How many of us remember our first day of school? Honestly, I don't, and I definitely don't remember how I was feeling at that point in time. 29th December 2016- it seems I can describe clearly what it feels like to step into the compound that was once the place for uninhibited dreams and ambition, limitless chatter and was a place that literally paved the way, reunions do that.
I walked through those gates that once felt so familiar, that now were reminders of a world that once was, my world that once was. How times change (Oh! My God. I sound ancient!), the people I once shared my tiffin with some 12 years ago were the same (or somewhat the same) people I was sharing alcohol with, from 12 to 21(How did that happen so fast?). The classroom buildings, the blue lights that spelled the name of an institution and the white markings on a green field brought with them a feeling so overwhelming that it took me a few minutes to realize that it was expected, walking in to the place I left so easily, the memories would (of course) come at me like the waves at high tide.
Friends, people I was meeting after years, the quick smiles that showed our mutual appreciation of seeing one another, the songs we were ready to connect with, the songs we couldn't stop dancing to and being able to pick up right where we left off. Someone told me that my choice to be in Calcutta this December was a good one and I couldn't agree more. The lights shine bright on the streets, the air itself is festive, the cynic too sheds some cynicism. The simple white building never stood out more, the School Song the words of which I was so sure I had forgotten, came back to me, much like the numerous classmates I was meeting.
We've all gone our own ways and some of us have lost touch, but you can't really blame anyone. The distance just made this night all the more special. Nights with a bonfire burning, people mingling (mostly near the Bar), the rest dancing and so many just reliving that spirit. Reliving, the unforgettable feeling called school!
I have always believed that School (be it Mayo- which has been the best decision I made, or LMG) has played an extremely important role in making me the person I am and I will always be indebted. Being back in school even if just for a few hours made me truly believe that we are simply a conglomeration of all that we choose never to let go of.
Here's to the place that will never let me forget the 'Quick, settle down, (some teacher) is coming!', the fifteen minute break that was never enough to get your hands on any canteen food, the thrill of the 1:20 bell, the spontaneous carols in class that began on the 1st of December every year and that goodbye, the one I'm not so sure I said, here's to the place that made the messy haired Yashasvini from Delhi, YKD.
I'm a Mayoite through and through, but there is a part of me that always has been and always will be, a Martinian.
I walked through those gates that once felt so familiar, that now were reminders of a world that once was, my world that once was. How times change (Oh! My God. I sound ancient!), the people I once shared my tiffin with some 12 years ago were the same (or somewhat the same) people I was sharing alcohol with, from 12 to 21(How did that happen so fast?). The classroom buildings, the blue lights that spelled the name of an institution and the white markings on a green field brought with them a feeling so overwhelming that it took me a few minutes to realize that it was expected, walking in to the place I left so easily, the memories would (of course) come at me like the waves at high tide.
Friends, people I was meeting after years, the quick smiles that showed our mutual appreciation of seeing one another, the songs we were ready to connect with, the songs we couldn't stop dancing to and being able to pick up right where we left off. Someone told me that my choice to be in Calcutta this December was a good one and I couldn't agree more. The lights shine bright on the streets, the air itself is festive, the cynic too sheds some cynicism. The simple white building never stood out more, the School Song the words of which I was so sure I had forgotten, came back to me, much like the numerous classmates I was meeting.
We've all gone our own ways and some of us have lost touch, but you can't really blame anyone. The distance just made this night all the more special. Nights with a bonfire burning, people mingling (mostly near the Bar), the rest dancing and so many just reliving that spirit. Reliving, the unforgettable feeling called school!
I have always believed that School (be it Mayo- which has been the best decision I made, or LMG) has played an extremely important role in making me the person I am and I will always be indebted. Being back in school even if just for a few hours made me truly believe that we are simply a conglomeration of all that we choose never to let go of.
Here's to the place that will never let me forget the 'Quick, settle down, (some teacher) is coming!', the fifteen minute break that was never enough to get your hands on any canteen food, the thrill of the 1:20 bell, the spontaneous carols in class that began on the 1st of December every year and that goodbye, the one I'm not so sure I said, here's to the place that made the messy haired Yashasvini from Delhi, YKD.
I'm a Mayoite through and through, but there is a part of me that always has been and always will be, a Martinian.
 |
| The (kinda psycho looking) Messy Haired Yashasvini |
