The Awkward Giggler
When I was in school, I was an obedient and docile student. Those were the days of sharing back benches and crowding together with best friends over parathas and aam ka achaar. It wasn’t like the air-conditioned classrooms of today or the uber-classy schools with hardly a whisper in the halls. Teachers liked me and my close gang because we were always polite and well-mannered, often raising our hands with mostly correct answers.
But God forbid if something funny happened in class! My friends and I would burst into giggles, finding it difficult to hide our faces when the teacher turned back from the blackboard.
One memorable instance involved my impromptu mimicry of my English teacher, who walked into the classroom right behind me. I was left red-faced while she pretended not to have heard. This incident has stayed with me as a moment where things could have gone wrong, potentially souring our beautiful relationship.
With Age Comes Wisdom? Maybe Not!
Such incidents have followed me throughout life. Many situations that others find scary, I tend to find normal or even amusing. During our honeymoon in the hills, there was a man feeding a monkey, encouraging passersby to do the same for a nominal charge. He even let the monkey sit on people’s shoulders while being fed.
Yes, you guessed right! I wanted to do this. It seemed fun to me! I knew the monkey would sit quietly and eat the banana like a baby, trained as he was. My husband, however, was aghast. He has never been fond of animals. Petting a stray dog or sidestepping a sleeping cat is one thing, but monkeys are unpredictable creatures, he began. What if it scratches your face, pulls your hair, wraps around your neck…and so on. I don’t recall all the horrors he conjured. I think he was trying to protect his new bride, although he should’ve known that I was too independent to let that happen for long. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I agreed (one of the few instances I recall to this day) and fed the monkey with it perched on the trainer’s shoulder.
When Someone Falls in a Hilarious Manner – Do You Laugh and Then Help?
This opinion is controversial. When you see someone trip and fall in a funny way, do you laugh? Some do it internally. Some save the laughter for later, at home with chai and pakodas. Unfortunately, I’m not mature enough for these reactions. I can barely conceal my laughter. And if I see anyone else smiling? The dam breaks, and there’s no stopping me.
The same is true for being a grammar enthusiast. Incorrect words, grammar, and pronunciation set me off, and I correct them, no matter where or who. With age, a few disasters have been averted as I’ve learned to step out of the room or better attempt to stay quiet.
When my family or close ones ask me to keep quiet, I have a simple reason that I find extremely believable. I say that the day I fall, there will be others laughing. They won’t remember to be polite because I was a lady, so why should I give up my moments of laughter?
Life Is Short – Humor Is the Best Medicine
We were at an amusement park in Universal Studios with our three-year-old son. We were looking for tamer rides where he wouldn’t be scared. We found one that looked quite safe, and off we went. Imagine our shock when, as soon as the ride emerged outside, it zoomed up and turned into a huge roller coaster! I would’ve loved the ride if it weren’t for my child, whom I feared might get scared, cry, or throw up. I imagined various scenarios while holding him tightly. The car kept going through the loops, and I kept reassuring him, “Don’t worry, I’m here; there’s nothing to worry about.”
The ride ended, and my husband came running from the next seat. Together, we looked at our toddler, who had a huge grin, laughing and having the time of his life. He said, “Mama, can we do this again?”
Conclusion
Life is short—do the best you can and make every second count! Laugh your heart out; your lungs need oxygen, and your soul needs happiness!
By Manobina Nanda Ganguly
One Response
It’s a refreshing take on life’s ups and downs, filled with humor and inspiration. The positive perspective and relatable anecdotes made it a delightful read. Highly recommend it for anyone needing a boost of optimism!