At that very moment in our class, it was as if the sun, shining through the frog’s cup, had fallen right onto the heads of the warriors and bounced back. The inspector repeated his question, and without a second thought, I blurted out, “A bald head, sir!” The whole class burst into laughter. Our teacher’s face fell. The inspector clutched his stomach, wrapped his scarf around his head, and walked out of the classroom. The entire class fell silent.

Our teacher slumped into the chair the inspector had just vacated, leaned his elbows on the desk, buried his head in his hands, and groaned, “Parvateesam, you’ve ruined me! How did you come up with such wickedness at this hour? All these days I was proud, thinking you were a clever boy, and now you say something like this! My fate is sealed. I knew these were bad times for me.” His lament was so heartfelt that it nearly brought us all to tears.

Just then, the bell rang for lunch. Our teacher, still dejected, remained seated as we quietly slipped out of the room.

Thus, passing the time with games and songs, I made my way into the fourth form. School life was very pleasant. The teachers used to say I was clever in my studies as well. However, word somehow reached my father that, though I was bright, I was spending too much time socializing and neglecting my studies. There was truth in that—no denying it. For some reason, all the children had developed an inexplicable fondness and respect for me. Every year, whether in mischief or in merit, I would win prizes.

As soon as the exam results started coming in, I was always either first or second in class, regularly winning prizes. This earned me great respect among all the students. On one hand, the teachers’ affection for me grew, and on the other, my circle of friends expanded day by day. When I thought about the fondness and admiration they showed me, I must admit, a certain pride crept in. Along with that, a bit of arrogance, stubbornness, and carelessness—both towards people and my studies—began to take root in me. I cannot deny this fact. As a result, the teachers’ previous fondness for me diminished, and their irritation increased a little.

In the evenings, after school, when games and mischief weren’t enough, I took to exercising at a gym near the village—doing push-ups, lifting weights, and even started learning a bit of wrestling. Then, in the village, there were frequent gatherings: meetings, lectures, Harikathas, bhajans, and so on, all taking place after the lamps were lit in the evening. I would, without fail, attend all these events with my classmates, purely for the fun of it. Amidst all these activities, it’s only natural that my studies suffered a little—I must admit that too.

Meanwhile, marriage proposals began to arrive from various places. My mother was overjoyed. She was eager to see me married soon, and to