Doreen had told her parents everything that Mangoshia had said to her and they in turn had informed Mr Peyala about his sons’ proposal to their daughter. Upon hearing this, the head teacher, Mr Peyala was angered.

In the morning, the father tied his son to a tree where he wept like a new born baby. When the mother saw this she untied him and told her husband never to do that again, but should have to treat him like a human being whenever he did wrong. At last the mother grabbed the bone of contention and advised her son to not behave in such a way again and he nodded.

“Why are you beating him in such a way? From deep down in my heart, I feel much pain when you are mistreating your own children. What kind of man are you? Roping our own son to the tree, as if he is a goat! If you had known the great pain I had when I was giving birth to that child, you would not have done that, it’s senseless!” Mangoshia’s mother said, crying.

“I’m really sorry my lovely wife,” Mr Peyala stammered, “I am tired of advising him, instead I have changed my advice into this punishment so that our child may change. Look, he is only 10 but already seeking somebody to share his social affairs with. The mother of a girl whom he was proposing forcefully told me everything. She is the same girl whom he had beaten at school. At first I was wondering but now I have answers as to why he had beaten her. So you mean I should have to put on a smile for such nonsense, not so? I blame myself for giving out a harsh punishment like this to him. I’m sorry…but I will continue punishing him until he changes.” Mr Peyala continued.

On the other sidem Doreen was getting a talking to.

“Every person in this universe was created not to live alone, but to exchange thoughts and ideas where necessary with the opposite sex. That’s why God created Adam and Eve, he did that with an aim. It’s all about love sharing. Who on this earth can share love for him or herself? The answer is no one. There should be somebody to share with. Do you think Mangoshia can date himself? As a human being you should do something special for him. Start loving him. He is in need of you. He wants you,” Gunte, Mangoshia’s friend said trying to convince Doreen.

Gunte had assured Mangoshia that he would speak to Doreen and convince her to give him a chance.

“Interpreting what you just said, you mean you want me to be by his side? To be in love with him? Mmm… everything has its own time. Mine is still waiting for me. Let me put it this way, I’m not old enough to do that, such stupid behaviour. My mind is on education, not that. So, go and tell your friend that she doesn’t want. Though he can bet his own life to win my love, my answer shall never change. I’ll still say no. Now leave me alone or else I will report you to the head teacher and my parents too,” Doreen threatened.

He left with fear and disappointment.

***

Tell us: What do you think of the way Mr Peyala chose to punish his son?