Wonder years

With the new semester just beginning, there was a mass bunk.So she was enjoying her time at home. Leafing through old magazines, she came across an edition of 'Brunch' which talked about "Wonder Years - Our school and college days never fail to evoke warm, nostalgic memories."
Our alma mater is so special to all of us.But when we studied there, we subjected it to all kinds of curses, expletives etc.
So, walking leisurely down the memory lane...she recalled her first real experience as a speaker.An event at school.It wasn't that she was a total stranger to stage.She noticed her seniors performing onstage at various times. She appreciated a few of them for their originality and natural-ness.And had herself attempted to deliver good performances...some of which crashed, leaving a little embarrassment...some gained a little applaud.It was her father who pushed her into these things and encouraged her to be active in them...perhaps he sensed something in her.
Her stage presence was shared by a good friend, which gave her some relief.Both had to work together on it.She reached onstage...hands and feet cold yet wet...heartbeat fast...wondering if her friend felt the same way as her.Then she brushed away all the thoughts...had a look at the entire audience, said a prayer of two words in her heart..with a deep breath and started the show with a bright smile.

After sometime...the fingers became normal she wondered how :O as if she got used to the situation.
At the end, she delivered her 'best show till then' and she didn't even know it.It was only when the show was over and she was flooded with applaud and 'pats on the back' from her mentors, that she realized what she just did or rather achieved.
Now after years had passed and she never missed an opportunity to grab the stage, she was cherishing those beautiful memories...which were the 'base' of what she was now- known as a gifted speaker among everyone. These memories, whenever came to her mind, left a never-ending smile on her face.Amazing were those days, those people, that stage, that school...which made her what she was today.Truly, those were the Wonder Years.

college tour to nainital

The news was in the air since a week but..."Bete I'm sorry", the active HOD had told us (Because our HOD who suffers from Acute Indecisiveness and apathy, was on leave, perhaps on a vacation with biwi n kids).But our hardwork n perseverance finally paid...(If i went on to describe the term "hardwork" here, it would take 3-4 blogposts ;) Phew!finally, we were going and the venue decided was Nainital (but there was still that "doubt ka keeda" till we sat in the bus at midnight.)
Then came the night of departure.All set.Unending advice from mom and dad. Happiness on bro's face...shukar hai rab da kuchh din di rahat milegi...
The bus as expected was late but it was late beyond imagination.Scene at home(11:35 p.m.) -
Worried expression on mom's face.Dad was cool.Bro was loosing patience.

Bro: bas bohot ho gya tera...chal ab dafa ho jaa
Those two hours of endless wait...sara balance udd gya do ghanto mein...
me: abe kahan ho yaar?
Friend on phone: bas 15 min mein pohoch rahe hain.
me:2 ghante ho gye, abhi tak tu 15 min mein hi aa raha hai?
Friend:  #*&%^&#
me: ok ok pohochne se 5 min pehle missed maar diyo
Bro: Nikal jaa ghar se


Then late at night, we boarded the bus and headed to the destination.As expected, the journey was far more fun than the destination itself.All that excitement didn't let anyone sleep...everyone cheering, shouting n all...endless sessions of games..n..songs..not for a nanosecond, did silence prevail.

We didn't know when it dawned.The view was breathtaking....the sun painting the sky with strokes of red.(None of us is normally awake so early.)
After having a light breakfast on the way, our energy levels stabilized and then i took a nap.It was then that the length of the journey came to our notice.

By noon we reached bhimtal, all tired by the journey, where we stayed at Seahawk.

After lunch, we went out to have a look at Bhimtal lake.The real spots were due for the next day.

Came the much-awaited next day.Early in the morning we reached Nainital.

In the little time we had, we tried to explore as many places we could...to name a few...Cave Garden, G.B.Pant zoo, Mango lake,Tibetan market, snow view, St. John church,a masjid, a gurudwara, Naina Devi Temple...beautiful

                                                                                                 Tibetan market

                                                                                          Naina Devi Temple

                                                                                                          Naini lake

                                                                         Nainital lake

                                                                                          a pheasant at the zoo

We should do a little research before visiting a place...
A friend had told "Don't dare to miss the Governor House."
So me and 3 of my friends went there walking nearly 5 kms.We were cursing the governor  to have built his residence so far.But we were happy that the hardwork will be worth it.All drained of energy but with loads of excitement still in us, we reached there, to find that the Governor is in for stay! :(  This snatched away all the enthusiasm.On the way, we had asked a dozen people about it.Everyone praised but nobody cared to tell us that visitors are not allowed till a week.
Anyway, we returned to the resort late evening where the DJ was awaiting us.Later, we relaxed at the bonfire with steaming cups of coffee,in the chilly night.
I wrote this all for i wanted to capture every bit of it :)