Memories from Mysore

        It began on the 18th of September 2005, a day before the first day of my first job. The first couple of months were allotted to training and we had to stay on campus. Although, by then I had already stayed at three different hostels for six years, this was the first time I had the chance to choose my room partner and it was decided that I would be sharing a room with Madhura, one of my closest friends. I remember the excitement of the beginning of this journey, which was further elevated by the grandeur of the campus.

        The extensive campus that could host around 4000 trainees at a time was an epitome of organisation and cleanliness. The strikingly clean roads, well maintained gardens, three star rooms with service and the world class sports and entertainment facilities are amongst the most commonly noticed elements, by all visitors to the campus. However, what I, as a short term resident appreciated most, was the security that the well lit streets and the guards positioned at every intersection provided. Till date, this is the only place where I have been able to walk the streets alone and unafraid at 3am in the night.

        Then there were those innumerable rules to be followed. I remember being fined for not wearing a helmet while riding behind a friend, within the campus. The best solution here was to walk or cycle to the gate and then get on the bike once outside. Another memory I have is of guards whistling at us for not walking on the footpath in an area that allowed only cycles and service vehicles. Now is that supposed to be what is called 'perfection personified' or something?

        It was in this environment that I made long lasting friendships. I think it is best to write a separate blog as a tribute to my friends rather than cramping something in here, considering that I am currently determined at keeping the length of my blogs small.

Bubbles!

         The winter break had just begun. It was pouring heavily. The low temperatures, together with the rain provided extremely favourable conditions for a morning sleep in. So we had a lazy morning and an early lunch. However, even past noon, it refused to clear up and we decided not to venture out into what was now almost resembling a storm.

         I was still putting things away after lunch, when my friends disappeared. Very shortly I could hear them call out to me from the veranda (which is covered). So I opened the door to step out and I was welcomed in the most unexpected manner. The three of them were blowing bubbles of soap at me! Yeah, you’ve got it right if that reminded you of the ‘soap bubbles’ game from your school days. What followed was two hours of playing with bubbles. One of the girls had her camera ready. We photographed bubbles of varying sizes and shapes, tried to blow twin bubbles and competed on blowing the largest bubble and keeping it in air for the longest time. All in all, we enjoyed ourselves.

          As I was thinking of it later that evening, I realised that exactly one week from that day I would be turning twenty five. Ever imagined playing with soap bubbles at 25! Well, someone has rightly said, “Growing old is unavoidable; but growing up is optional.“