Dr. Buddhi Malla
During my childhood, my friends and I were full of energy and enthusiasm. We engaged in mischievous activities every day, with teasing each other becoming our daily ritual. Despite this, it was all in good fun, fostering a healthy form of entertainment that never caused harm. Our bond was strong, marked by a high level of commitment to supporting one another, resulting in countless unforgettable moments.
Occasionally, however, I found myself on the receiving end of playful deceptions from my friends. One memorable day, we formulated a plan to sneak into a relative’s garden and steal some mouthwatering mangoes hanging on the trees. We devised a strategy, with some friends keeping watch while I cautiously climbed the tree to gather the fruit. But as I plucked the mangoes, a cry rang out, “Mango stolen, Mango stolen!” In a panic, I jumped from the tree, landing awkwardly in front of a gathering of villagers who caught me red-handed.
Embarrassed and ashamed, I faced the consequences of my actions as the villagers warned me against stealing again. I was furious at the friend who had urged me to steal mangoes, yet they were nowhere to be found. If they had been present, I might have delivered a powerful blow to their face. Nonetheless, despite my anger towards my friends who had encouraged theft, I couldn’t help but reminisce about our shared adventures.
The following day, my naughty friends continued to tease me, their laughter eventually easing my frustration as we resumed our playful tricks. Our friendship thrived on such teasing, a constant source of enjoyment in our lives.
On another occasion, my friends praised my handwriting, likening it to that of a teacher. Impressed by their compliments, I agreed to imitate the teacher’s signature on their homework. However, when the teacher discovered the truth, I faced severe punishment, while my friends merely chuckled at the situation. Following this incident, my friends refrained from playing pranks on the teacher. They came to understand the importance of showing respect to our educators and leaders.
One day, after only an hour of sleep, I ventured out for a stroll in my village, I found that, villagers were erupting in laughter at me. Bewildered, I couldn’t understand the reason behind their entertainment. It wasn’t long before someone enlightened me: my face was decorated with black paint, and a makeshift tail had been affixed to my person. Fueled by outrage, I resolved to get revenge against my friends for their prank. This incident served as a stark reminder that while our kidding was meant in good spirits, there were boundaries that should never be breached.
Decorating our friends’ faces with ugly colors, affixing playful tails, crafting stomachs and beards on their faces, drawing complicated designs on the backs of their shirts or bodies, and teasing them without reason constituted the highlights of our mischief-making.
I vividly recall a particular incident when one of our friends had successfully passed an exam. However, before he could inform his parents of his achievement, some of us decided to play a prank on him. We falsely informed his parents that he had failed miserably. In response, his father reacted with anger and disappointment, delivering a harsh slap to his face. Witnessing his shattered expectations and the tears that followed, it became clear that our prank had caused unintended hurt and disappointment.
Despite the antics and occasional pranks, our friendship remained unwavering. We shared everything—food, clothes, money, and moments of joy and sorrow. Even in times of sickness, we stood by each other’s side, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and support.
These memories from childhood remain etched in my mind, a testament to the enduring bond of friendship. I cherish those moments of laughter and camaraderie, recognizing that amidst life’s challenges, the joy found in the company of true friends is unmatched. To my dearest friends, I express my gratitude for the unforgettable experiences we shared.
Finally, I urge everyone to engage in healthy pranks. While pranks can be enjoyable, they may also lead to negative outcomes, so it’s crucial to be mindful of our boundaries. If we choose to participate in pranks, we must be prepared to receive teasing in return. Additionally, it’s important to note that governments have issued guidelines regarding pranks, and some actions may even be illegal. Therefore, it’s essential to exercise caution.
(Author Dr. Malla is a Banker.)
