STORIES THAT TOUCH YOUR SOUL

Assignments were the biggest burden of our Navodayan vacations. Some assignments were boring and we often did in a rush. The assignments included written works, charts, presentations etc. Often my father helped me to do most of the works. Once I had to present charts on different political leaders. I had to choose two. One was Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and the other was Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. While preparing for Ahmed Khan, my father helped me by collecting many pictures and important references. So the work became simpler and I could complete that chart with a professional touch. It had 4 pictures of the great historian and also was made colorful with borders and words. I was sure the 60% of its credit was for my father. The next day I started with Vajpayee, Prime Minister at that time. I took the chart expecting my father's help. I went to him and said about the chart. Enquiring about the person, he started to come with me. But as I said Vajpayee, he took a pause and said. ...

Rahul stepped with his right foot as he passed the college gate. That was the first day of Rahul's college life. All new faces. He didn't knew anyone in his class except Priya, who was also his classmate in school. And so they talked each other before they made a friendship with others. They became very close friends. They spent free time chatting, watching movies and they became always together. When they reached second year, they made more friends. Rahul made some good friends in hostel. Sandeep and Manoj were some of them. And as days passed by that friendship progressed adding Sandhya from Priya's side. Actualy Sandhya was Sandeep's girlfriend. But they spent more time with the gang different to a usual love affair. Manoj was a good singer. He always sang of an imaginary girl. He often complained that although he was good looking no girl would turn to him. Once Sandeep said Rahul to propose Priya, so that he can keep her always with him. It was from hostel and Rah...

It was Monish who planned to rent a room for the study leave. After searching many lodges near by the college, we could find a room vacant in Manasanthi Lodge, Sreekariyam. It was a small room, but we could manage to stay. After paying the advance we left. The next day we shifted our clothes and others items to the lodge. We had a brief plan about the preparation for the exam. Anoob also joined us. He had actually joined us after 2 days. So we were 3 in a narrow room. We started well laying the books on the table and making a time table and so on. We went to library and collected the references. Thus the study leave started on an entirely different atmosphere from that of hostel. The place was really peaceful. But the fact was that the persons can never change. We couldn't wait much longer. The usual chats started here too. We took a room and were often at the hostel. After 2 weeks Monish understood the situation. Even if we were in the room we would be simply sit and chat. Monis...

The only strength when my parents left leaving me on the first day of my Navodaya school life was the presence of my cousin on that campus. I was sure that he would be there to help me at my every needs. He would act like a responsible brother to me. It was the only reason why I chose the same hostel as that of his. Shanooj was 2 years senior to me. He understood me the rules and regulations in the campus including the way of approach to seniors. I was really happy for having him. He helped me the whole day in arranging the room and my belongings. It was the time I really needed some attention. I felt it as my luck, since my friends were not guided by anyone. But things started to change day by day. Shanooj came to me for all his needs like money and other basic needs. I couldn't deny him after all he is my cousin. As I was young at that stage I felt very bad of him. I even told my parents about him. But they didn't really take care of it. I felt very sad. I couldn't allo...