THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT

 20 Dec 2020 - Sunday

I was asleep late Sunday morning as the result of the overwhelming late night I had. All the events that had occurred yesterday in OB's session, more specifically in Shikha Mam's session, had inundated me. The moment I and my classmates had was one of a kind and had never occurred before about Shikha Mam. 

My head felt a bit heavy. I stayed up late last night. It was too much for me to process. A lot of things were happening around me and within me. So in order to deal with all this excessive happiness, the only way I knew was to write. And I had written an email for my classmates and had sent it to my CR and DCR, requesting them to forward it to everyone. 

And after that I kept myself occupied with reading a book, Norwegian Wood, gifted by a friend for my birthday. Late-night reading is a whole another experience and it felt peaceful and when sleep was not possible to resist, I put the book down on the table and went to bed. 

After doing my morning rituals it was almost noon and there was another session scheduled regarding elective subjects. So as usual I just logged in and grabbed my phone to check my Instagram and What's app. 

Many people had liked and commented on the video that I had uploaded on my Instagram account. That video had turned out to be a big hit and really caused something in the session that never had occurred before in the history of Shikha Mam's lecture of all these years. 

Then I checked my own Instagram story and checked that over 200 people had seen THE MOMENT OF THE SEMESTER. 

Then I checked the Instagram story of my classmates and they all had put that same picture which contained the most beautiful moment we, the whole A section, had experienced on the afternoon of Saturday. 

A different smile emerged over my face, a smile of achieving something so extraordinary. Soon I turned off my Instagram and opened up my What's App. Well, it was flooded with texts and I had some idea why. It was probably the email of last night. 

I checked the first text of Rishabh Patidar. He's my classmate with whom I had talked on rare occasions. The last time we had a chat was about him asking me Shikha Mam's phone number and before that, he had sent me his picture with the line he was allocated for the video. I read his text: 

Thank you bro for your mail. A long kind and full of love appreciation that you think for all but we all are thankful to you and yes as you said we all are one, it doesn't matter which specialization we  take; but we all are always be a supportive family as of now  love you too bro😊

Undoubtedly, I was happy to see such a text from my classmate for me. "Thanks, Brother. 😇🙏" was my reply. I honestly don't know what else to reply to such texts. It had never happened to me before and I was getting paralyzed with happiness with upcoming texts. 

Varsha: "Your message was so touching Piyush. I was about to cry thinking that just a few days left and we all will be separated after that. Best class one can ask for❤️ touchwood. 

Thank you for initiating the plan and doing it so perfectly. Agar tu nhi hota toh ye plan itna beautiful kbhi execute nhi hota. So blessed to have you all in my life. We are so attached at a virtual platform. I had never imagined that I will meet best people Through online. 

Thank you for everything. Much love❤️

- Much Honored with your words Varsha. 😇 Thank You. 

Nitish Purty: "U did a great work...kudos to u brother🙏🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏👏💓💓"

I had never talked with Nitish before but I was certainly glad that he had liked the session that we all had. I typed my response, "I'm honored that you all liked it... I'm happy that I could do this for you people. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻"

Apoorva: "The video is superb yaar 🥺🥺🥺🥺 you did an excellent work ....couldn't thank you much for your efforts ....thank you so much Piyush 💫💫💫💫 you nailed it .....song selection bhi bht acha laga and the effects background everything was so perfect .....firstly I couldn't understand why mam cried ....but then now I do 🥺🥺🥺🥺....sry video open nhi hora tha mere mobile me ....so tere insta pr I saw yesterday....isliye abhi txt krri hu. 

I felt too overwhelmed and silly for not able to process it. And I typed, "😅😅 I'm glad I could do something for our section, for all of us."

Ritika: "Hey Piyush just received ur mail forwarded by sweety. You are awesome man♥️ And I really like the way you are, as much I know u virtually and I wish saamne se v same raho tm🤗 Thank you Piyush for ur idea and this beautiful memory which u captured in one video🤗"

Captured the beautiful memory? Well, that is what I had intended. Personally, I felt it so great that the idea worked so well that it gave an unforgettable memory to these classmates to whom I had never even met in real life. 

I typed, "I am glad I could do something for you guys. I am glad that you all liked it. Looking forward to seeing you all in college. 

Soon Ritika's text had come, "Same here. Looking forward to meeting you too, Writer."

I laughed seeing her text. I could literally hear how she would have said that last word. Shikha Ma'am had announced something in that session about me. 

And then again how could it possibly be that I don't receive some response from my First Friend in A section 😄 Akriti Shetty. She is just like me. We both are introverts and at the beginning lived in the belief that we may not have many friends but now...after the end of the first semester...the story is different. 

"Woah dude kya sahi likha tha tune, emotional kardiya." 

I got a bit confused. What did I write exactly, that could make her emotional? I felt she was talking about mail that I had asked Sweety Ji to forward everyone but still felt better to confirm. 

"Kya Likha tha Mene 🙄 Mail? Or the content of Shikha Mam's video?" 

I thought maybe she is talking about Shikha Ma'am getting emotional in class. 

"The Mail." 

I smiled with pleasure. I was glad my friend, Akriti, had such a response to my mail. I had written about her without mentioning her name in my previous blog. The one named 'The Perks of Being a Charlie' which I had written on Teacher's Day for my Guru Thakur Sir... Shikha Ma'am knows about him...and she was really glad to read that blog that I had received a very long text on WhatsApp. 😅 

Let me share that paragraph where I had subtly mentioned my introverted friend. 😄

So in ISBS, I am trying to make friends, all I really want to be is myself, a silent introvert and keeps away from all the drama but time is really forcing me to be friends with people. And I am trying, as I am saying it repeatedly. I've made few friends, one is also an introvert and her family owns restaurants in Pune, so I've made plans with her for SeaFood. She's gonna teach me how to have it. I haven't had seafood, so I really don't know how to have crabs, shells, and Prawns, all I know is how to have a fish.

- The Perks of Being a Charlie 

Now I see her with my other friends from ISBS going to restaurants, having good food. When will it be me? 😒 Such plans were made with me before all these guys...ugh! 

Just kidding! 😒

So later on as per my suggestion Akriti had seen one of my favorite movies, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." She had loved it so much and she understood it promptly that I was having the same sort of difficulties as Charlie. That is why I was saying those days to Shikha Ma'am that I was once again feeling like being a Charlie after years.

Shikha Mam had seen that movie too one Sunday evening. Obviously, I had suggested her to watch the movie. I am glad she managed to watch it in her busy schedule. Just as she finished the movie I received a text from Ma'am saying: 

- Just finished the movie. It was really good. Loved it. 

I had anticipated her such reaction. I laughed to myself and typed: "So...how was Charlie?" 

- He's so much like you. 

And I smiled to myself looking at that very important text. Shikha Ma'am had a deep understanding now about my behavior and struggles but as well as my relationship with Thakur Sir. 

Thakur Sir, my English professor from G. S. College, Khamgaon, was to me, what Mr Anderson was to Charlie. And the first book I had gifted to Thakur sir was "The Perks of Being A Wallflower." 

Well, not only Shikha Ma'am but who could have guessed it that even Akriti called me Charlie when she put my picture over her What's App story on the occasion of my birthday.

Soon the Elective session started and it finished within 30 minutes. Just for sake of curiosity, I checked the number of attendees. There I saw a name on top: Aastha. 

I think having double-A in her name, that too in the beginning would be making things difficult for her if the roll numbers were decided according to the first name. She would have to sit on the first bench in the examination hall. I don't know if this actually happened with her but would love to ask her when we'd meet in college. She is a very valuable friend that I have. She was there checking up on me at least thrice a day when I had lost my father and soon after that I was suffering through Covid-19. She was there for me in my most difficult time, making sure I am okay. That's what true friends do: be there for you when you are going through difficult times. 

So when the session was over I texted her sending Shikha Mam's screenshot. Shikha Ma'am was also there in session and I was damn sure Aastha attended the session just to see Ma'am. She adores her a lot and Ma'am knows it. Even Ma'am so eager to meet this girl who adores her this much. 

As I sent Aastha a screenshot of Ma'am, I asked, 'So how many screenshots did you take of your favorite person?'  

In response I got smiles. I remember how Aastha would ignore the main guest in those online sessions and would attentively listen to Shikha Ma'am. She would often make memes on it. Maybe she even shared them with her classmates. Soon Aastha would be joining the lectures of her favorite teacher and I am so happy for her. I guess after me she would be the one to make memes on Shikha Ma'am. 

It soon put me into the thoughts that I'd no longer be a student of Shikha Ma'am. I'd be opting for Finance and Shikha Ma'am would be teaching to HR students. 

I remembered the event of yesterday...the last session of the day.

19 Dec 2020 - Saturday

TIME: 2:45 PM

'Akshat group lock kar de aur group ka naam rename kar de regarding the plan we have for next session.' I said to Akshat over the phone call. 'Muze instructions dene hai group me.' 

'Sure bro...aur sun...ek idea aaya hai abhi.' said Akshat. 

'I'm listening.' 

He continued, 'As per plan only you were going to speak with Ma'am right?'

'Yes...at the beginning...to give her required directions so that video will be played in the session.'  

'Yeah...so I was saying instead of speaking to Ma'am, how about handling it all via chatbox of MT?' I thought of it before making a plan but had changed it as chances were low that Ma'am would actually check the chatbox. 

'Will she check out the chatbox?' I doubted. 

'If she wouldn't then you can alter the plan a bit and talk her to there.' said Akshat. 

The time was passing fast and we didn't have much time. I was under stress as I had the responsibility to conduct this event and I was scared inside. My heartbeats were spontaneous. 

'Tell me fast.' said Akshat. It seemed that even he was a bit under the stress.

'The plan was to be quiet in that session...' I said. 

'And it will advance the plan if you handle it via Chatbox...she would still think that the audio function is not working...but if you talk to her via Chatbox...'

'Then it would be more effective.' I spoke. 

'Exactly.' said Akshat. 

It was such an excellent development in the plan suggested by Akshat. I thought about it and what scared me more, that what if I wouldn't be able to speak under pressure. I'd have spoiled the plan and soon agreed to Akshat's plan. I was convinced that his suggestion would have an impact on the moment...the foundation we needed to build up for a surprise was advanced by him. 

Now I just needed to execute it and I was trembling. I had never led like this in my entire life. 

'Akshat, lock the group. We'd go your way. And what about recording the session?' I wondered. 

'Only Shikha Ma'am can do that.' said Akshat. 

We often give reminders of recording and if Ma'am forgets to start recording today, then even we can't give her such a reminder. So now what? I was silent and tense. 

'We'd record the screen.' suggested Akshat. 

'I'd be busy managing the events.' I spoke. 'Can you do that?'

'I'd need 5 minutes to learn it.' 

'Alright...let me know when done. But for now, lock the group..'

'It's done already...you are free to give your instructions to everyone. The previous session is over, right?'

I checked the time it was 2:53 and we had just 22 minutes. 

'Probably. I have asked Rahul and Prateek to be on standby. Just in case if there comes any network issue at my end.

'Did you send the link to them?' asked Akshat. 

'As I put the phone down...then.' I said.

Akshat put the phone down and soon searched how to record the screen over his laptop. I, however, had started to tremble under pressure. I typed a message below the link, 'Dekh mat lena...download karke rakhna.' and sent the same message for Akshat, Rahul, and Prateek. 

Prateek was on standby as he also had the high-speed wifi network and was surely eager for this all to begin. 

As Akshat got the link at 2:54 he texted. 

'Meri screen share karwayrga tu.' 

I laughed in that stressful moment. I remembered the previous event in the session and the screen sharing thing too. #Bhabhi  

'That wouldn't be needed.' I answered. 'Instructions sahi hai kya group me?'

I was so nervous that I went to the Group of A section and check if I have given instructions or not. 

I had.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

1. Everyone will just log in and remain quiet in the session. 

2. Strictly no speaking to anyone. Not even questions like, "Am I audible? Can you hear me? Hi...hello."   NOTHING.

3. Few seconds mam will be confused why everyone is quiet, is it a technical issue or something? Then I will send a link to Mam of the video.

4. I will give her the requirements. All of you just bear with me. 

5. Nobody else will use the chatbox of MT. NOBODY. 

6. Video will play for 4:15 seconds and meanwhile, everyone just keep quiet. 

7. Once the video is over give Shikha Mam 5 seconds to process it. She might get a bit emotional after watching it. 

8. Everyone will Turn on Their Camera making sure that the Backdrop is set. 

9. Be presentable. 

10. Then Let her speak something and one by one...all of you can share your things with Mam. You can give her a personal message or anything like what she means to you.

'Ha sahi hai instructions.' said Akshat. 'Just thinking that we should highlight that thing of being quiet in session.' 

'We must.' and I sent the instruction to be quiet in bold letter multiple times. Akshat requested other admins to not use the group so that instructions would be the first thing others would see. 

3:10 PM

I got a text from Prateek. 'Piyush I have downloaded the video.' 

'Good. If I am unable to handle it I'd inform you to take it forward.' 

'Sure.' 

Never rely on one source, always have another one ready to keep things moving, I reminded myself that. 

I had requested Sweety Ji over What's App to inform everyone via Mail too. She soon did and I checked the Microsoft Team and many attendees were there. My heartbeats were getting spontaneous now. If anything goes wrong I would be responsible and I'd have spoiled it for my whole class too... I had started to tremble in pressure that it was getting difficult for me to type over what's app. 

Akshat had already shared Backdrop for Shikha Mam's session over what's app group too for those who might have not received it yet. 

I gave the same instruction again as it was really imperative to follow: Schedule will be followed as per the time. Everyone just log in Right Now

On personal chat, I received Akshat's text. 

'Bhai recording sikh liya.' 

'Good.'

'Glimpse dekhe srf video ke baba control ni ho rha tha.' said Akshat. 'u r amazing bro'

I was so amused and didn't even feel like rebuking him. It was already. 3:13 and we just had 2 minutes. I kept the texts on seen and was breathing heavily now to keep myself calm. I had already sent the instructions so repeatedly so that those who had accidentally sent texts over the group could go behind and the instructions would be the only thing there visible over the group. Sweety Ji had asked everyone through mail to follow instructions on what's app group. 

And now we all were waiting for Shikha Mam to log in. 

3:14 PM

'Mam abhi take aayi nahi.' I got Akshat's text. But I couldn't even grab my phone and type anything as my hands were already ready over the keypad of my laptop and eyes staring at the screen. 

Soon Ma'am logged in and I hoped that everyone had read the instructions. It had finally started. 

"Good afternoon everyone." 

"Good afternoon Ma'am." a couple of students replied. 

WHAT? I said in frustration. Fortunately, my mic was off. For a moment I got confused and thought before they speak more I should take control over the chatbox of MT. 

"Mam." I sent a text over chatbox. 

'Not now Piyush, wait.' I got a text from Akshat over What's App. I deleted the text then...Shikha Mam did notice that deleted text and felt a bit weird but as she was in hurry she didn't entertain that deleted text. 

'Abe yaar ye log.' soon I got Akshat's text. I kept sending to be quiet instruction over the What's App group. 

I also had received Prateek's text, 'Do you think we have time? Like what if she is in hurry?'

"We do have time. We will make time." I said those words but I was not sure myself. Ma'am was indeed looking in hurry and already her first session of the day was canceled and now we all were scared that this might be too. 

'Sorry guys...' with those words of Ma'am I was terrified. Scared that this session is also gone and everything that was planned would go in vain. "But I must ask you to give me 5-7 minutes I need to write up some mails and...well...I just need some time and then the session will start." Alright, now I felt better to know that it's still on. 

And soon Shikha Ma'am took off her headphone and started to type something over her laptop. It was probably some mail. And soon Akshat had called those who had spoken in the session and were instructed to keep their mics off. I got their texts over What's App but I didn't have time to say a word. I must keep my eyes on the screen and hands ready over the keypad. 

We all were just watching her quietly over our screen and waiting for her to rejoin the session. It was a very tense quiet. The one like before the battle starts kind of tense quiet for me. And in such a serious moment, Prateek cracked a joke over what's app. 

"What if she removes us from the meeting? 😂" 

I could hardly suppress my laughter and hated him for his timing to crack such a joke. 😄 I didn't say anything to him either. And soon after 5-7 minutes later, Ma'am stood up before the camera and was putting on her headphone. 

It's on. The last instruction to be quiet was sent to the group and this time everyone remained quiet. 

"Hello everyone...sorry I was caught up in some work." 

Nobody responded and everyone was just looking at her over the screen. Everyone was now excited about the plan to proceed. 

"Hello? Can't you guys hear me?" said Shikha Ma'am and then checked her mic setting. It was unmuted and it seemed that everything is in the proper setting but still why students were not responding to her? 

"Are you guys kidding with me?" she thought maybe all of us had planned to joke around in her lecture. Despite that we all were silent and then she finally walked up to the screen...

That was THE MOMENT for me to type on the chatbox. 

"Mam?" I typed with trembling hands. 

She looked at the chatbox and saw my text. 

"Can't you hear us?" I typed the next text. 

"No...I can't." she shook her head feeling clueless. 

"But we all are there."

Then I copy-pasted the link to Google-Drive which my other classmate, Shivam Khowala had sent me. He was the one who had made this beautiful video which we all going to watch now...especially Shikha Ma'am. 

Ma'am saw the link. 

"Please. Listen to what we are saying."

And soon I gave instructions which Akshat had reminded me to give three times before the plan had started to work out. Connect the audio, Share the Screen, and Keep the full screen. These were the three main instructions that needed to be followed. 

As Ma'am saw the name of the link she had a bright smile over her face. She played the video... and grabbed a chair for her. She seemed so surprised. She seemed so happy. 

Well, then what? The video main video started saying "Shikha Mam, we have something to tell you..." 

And the message began to run over the screen. She had her utter attention over the texts visualizing over every picture that was changing before her eyes. Her expressions were growing serene and soon she was drawn into that video. 

As the message was going forward her expressions were changing according to the message running in the video. Everyone was there in the video and was coming before her eyes conveying a message for her. 

Soon something happened...her eyes started to flow.

They were tears of joy.

She was staring at the computer screen but her eyes were drowned in tears. Her hands were constantly wiping those tears so that she could read the message of the video and also she had struggled to fight those tears. She was in class after all and inhaled full to her lungs and sighed a little. 

The Photograph song of Ed Sheeran was so perfectly fit to the message that it stroke a deep impact on the viewers, especially over Shikha Ma'am. She was taking long breaths every once in a few seconds. Her left palm was below her neck as if she was assuring herself that she can process it, while her right was constantly wiping her fresh tears. 

And soon her both hands needed to wipe those tears which she was at the same time fighting to keep them in control but all efforts were failing. She was wiping her both eyes with her hands. 

Soon her tears were accompanied with a smile on her face, as Tanmay's message came up she had a pleasant smile. "But We All Love You." well....it was true...everyone in class loved her...everyone in college loved her. That's the kind of teacher she was. 

But she laughed in the middle of those tears when Soumya's picture came up holding up his line, "You are our turu looob." It was so apt at that moment and while writing, I had put it there deliberately. After years of practice, I had started to get little knowledge of how people would react on certain lines. It had associated with memes...and memes were so much connected with Shikha Ma'am. Who else could know it better than me? 

"You'd always be our teacher." was Poulami's line and that hit somewhere again to ma'am and she took a deep breath. She was experiencing how much she really means to these students whom she had not yet met. 

There was no point fighting tears and she kept wiping her tears with her both hands. 

Soon the message started over the screen that what she was for us...all of us. A mentor, a guide, a philosopher, a protector, and a friend. 

Shruti, whom I call my sister, she showed her arm showing strength and the paper in her hand holding a written word over it, A Protector. That's what Shikha Ma'am is for us. That was the message there. And this little sister, she really did a good job. And soon the next message was followed by Sweety Ji's picture. A Friend is what had written when her picture came up. Well...Shikha Ma'am does have good friendly relations with her students...and particularly with our leader, our strong CR Sweety Singh. 

Many hadn't had a talk with Ma'am and yet their sentiments were the same. They all were grateful. They all were so happy that Shikha Ma'am was their teacher and they were her students. The bonding was so strong and everyone felt it. 

And the ending message had started with Yashodeep and Akriti, "The World is a Better Place, because of People Like You." I remember these words. I would remember them for the rest of my life. I had said that to her when she was there for me after my father's demise. When I was feeling so scared and hopeless in life, she was there. She stood there for me, giving me strength. Giving me hope in this most negative time. And I was so overwhelmed and cried and had said those words to her. 

The world is full of many selfish people. Trying to bring each other down just to feel better, that they are above others...but in this world of selfish, jealous people...there I had someone who actually cared. Whose presence brought me hope that the world is still a better place because there are people like her still living. 

It was a night before my mid-sem exam and she had sent me a Coolman Coffeedan video to cheer up my mood, to give me some hope because I was so sad because everything was going wrong. And Shikha Ma'am was had said, "Don't be so sad Piyush." Her constant efforts to be there for me had amazed me. It was all new to me and I didn't know how to process it...she was too good. 

It may amuse many that it was Shikha Ma'am, who had told me which paper I got first in the Mid-Sem exam. 😅 I simply had no attention at all. I was so lost. 

Then my picture came up holding a book in my hands. It symbolizes that this is how this bond had started. At the time of the induction program, I had come to Shikha Ma'am's attention because of our mutual love for books. "Thank You." that's what my line was in the video. Soon after 10 seconds, the video was over. 

And she buried her face in her palms. Tears were disobedient to her command they kept flowing. 

She was trying to process those 4 minutes and 15 seconds...she could not believe how much she got from this little time. Her face was not sad...she was too happy that she started to cry. All her efforts had failed and still, the tears weren't stopping. And she turned around in that chair, hiding her face from the camera. Crying peacefully at that moment. 

Her students had given her the greatest surprise. As a teacher, she was so honored but as a human being....she was so touched. 

Everyone could feel that our hearts were crying along with her too. I could feel it in me that the whole class was so emotional at that moment. Everyone's mouth was shut but heart....their heart spoke a thousand things. Many students wept in silence. Their heart was breaking that soon they would lose it all. This class...these classmates...and especially this amazing teacher which they all adored. 

The time had stopped at that moment and everything felt so silent. Our eyes were misty, looking at our beloved teacher, weeping there in that chair. Trying to hide it from us but...but it was pointless. We all could see how it was affecting her too. She had known it too that these students...she'd gonna lose most of them because of specialization...and this class...with whom she had grown so attached wouldn't be any more there. The time flew so fast and it brought us to the point where we all have to face the truth that we all would fall apart. 

Every student felt it too and they all felt the same same thing in their hearts at that same moment and all of them felt connected to her heart. All of them felt it together...and it was so beautiful. The moment we all were experiencing right now...was so out of the world. 

Controlling myself, I gave the next instruction with my trembling hands over the What's App group. 

"Now...everybody...turn on your camera. Now."

And when she turned around to the screen...there were her students. These, A section students who loved and adored her so much. And all of their faces had smile and eyes were overwhelmed in this beautiful moment. 

Shikha Ma'am looked at their faces and a bright, ecstatic smile had emerged over her face. She was feeling so happy, so blessed that she had such students who adored her this much. 

Seeing how the numbers were growing over the screen she was amazed. Everyone wanted to be there and the screen filled up with small windows for each student. It's strange how everyone was miles apart from each other and yet they all....they all felt together at that very moment. All felt united...for one person. 

Everyone unmuted their mics and started saying, "Thank You Shikha Ma'am" this echo filled her eyes with tears. She wept again before all of us. And soon she wiped her tears and had a bright content smile over her face. 

"Oh...I really had a difficult day," said Ma'am. "But this..." she was getting wordless. Maybe there wasn't a word that could actually express what she was feeling at that moment. But it sure so beautiful and we all felt it along with her. Her bad day had finally changed into something extraordinary.

"I am so overwhelmed to see such bonding for me...I have a special bonding with your section. It means a lot to me...I can't believe how time passed so fast that we are at the end of the semester."

"You'd always be our teacher Ma'am." few spoke in response. 

"This batch was really different and I would always remember this one..."

"A Covid batch." many cracked that typical joke and it was so funny at that moment. 

Ma'am laughed and nodded agreeing with her students. "Yeah, a covid batch. It's strange for me to realize that there could be such a strong bonding over these virtual classes too." 

"We have the same predicament too that how could we feel so connected with each other. And we all felt so overwhelmed seeing YOU weeping there. It means a lot for us too, I can speak on behalf of my class, that it really means a lot for us...we all felt sentimental too along with you.' spoke Sweety Ji. She seemed so overwhelmed. The strong and caring CR was her identity among her classmates. She was feeling bad too. 

"Sweety...that's very kind of you," spoke Shikha Ma'am. They both shared good bonding outside the boundaries of Academic relations. "I felt so good seeing this all...and to be honest somewhere I did feel the but today it came forward from both sides." 

This felt good to hear and I checked the screen, everyone was so glad and sentimental at that moment. Smiles on their faces and tears in the eyes. For a second my eyes tempted to keep looking at this beautiful sight. But I had work to do and couldn't let myself much relish at this moment...and then my phone vibrated over a what's app text. 

It was Prateek. 

3:37 PM

"Shall I say the poetry now?" said his text. 

He was thinking that Ma'am might switch to completing her syllabus. The first phase was successfully attained and now it was time for the second phase of the plan where students will share some personal message for ma'am or do any activity. I remember asking Genisha, a few days back, to sing in that session and she was prepared too for that. Vivek had something to share too.

There out to be an order for these things too and who could be better than starting the second phase rather than Prateek. 

"Say her...that Ma'am I want to express something and then do it..." I typed back. 

And the flamboyant boy Prateek Patel finally found a gap in the ongoing conversation between Ma'am with our classmates.

"Ma'am actually this is poetry that I can relate all this with this moment and would like to share it now." said Prateek. 

Shikha Ma'am seemed please that there is still more to this surprise and she was curious to know and she gladly welcomed Prateek's request. 

And the Chocolate Boy finally started reading the poem and everyone kept quiet and kept listening to him, attaintvely. 

The title of his poem was, "She" and he had written it for her. 

"SHE"

"she is 12 year’s  elder to you,

She is your teacher," 🤓 

"Yes, she taught me how to

Live again and how to 

Live with the pain."

"What's the best gift she, 🎁 

Has ever given to you?"

"She presents some great stories, 

And I'm a writer."✍🏻

Let me keep the philosophical 

Approach aside;

And reveal the things which I 

Always try to hide;🗣

She doesn't look like an angel or 😇 

A girl described in poetry,👩🏽

Neither she looked like a painting 🏞

Nor she is cute; 

But just a single glance of her, 🙄

From the teams window is enough 

To turn everyone mute.🚫

She didn't look like a princess 👸 or

The protagonist of a novel, 📚 

She doesn't hold any stars in eyes 👀 

Or The moon on her face 🌙 

I  think about her, 💭 

And this pen starts to race. ❤️ 

Who is "She?" You asking it again?

Gosh don't you know yet?

She is an epitome of beauty;😍

Might or might not be,🤔

This is how I described her to be:📝 

Shaping our future meticulously 

Happy and always bubbly

Initiates to accept us perfectly 

Knowledge that’s embedded deeply,

Heavenly thoughts which are anomaly,

Answers our self doubts honestly!

Graced by god gorgeously,💁🏼

Understand me I'm saying meticulously,

Relies on my words obviously,🙇🏼‍♀️

Pretty and prettiest possibly,💁🏼

Teaches to try truly.

Who is "she"? You repeat!!!

And I’ll recite her as:

She is not her age,

Nor the size of clothes she wear,

She is not a weight,

Or the colour of her hair,

She is not just her name,

Or the hidden dimple in her cheek,

She is all my words she read,

And all the words she speaks!!🤗

                                            ~pr@teek.

Everyone clapped for Prateek. Shikha Ma'am was somewhere amused too and she spoke, 

"12 years older.....I think Prateek has made the calculations before writing his poem." and she chuckled. 

Prateek had his usual bright smile over his face. I personally felt proud of him too...he does bring life to mundane things. He kept the flow sustained of the session and with his initiative others were comfortable to share their messages too in the class. 

3:37

Prateek's text on what's app. 

"Done."

"Bravo." I texted back. 

"Thank you. A Naive attempt though"

"Everyone loved it." I guess somewhere I felt that he needed to hear that. 

Then Rishabh Patidar he conveyed his own message to Shikha Ma'am and everyone cheered on him after he was finished. The flow had started now...those who were interested to give any personal message to mam was now coming forward. 

And to my surprise even Manoj came forward to express something for Ma'am. I was certainly surprised to see him speaking and infinitely glad that he was going to speak for Ma'am. 

Isbs ki shaan

Students ke liye bhagwan

Sab karte unka samman

Jitna likhu par lagta abhi bht Kam h likha

Jinhone hume Ob diya acche se sikha

Wo hai hum sabki favourite mam shikha

Well...She was favorite of everyone...that's true. Everyone cheered for Manoj for coming forward and speak. 

Later, after the session was over Manoj texted me sharing his hesitation.

"Meri Shayari Shai thi kya?" 

I was so amused. He was always so doubtful over his own potentials...even before submitting the picture for the video he was not convinced that his picture was good enough. I don't know about anything else but I was certainly glad that he came forward and spoke. 

"Everyone loved it, brother. Even I loved it too. You did a great job." 

"Thanks yar mein sunana ni chah rha tha but pata ni kya mood ban gya😄" he finally felt relieved. 

"It was good, brother." I was assuring him again. He felt convinced and was happy over his little achievement. It was good to see him happy.

Then, Vivek Kumar, his name come up. It was Sweety Ji announced that he wanted to present something for Ma'am and Shikha Ma'am was curious to know what it could be. I, well, already had an idea.

Sweety Ji asked Mam to allow her to share her screen and soon we all saw a picture of the sketch. A sketch of Shikha Ma'am. 

Everyone was really impressed and certainly hit had another level on Ma'am. She praised Vivek for such a wonderful gift he gave to her. I think with her words Vivek would have felt unprecedented happiness at that moment. 

It was a beautiful moment that all of us were trying to make it better and better. I found it beautiful because my classmates were supporting each other for whatever they were expressing in the class...It didn't matter if it made sense or not...what really mattered at that moment that it was all for their favorite professor. 

"So that's why you had asked me my picture, Sweety," said Shikha Ma'am. Clearly, Sweety Ji had provided Vivek a picture so that he could draw a sketch. 

Some time passed and nobody presented anything so I, hesitantly, sent a PPT over MT chatbox. Ma'am opened it up and the first picture amused her...and I guess to my classmates too. 

Well...It was me who had started to make memes on Ma'am. How could I do it without using memes? I spoke nothing...I let the PPT do the work for me. 

I heard some laughter and Shikha Mam spoke up. 

"When this all started I didn't know who the memer was. My mentees were sharing such memes to me." 

I know who the mentee was. Kajal Fulwami, I used to share her memes, and then she would share them on that group. I had requested her to keep my name hidden. She honored that wish. 

"Then soon..." spoke Shikha Mam, "I came to know that the memer is from A division...and then after some time...I came to know it was Piyush." and she changed the slide. 

With every meme that was coming...it was amusing them. 

"I felt the same too when I didn't have lectures." Mam laughed while speaking. 

"Alright...this one I shared with my sister and she found it so relevant." said Ma'am. 

I certainly hope no girl would take offense at me for making such memes...but I guess everyone does admire her for her fashion sense so....they'll agree. 

And Mam laughed over this one too. 

But what everyone felt relevant to was the coming one...

Well as Shruti's picture spoke...Shikha mam was the protector for many of us. 

And then there were many memes and the whole class was entertained by them. 

Then again Prateek felt like singing in the session and he sang. 😄 Everyone again cheered him. 

Genisha's performance was followed after that. She took her guitar and sang three songs back to back in that session. 

Song ans movie name

1. Tu thodi der or ther ja (Half girlfriend)

2. Tu jaane na (Ajab Prem ki Gazab Khani)

3. Tera yaar hu mai ( Sonu ke Titu Ki sweety)

Undoubtedly she performed really well and all of us cheered for her. She seemed relieved that all of us liked her performance. And obviously, Ma'am loved it too....she loved it so much that even Mam felt the temptation to sing in the class...but she thought maybe it's not right....but all the students requested her for this day...and she was convinced....and my god when Shikha Ma'am started to sing...both Prateek and Genisha felt like their performance was really horrible. 

Mam was really good at singing too. 

In the group, I was cheering those who just performed and many others unmuted their mics and showed their admiration in the session. Both Genisha and Prateek commented on what's app group that their performance wasn't good enough after hearing Shikha Ma'am voice. 

But you know what was the best thing? It didn't matter to any of us...and all of these guys were supporting these two...cheering for them...so that will uplift their moods again. 

And I reminded Mam about something that she was supposed to announce... and she did... She announced that my book is getting published in January....and everyone in the class was surprised to hear that...they clapped for me...wow...they cheered for me....it felt so fucking good.  

Mam gave her best wishes for my book and my classmates cheered for me, congratulated me...I really didn't know how to receive all these wishes. I felt silly myself. 

Soon the time on the clock was 4:10 PM 

"Ah...the time is about to be over." said Mam. Everyone felt that time passed so soon and they didn't want it to end so soon. "There's no point in taking attendance but nevertheless...Roll No 1..."

"Present Ma'am" said Prateek. 

And it concluded to the normal but not so usual attendance. When my attendance was noted after roll no 17, I checked the unofficial group. It was flooded with messages. All were wishing each other as the semester was about to end. 

All of us had become so good friends that segregating into other sections was a difficult idea to accept. Most of us felt that same thing...and we all wished that we could be together like this for the rest of the semesters. 

Shikha Ma'am was soon done with her attendance and logged out. 

"We would have Shikha Ma'am." Sweety Ji teased in the group to others as she was going for HR. I was amused and many replied with emojis to her text. 

I also saw how people had wished me a personal chat as well as on group for my book. They were happy and eager for the book to come and many promised that they shall buy it and read it. I was immobilized with this amount of happiness and focus. Soon, after thanking many of them, I logged out and chose to be alone. 

I needed alone time for myself to recharge myself from this excessive socialization of today’s moment. Too much attention had scared me and drained me at the same time. I often need time alone after my college is over. Too much interaction drains me and I need to be alone for the next day’s interaction. These days I have to interact with people...sometimes it’s real fun...sometimes it’s so exhausting. Today it was somewhere scary for me. 

I had uploaded the video on Instagram and put a couple of stories, one thanking Shivam Khowala for making this video and for his contribution. I saw how Shivam had commented that we both make a good team. I felt honored. 

Three hours passed and I was feeling a little back to my normal emotional condition. I was having dinner around 7:30 PM. Many tell me that’s too early for them...but at my home it’s normal. Soon after my dinner around 8 PM I grabbed my phone and checked. I had a missed call from Sweety Ji. 

I was not surprised, I rather knew it somewhere that I’d get a call from her. So I called her back. 

“Hello, Sweety Ji.” I said. 

“Hello, Piyush...kaise ho? kya kar rahe ho?” asked her. 

“Sorry I couldn’t pick up your call. It was charging and I was busy having dinner.” 

“It’s okay. I had just called to congratulate you.”

“Me?” I was confused. 

“The session went superb. The moment we all encountered was really one of a kind. You did a good job.” said her with enthusiasm. 

I was overwhelmed. I was getting such words for myself from her: the one who is a strong person and handles the whole class. Her being there gives us immense support and I was no exception. I shall always remember how she helped me and handled many things behind my back when I had suffered the loss of my father and as well as the covid-19 myself. 

“Thank you, Sweety Ji.” I was so shy. “You are saying me these words mean so much to me.” 

“Come on yaar...you earned it. This moment wasn’t merely special for Shikha Ma’am, it was for all of us. Actually, I can speak on behalf of our section that this moment was for all us, together.” 

“I am just happy that I could do something for our class.” I spoke. “I never thought I’d be doing such a thing for the class and I am happy that it worked out.” 

“We all are so happy and overwhelmed, Piyush.” said Sweety Ji. “I was going to cry if it would have gone for a minute more. Actually, I was already in tears when Ma’am had turned around crying….and not just me...many were in tears too. It was a new experience for most of them too... having such sort of bonding with a teacher.”

I can feel it. I can understand. 

“It was beautiful. I think nobody shall be able to forget this session.” said Sweety Ji. 

“We all made it beautiful.” I replied. “Prateek said that poem, Vivek’s Sketch, Manoj’s Shyari and Genisha’s performance.”

“Yes...they all made the session more beautiful.” admitted Sweety Ji. 

“Now you see why I didn’t share the video with you even when it was ready?” I asked. There was a small pause. “If anyone had seen that video then they would have lost that magic that they all felt in this session. Everyone was unknown of the events and especially of that video...and when they experienced it...they all experienced with Shikha Ma’am. Together.”  

“Yeah...it was a beautiful video.” said Swety Ji.

“Thanks to Shivam that it became possible.” I admitted. 

“He was the one who was making all those backdrops when we needed, right?” 

“Yes.” I said. “We do share a good friendship and working with him is another experience.” 

“Lucky.” said Sweety Ji. “I have never interacted with him much. I don’t think he was into conversations over in groups too.”

“Yeah...he doesn’t talk much.” I laughed. “But his contribution is always there.” 

“Yes.” Admitted Sweety Ji. “So big thanks to him too.” 

“Yes.” I said happily. 

And then my phone got a text alert. I checked. It was WhatsApp. It was Anagha Ma’am. 

“Oh..fuck!” I said feeling scared. 

“What happened?” wondered Sweety Ji. 

“I just got a text from Anagha Ma'am.” I said. 

“Oh! Shit.” even Sweety ji felt it troubling. “What does it say?” 

“I haven’t opened it up yet but seeing through the notification bar...but it says: Nice one, should I expect the same just in case? It’s definitely over the video of Shikha Ma’am.”

“Shit.” said Sweety Ji. “How did she get access to video?”

“Um...I think that’s my mistake.” I said hesitatingly. “I had put the link over my what’s app story saying Section A honors their favorite teacher.” 

“Oh fuck!” 

“I am dead. Shit. I am leaving college.” Sweety Ji laughed. “I’m scared.” 

Sweety Ji spoke, “Maybe you’d have to do something for her too.”

“Me?” I almost screamed. “I’m so scared of her.” 

“Everyone is.” said Sweety Ji.

“She’s so intimidating!” I confessed my fear. 

“Yeah she is...but you know what Piyush...Ma’am is highly misunderstood!” said Sweety Ji, concernedly. 

“Exactly!” I emphasized. 

“Many do not approve of her because of her strict behavior and mistake to know her real.” 

“I agree. But I know one thing for sure...one better be afraid of her.” and I laughed. 

“That’s true too.” 

“Oh...I got Shikha Mam’s text on What’s App.” said her. 

“Varsha did say that we all must expect a mail from Ma’am.”  

“It says that she can’t share her message through the official medium so she texted me and asked to forward it to the group. I have done it. You can check there.” said Sweety Ji. 

“I suspect I’ll get one too,” I said and laughed to myself. “I guess I’ll have to take your leave. Divya had asked my help regarding something to write up… a short story or something.”

“Hey...your book is coming in January, right?” asked Sweety Ji. 

“Yes.” 

“I am gonna buy it and read it for sure,” she said enthusiastically. It felt good to see her such a support for me. 

“I’d be very glad, Sweety Ji. I hope you’d like the story. Shikha Ma’am had loved it and then it was her who had asked me why it is not a book.”

“Really?”

“Yeah...and then one interview with Anagha Ma’am and I finally took the thing seriously that I should publish it because my CV was catastrophic.” I laughed. “So Anagha Ma’am is a reason too somewhere for this book which is coming.” 

“Nice.”

“I am keeping her in the dark about it. Planning to surprise her when the book cover will be released.”  

“Don’t forget to share it with me too.”

“Absolutely not.” and I laughed again. There was a little pause. “I guess I’ll have to say bye now.”

“Yup. Bye. Bye Piyush Thorat.” I laughed over how she emphasized over my name. “Hey...and one more thing.”

“What thing?” I wondered. 

“We finally made you to mix with us.” she said it like it was an achievement. 

I chuckled. “I couldn’t believe it too...but yeah...I like this class and these classmates.”

Sweety Ji seemed content and happy. “Bye Piyush. Eager to see you in college.”

“Likewise Sweety Ji.”

And the phone was put down. 

I stayed there idle thinking about my time and how I was at the beginning and how much I have changed with these guys to whom I have never even met. Soon shook my head and turned on my laptop to help my classmate, Divya. 

Meanwhile, I finally opened the text from Anagha Ma’am. I took a couple of heavy breaths as it was a challenging task. 

“Ummm.” was my text back with confused emojis.

“Why so serious? (Emojis laughing) I was kidding.”

“I thought you caught me and I was scared. Still scared.”

“I did see your name,” said Anagha Ma’am. “Written by you. In fact, I liked it. I am glad you have started using your creativity.”

I must say I was stunned by her such reply. Was I really talking with Anagha Ma’am? For a moment I wondered. 

“Okay.” I typed back along with hesitant emojis. “I have something for you too, but it has some time. Till then I’d be your student as I’ll be having finance as my specialization.”

“When are you guys choosing your specialization? Saw mails in that regard. A few of you called me as well.” 

“Most of us have already filled up our specialization preference. Tomorrow we have some session at noon about elective subjects, I guess. There we shall have more clarity.”

“Oh.”

“It’s been a long time we all have seen you in lecture. I was wondering if everything is okay.”

“Yeah...I had surgery last week.”

I was surprised to know that. 

“In fact this semester I was very on and off. I don’t even remember taking your session more than 5-6 times.”

“That’s true.”

“But anyway, I do not meet students in semester 1...I start with semester 2.”

“I know.” I had overheard it from people. 

“I teach a lot in Semester 2 and 3.”

“Oh dear lord. I am dead already.” 

“Possibly 2 subjects in Semester 2 and 3.” 

“Will we be getting so many assignments?” I was hesitant. I was already scared that we were gonna get so many assignments. 

“You should talk with your seniors. You’d get to know.”

“I don’t actually talk much with people.”

“You should. It’s good to talk.” 

“Actually I am looking forward to seeing how I get along with you.” A thought of Shikha Ma’am conversation crossed my head. Shikha Ma’am and I once had a conversation about the semester getting end and I shall be getting new teachers now. She said she will be happy to see me getting along with other faculty members too. 

“You talk to me quite generously.” said Anagha Ma’am. 

“You are my teacher after all.” I admitted. 

“First of all.” she corrected me. I laughed in hesitation and sent such emoji in response. 

“And I don’t find you laconic.”

I smiled and typed back, “In texts, you wouldn’t.” 

“Well see you in college then.”

“Yes.” 

“Good night and take care.”

“Good night Ma’am.” 

Soon I started to work on the thing for which Divya had asked my help. And soon after that, I felt like saying something to my classmates so I started writing an email and sent it to my CR Sweety Ji and DCR Akshat Agarwal. Sometimes I think Sweety Ji is like Munna Bhai and Akshat is her Circuit. 

I soon saw receiving my forwarded mail along with my whole classmates. 

Hello Everyone,

Today’s OB’s lecture was one of the most memorable for all of us, including for our beloved Shikha Ma’am. Like all of you, I was also overwhelmed with this beautiful time we all had today. I am extremely happy that this plan worked out so well. I am getting texts from many of you expressing your thanks for making this all happen.

I am so overwhelmed by your support and cheers. Such a moment never occurred in my life but I am truly glad that for once in my life…I had the courage to bring out my creative thoughts ahead of everyone and great thanks to my dear friend Shivam Khowala, with whom I often work due to my CLDP team or for class Backdrop and even for making Diwali Greeting card. He is such a gem. And I consider it as my privilege to work with him. The way I discuss my ideas with him and the coordination we both share is another level experience for me because it’s rare for me to be actually working with someone. So such things may be normal for most of you…but for someone like me, it's different. When Shivam said to me today that, “We make a pretty good team.” Well, what else could be a more honorable compliment for me?! I was touched.

And the same way I must say that about all of you. The way you guys supported to make this idea reality. It was just…..WOW…

I genuinely wanted to have something for all of us that we could look after 5 years or even after 10 years or more….and feel the exact same emotions which we felt today. You all guys made it possible. You all guys made it beautiful. And I am so... so happy that such an idea worked so well.

I never could fit into classrooms. I was often pointed out as different… a misfit actually. Most of my academic life was lonely…but the love and support I experienced in ISBS with you guys are so so special for me. And I wanted to remember all of you and personally wanted something for myself too to remember all of you, hence the idea of the video came to my mind which we all watched today.

And I have one of the most funniest and beautiful memories with you all. Our section is known for its UNITY and I consider myself so lucky to be a student of this A section.

This event of today was not merely limited for Mam but it was for all of us. And if you guys could feel something special today, a beautiful moment which you would cherish even in your future…then I will consider it as my great personal triumph. I never said such a thing before in my life because academic life was difficult but because of all you, now it’s beautiful. So all I wanted to say to you guys that “I really love you. All of you. You guys are really the best. And soon when I will be going for Finance, and some would be with me, but I will miss this class. All of you. And I hope…and actually… I plan…that when our college opens…I want all of us to sit in one classroom together and I’d personally request Shikha mam to take at least one lecture. So that we all may have one beautiful memory which we were deprived of because of this damn pandemic.”

Sorry I wrote really long. Can’t help it. 😅 I am a writer after all.

So THANK YOU. All of you. For giving me such beautiful memories. I am so sure that we are all gonna be friends….always gonna be friends.

Regards

Piyush Thorat

19/12/2020

20 Dec 2020 - Sunday

I was snapped back from the events of yesterday. It was overwhelming. I still feel that I am not over it. The influence was still there, even after a day. 

At 4:35 PM I had received a text on What’sApp from Aryaman. 

I just read ur message and the only thing I want to say is.

Keep going brother u r such a good person seriously 

And yaa dost hmesha rhengee bro apn 😁❤️

So, enjoy ur life bro and ya I wish for ur bright and successful future ahead ❤️😁👍

I had seen his text in the evening at 6:42 PM.

I replied to him back with thanks for his kind text. And then was spending time surfing over Instagram. 

Until at 7:06 PM I got a text over what’s app. 

“Knock! Knock!”

Whenever I get a text starting from Knock Knock...then it only means it is coming from one person. 

“All good? You good?” 

“Yes...Shikha Ma’am.” I typed back. “How are you?”

“Having a bit of headache,  running nose n thoda sa throat pain... I guess today pune was tiny bit colder and it got me🥴”

“Weren’t you taking care of yourself?” 

“I was but no matter what I do, how much I take care,  thoda sa b low temperature get to me🙄”

I sent this kid’s sticker in return. 

“😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻... Arre....👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻ye galti se gye” 

“It’s fine. 😅” 

“O ya its fine... Jab 👋🏻khane k kaam karoge,  tab i will send unapologetically.. Par abhi galti se gaye the😅”

“I'd try to not do anything that will be needed this: 👋🏻”

“😅😅😅 ya u better take care..... Coz m gonna always watch out🧐😅”

“Because I’m awesome.” 

“Ya I know😅”

“So... yesterday was memorable.”

“Indeed!!!!  I haven't stopped thinking about it😇”

“😄😄😄😄 I'm glad that you loved it all.”

“Of course! Anyone with a heart would have loved it. I must only be a statue to not like it.”

“😄😄”

“N dats why u were so upset that first session had gone to BOM😅” 

“😅😅Now you know. ”

I remembered how the first session of yesterday which was of OB was shifted to BOM. We were planning to execute it in the first session. Fortunately, it got canceled and then it was executed over the last lecture. I guess, whatever happens, happens for good. 

“I was trembling before starting the plan.” I admitted hesitantly. 

“And I was trembling while it was playing in front of me,” Ma’am admitted too. “I mean of course...I must be touched to a whole different level that I cried in front of students. Literally cried.🙈🙈🙈”

“Everyone texted me regarding that. They were overwhelmed too.” 

“Ye historic tha…. I have never cried in the class.”

“Tears of joy.” I said. 

“Yes. Joy. Gratitude.” 

“I’d count it as my greatest achievement in semester One. You mean a lot to all of us more than you can think.”

“I will count it as my greatest achievement in my teaching career.😅” 

When Ma’am said that, it felt so awesome to be actually capable to achieve something that epic. 

“Written by Piyush Thorat.” said Shikha Ma’am.

I felt hesitant and shy, “I am happy that I could give words to my classmate’s emotions.”

“You do that the best. Giving words to other people’s emotions.” said Ma’am. 

“Thank You.” I was getting paralyzed with happiness. I had no doubts she would have found out anyway as she had figured it out in the Diwali mail. She is well aware of my writing style and has been reading my blogs and stories for months.

“I guess many from other sections may get envious of me now. 😅” I said. 

“I am sure they would.” 

“And it wouldn’t matter.😄”  

“When I turned back my chair...I was about to cry aise gala faad ke...I was so overwhelmed. Thank god I could control.” said Ma’am.

“We would have understood that. And if you had cried like that then I am telling you many would have cried along with you. 😅”

“😟😟😕😕”

“Many said so...yesterday. Such influence….is what you have over us.” 

“Let me just say thanks to almighty for giving me so much love.”

“You shall have more...I promise you that.” 

“It’s enough for a lifetime already.😅 Chalo I will take your leave now. Phone light might increase my headache.”

“Oh...I had forgotten about that. Please take rest.”

“Yeah...see you..bye.”

“Bye.”

And the chat was finally over. I was living in a different world now. I was sad that this first semester ended so soon. The time was untraceable into such good people around me. 

Sweety Ji for whom I have immense respect. She is a strong woman and I feel glad to know that she counts on me for many things and considers me her good friend. Then there is our dramatic DCR Akshat. I like this guy...he’s funny. He is helpful to all of us and I find a good friend in him. One thing is for sure I and Prateek shall never let him forget about the screen sharing incident. 

Prateek Patel, the chocolate boy of our class...and probably of the whole ISBS. When one meets him at first will often think he is a bit arrogant but soon when the time will pass you shall be proved wrong and would find a good funny friend in him. I find a challenging friend in him, the one who shall challenge me to strive more and do more. I shall never forget his initiative when he came to know about the financial challenges I was facing to publish my book. He was talking with my classmates and encouraging them to raise funds so that my dream will come true. I was so touched by the support of my classmates and especially of him. He may flirt with every girl he may encounter but he’ll also be the one who’d be there when you are in need of a friend or help. I wish that his dreams would come true one day. I wish he’d become a famous actor someday...I’d be genuinely happy to see him getting successful in his dream life. 

Then there is that Spammer Divya...God! Nobody can beat her in spamming. 😂 I remember how Divya had helped with notes. I was feeling left behind after recovering from Covid as I was absent for 25 days. She’s a nice friend. 

Shrishti is also a good friend. I think I shall never be able to forget her dance video of DJ night. I always burst out in laughter when I see that. 😂 I can say over the experience of this one-semester I shared a good friendship with her too. She’s been a supportive friend and always tried to give her contribution to the class. 

Then I remember my CLDP group, Shivam, Shruti, Manoj, Madhura, Sneha, and Rajat. It was really a good experience with these guys too. The CLDP activities were fun and each of them is valuable friends for me. 

Saurabh Patil...Naughty hai ye ladka 😂 Control karo isko. Alright...he’s a good guy...that was just a funny part of the collective friendship we all share with him. I would personally like to thank him to answer most of the questions to the teachers so that someone like me can chill in ongoing lectures. 😂

Harshit is a good friend too. I was so honored when he had said that he actually bought those books which I had recommended him to buy. He sent me the photo and said that this was the first time he had bought such books. I am happy that some would start reading books now. 

And when it’s about books then how can I forget my meme partner Soumya who is a brother to me. I really find this guy so funny. And I am telling you that Soumya is not that Soumya 😂 he’s a tall beast...naam pe mat jao uske. I am happy that I share a good friendship with this guy. Eager to see him in college. 

Rahul Asnani...chill dude...logo ko kitne bhi badi problem ho….iska sirf ek he kahna hai. “That’s your personal problem...please don’t share here.” 😂😂😂😂 Ye banda sahi hai ekdum...I count him as my good friend and I am looking forward to playing badminton with him, Prateek and Yashodeep.

Siddhant, Apporva, Vivek, Neha Ji, Aayush, Payodhi, Ritika, Sonali these guys are also good friends…..BC puri class he good friends hai meri 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Anyway...I am gonna miss this class. It was a short period but the bonding was really strong with them. I don’t believe such words are actually coming from my mouth but yeah...I actually loved being with these people. Sweety Ji and Akshat would finally feel victorious about it. 😂😂

I think in other sections too such bonding would be there among the classmates. I shall be having new classmates soon...and I am terrified of it. Inko chor ke jane ka mood nahi hai 😂😂 I think my classmates share the same opinion ki kaash yahi log har sem me saath hote to. 

But koi baat nahi...college me to saath hai he. What truly matters is that in the time of this pandemic we all found lot many friends...and that’s something. These new friends to whom I have not yet known...I am looking forward to seeing you guys too. 

Till then…

Love Always
Piyush