Survival at Excel jr.college is a lot like trying to stay awake while being chloroformed.
I'm awake, technically. My eyes are open and my pen is moving, but nothing is really getting through. The walls of the corridor are the color of old bones, and the lights overhead buzz in a way that makes my jaw clench. After three months here, my sense of time is so warped by exhaustion and the constant, anesthetizing drone of lectures, I'm no longer certain what "now" even means.
I'm pretty good at studying on my own. In class, I often find myself zoning out or even dozing off, but I manage to catch up by chatting with my friends who actually pay attention. Some teachers are puzzled about how I consistently score well on weekend tests despite my frequent naps in class. A few suspect I'm cheating and have even called me up to the board to solve problems in front of everyone.
In our cramped dorm room, five of us—Pavan, Sai, Sathvik, Venu, and I—share the space. Some mornings, we wake to the shrill alarm and, pressed for time, skip our showers, rushing downstairs if we're running late. When that happens, we take advantage of the afternoon break to freshen up. Our snacks are communal; bags of chips and boxes of cookies are passed around as we chat and laugh. Despite these shared moments, we aren't as close as we could be. We're scattered across different sections, which means our schedules rarely align, and most of our time is devoted to attending classes.
In class, I've formed a strong bond with Naveen and Deepak. The three of us are inseparable, sharing everything from study notes to whispered secrets. We dive into discussions about the latest movies, swap stories, and laugh at each other's jokes, discovering our shared love for fictional tales. Our conversations often drift to Harry Potter, Twilight, and the latest horror films we've watched. Besides our love for storytelling, we make a great study team, helping each other prepare for tests and breaking down complex topics until they make sense. With Naveen and Deepak, I've found my kindred spirits, and together, we've become the best of friends.
Our rooms were different, but we always gathered at the dining table to share breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The sunlight would stream through the kitchen window in the morning, casting a warm glow on our plates, and in the evenings, We discussed everything from the mundane to the profound, our conversations flowing as naturally as the steam rising from our mugs of coffee. As I think back now, the specifics of what we talked about have blurred, but the constant hum of our voices and laughter remains a cherished memory.
We used to gather at the ground after school, sitting on the small wall under the towering oak trees, sharing stories about our classrooms, the teachers we loved and loathed, and the crushes that made our hearts race. I remember telling them about Aadhya, how her laughter filled the corridors like a melody. They nudged me, their eyes twinkling with mischief, urging me to muster the courage to talk to her and maybe even give her a call. But two years have slipped by, and I've yet to dial her number. I can't help but feel a simmering frustration with adhitya for not reaching out during all this time. Naveen, with his sly grin, was always the prankster, much like Adithya. He'd tease me endlessly, suggesting that Aadhya probably had a boyfriend by now. His words would ignite a fiery annoyance in me, my cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and anger.
On weekends, a longing for biryani would settle in, a craving that seemed to take on a life of its own. We would eagerly ask any friends planning an outing to bring back the aromatic dish. The strategy varied; sometimes we'd strike deals with junior teaching assistants, slipping them a small tip as an incentive to procure the spicy delicacy for us. When it was our turn to venture out, the day unfolded differently. We would indulge in not one, but at least two movies, savoring the cinematic escape. Of course, biryani was a non-negotiable part of the plan. With limited funds in our pockets, we became adept at navigating the city on foot, traversing long distances to stretch our money further.
During the holidays, I would pack my bags and head to my grandpa's house in Vizag. The coastal city's vibrant streets and sandy beaches were a playground for me. I spent a few days exploring the bustling markets, where the vendors' calls mingled with the scent of freshly fried snacks. My suitcase would be brimming with crispy murukku, sugary kaju katli, and other local treats to share with my friends, Deepak and Naveen, as well as my roommates back home. Deepak and Naveen had their own traditions, too, often returning with bags full of goodies from their own trips.
We planned our return trips to Hyderabad meticulously, ensuring we boarded the night trains that would deposit us in the city by morning. The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels was our lullaby, and as dawn broke, we would gather our luggage and store it in the cloakroom at the station. Freed from our burdens, we spent the day wandering through Hyderabad's bustling streets, exploring Charminar's vibrant bazaars, savoring spicy biryani from roadside stalls, and soaking in the city's dynamic energy. By 10 PM, with tired feet yet content hearts, we would finally make our way back to college, ready to share our tales and treats.
As the much-anticipated first-year final exams approached, we plunged into our preparations with a mix of anxiety and excitement. The exams were held at different colleges, assigned by the state government, and each of us received a different center. Thankfully, all our centers were within walking distance of each other. Our nights turned into study marathons, fueled by late-night snacks, as we crammed every last bit of information into our minds.
The atmosphere in the boys' hostel buzzed with a unique energy. Everyone was meticulously selecting their outfits, aiming to impress just in case a girl happened to sit next to them during the exam. Wardrobes were rifled through, with the best shirts, freshly pressed pants, and polished shoes laid out. Hair gel and deodorant were in high demand, and watches were a hot commodity. I realized I didn't own a watch, which was crucial for keeping track of time during the exam. After asking around, a friend lent me a spare.
With everything ready for the big day, and our nerves slightly settled, we gathered one last time in my room. The textbooks lay closed as we took a break, discussing the chapters we had conquered and sharing a few jokes to lighten the mood. It was a moment of camaraderie before the storm of exams hit us the next day.
Deepak and Naveen lounged on the worn-out bench, animatedly tossing around ideas about how to make a good impression if a girl happened to sit next to them in exam. I sat back absentmindedly twirling a pen between my fingers, tuning in and out of their conversation. Their enthusiasm was palpable, as they leaned forward, voices rising and falling with excitement. They turned to me, insisting I should engage if a girl sat beside me. I shrugged, uninterested, but they persisted, saying I should at least try to make a female friend to share thoughts with, emphasizing how refreshing it would be. I sighed, giving in with a casual, "Okay, I'll try," before we all settled into our spots, the room gradually quieting as we drifted off to sleep.
The following day, we piled into a bus that would take us to our respective exam centers. I wished everyone good luck before heading toward my designated location. As I entered the exam room, I noticed a girl already seated. Perhaps it was the months of living in the boys' hostel and having little interaction with girls that had made me somewhat shy, but I couldn't bring myself to meet her gaze.
After settling into my seat, I laid out my pens, scale, hall ticket, and watch on the desk. The watch felt foreign on my wrist, slightly irritating, as I wasn't accustomed to wearing one. With some time left before the exam began, I chanced a glance at the girl beside me. She was undeniably cute, and I found myself at a loss for words, all the conversation starters that naveen told seemed utterly ridiculous.
The exam commenced, and I focused on writing my answers, trying to push the thought of her out of my mind. Once finished, I left the hall and reunited with my friends, Naveen and Deepak. We grabbed some snacks and boarded the bus back to the hostel. It wasn't until we arrived and a friend asked about my watch that I realized I had forgotten it back in the exam hall.