In retrospect

Cliched it shall be, but its difficult to let this year go by without savouring a chosen few moments gone by. After all, this was the year when more things happened than in any other year of my life; maybe.

There were were some happy moments. Placements had almost got over by January and thankfully most of my wingmates were placed. So the first quarter of the year was spent in treats, more so because it was our final semester at IIT and for many in Chennai too, but most importantly because it was the last few months with friends who were as integral a part of my life as my family before I came to IIT-M. Saarang was also a good time, especially with no classes (not that there were much in the final semester anyway). Then there was Holi and like every year, we tore each other's clothes.

I got an MS admit and an RAship too within a few days and this was one of the biggest events of my life since I got through JEE. Surprisingly, I wasn't that elated even though studying abroad was one of my childhood dreams. My first flight was no letdown nor were the first few days in US. A new country, new culture, new people and a completely independent life were nothing short of a thrill to my dreamy mind.

However, the enormous change that this year has witnessed, it also left behind some ugly scars. Leaving IIT was one of the most difficult events in my life. I was one of the last one's to leave (fact that my girlfriend was interning in Chennai might have had something to do with it) and to see the hostel become empty like a deserted banquet hall after a party did bring a lump to my throat more than once.

My cousin got married and it was a happy occasion for our family but I wasn't there. Ocaasions like these when all family members come together are rare and I hate to miss those.

The aggravating economy had many victims and some of my friends were also among those. Then the numerous bombings and attacks all over India also scared me to my wits. I did not lose any friend or relative, but the banality of such attacks does paint an eerie picture.

With a lot to look forward to in the coming year, I am ready to move on, carrying these memories with me to relish them once in a while.
Photos: Sunrise at Besant Nagar beach, cricket with wingmates and Holi.