i wanted to talk more....

 School days are cherished forever. After completing school, there’s always a wish to relive those moments. Unfortunately, that isn’t possible. To revisit those memories, people do different things like organizing reunions, visiting their schools with friends, or scrolling through old photos in their phone galleries. If you’ve lived in a boarding school, those memories become even more special. At the beginning of school, you cry because you’re separated from your loving parents, and at the end, your eyes are wet again as you part from your brothers (friends). One such incident happened to me when I first joined Sainik School. 

It was my first time living in a hostel, and surprisingly, I wasn’t homesick at all. I was so excited and engaged that all I wanted was to reach the dorms quickly, meet my new friends, and see what life at Sainik School was really like. Until then, I had only heard that life there would be tough, that discipline was the most important thing, and that breaking any rules would have serious consequences. On the first day, as I entered the premises, I noticed bold letters on a wall that read “CADET” with its full form: Courageous, Austere, Determined, Efficient, Trained. I felt proud at that moment, realizing that from then on, I wasn’t just a student—I was a cadet. But I still wondered what it truly meant to be one. 

 The day passed, and my parents left. I was surprisingly excited and happy. I played all three games that day. The next morning, I woke up before anyone else, eagerly waiting for the rouser. As soon as the warning rouser sounded, I jumped out of bed, wore my uniform and shoes, and ran to the ground where the fall-in took place. That day, all of Class 6 was called out, and we went for a walk. One of the teachers spoke to us, motivating us with his words. He ended with a line that I would hear many times in the coming days: “Enjoy these 10 to 12 days because after that, you’re going to have a tough time.” I didn’t pay much attention to his words. I was too busy watching everyone running and doing PT, wondering if I would be able to do the same. That question remained unanswered.

 The day passed smoothly, and after the evening fall-in, I expected our housemaster to come and let us talk to our parents. To my disappointment, he didn’t. That was the moment I truly felt the distance from home. I rushed to my captain and told him that I wanted to call my parents. He replied that I could talk to them the next day at the tuck shop using the coin box. The wait felt endless. 

 Finally, the next evening, after games, I rushed to the tuck shop to make the call. I learned how to use the coin box—each one-rupee coin gave you one minute to talk. I had ten coins with me, thinking that ten minutes would be enough. However, there was already a long line of students waiting. Since I was in Class 6, I was given priority. 

 When my turn came, I inserted the first coin and dialed my mother’s number. She picked up after just two rings, as if she’d been waiting for my call. The first question she asked was, “Beta, mann toh lag raha hai na?” Suddenly, all my joy and excitement faded. My eyes filled with tears, but I controlled myself and replied, “Yes, I’m enjoying it here.” I then asked her how she was. After that, I spoke to my dadi, who, as usual, asked if I was eating properly. As I was talking, I suddenly looked at my hand and realized I was down to my last coin. I wanted to talk more…. but there were others waiting for their turn. Reluctantly, I used the last coin and said goodbye, promising to call again the following Thursday. 

With tears in my eyes, I stepped out of the line. I still remember that day vividly. During the evening fall-in, I couldn’t stop crying, though I didn’t let anyone see. After the fall-in, I rushed to my dorm and wiped my tears. That day, I realized what it truly takes to be away from parents. 

 But something beautiful happened. My new friends, who saw me crying, came over and cracked silly jokes just to cheer me up. Their effort worked—I started laughing, and seeing me smile made them happy too. That same day, I learned a second important lesson: this school and my friends were my home away from home. Thank you.