I AM COZ YOU ARE

Now, a month after returning from Jammu, I find myself missing everything I experienced during that visit — the warmth, the laughter, the sense of belonging that only comes from going back to where it all began. I’ve attended most of these first-time alumni meets — from school through college. The excitement of those initial reunions is indescribable: meeting old friends, hugging your favorite teachers, walking through familiar hallways — the classrooms, the library, the canteen, the playground. It fills you with something deeply profound. But often, the magic doesn’t last beyond that first meet. Over time, these gatherings can subtly shift into platforms for showcasing personal achievements. And let’s face it — some accomplishments are more “celebrated” than others. These are the people who grace the stage, the ones everyone wants to take selfies with. That’s why my recent experience at an alumni meet — at the school where I studied from KG through Grade 8 — felt so refreshingly...

Everything about vacations used to thrill me. It all began with shopping for gifts for family back home, packing with excitement, and finally boarding the train. The journey itself took four days to reach both our paternal and maternal homes, and every part of it felt like an adventure. One of the most delightful parts of the journey was waving at people near railway crossings—those waiting patiently for the train to pass. We would keep waving until someone responded, and the moment they did, it felt like a little victory—a mission accomplished. Another source of joy was the occasional vendors who came by selling snacks. While our parents didn’t always share our enthusiasm, we would plead for something every time a vendor appeared. When the train would take a serpentine curve, we were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the engine—a rare but delightful sight that filled us with excitement. Every part of the train journey was filled with joy—except for one moment: crossing the Krishna Rive...