I believe that the most fitting answer for this question would be the word "giggle." Even if you have never read this story before, you can assume from the girls' laughter that what is about to happen is going to be amusing and fun. This word is the best hint that something amusing is going to happen. I hope this helps.
Beah and his companions experience hunger and thirst the likes of which none of them had encountered before. They scavenge abandoned farms and even stooped to assaulting a little boy who had two boiled ears of corn to himself. The boy’s parents, rather than confronting the young men, instead give them each an ear of corn; Beah assumes pity saved them from punishment. Beah feels guilty about their pillage, but accepts that they had no other option.
Answer:
Pranayama is the practice of breath regulation.