A boy called Swami

I grew up with Swami. If it weren't for the fact that fiction renders you immortal, he would be 85 years old  now. Since my childhood, I have read, reread and still read Swami and friends, still laugh at his follies and still relate to all the stupid things that he does. He is a reflection of what I was as a child -a shy, average kid easily impressed and easily frightened.  Unlike most fictional characters, he is no hero. He is not exceptional in any way and perhaps that is how R K Narayan works his magic on kids, by making Swami just as goofy, just as mischievous as you or me. 

This is one of my favourite passages in the book ( Excerpt from ' What's a tail?')  -

"Swaminathan was loitering in the compound. He heard familiar voices behind, turned round, and saw Somu, Sankar, and the Pea, following him. Swaminathan wondered whether to stop and join them, or wait till they had passed and then go in the opposite direction. For it was awkward to be conscious of the stare of three pairs of hostile eyes behind one's ears. He believed that every minute movement of his body was being watched and commented on by the three followers. He felt that his gait was showing unfavourably in their eyes. He felt they were laughing at the way in which he carried his books. There was a slight itching on his nape, his hand almost rose, but he checked it, feeling that the scratching would be studiously watched by the six keen eyes.

He wanted to turn to his right and enter the school hall. But that would be construed as cowardice; they would certainly think that he was doing it to escape from them. He wanted to run away, but that would be no better. He wanted to turn back and get away in the opposite direction, but that would mean meeting them square in the face. So, his only recourse was to keep on walking as best as he could, not showing that he was conscious of his followers. The same fellows ten days ago, what they were! Now what formidable creatures they had turned out to be! Swaminathan was wonder struck at the change.
It was becoming unendurable. He felt that his legs were taking a circular motion, and were twining round each other when he walked. It was too late to turn and dash into the school hall."

Ever had experiences like these? That one about legs twining around each other is spot on.  I still feel like that when I am feeling particularly self - conscious :D