April in Delhi is generally scorching and uncomfortable for most humans. But there’s a certain nostalgia I associate with this month, a feeling I still get every year even though “those” days are long gone…
The beginning of the new school term. April was when we returned to school after the final exams, followed by the result, in March. This was the month of a new classroom, new classmates sometimes, new teachers, new books (and their lovely smell), new stationery, lots of chattering and very little studying. Because even teachers understood that summer vacation was only a few weeks away so there was no point of over-burdening us with studies; that could wait till after the break. There used to be lots of free periods and roaming about the school premises. Surprisingly, it never felt scorching or uncomfortable while we were within the school boundary (and I did not attend a snooty air-conditioned international school).
And I remember the walk back home from the bus stop after an exciting and fulfilling day at school. Yes, the feet burned in that sun. But then I would reach home, and my granny would be waiting for me. We would watch TV together, and I would spend the rest of the afternoon napping. Evenings were of course reserved for going out to play. Tuitions usually started in the summer break so April was effectively the month of the least amount of studying to do. It used to be the laziest month, completely stress-free.
It used to be the month of hope, happiness and excitement. It was the month of looking forward to two months off from school. It was the best month every year…
Sadly, office-goers are deprived of these experiences. Every month is the same. Every day, every week is the same. There can be minor changes in position over the years, but life in general becomes mundane and routine. April does not bring any particular happiness to me now, and May-June are practically depressing because they are not holidays any more!
Damn, I miss school. It was the best of times.
TheTalkingHat 