My most memorable journey

Before Leaving Home!

My feet carrying over 200 pounds and my stomach dealing with different types of specimens of fatty, oily and junk foods, this was all about my lifestyle six years ago. All this continued until when I was pulled out of my comfort zone and sent to a place believed to be a jail for naughty children.This place was none other than a boarding school.

Initial Changes!

Initially, the thought of being separated from home sent shivers down my spine. Every hack, like crying profusely, not eating or trying to run away, turned useless. Then slowly all those cries turned into giggles and the same bad food became mouth-watering because of the voracious hunger from the exhaustion of games time. My clothes which earlier used to be neat and tidy were now torn and dirty. The spick and span Dorms converted into Gas chambers because of the smelly shoes and socks which we hardly changed. Every table in the classroom became a perfect masterpiece of exceptional art. My complete lifestyle had changed and I discovered a newly found sense of happiness inside those majestic walls.

Getting Sorted!

The newly admitted children were having a gala time until when Mrs. Godwin (The Resident Dame) decided to set them right. From then onward no mischief or any kind of barbaric behavior was tolerated. 

The beginning of the morning inspections and the night fall-ins ensured all beds were made on time, nails cut, spotless uniforms, polished shoes, cupboards settled, and an overall gentleman attitude. Like robots, we woke up as soon as the alarms rang and ran after getting ready and settling everything as soon as the sound of the bell hit our ears. Any breaches would result in a blue detention card plus two hours of extra school. In worse case scenarios a tight wrap landed on our cheeks.

The Changed Boy!

At the end of the term, as Ajmer-Sialdah Express reached the Kanpur Central station, a handsome crew cut hair boy stepped out. This one wasn't the same who went away months ago. He had become more disciplined and well mannered. At first glance, it was difficult for his mother to recognize him.

He had undergone a drastic change. During his stay at home, he started getting up early, manage things well in time, became organized and started playing more of outdoor games. Everyone was delighted to see such a positive development. The holidays were nearly over and it was time to go back. With a new vision and a grin on his face, he boarded the train once again.  

This time a new set of opportunities and challenges came along the way. The new term brought with it the commencement of the morning P.T. We disliked it a lot. Shooting was a new thing which I had never done before. Holding the heavy gun often resulted in a shoulder pain but it gave me immense pleasure when the pellet shattered the bull's eye. Horse riding was another charming and equally dangerous activity. Falling from the horses made stars shine all over but it was a wonderful experience. 

The real Test Time!

One year just vanished and it was time to pack our bags for the senior houses. I still remember that night when my name was announced in the Kashmir house list and tears were rolling down my eyes.

The next day, early morning a man with a grumpy appearance and height six feet stood outside the veranda of Kashmir house to welcome us. Then a jugglery of seniors called us, our faces were filled with terror and our legs started shaking. To our surprise their attitude was very brotherly and they even told us some dos and don'ts of the house. This marked the beginning of senior school.

Now life took a very different turn. The real test time had begun. The staff was not that friendly, especially the house matron. We nicknamed her ‘Bhootni’ and as the name suggests she was very scary. The new schedule began and we were exposed to the new kind of troubles. I still remember running with only a towel on when the housemaster called us to inquire about the misplaced house phone. Every muscle of the body faced tension for long. I guess that’s the reason behind me being able to perform the Murga Punishment for so long.

The fun part of Senior School!

Every night after lights out, we played Dorm football, threw water on each other, played cards, raided the changing room to find any hidden tuck or quietly sneaked out of the house. Munnalal Ji (the night guard) was our hero, all his stories about old times and the Maggie he made, were very popular among the students.

Fighting with batch-mates and getting punished for that, all these are golden memories. The best part was bunking classes.

Say it years or days, the time in middle school passed away quickly, I would say in seconds and I entered class eleven. The starting of this new class was with a newly acquired sense of seniority and a not to study attitude. All-round we changed subjects in the beginning and struggled hard to pass the trial test so we could be offered mathematics. 

The Fair & Beautiful!

The day wasn’t far when only a month for the prom was left and we all were busy in our fancy talks about what to wear and whom to go with. At that that no one was much worried about the final board exams which were right next door.

After the prom, in the winter camp, my life changed. I had a certain adventure with someone which no one ever could have and trust me it was one of the best moments of my life.

The Farewell!

One day came when there were tears in my eyes, a microphone in my hand, and I found myself giving the farewell speech. All those people whom we did not like earlier, became people whom we started suddenly loving. Especially with the band of brothers whom I have millions of happy memories and bonds in common stood beside me supporting and sharing the grief of leaving home.

The last few days were spent hogging the syllabus and cursing ourselves for not studying the entire year. Then came the day when we had to leave and the journey had come to an end.

Conclusion!

I have a web of friends and other colleges across the country and where ever I go, I make it a point to pay a visit. The feeling of sharing past experiences just cannot be expressed in words.

Now when I see the old me in photos or go in the flashback, I just thank my parents to have given me such an opportunity. With a smile on my face, I always will say GO MAYO!