A True Friend

Laxmi Upreti

Happier than on other days, Ramesh dressed himself in new clothes and reached Ajay’s home. It was neither Dashain or Tihar, nor anyone’s birthday. Ajay grew impatient with curiosity.
Ramesh’s father was an ordinary teacher at a school, but Ajay’s father was a senior officer in a government office. Obviously therefore, Ajay’s father earned more than Ramesh’s. Yet, Ajay was not always lucky to get new clothes as Ramesh did. What to talk of playthings! They seldom came.
Ajay and Ramesh were friends. They played together and studied together ever since they were four years of age. Their homes too were quite near. So, as soon as the school was over, they rushed homeward, did their homework, took snacks and gathered at Ajay’s home to play.
Like on other days, Ramesh came to Ajay’s home one afternoon, after school But that day, Ajay did not have the moods to play with Ramesh. Ramesh called him out, but Ajay did not show any interest to meet him. Ramesh left some chocolate with Ajay’s mother, came out of the room, and waited by the side of the wall, nearby.
“Ramesh had come. He has left some chocolates for you,” said Ajay’s mother, giving the sweets.
Ajay stretched his hands without a word. Seeing the chocolates, he was really surprised.
In the meantime, Mother started praising Ramesh, “O, what a good boy Ramesh is! His parents must be very happy with him.”
Ajay was green with envy. He felt that his mother was belittling him. He took the chocolates in hand and started playing with the wrappers. Mother was busy in her own task in the kitchen.
Ajay said to Mother, “Mom, I need a new dress, like that of Ramesh. Please tell Daddy and buy me one.”
Mother did not listen. She neglected him. He roared again, “If you don’t listen to me, I will tell Daddy myself.”
“He will beat you! We would buy, if you had given us some happiness,” said Mother, sadly.
“Why won’t you buy it soon, Mom? If you won’t buy them, I am not eating anything tonight,” said Ajay, quite unhappy.
As Mother was quite busy in her own task, her son’s words made her angry. So, she charged a hard slap on his cheek and said, “Don’t eat if you don’t want to.”
Crying, Ajay ran into his room. Seeing his friend cry, Ramesh rushed to see him, still dressed in the same new attire.
Ramesh gave Ajay some more chocolates and said, “Why are you crying, Ajay?”
Ajay spoke not a word. He stood there with his head hung low.
“Mom bought me these chocolates to distribute to friends, and Dad brought this dress.”
“Why did they buy it all?” asked Ajay, still sobbing.
“Because, I always stand first in my exams. If we study well, parents fulfil all our wishes.”
Ajay looked curious. Ramesh continued, “Why don’t you start studying well too? See, you have not even been passing your examinations. If you do, your parents too will buy you whatever you say. Yesterday, I heard your mother cry with my mother. She was saying your study is not good. Come on; try to pass your exams. Your parents will love you as mine love me,” said Ramesh.
Ramesh’s words shook Ajay. He went running to his mother, caught the fringe of her sari, and said, “Mom! I will study well. I will be a good boy, and pass all my exams. If I do that, will you buy me a dress like Ramesh’s?”
Mother, who was busy in her task, wiped her tears with the fringe of her sari, and said, “Child, if you study hard, there’s nothing we won’t do for you. We were worried, because you have always been failing.”
“I will work hard, Mom. I will first pass my exams. Only then, buy me a cloth.”
Ajay started working very hard in his study, and started passing out every year. Happy with his conduct, his parents started buying him beautiful things. Seeing him turn into a good boy like Ramesh, his parents were quite happy.
Because Ajay had a true friend like Ramesh, he could correct himself before getting spoilt.