The Alumni Meet

There are enough movies that revolve around the topic of college and school re-unions. As a matter of fact in most of them the protagonists are not really keen to go back to their olden golden days!

I remember that I had just gone to one alumni meet which was organized by my school in the year 2004! That was the first and the last time that I had gone to the school reunion. Basically because that was the ONLY year that I knew that 'my group' from school will be there. There is a reunion every year, but there is no charm for me to go there. I lack the attachment to Modern Bk and the seniors! *Two years in a school with hostile environment well, doesn't make you like it!*

Today, the very first Alumni meet was organized by my college for the last couple of batches and OMG, it was such a fucking reality check! People had gone fat! They got married, yup there were couple who even had children.
It was almost like I was meeting different people altogether! All of us had the ego battles when we were in college, trying to match up to each other! But, after all this time, it seems like all those were just futile attempts to do God only knows what!

Well of course there were certain batch mates of mine who were still the same. Talking to you with an ego, which was nothing but fake attitude gone all wrong!

Anyways, this alumni meet made me realize the long journey that i have undertaken, from the fiasco in the engineering college to 5 years of law school, to finally being a professional!
The journey seems like an immense uphill task that I have finally completed.. only start a all new journey, all over again!

PS: Edited to add: That I did do my engineering, for one year and then gave up. Good sense prevailed!

No more- College Tales.

School is the foundation on which we learn how to study. It is the first path that takes us closer to the person who we are eventually.
But, it is the college, that truly shapes our hopes, forges them with our dreams, and help create a reality that is closest to being the person that we are. We enter college, with dreamy eyes, and even bigger hopes of being that 'someone' closed in our eyes.

A normal graduation course is 3 years, almost all professional courses extend to four years (barring Medicine, I am still not sure how much do they study) and then comes the Law school, half a decade of seeing the same classmates going to the same college. From being a dreamy eyed teenager, we come out as Legal eagles ready to conquer the world.
Five long years.

When I joined law five years back, it was a struggle to get up, catch a bus, and then go to college. The countdown to the final day at college started the first day I attend my classes. But, nothing in this world could have prepared me for the actual day.
It was our college farewell ( We were not even expecting a farewell, btw) today. The function was one of the best that I have seen in my college. Not only me,my entire batch was out of breath seeing the arrangements that juniors had done. There were the usual speeches, and the DJ, what more was there were the titles that were given by our juniors to us, and the ones that we gave to our teachers.
* I got the title of 'Ms Punjabi Tadka'* .
And, I cried too. I cried because, today the final realization that life is no more in a schedule, that my next step is as far away as god only knows what, and I cried, because, I felt the sadness that filled my heart, as I left my Kingdom behind, in search of new lands.

I call my college my kingdom, because, it was like that to me. I was royalty. * This was proved when I was announced as Ms. B.A. LL.B 2010 * I did so much in my college, and most of the times, I was reluctant. But, I did it, because, I wanted to be a part of the memories that I leave behind with each of the faculty member.
The last five years, have made me what I am. I am going to miss being in college. And more than anything else, I am going to miss bossing around, and being loved for the same.

Mission Impossible: Admission

Anyone who thinks that studying is easy, is not a fool. Like, to actually study in your field is easy. It is the damn admission procedure that really kills you.
There is a very famous saying about IIT's, it is said that getting admitted to an IIT is more difficult than to actually survive the institute's rigorous training.

I beg to differ.

It is GODDAMMIT difficult getting admitted everywhere. Making life simple is NOT the purpose of any admission procedure. Every year, there is SO much confusion whenever the undergrad admissions start. Understandable, it is the first time that the kiddos are getting admitted and all...
But what is with the admissions to the Masters...

I have been trying like crazy to get couple of things together for my applications to the masters program.. and everything is so muddled up.
The damn thing needs so many papers and so many essays that, it feels like I am doing an English Assignment rather than applying for a masters course in Law.
The statement of purpose has not gone beyond 3 paragraphs... and well, the recommendation letters are so drab that, I feel that there is nothing significant that I have done in the last five years that I have done. No, it is not entirely my fault, it is the same format that the college uses for all the students, any change is welcome, but then the evaluation is not by the college, or the teachers but by the students themselves.
This is India, and only here can this happen.
So, mission admission which is looking like a HUGE failure is on its way...
Wish me luck and pray for me...

For Once- I want the time to stop, or maybe not.

I am perpetually confused. Something that, I am not so proud of. But, then what is life without two things to choose from.
A dilemma always makes up for the monotony of the daily life.
So, on Monday-
I turned in my Examination form, for my 10th Sem. The final semester. And, even though there was enough chaos around the entire faculty at that time, I could feel a different kind of buzz in me. I was sad, that it is going to get over finally, and on the other hand, I was feeling, all excited, thinking, wow, finally the tedious five years are going to end.
From being called written off as an outcast, to being the Best Student of the college, it has been an eventful journey. Well, if nothing else, I have pretty much figured out the bus routes of Delhi. And, THE most exciting part of the entire time period was- The 1.5 hour journey one way. I have traveled the way the world on a budget travels... and seen so many people.

And, in 10 days time, My college fest will start. Its already a madhouse out there. I being the co-ordinator is NO  help. I lose my temper, go crazy trying to squeeze in every ego demand... but no help. I am in almost all the events as a participant and as a co-ordinator.
So, life is a mad house.
And, despite my crankiness, I know that I want to do everything- because this is the last fest. My last chance, to be on my own stage. I am going to miss all of this a little.

And, with absolutely no idea, where and what turn life is going to take next, college (even though far off) looks like the safest bet...!!!
Can time stop and let me analyse? Please!!!

Next step is?

My practical exam got over today and I practically got strangled by the external examiner. When I came out of the room, my face was all drawn, and till I got my diet coke and some french fries, I was at my lowest best.

We were all to wear our uniforms- i.e Black pants & white shirt. Being winters, a court was preferred over sweater. I gave an extra touch and added a neck tie. And I was looking really nice... or so I thought)

Next- Sakshi Chopra

Me :Good morning sir.

Buddha Ass (BA) : (looks at my admit, and then looks at me, does that twice.. or maybe more)

Me: (with a small smile) Sir, its me only.

BA: Aapko pata nahin hai ki kis tarah ki photo khichwaate hain(referring it to my perfectly normal passport size photograph- it just had a lil smile and lil lip gloss- and I was totally not looking constipated) you are a professional and not a fashion model.

Me: (totally flabbergasted by now- just nodded)

BA: So what is this? (Picking up my file)

Me: Sir, its my moot court file.

BA: How many cases ?

Me: 3

BA: Did you do less cases then what you were told?

Me: (totally appalled, I am the GOOD student) No sir, I have done all my the cases that were given to me by our HOD.

BA: Did you read your syllabus?

Me: (Thinking- He has totally lost it) Y..yes Sir.

BA: then how many cases are prescribed in it?

Me: (trying to act intelligent) If I am not mistaken 3 only.

BA: Are you sure?

Me: (looking at my palms, thinking hard, and blinking my eyes hard)

BA: What is this drama, you are not allowed to give any expressions. No blinking of eyes or taking out of your tongue.

Me: (by now I am totally sweating in such harsh winters) Yes, sir.

BA: Ok, what do these cases deal with?

Me: Sir, with constitution, Murder i.e criminal and Divorce matter.

BA: What constitution?

Me: sir basically....

BA: Under what article?

Me: (fumbling like a crazy MAD woman) section... oh no Article 29.

BA: really?what have you filed.. a writ?

Me: Yes, sir its a writ petition.

BA: What then?

Me: Under article 32.

BA: acha- article 32 is writs for public interest filed in the supreme court.

Me: yes sir this case is filed in the supreme court.

BA: Have you ever heard of a PIL?

Me: yes sir....

BA: Gupta ji (our HOD, sitting on the table alongside...)inhone PIL kar liya hai...

Me: sir its in the 10th semester

BA: Oh 10th semester....

BA: ohkay tell me the fect of the case.

Me: Sir EFFECT? (yeah that is what I heard)

BA: (Now opening his mouth) FACT of the case..

Me: Sir, society of charwaks...

BA: (again cutting me off) what society, is it a registered society.. a legal society what

Me: Yes, society of charwaks was a registered society.

BA: WAS? A society once registered is always registered, what was.

Me: HUH?

BA: Okay go.

And he threw the file. The ass, did not even open the files that I had made with so much of love care and affection. And when I came out- The other faculty assured me that I will get good marks. But, that feel good factor was not there at all. I felt totally low. He broke me up really nice.

This semester was not particularly all gung ho, though I gave whatever I had. And, I really hope that my percentage doesn't fall off like a broken apple. God, please- Min marks- have to be 300. Second last semester, just let me through minus hiccups. Please.

And now, officially starts the last sem of college. Last few months of college life and then some big decisions have to be made. Some life altering things that are gonna happen.

I am not dreading them, the inevitable was bound to happen. Just mentally preparing myself for it.

The very first thing that is coming up is- My college fest. Its a TOTAL drama, with high emotions and huge ego clashes. A classmate of mine and I, had one on last years' fest and have not spoken to each other since then.

I have to choreograph-

A group dance, a fashion show and my solo performance. Add to that the intellectual stuff of presentations, debate etc, and I am a mad house. I am perfectly sane all around the year and then two weeks before the fest and 5 days of THE fest, and I am insanity personified outside the asylum.

BTW- Suggestions for concept of the Fashion Show and songs for my solo dance performance (Bollywood number with classical beats... the mere dholna types) are MORE than welcome.

And the next thing, maybe the MOST important thing is The Cover Letter. The one that is sitting in my documents is a disaster. I know it. And,I can't seem to come with a bright bulb on my head about how to improve it. :(

I am already getting a feeling about this...not the Black eyed peas one.

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On the very personal front- Thanks to google chrome, my dad came across Shayon's Blog and the post on it. I saw it just in time to close that tab for him telling him not read our blogs. (Not a great move) But today doesn't seem to be my day at all.

There is a Zebra in my Room..!!!

Alright- I know that I have not been a good girl about updating my blog. But, every time I open this page the only thing that I feel like doing is ranting, and being sad about the coming few weeks.

Yeah, when the boyfriend is leaving, the mood swings are bound to happen. And, I am going to try really hard not to be sad about him leaving.

So anyways- did I mention that me bunking college has pretty backfired on me. And that, I am actually on ultimatums from the college, therefore I have to give the presentations and give all the pre- university exams (which are not compulsory otherwise). So, I have been actually trying to go to the college.

Apart from the chaos in my college/professional life,

Life @ home has been turbulent too-

My mom had been after our lives to sort out our stuff so that we can get some painting done in the house, and guess what- she succeeded...!!!

Yeah- so, my room has a new colour, or rather colours- It is basically bright yellow with bright orange giving it some company.

One of the walls has gone designer- and is painted in orange and yellow stripes- even though it looks like that the zebra has played holi- it has just brightened the entire aura of the room. The stripes, I dunno, I feel like are an omen. They it seems represent order in chaos- That my life is.

This seems like the general update on my me.

Nothing really special is happening, and to be frank, I have started dreading the thought of being alone at all. I am pretty lonely here, the friends that I really have are far off, and the one that I have here is busy in her life, and even though we meet we try to focus on happy things.

OH GOD- I feel so used right now.

In every possible ways-

I feel like, I am there for everyone, and when I need everyone around me, everyone is busy in their lives.

Be it friends, boyfriend or just about anybody.

I have the MOST fucked up relationship with my parents- you know the sorts in which they think that they know their child and in the end they realize that the time to really bond is over. Yeah, we have our moments but I can never be their younger daughter. I am not perfect you see.

There is this hateful sister factor in it also- Doing everything an elder sister does, keeping her eyes and ear open, you know making her case in front of the parents, sorting out all her fights, but in the end- All I have been getting is major attitude- Not even a proper thanks.

You know once in a while it is good to hear something nice from your parents.

I hate being the butt of almost all jokes that are cracked around me, and about me.

Right now- This instant- I can almost feel the anger pounding in my head and on the subconscious level I know, this is a rant post- But I can't help it.

Sorry.

It is OK to be selfish. At times.

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Shayon bought himself a new url so you can read his pearls of wisdom here, from now on.

The Festivity, the Book and a stupid College project...

The festival season is back...!!! YIPEEEE...!!!

Its that time of the year which makes me so proud that I stay in India and that we get so many holidays on the account of soo many festivals that come one after the other...!!!

The most recent of the festivals that has just gone by is Karwachauth.

For the uninitiated its a festival in which the wife fasts for her husband's long and healthy life. The fast is without any food and water. The fast is opened by seeing the moon through a sieve and having the first sip of water from your husband's hand.

The way I have described it, it sounds like really whatever, but well, it is actually a very romantic festival. From the time that I have memories stuck into my mind, I have not missed a single Karwachauth pooja in my life. I love the Katha i.e the story associated with it. Though the story is same every year, I love to hear it over an over again. I love to see the women sitting around in the circle and making the rounds of their pooja wares and singing along with it. It has a certain charm to it, and like I said an old world romanticism in the way the women pray for their husbands.

Ofcourse, there all that Jazz also associated with it; what with the henna clad hands and the new clothes and getting ready and looking like a bride on this day.

I swear people- even though my mother fasts for the whole day minus even a sip of water, there is a certain glow on her face.

And here is a confession- I am dying to keep my first fast as well... * blush *

Even though a lot of unmarried girls also fast but then in our house that has never been the norm, and I personally believe that the bestest way to enjoy a festival is, when it is celebrated in the right way.

And now that it is over, its time to look forward to Diwali and the various weddings that are happening. I think by now you all must have guessed that I am a wedding freak... actually my entire family is. And we feel really bad if we have no wedding to attend in the wedding season.

I have finally managed to lay my hands on The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. HARD COPY.

And, for all those who were not really happy with the book, I am just wondering why? I think it is a very well written book. And, unlike any of his previous books, this one has a really strong message. And that is what stuck to me.

Not the conspiracy theories, not anything but that one message about The Apocalypse which is going to happen in the near future and how it is time to really look back to all the ancient writings and scriptures that have lost their true meaning to mankind in his quest to finding and proving whose God is greater.

Even though, it is a bad rule to suggest books- I am suggest you all to read it.

There is a college Moot Court happening in the coming week, and I have not started working on it AT all. It is just a mere formality, and that is why no one is really interested. But, then, being me, I have no choice but to do it. So, am doing it.

I'll leave you with a few pictures-

Here are pictures of Shayon and me at Qutab Minar, where on Moo's request we posed for her dear camera in a total filmy way. (PDA taken to a new level... )

Below is the Qutab Minar standing tall....

And then here is the 'Real Delhi' for you- Delhi-6, Chandni Chowk...and its sheer Madness...

The Shish Ganj Gurdwara at Chandni Chowk.

And finally- the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in its peace and tranquility...

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Hey, Delhi has been named amongst the top 50 cities for a 'Must Visit', I am sure Moo is glad that she has covered it...!!:)

If college life is THIS..

Then no wonder I want to just get finished with it. And that too really quick. ( The final two semesters- Man- God- Please please please- Get me through them minus any hiccups.)

So, today, Me the great went to college. Well, because, results had come, and also the next internship is not really going to be easy on me, so I wanted to go and tell my Head that not expect me before September.

I happen to sit in one of the lectures and, I was SO bored that I wrote this post-

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It is official now.

I am beyond sitting in college and its classes.

Yes, you guessed it right- I went to college today. Right now, I am sitting in class. The lecture is of Consumer Protection Act. Btw- for all those of you who are unaware this is one of the most recent enactments in our country.

And PHLEASE, I have not come across such an ass of a teacher. He looks no more than a fresh graduate and he is just READING the DAMN BARE ACT. (That I can also do and do the the hindi translation of the English text.)I have never felt so sleepy in my life.

But then when my anger subsides- I start feeling sorry.

Sorry for the teacher (Yeah in my college NO one is worth calling a professor, they all are as bad I tell you, and our rules are also so strict that- You feel you are in a n army camp not a college.)Oh, coming back to my teacher who is translating the english text to hindi text, and not really imparting any knowledge- Is actually teaching to a lone girl sitting on the front desk. There are in total 11 students in the class where there should be 150.

So I feel sorry for him. No one really to teach, so why should he be teaching us.

Then, I feel sorry for myself because then all the debatable discussions become more of a self introspection issues. And then I feel sorry for my children and grandchildren, because- now, I have no juicy college tales to entertain them with.

Then finally I feel sorry for you my dear readers because- You have to read such fucked up posts about such a fucked up college that I go to.

What a sorry post this has turned out to be... so SORRY.

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Na, the college is not that bad, its the administration that lacks the way to run a college. But- I have to admit, even with all its flaws, I am doing a great job there. But, yeah- 5 years is a LONG time. I am waiting for the new life to begin.

In other news- I went to Shayon's place after college. And I cooked. Yeah, just maaroed tadka in the rice to have it with dahi, but nevertheless my first in his kitchen * blushing head to toe *it was good fun.

Rest all is great...

Cheers..

Clap your hands and welcome back-

I never did go any where.

But- There is nothing wrong in clapping your hands and giving your precious thoughts to the new template that has adorned my two year old blog.

Yeah, you guessed it right the template change fever is on.. so I thought why not follow the suit.

The credit of this template does NOT go to Shayon. (He is feeling bad that he could not do it.. )

It goes to the dear MOO.

And to * drum rolls * Gaurav...!! Gaurav is Moo's friend, who is now friend... and he very patiently listened to me and did the template. (Better give nice reviews...or else...)

I hope that- this change.. is for the good.

Thank you Gaurav and Thank you moo.

Love you guys...

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In the other news- My result is OUT!! And I came second.

This is the best result that I have had thus far.

It seems that- I need to be more positive about life in order to make sure that- Life responds more positively to me.

And I have to really thank all of you here- Moo, Kashvi, Ki, Miss M, D.O, D.C. Uncle J.. Chandu, Roopie.. Gaurav..

You guys have really influenced my life in the most positive way EVER.

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Last, but not the least- Tomorrow is my last class in Rajiv's batch. And, really- I wish I had a choice and I could remain in his batch. Ofcourse- he is a very good reason for that, but, yeah- finally he starts recognising me in class... and boom, I have to change my batch. (Even though I dislike him for not promoting me, and making sure that my self confidence goes for a toss) and then I have made good friends with so many people of of my batch- I am feeling very very SAD!!! :(

Rest all is good...!!

Cheers...

Of questions and answers...

First the GREAT news... My exams are officially over. Today was my first day of holidays, and it was no fun. There was no good movie coming on Television... in short there was nothing to do. So much so, I did not even take my bath... Can You believe that??

I had a REALLLLY long day yesterday. It was full of confusions and timelines and what not. I did not take a breather till like 1 am today morning. It was a miracle that all fell into the right place at the right time.

The day started with a MAJOR panic attack- The time for the practical exam was 9.30 am, and thanks to my dear friends who had everything to think and do the last minute- I left my house at 10 am (my college is atleast 30 mins away from my house minus the traffic and in your own pvt vehicle,in a bus- its 1.5hrs) so, we managed to reach college and thanks to the Indian time problem with most of the junta, the external examiners also reached late. Now, since my college is in on one end of the world and we are supposed to readmit ourselves in every session, the fee and the form had to be filled. I had filled the form already and as soon as I reached college, I saw quite a fe of my college mates submitting their forms.. all in a cheery mood that the examiners as usual were late. I heaved a sigh of relief. I stood in the line to submit my re admission form chatting away to glory. As soon I my turn came... and I gave my form to the sir sitting on the counter, my friend calls me and goes "Sakshi, kahan par hai practical shuru ho gaya hai... aur they have done stupidy..etc etc... jaldi aa upar"  I told that sir to keep my form and the cheques and that I would come back as soon as my practical gets over... but he refused. And so I ran upstairs only to find Mayhem being the word of the day.

It turned out that three examiners had come and to sort out the things the entire batch was divided into three parts and instead of my turn coming in an hour or so mine was due much much earlier.

Everyone was asking about the kind of questions that were being hurled at our friends... 

And finally my turn came.

The examiner taking my interview was flanked by our college Principal Mr. Bedi, a very senior Faculty Mr. Mishra was also sitting very close by flanking the other examiner. As soon as my turn came and I went to the examiner- The following conversation took place.

 Examiner (seeing my admit card and Practical File- "Ms. Sakshi Chopra... aayi"

(As I am sitting down on the chair)

Mr.Bedi- " Aur bhai Chopra, tere dadaji ne law kahan se kari thi?"

Me- " Sir, Lahore"

Examiner- " Lahore..."

Bedi- " Aur tere papa ne toh yahan se kari thi na..."

Examiner- " Acha toh aapke pitaji bhi vakalat karte hain??"

(before I can say anything..)

Bedi- " Haan haan, iske toh papa bhi aur Dadaji bhi Lawyer the"

(And I slammed my hand against my fore head.. the examiner tells me to be calm and not be nervous...asks me questions which I am answering as normally as I can...when... My senior faculty a.k.a. Mr. Mishra also comes to sit by the examiner... and goes...)

Mishra - " Main toh wahan baitha tha, par yeh humaare college ki bahut hoshiyaar ladki hain, toh main yahan aa gaya..."

(I am looking at all three of them.. like a innocent lamb stuck ... I was interrogated by three faculties...and in the end I was stamped as ' hoshiyaar ladki' by the examiner... Thank Heavens... )

 Weird conversation...!!! 

Then, thanks to that re admission thingy which was left incomplete, poor Mannu my friend- had to wait for 45 mins for me.. we had a nice lunch together... and then- I had to rush for my dance class.. I just managed to reach on time. Thanks to the heat I was feeling terribly pukish and terribly ill.. but managed the dance class well. 

And now- I have nothing to do. I slept for most part of the day... doesn't really help things out, because my mum thinks that all I can do is SLEEP... except housework- I will do anything... but I have nothing to do...!!! :(

Rest all is great...