Thirteen Days Late to the Party

 It feels like yesterday that I was in first year, and now in the blink of an eye I’m stepping into my second. The memory of that very first day in college is still sharp, almost like it just happened.

This wasn’t the plan, though. I was supposed to be in Mumbai at the college I had actually gotten into, but life had other ideas and I ended up in Delhi instead. Since I hadn’t imagined myself here, I didn’t come with big expectations. What I did come with was a mix of nervousness and worry—new city, new campus, and on top of that I was joining thirteen days late. The thought that everyone might have already formed their circles only made it heavier.

When the day finally came, I reached the college gate only to be stopped by the guards. Apparently, a printout of the fee slip was required to enter. I stood there confused until I noticed a few other first years in the same situation. That’s when I struck up a conversation with a girl next to me, and together we figured things out.

Ironically, the day I was supposed to attend my very first lecture, every class got cancelled because of a conference. Still, I was determined to at least find where I belonged. With my timetable in hand, I made my way to classroom 307. Inside, two boys were sitting quietly. I spoke to them, and within minutes we clicked over the fact that all three of us were first-timers trying to find our way. We even ended up exploring the campus together before heading back.

Back in the classroom, I noticed a girl sitting silently in one corner. I decided to push myself a little and start a conversation. To my surprise, we connected instantly and discovered so much in common. Today, she’s one of my closest friends. By the time the day ended, I had exchanged numbers with these new faces, knowing we’d be figuring out college life together from here on.

Looking back, there was nothing dramatic or grand about that first day. No big events, no life-changing moments. But it gave me something that means a lot—one amazing friend who’s still by my side, and the comfort of knowing that sometimes the simplest conversations can lead to the strongest bonds.