Such is the world

"Paapu, a mischievous boy studying in the seventh standard is having a hard time trying to be a good student at school. He finds it equally hard to be a good little boy at home. The result is a riot of fun and laughter as Paapu and his friends cope with the demands of being well-mannered and well-behaved, when all they want to do is let loose their natural exuberance and curiosity.

Together, the friends explore avenues for amusement and mischief in their school and neighbourhood, while their parents and teachers try hard to quiet them down. Paapu has questions in school that are not satisfactorily answered by his teachers. He tries to question his mother’s beliefs only to receive a beating for his troubles. He visits his grandfather’s house and while there, learns that the world is not as simple as he thought it was.

Towards the end, as an adult, he comes face to face with the realization that he too is one among the many people in this world, struggling to make sense of life. His illusion that he is different and better compared to other people is shattered when he realizes how he has failed his mother, who had given him everything he had in life.

The story ends on a sober note, with Paapu and the narrator reminiscing and commiserating with each other over the misfortunes they have had to face in their lives."