The Cost of Friendship

Vivek and Paras were best friends and neighbors. Their families were very close because their fathers worked in the same office. Vivek was a kind and sensitive boy, but Paras was very naughty and restless. Vivek loved his friend so much that he was ready to do anything for him.

When they were younger, Paras accidentally hit a child with his bicycle. Vivek took the blame because he knew Paras’s father would be very angry and punish him. After this, Paras started thinking that he could do anything and Vivek would always save him.

One day, while going to the market, Paras crossed the road from the wrong side. Vivek tried to stop him, but Paras didn’t listen and hit a motorcycle. Paras got angry, threw a stone at the rider, and caused a head injury. Then, Paras ran away. Vivek kept quiet about this, and Paras became even more fearless in doing wrong things.

At school, a boy named Mahesh accidentally pushed Paras while playing. Paras wanted to take revenge. He told Vivek to call Mahesh to the back of the science lab. Vivek, who didn’t know what Paras was planning, told Mahesh that Paras wanted to meet him. Mahesh thought Paras wanted to apologize, so he went. But as soon as he arrived, Paras beat him until he fainted. Paras then sneaked back to the playground so everyone would think he was playing all along.

Mahesh was found and taken to the hospital in serious condition. Paras told Vivek, “You have always helped me, please save me today too.” Vivek stayed silent. When the Principal questioned them, Vivek tried to take the blame again. But the Principal checked the CCTV cameras. The footage showed Vivek calling Mahesh, but it also showed Paras beating him cruelly.

Finally, Paras had to admit his mistake. He was expelled from school, and his father had to pay for Mahesh’s medical bills. Vivek was also suspended for fifteen days for helping Paras hide the truth. Vivek finally realized that you should never support a friend when they are doing something wrong.

Anil Kumar Gupta “Anjum”