College Life

It's been awhile since we felt normalcy and the natural ease of life. Now that we're stuck in our respective homes for quite a while, one thing that happens to keep me grounded is Hope. A word so underrated and strong that has the power to either make or break things. Considering the current crisis situation, hope is the only thing that is holding us back from giving up. Or else after all this time, we would inevitably give up to the oblivious ending, isn't it? Honestly, none of us saw this coming but all we can do is, accept the ambiguity. A part of me knows that the young minds are restless and relentless to go out and breathe but a part of me also knows that we're more responsible than this.

In spite of the odds, this phase of quarantine quells our innermost worries and calls for some quality time with family. There might be people staying away from their families and it's truly a tumultuous time for them as well as their families. Here's a message for you all : Sure, life is tough, but you, my love, you gotta be tougher. Even though you're away from home, I sincerely hope that you find you ''home'' and "happy place" amidst friends who are now your family. There are people battling depression and loneliness and the current catastrophic situation can have a detrimental effect on them and their mental health. Staying confined within four walls can add up to the vulnerability and I'd not say "It's okay, this too shall pass" because clearly, it won't. But remember, it's always okay to reach out and ask for help. Don't brush-off your scars and bruises only to live in denial. Give yourself a pat instead because you've made it this far. These are tough times, don't be harsh on yourself.

In the poem “Keeping Quiet,” Pablo Neruda once said "It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines; we would all be together in a sudden strangeness." I read this poem during my third semester of college and I can safely say that it makes a lot more sense now. He further said "What I want should not be confused with total inactivity. Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death." Well, definitely. This is not a mere state of "total inactivity" as I see people taking a break from their daily lives and all I can see in my Instagram is, people indulging in work-out sessions at home, trying out new recipes, evoking the inner masterchef in them, practicing a long-lost rusty skill, getting in touch with old habits, hobbies and what not. Fostering creativity feels lovely, isn't it? And then, there are people becoming nominees and returning the favour as well.

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of practical life, pragmatics and politics, we somehow lost ourselves. And in this abstruse atmosphere of halt and standstill, everything seems to align as we cherish the simple pleasures of life.

Mundane Mondays are now replaced with painting magical Mandala Art to perfection.

Tedious Tuesdays are now therapeutic.

Wednesdays don't make us feel vulnerable anymore and we sit back and witness the evening sky in its lilac hues. The only throwback Thursday we have in our mind is nothing but the old lifestyle that we were all used to. Forlorn Fridays are not so lonely after all, as it's all about having fun with family.

Yes, our Saturdays are not superficially "sorted" with brimming bars but it's definitely more happening now. And now that we got plenty of time for ourselves, Sundays are truly meant for self-care and self-love.

After this chaos ceases and calm follows, I sincerely believe that the world will be a better place. The Children will no longer complain to go to school and instead find joy amidst their comrades and continuous classes, the cafes will witness reunions and friendships once again, everyone will start loving their jobs, online classes will come to an end, social gatherings will replace social distancing, people will embrace each other with arms wide open, lovers will meet again, everyone will be more compassionate and caring towards each other and finally, those suffocating surgical masks will be thrown away and replaced by smiles and giggles. For now, we see in a mirror dimly but hope whispers to the world to cherish the ambiguity of life. Sometimes being unclear about things is better than knowing it all. So as of now, all we have is, hope. Hang in there, world. We got this.
Pulama Mitra,
II BA