Ravi Kumar took the path to his college in the gentle sunlight. There was a strange stir in the air; today felt different. He knew it was the first day of college, but the strange thing was that a smile was on his face. Little did he know that it was his last day on Earth.And soon, his identity and name will also change.
"Why not live it just like every other day I have lived," he said to himself.
This eighteen-year-old youth, full of the beginnings and possibilities of life, was still happy in the present moment. There was confidence in his steps and a peculiar sense of contentment in his heart. As if even the end of the world could not stop his enthusiasm.
Ravi Kumar was walking towards the main gate of the college in his new white shirt and blue jeans. Today was his first day, and the excitement of entering was clearly visible in his eyes. He tightened his backpack on his shoulder, and as soon as his feet stepped into the college grounds, he realized that he had forgotten the dress code.
The guard standing at the gate looked at him and spread his hands.
Gatekeeper (slightly irritated): "Hey! Where are you running? Are you coming in or haven't you worn the proper dress? Is this a new admission?"
Ravi Kumar (slightly panting): "Brother! I'm a new admission. I came from twenty-five miles away, got really late. Don't stop me! Let me go."
The gatekeeper looked at him seriously and then, with a slight smile, said,
Gatekeeper: "Alright, go ahead. You stopped yourself anyway."
Ravi Kumar breathed a sigh of relief, and as he ran towards the college, the sound of his steps echoed across the open grounds. His eyes held not only excitement but also a little nervousness.
As he turned towards the classroom, a professor stopped him. The professor was wearing a red tie, and his voice was so deep and stern that Ravi Kumar's heart started beating faster the moment he stopped.
Professor (in a deep, loud voice): "Which class are you going to? And which department are you from?"
Ravi Kumar (with a mix of hesitation and excitement): "C… C… Computer Science, sir."
The professor looked at him with a single glance, as if peering into his soul. Then he said sternly,
Professor: "Alright. Go straight down the corridor, and head to the last classroom."
Ravi Kumar nodded and slowly walked towards the classroom. In his mind, there was a bit of relief, a bit of curiosity, and a little nervousness, knowing that his first day at college was truly about to begin.
Ravi Kumar was walking towards the classroom located at the end of the corridor. Today was the English class, and the madam was explaining grammar on the board.
Reaching the door, Ravi said softly,
"Ma… I… I come in, ma'am."
But the madam did not respond. Her eyes were fixed only on the board. The students sitting in the classroom were laughing in their seats, but some of them made hand gestures inviting Ravi to come in.
Ravi took four slow steps inside. Then the madam turned towards him and asked with a smile,
"How are you?"
Ravi said with a little embarrassment,
"I…"
The students in the class burst out laughing.
Gathering a little courage, Ravi said again,
"I am Ravi Kumar."
The madam asked,
"Which branch are you from?"
"Computer Science," Ravi replied.
"Alright, sit at the end," said the madam.
Ravi went to the last row of the class. There, a girl was sitting—beautiful and charming. She gestured with her hand to sit next to her.
Ravi looked around—all the children were sitting in groups of two. Only that place was empty. Finally, he smiled and decided it was okay to sit next to her.
After a short silence, Ravi gathered courage and asked,
"What's your name? You must have guessed my name by now."
The girl replied with a slight smile,
"My name is Savita."
Ravi smiled and said,
"Oh! I'm glad I'm sitting next to you."
The classroom atmosphere was now a mix of light laughter and silence, and Ravi thought that both the new year and the new class had brought some new experiences.
After the small conversation between Ravi Kumar and Savita, suddenly the bell rang.
Ravi, curious, asked Savita,
"Which subject's lecture is this?"
Savita smiled and said,
"This is the Math lecture."
Ravi nodded slightly, laughing softly.
Within moments, a new teacher entered the classroom.
All the students immediately stood up. Ravi and Savita also stood.