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What started as an interview turned into memory lane detour.

Other day I was sitting before an interview panel and the first question asked was “Tell us why did you choose this college? Why did you choose to pursue your under-graduation from Dehradun?”

I was taken aback.

When I entered the bright white room, all I was expecting were questions related to law, policies and case-laws- but not this.

I paused, smiled and took a long sip of tea, while I travelled down memory lane. The question pulled me back a decade - to 17 y’ol me.

Being The Flash: Travelling through Time

It December-January, and all the application forms were out. Being a Science student, I knew one thing- engineering was not my cup of tea.
But what was actually was my cup? No clue.

So, my dad made me fill admission forms for almost every undergraduate degree. You name the exam, I would have been at the same exam center, sitting beside you. Starting with JEE (Mains), VIT, SRM, CLAT, AILET, NIFT, NID, FDI, B.Arch, BBA, BMS, DU, IP etc. but PMT.

One thing I was clear about - I had to live independently, beyond the walls of my home, and experience every goddamn adventure on my own.

By the end of June, results of most entrances were out and I could see my dreams of ‘living independent’ slipping away. Then on one fine hot summer noon of June, while I was in one of the DU’s college, giving trials for ECA Category (Extra Curricular Activities), my mom called:

“Beta! You got a call letter for Law from a university in Dehradun. I am so happy and proud of you. They are calling you for an interview. Come home soon.”

Interview happened, and then there was my confirmation letter.

Goddamn! Dehradun.

Doon. The Doon School. Mussoorie. Ruskin Bond. Cafes.

I wanted to live independently, but never thought that it would be at such a beautiful place, such far off. I remember there were relatives telling my parents “Why are you sending her so far, that too Dehradun? People come to study in Delhi. It will be difficult for her to live there.” But I had clarity, nowhere but Doon Valley.

You know people are generally excited about the course they wished to study or regret the college they missed due to low rank. Honestly, all that mattered to me was being away from my home.

Reason(s) for My Eager

One might wonder why? I was not running away. I was seeking some independence. Living in a joint family of over 10 people wasn’t easy. They all loved and cared but to seek permissions, I had to be “Mario” - crossing levels. There was independence, open thoughts, space to grow, variety to eat, days to celebrate, but not exactly the way I always wanted to do.

More so, being a teacher’s ward, I was hinged with chains of “obedient, achiever, well mannered” ward in and outside the school. My school being far, I had less close friends, with whom I could chit-chat post tuitions, visit malls over weekend or celebrate their birthdays. I was always intrigued by the stories I used to hear from them the next day about-

• how they finally got permission for French nail manicure, or

• they finally had that eye contact with the boy from the other school during tuitions, or

• how did they take scooty to have Chhole Bhature in Kamala Market, or

• when are they planning to bunk the school to watch Ajab Prem ki Gazab Kahani in PVR.

I never got an opportunity to share that plate of Chhole Bhature beyond the school hours. Our canteen only served Idli - chutney, patties or khira tamatar sandwich and some fresh juices.

Kisse Class 12th Ke

During my Class 12th farewell, my mom, being a teacher, had her duty listed. Post farewell, the whole batch had plans to go to Kitti-Su for conti party. Guess who didn’t get the permission?

Not that I wasn’t given opportunities to have fun and enjoy - I had been participating in competitions, since Class 1. Nepotism was a thing that time too, but not always in my favour. I loved getting attention, balancing the 'obedient student image’. But deep down I also craved moments of being notorious.

At home, I had fun, rebellious streak, but couldn’t carry it to School. I craved moments where it was okay to bunk mass PT, assemblies, classes, schools, or get into trouble for silly prank like plant a Diwali bomb in washroom. Not that I ever wanted to plant that bomb (lol), but yeah - bunking classes felt like a rite of passage. I did and never got caught, but the highlight was in Class 12th. Wooh! Man.

Dripping innocence

The Day I Skipped Chemistry Class

It was 4th period, before the lunch break. A test scheduled, I wasn’t prepared and so ditched the class, for once.

I found a quiet nook in the school, but my smart teacher some how caught me, called me, scolded me and made me stand outside the classroom for the entire period. After class got over, she called my mom in her office (my teacher was Vice Principal). There was shame in my eyes, felt bad for my actions, and now mom had to hear an earful from another teacher about me- her obedient daughter for skipping classes.

Part of me didn’t like it, felt guilty. But the other part was thrilled- for ‘nailing’ my name in ‘bad boy books’ before passing out.

Man! I was ashamed yet content. I was never punished and this was the first time I had to stand outside the classroom. Boy! what an experience.

The Car Ride and Taunts

My mom was furious and on the way back home in the car, she and her dear teacher friend went full drama about their not so obedient kids.

“Kaisa ladka hai humara, Physics ka pre-board pass nahi kar paya. Abhi yeh halat hai toh boards mein kya hoga. huh. Utkarsha se seekho tum kuch.”

If one mom praised other’s kid, other said-
“Yeh tumhari galat faimi hai Kalpana. Yeh bhi aisi hi hain.”

“Arre! Nahi Nahi Jyotsna, kam se kam woh padhti toh hai, mera wala toh guitar bajane k alawa kuch nahi karta. Itni baar kaha hai padhle 12th boards aarahe hain, principal k chakkar nahi lagane mujhe. Lekin gaane bajane se fursat hi nahi milti ise.”

“Dabba gol inka (Utkarsha) bhi hai. Itna dhakka dene k baad yeh haalat hain, paanch mahine bache hain, kitaab k upar se dhool hi jhadh lein kam se kam.”

And while sitting at the back seat, all my friend and I did - stare in each others eyes, giggled and plugged in MP3 player in our ears.

Why I Chose?

I wanted more of it- the rebellious moments, notorious ones, the thrill of doing something on my own- I wanted that.

Not because I wanted to get in trouble but I wanted to be responsible for my actions. Independent like a free bird, be my own master and tame myself the way I wanted to be. I could be friends with anyone and everyone and all would be living just next to me, by my side so that I won’t be missing, anymore, chhole bhautre stories. I would be part of those silly cute anecdotes. There were already enough decision makers, but this time I wanted it to be me - from taking care of myself, to building, growing and experiencing life, alone.

Beauty- in and around the Campus

… And a Decade Later

But now, the situation seems different. The independence, away from my home, which I once longed for- I have it. But now all I want is to come back home and have dinner with my homies. The home, from where I wanted to flew away, is more like warm hugs to me now. Notorious, happy to go, childlike part of me is still alive inside me, but in a quiet way. Sometimes I do want a break, only to return and have dal-chawal-bharwa bhindi with tamatar pyaaz and pudina ki chutney.

My Answer

After sipping the tea and having a long pause of 5 seconds, I answered-

“I received great reviews about that University and the particular course, hence, I did not want to lose on an excellent opportunity merely because of distance. Therefore, I chose that University in Dehradun.”

… And the interview continued for next 25 minutes. 🌻