BFF, close friends tags were used when I was in school. Time passes by but change remains constant. Some friends remain together while some part ways. However, childhood is the most important and beautiful time where knowingly or unknowingly we create memories which seems funny when we look back.

Recently, I posted a photo of my school friends of Class II in Facebook and got good response. The ones who were not connected got connected and to cherish the same moments we planned a re-union in which I could spend my time with old friends chatting about our old times remembering the time where some used to say fake ghost stories, eat while teacher taught and all fun, fun, fun days.

— Anonymous

Friends are one of the important factors of life. Everyone feels lonely without friends. I am in Class X and every school graduated adult knows the pain which I am bearing now. The feeling of losing friends before college life begins. Now I fear I won’t like to see myself without any friend in the future. Those amazing moments, events, places we travelled to et cetera are always in my memory. So if I get a chance to recreate memories I would like my Class X moments with friends to never end.

— Rahul Karki, Bafal, Kathmandu

It is said that friends are the family who you choose. Talking about recreating memory, I would like to relive the moments of a trip to Siliguri. I am a CA student and as a part of curriculum, CA students have to take part in IT training and orientation programme. For the same, our classmates decided to go to Siliguri. We spent two months there. It was an amazing experience. It was the longest time spent with my friends. We stayed in a lodge. It was fun eating together, bathing together and so many things. We celebrated Christmas and New Year and danced the whole night at a party organised by the lodge. It was the time when we got an opportunity to know each other well. Now some of those friends are successful, but I am not, so they are busy with their lives and don’t have much time. I feel sad sometimes and those who are closest to me are also growing far. I miss them so much and want to go back to the past.

— Manish Man Shrestha, Soalteemode

It was in the mid May of 2014, when we had a sudden plan to go rafting in the Bhote Koshi River, which was listed as one the most dangerous rivers of Nepal. We were 10 members and decided to stay overnight in one of our friend’s home. The hospitality was amazing and thus the night passed by. Early morning we started our vehicles and drove over Arniko Highway to Bhote Koshi River. It was an overwhelming adventure; we geared ourselves like soldiers going for war. We stayed at one my friend’s relative home, but there was another challenging moment staying there because the transformer exploded and burnt for which we had to stay in candle light. Fortunately it became interesting without lights; perhaps we shared our smiles, laughs, and funny moments of our life together and that’s how the night ended. It felt like bonding after ages and we’d never drift apart. The next morning we left the place and were back to normal routine.

— Saksham Shrestha, Chappalkarkhana, Kathmandu

As I passed Class IV, I moved to Chitwan with my parents where I got admission in the nearest boarding school. On the first day of school, I met a boy named Rajat. After sometime I came to know that he lived near my house. After school we moved together for home which was at a distance of 15 minutes walk. On the way we shared our personal details and about family. We arrived at his house and he purposed to play after eating. I agreed. Being the first day, there was no pressure of homework so we played cricket for three hours with other local friends. After that day we started to walk to school and return home together. We unknowingly became best friends. And then I spent that fabulous year with him, but I had to change my school so we were deprived of meeting each other. I usually used to meet him after school and share things about my new school. Suddenly we had to shift to a new place which made meeting with him difficult. After some years I migrated to Pokhara with my family after which we were out of touch. I grew up and Facebook and other social media came, I searched for him but didn’t find him anywhere. All those days spent with him are still fresh in my mind but I can’t still remember his surname. I will always be looking for him.

— Bibek Subedi, Kalanki, Kathmandu

Time passes yet memories remain. It’s obvious that with the passage of time, change is obvious. It is indeed a part of life. Many events or moments occur in the journey of life and memories with friends are truly close to heart. I recall a day with my friends when we had organised a volunteering programme in school. It was proceeded with the ethos of saving nature and its vital resources. We hoped to make our environment clean with strong advocacy. Undeniably, a little effort individually resulted in a huge achievement collectively to conserve our heavenly paradise — nature. It all began with the cleaning process continuing with plantation and so on. Today, the programme is still being practised with a hope to see ‘green and clean Nepal’. Had it not been our friendship, we would not have succeeded. Though we all friends are away now as life takes its course, we are united and shall remain united. Due to constraint of time, meeting each other is next to impossible, but success of the programme is a mark of our true friendship.

— Kajol Shah, Sanepa

In my life I have come across many friends and it is true that I have lost touch with many of them. Remembering close friends from school and college days invites memories of companionship, togetherness, sharing food and other resources, enjoying vocations together, hiking, biking and camping in the wilderness; and many such other sweet incidents of the past. Looking back reminds me of the loss of a dear friend to hepatitis and also about the fights and misunderstandings that I had with a few when I was young and immature. Some friends had very positive impact on my life and career. It provided me an opportunity to learn so much from others and help me grow considerably both physically and mentally. Friendship is that one great, invaluable lesson in life that formally shapes our inner character and possibly helps us in understanding what we truly represent to the world outside or what are the true inner constituents that build us step by step from the days of infancy into a mature adult with responsibilities. Overall the gift of friendship to me is a divine blessing without which I feel that my life would have never been complete.

— Saikat Kumar Basu, Lethbridge AB, Canada

People say high school is mostly about acquiring education to succeed. Well, to me, high school was also making memories and good times which lasts forever. My high school was the place where I met Supriya. Supriya is the one who I can proudly call my friend. Supu and I were inseparable. We spent two years together but after that she had to leave for the US to continue further studies. So, unwilling, we had to part ways and it was not easy. I miss her and those times we spent together. I could write endlessly about the years in high school that I spent with her. All those stupid and mischievous jokes, never ending gossip, and small fights we had are all just memories now. I still remember the first time I saw her with twinkling eyes, short hair, and a sweet smile. Her innocence, positivity, and respect for others were the things I treasured the most. The way she used to speak with a smile on her face used to make me realise that she was the best.

We eagerly used to wait for every class to end so we could leave for home. Classes used to end at 11:00 am, but most of the time we used to reach home late. We used to go to various restaurants to taste every new food item. We used to have panipuris, chaats, and also street foods. I feel true friendship is not about being inseparable; it’s despite being separate everything remaining the same.

— Sandhya Dangol, Bhainsepati, Lalitpur

My birthday is in November and on my last birthday my best friend surprised me with a cake in my classroom and I got lots of gifts. I was ecstatic and we were the best buddies but as time passed we rarely talked how we used to. My last year’s birthday was the most memorable day of my life. So, if I get a chance to recreate that memory this year, I wouldn’t think twice.

— Anonymous

Memories are a part of our lives. Some people live their whole life in the memory of their near and dear ones. I too believe that memories add flavours to our life. Even though our course of life has changed and we are busy in our life, those memories still strike our mind. Among different memories, I want to share the best memory I had with my friends.

I was in Class X and it was Teacher’s Day. My friends brought a music player from their home without asking permission from home. We all were dancing, and having fun. Some of the teachers too danced with us. But later when the Vice Principal heard the sound of music player, he came to our classroom, scolded us and took the music player. We all were very afraid and sad too. Even after apologising, he refused to return the music player. If I could, I would recreate this memory again so that I can again do such naughty things with my friends.

— Beena Shrestha

The unforgettable moments that everyone remembers in his/her life is childhood memories. The activities knowingly or unknowingly, will become long-lasting memory for life. The atmosphere creating within the small environment remains forever. Among the memories, the time spent with friends during childhood becomes childhood memory. The commitment of remaining together becomes rare as we catch the different path in the field of education and profession. Time and situation brings the change in the ambition of a person and we become busy. Even we cannot meet each other in an important function due to our schedule.

Though there are different memories with friends in different situations, I remember an event with a friend that happened in primary level who joined in my class only for few months because of his father’s job. I cannot remember his name. Once we were playing in school ground and because of his carelessness my hand got hurt and it started bleeding. Seeing my bloody hand, I got afraid so I started weeping. He made different attempts to cheer me up. I don’t remember what he said but he chanted mantras by taking my hand near his mouth to stop the blood. I felt it was working and I stopped weeping. Now I realise that he had made a fool of me. I usually remember this event when recalling childhood memory with friends.

— Asit Baral, Pokhara

Sushmita Timilshina used to be my best friend in our group since school, but unfortunately it’s been two years we have been apart because of some misunderstanding. She used to be very friendly and understanding, but when she got angry, she would be rude, which annoyed me. And her attitude made her lose friends and she stayed alone. I did everything for her — I fought and punched class captain and got discipline incharge’s punch when we were in high school. If I could go to the past, I’d definitely make everything okay.

— Robynsumi

If I get a chance to recreate one memory with friends I would go for a long drive, drink some wine, have an adventurous plan and taste some good food. Back in 2010, my friend who is in the British army called me at night asking where I was. I was surprised and asked who it was. When he introduced himself as Amar, I recognised him, so we planned to meet in the morning. In the morning I met and suddenly made plans to go to I Kavrepalanchowk, Namo Buddha, returned to Kathmandu and headed to Last Resort. But in the evening my car broke down, so we pushed it for about two-three kilometres. We had no place to stay so we slept on the river side without a blanket, mattress or a pillow. The next day we went to the Last Resort by taking a lift on the roof of a bus, we bungee jumped and returned to Kathmandu the next day. Then we went to Pokhara. This is the day I miss the most and would recreate given a chance.

— Anonymous

If I were given a chance to recreate one memory with my friends, it would be school days with Shreejana (Shichu) and Shobha (Pareli). Those innocent and naughty activities, happiness, crying, sharing and caring meant a lot to me. Memories of one and half decade back still makes me miss that immense love and joy. I believe they also feel something like that. No matter how far we are I am happy as both of them are enjoying their life. I miss you and love you both.

— Bhaktalaxmi Bhasima, Madhyapur Thimi, Pobu

Once inseparable friends who promise to keep in touch drift because all of we become busy with our own lives. But memories bring us together. Memories are like a time machine, that brings us close to our past and dear friends. If given a chance to recreate a memory with my friends, then I’d want all of us to have fun without anyone getting hurt or misunderstood; to go to a place where we can run free; play with water, pull each other’s legs, click dozens of photographs and laugh like maniacs.

— Alina Duwal

Making memories with friends is not a waste of time. It’s a lifetime moment that will turn into a treasure when old age comes. Everything changes with time. Time spent with friends is the treasure that is locked in the storehouse of our soul that keeps our hearts warm. I am now busy with my studies, so are my friends. We are away from each other and we rarely meet. Friendship means the memories last even if we are not in touch. I have many wonderful memories with my group of crazy friends from school. I really find it difficult to choose which is the most beautiful moment. If I was given a chance to recreate any moment with my friends, then it would be going swimming in the river, fishing, playing football and cricket match against our seniors.

— Bhuwan Magar

As a child I had a friend who I liked the most. His name was Bikash Barataula. We used to play different kinds of games such as hide and seek, football, cricket and so forth. That was a wonderful experience of my life. After completion of SLC I came to Kathmandu for further studies. Now, we are away from each other. We are still friends and in touch.

— Saroj Wagle, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu

If I were given a chance to recreate one memory of my friends, I would like to get to the time when my best friend Aleesa came to Nepal three years ago. She and I have been friends since Kindergarten. We were inseparable. She went to pursue her Bachelors degree in the US and lives there. When she came here, our gang of five felt complete, no more Skype conversations, everything felt lively, we danced till the wee hours, laughed like crazy and the talks never seemed to end. We felt as if we were reliving those good old school days. But sadly life had to take its normal course and we had to choose separate paths again. I guess this is life, cherishing the old memories and living the new ones. Change being an inevitable phenomena, we should accept it and move on with life.

— Sagina Maharjan, Purnachandi, Patan

It’s been more than seven years since we first met. Then we were juvenile, adventurous, and curious. Now we both have become practical. Things have changed, so have priorities, and perspectives and to some extent feelings too. In the never ending race towards our career, we have lost our innocence, naughtiness and time for ourselves. Today we are living for our life but not living our life; our life is lost somewhere.

I still miss those never ending funny chats, unnecessary discussions, unreasonable logics, roaming around in unknown roads and those moments which were entirely ours. Then we had nothing but still there was everything, more than enough to be satisfied and smile. Now we have everything but still something always seems to be incomplete.

— Suman Maharjan

I can vividly remember the moments I spent with my friends travelling to Chitwan. The laughter echoing in my ears and being high on a road trip is enough to brighten me up in the gloomiest of days. Five high school graduates singing on top of their voices masked over by the deafening sound of music. The thought of having a great time excited us throughout the journey.

Locked the car with the keys inside, searching for a mechanic to open the door. Having to watch your friend drive after his new car has just been roughed up by a mechanic — was priceless.

— Ankit Singh Bisht, Sinamangal, Kathmandu

Friendship is indeed a wonderful bond and the memories shared are ‘oh so very precious’ moments. I think they become more and more valuable as time passes by. As we grow old, our lifestyle changes, probably even the people we associate with might change but the memories remain the same.

And if I had a chance to recreate a memory of my friend, I would change that particular moment when I was in school. A friend got me into an uncomfortable situation. Instead of explaining to them politely and calmly that I didn’t want to be a part of it, I stormed out cursing. I didn’t even stop for a minute to think how my reaction would affect my friend, I was only thinking about myself. To this very day, I regret the insensitive way in which I acted. It was mean, rude and uncalled for. So if I have a second chance of recreating that moment into something we both will laugh at it now.

— Anonymous

The memories of a cherubic friend keeps me mesmerised whenever I plunge into the sweet memories of my childhood. One vivid image dates back to 2002 when I had just begun my schooling. As a keen child, I had an urge to know and this was when a dear friend of mine helped me unravel my mind. It was a beautiful bright sunny day with billowy clouds in the sky. I asked my friend, “How is it that clouds walk in the sky?” and he answered me very simply, “Oh silly! Our orb is round and it revolves and rotates continuously hence giving us an impression that the clouds are moving.” That moment left a huge impression in my mind and henceforth I decided to unveil the mysteries of this world. It indeed played a key role in shaping my future. This is one such memory which I will always cherish and can never be forgot.

— Yugant Khand, Kathmandu

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

There are times when no matter how hard you try you fail. How do you take failure? Do you ever think about the reason why that happens and work on it, or do you find something or someone to blame for the failure? Explain.

Send your replies in not more than 200 words by Friday, November 27 by 2:00 pm to Features, The Himalayan Times, e-mail: features@thehimalayantimes.com