My Friends at the Entrance
Kala Pujari - 21MJMC10
With my heart beating fast, hands sweating, and slow calculated footsteps, I entered Kristu Jayanti college. Oh yeah, was I one nervous student or what!!! After all, it was my first day. I had every right to feel like the whole world was weighing on those wide shoulders, except they weren’t so wide at the moment. I was ready to run back to my hostel and close the door on everything, anything, to avoid stepping into college.
I had walked past that mighty banyan tree, past that crowded shop which now I know is called Panoor, and walked towards the many stores farther and farther away from my stay. And there I was, near the big gate with the college name board assuring me that I was at my destination. I took a deep breath, wondered if I was ready, and walked through that gate, past those pink uniforms who understood I was a fresher. That’s when I knew it was too late for me to return. Almost like the boat that brought me through the strong tides was already sailing back to where it came from, it was too late for me.
It was then that I heard the friendly chirping. It was that sweet calling that consoled the hesitant feet. As I moved toward the source of the sound, I looked at one of the most beautiful creations. I let my eyes feast on all the colours of those birds, on their delicate feathers and beaks. I stood there, unbothered by the passing people, shouting students, and the classroom I was supposed to look for.
I have been on campus longer than a year. I still go to them often, admire their beauty, and say a silent hi and goodbye every so often. They were, after all, the first friends I made here. I believe they have welcomed a lot more nervous students like me. I believe that they continue to call hesitant students with their sweet songs. I hope they have made more friends who say a silent hi and goodbye once in a while.