It's time

to resume your duties at the monastery.

No, I have to take care of you.

It was Rinpoche's order for me.

If you miss Rinpoche's sky burial,

you'll regret it your whole life.

Karma...

nothing is permanent.

I won't betray Tashi though.

Thanks for the photos.

Ram Sir,

will you do one last favour for me?

Before you leave,

will you drop Karma off at the monastery?

Please.

Thank you.

Karma,

don't worry.

As Rinpoche used to say,

he'll be with us in different forms.

Until I return,

please keep Dawa with you.

Okay.

Pema,

take care of yourself and the child.

It's all about one's fate.

We must follow our own paths.

Rinpoche.

Please,

bless Karma and guide him.

Namkha!

Nam... Namkha.

Tashi.

Pema

Love

Ram

Child

Heartbroken

Pain

Suffering

Shame

Hate

Dignity

Face-saving

Confrontation

Home

Pema.

I've always loved you

and nothing will change that.

Now tell me the truth.

So it's Ram's child?

Let's find a way out.

This child will show us the way.

Abort this child.

Even if it's mine.

Pema!

If you love me,

prove your innocence.

So we can be happy together.

Shambhala.

I'm deeply grateful for my very existence.

This journey of my life has awakened me.

It has brought me inner peace,

immense happiness,

and a profound sense of liberation.