Lonely

Two hours determining coming forty years.

***

Sadly, the morning came, which I feared. Unwillingly, I got up from my bed. I knew that the future was difficult but I calmed myself by saying, “All my friends would be there and I have faced this situation earlier.” Though on the other hand I knew this time it was really serious. While getting ready, I glanced at my book.

“Pomp! Pomp!” the horn of the bus called. I rushed in. The atmosphere inside was even more tensed. Everyone was trying to recollect and memorise. No sound, unlike regular’s yells and screams. This just made me more uncomfortable and tensed.

We soon reached our destination. Everyone began to enter the premises, slowly going to their allotted rooms or rather “JAIL”! My room number was 909. Before entering, I prayed a small prayer. When I was about to enter I saw a chart stuck on the entrance, which read: RULES OF THE SSC EXAMINATION.

***

My spine shivered. I sat on my bench. Two strict invigilators entered. We bowed, and sat. One was peering into me, as if expecting me to crumble, waiting for me to make a mistake- my supervisor. To control my stress level, I tried to recollect what I said to myself earlier. But nothing came to my mind. I was as good as a blank slate!

Though I was surrounded by my classmates, I could not experience their usual high spirits. Suddenly I felt completely alone.

I swallowed and licked my lips. My mouth was dry, but I knew a drink was out of question. All the training, years of practice and hard-work seemed worthless. I felt abandoned and defenceless, in the face of what lay ahead. I clenched my teeth to prevent the last of my courage from escaping. I knew I was completely isolated and deserted and in a situation there was only one person that could help me, and that was- “I, MYSELF”. Therefore, I composed myself and tried not to lose my cool.

Looking at the stack of question paper ahead, I recollected the words of my teacher, “Your question paper is your best friend. It has all hints in it.” That gave me a bit of strength. When I closed my eyes and actually relaxed, I realised that I actually remembered my notes and I was not blank anymore. No more loneliness! My teachers’ support, my hard work and years of practice will not go waste. Together we will do it. I was pulled out of my chains of thoughts, when the bell rang. That was when we were told to begin.

***

I completed my board paper, successfully.