-Dr. Buddhi Malla.
English poet George Herbert once remarked, “The best mirror is an old friend.” In this insightful quote, Herbert underscores the significance of true friendship. Unlike a mere physical reflection, an old friend mirrors not only our external appearance but also our innermost thoughts, emotions, and values. They offer candid feedback, empathy, and encouragement, aiding us in attaining a clearer self-perception. Through their perspective, we attain a deeper understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, and evolution over time. Old friends serve as poignant reminders of our identity, origins, and shared experiences, providing solace, direction, and confidence amidst life’s perpetual changes.
During our school days, I had some nearest and dearest friends who were consistently there for me when I needed them. One of the them was Bahadur and another is Bishnu. we reveled in the pleasures of our surroundings. Our birthplace nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Tanahun District, a rural haven where dense jungle spread out behind our homes and the Prithivi Highway stretched before us, verged by a winding river.
Growing up in this stunning locale blessed me with a unique blend of rural charm and modern conveniences, courtesy of our proximity to the highway. From savoring local foods cooked over wood fires to casting lines in the nearby river and venturing into the dense jungle for work or leisure, every day was filled with natural adventures and glimpses of contemporary life.
Among our colorful cast of characters, Bahadur, whose infectious humor and multifaceted talents, including singing and dancing, added spice to our experiences. On school holidays, we’d join forces for cattle grazing, often crossing paths with fellow villagers engaged in the same pursuit. These encounters unavoidably led to spirited Dohori Song contests, with Bahadur leading our team to victory time and again through clever satire and wit.
Our triumphs in Dohori became a cherished tradition, but one day, our celebrations took an unexpected turn. Following yet another win, we found ourselves cooling off in the Myagde River when a playful brawl escalated into a full-blown quarrel. What began as a one-on-one tussle soon evolved into a chaotic fight, reminiscent of scenes from a movie, with mud-slinging, water splashing, and frenzied pursuits along the riverbank.
Despite the chaos, luck favored us, and aside from minor scrapes, no one suffered a serious injury. The following day, under the mediation of our senior villagers, we extended the hand of friendship to our erstwhile adversaries and resumed our Dohori sessions, recognizing the creative outlet it provided for expressing our emotions and sharpening our creative skills.
In the midst of our camaraderie, a chance encounter on the river changed the course of fate. As most of our companions departed, I heard cries for help and rushed to aid a struggling swimmer from the opposing team, saving him from near-drowning. This act of heroism forged an unbreakable bond between us, leading to a newfound friendship with Raju and fostering connections with other villagers.
Our peaceful days were not without their share of conflicts, as evidenced by a confrontation between my friend Bishnu and the notorious troublemaker Shiva, who shamelessly robbed fish during a communal fishing daytrip. Bishnu, known for his strength and prowess, accepted Shiva’s challenge, resulting in a brief but intense fight that ended finally in Bishnu’s favor, earning him respect and discouraging further aggression from Shiva.
After a few years, Shiva faced numerous difficulties due to his troublesome behavior. Eventually, he was hated from the village because of his thieving habits. One day, he came to me seeking help to find a job. I spoke with Bishnu about the situation, suggesting that Shiva could work as a field worker in his fields. Coincidentally, Bishnu’s field worker has recently left the job, who had gone to India for work. Therefore, Bishnu agreed to give Shiva a chance as a field worker.
Shiva was immensely grateful to Bishnu for this opportunity. I could see tears welling up in his eyes, and we felt a sense of joy knowing that Shiva was on the path to becoming a better person. I have learned from Shiva’s life that life teaches us both good and bad lessons. If we are committed to change, we can change ourselves, and if we do good, we get good outcomes, and vice versa, i.e., as we sow, so shall we reap.
Reflecting on those formative years, I am filled with nostalgia for the simple joys and enduring bonds forged amidst the trials and triumphs of our school days. Though lacking in material comforts, each moment was cherished, serving as a testament to the resilience and camaraderie that defined our shared experience. Ah, the memories of my school days—truly unforgettable.
-Author Dr. Malla is a Banker.
