By Shaima Ahmed
3rd Year, B.Tech (Biotech)

The campus was in an absolute chaos. We had just got the information that the college was going to shutdown for two weeks. Everyone was elated about this short surprise “holiday”, little did we know that none of us were prepared for what the universe had in store for us. While some were on call trying to get the ticket for that last seat on the train, others hurried back to their hostels to quickly pack their bags- “Two weeks”, how much luggage could we possibly need for it?

I am on the terrace of my house now. With the coffee in one hand and my phone in the other, I was scrolling through the pictures in my gallery when one particular notification grabbed my attention- “You have memories to look back to”. It was a picture of me with my best friend on the day we managed to wake up at 6 in the morning to catch the first show of a film we’ve been waiting for. I smiled, almost painfully. I remembered the very important discussion we had on what we should wear. It was a good day. Facebook was prying on my thoughts (Well, along with my personal data).

It made me think of all the things I would have done if I knew I wasn’t going back to this place any time soon; the place that had almost started to feel like home, like our own personal space. We certainly would have spent an extra hour casually chatting with our friends or maybe visit KSAC one more time. The hostel rooms where we created multiple memories, both bitter and sweet, are empty now. It’s corridors are not buzzing with people trying to make it to the 8 am class or the lab you’re already late for. Can I stand there one more time, close my eyes and relive all the things which we didn’t pay much attention to, things we took for granted? Just one more time?

Food at home is amazing. We get everything just as we want it to be. But, I really wouldn’t mind bickering for that extra serving of rice following which was the proud march back to the table after successfully managing it. Just one more time!

Did I forget to mention the evening walks down the KIIT road? Tandoori momo at campus 3, chocolate chai at Chai bar and the special maggi and obviously, your friends. Carefree and happy when suddenly one realizes that they have to be at KSAC in 10 for a practice session. The nervous sprint and finally the sigh of relief after reaching the destination on time made us feel like we have conquered the world. Is it really too much to ask for to have it again? Seriously, just one more time!

All good things come to an end but for us our college ended way too soon. So many things to do, places to visit, events to organise, fests to attend and memories to make. Let's hope and pray that we can go back to our favourite place and are able to make up for the lost time.