Sometimes I wonder—why does life seem like a constant struggle?

People say youth is supposed to be carefree. But nowadays, even at our age, we worry about the future—about marks, about college, about what comes next. Isn’t this the time to live freely?

I believe that life was given to us not to be trapped in stress or sadness, but to explore the truth within ourselves.

“What is that truth?” you might ask.

Well, think about it. No one wants to suffer, right? Yet, suffering finds its way into every part of life. When you're young, it's the fear of failure. In your middle years, it’s the pressure to earn fame, reputation and to succeed. And in old age, it’s worrying about the next generation. We fear for things beyond our control and so on.

But those who truly know, they say happiness isn’t something to find outside. It’s already within us. We just get distracted—chasing money, fame, approval. I’m not saying you shouldn’t want material things. If you’re wealthy, it can make life easier. But there’s a big difference between being rich and being truly wealthy.

The one who turns inward knows what it means to be happy, to be free.

...Of course, earlier I gave you that deep quote:
“The real happiness? It comes when the school bell rings and you feel free.”
Haha. Guess I haven’t changed much.

After the whole “horse incident,” we started packing up our tent. We wanted to get one last view from the top of the hill before heading back. The clouds had cleared a little, but just as we began walking, the weather turned again—fast. A sudden mountain rainstorm hit us midway, drenching us to the bone.

But hey, we love the rain. Who doesn’t?

There’s something magical about the way the hills come alive when it rains—like nature takes a deep breath and smiles. We ran downhill, laughing like maniacs, slipping and sliding through the mud.

Until... I slipped hard and twisted my ankle.

Riku: “Watch where you’re stepping! At this rate, we’ll reach the bottom in under a minute!”
(laughs) “Want me to carry you?”

Me: “No thanks! I’m strong enough.”
(Even though my ankle was killing me. But hey, we’re all muscleheads, right? Pain’s just part of the game.)

Kai: picks me up slightly to check “Can you walk?”

Me: “Who do you think I am?”

They both smirked.

Riku & Kai (together): “Okay, boss.”

By the time we reached our village—just past 8:45 in the morning—the rain had calmed to a soft drizzle. We all went home to dry off, eat, and rest.

At my place, while I was trying to warm up on the wooden balcony (our house is built in beautiful Kath-Kuni style), my grandma spotted my swollen foot.

She grabbed my ear.

Me: “Ouch! Grandma! What are you doing?!”

Grandma: “Where did you hurt yourself, Piyu?”

Me: “It’s nothing, just a small slip...”

She applied some homemade herbal paste that smelled like a mix of mint, mustard, and magic. Maybe it was the food I ate, or the herbal oil, or both—but I passed out into the deepest sleep of my life, right there on the charpai.

Next thing I know…

Riku: “Wake up! Wake up, sleepyhead!”

He was yelling and banging on my balcony.

I opened one eye. The sun was shining directly onto my face, but the balcony roof gave some shade. Kai sat nearby with a volleyball.

And then—BOOM—Riku threw the ball straight at my face.

My face turned red.

Me: “You’re dead, kid!”

I launched myself after them with a football in hand, and soon, we were running, laughing, and kicking football all around the courtyard like, laughing like there was no tomorrow.

That entire day felt like a gift. It washed away every worry, every strange thought we’d been having.

Until…

Monday morning came.

We strolled into school like carefree birds. But I felt something.

Me: “Hey, guys… don’t you think something feels off today?”

Riku: “Yeah. But what is it?”

We entered the classroom—and bam.

Exam.

Kai, being Kai, sat at his desk like nothing had happened.

Riku and I? We looked at each other like doomed soldiers walking into battle.

Luckily, it was just a class test—not finals. Still, you can imagine the result…

As the great saint once said:

“Why do you worry? Don’t worry. Don’t overthink. The Devi has already made a plan for you—and it is always the best.”