"The fest time and the competitions organized around it in a college is exciting, it teaches you determination, sportsmanship, teamwork.............."

Ananya listened as the principal of her college rambled on about the week-long
fest organised starting from today.

After reaching the college she was thrown into looking over the last minute things and stuff. The first and foremost event being the commencement cermony of the competition; the lightning of the lamp and of course- the principals speech.

He was a jovial man, who had great knowledge and good practice- techniques meticulate and hands that moved with precision with his years of experience. But one of his shortcomings was the duration of his speeches at such events.

He had been rambling on for now about 10 mins without break and she felt like banging her head. The crowd grew frustrated with sighs and groans at the start of his next sentence.

"Now good luck, play and/or participate well and fair. Just remember in the end we all are winners of our own races. God bless and good day."

Luckily he concluded and Ananya couldn't help a small smile over his last words. People clapped more so in relief of him finally stopping and busted out of their seats towards their destinations.

She and other incharges of her batch formed their own group to discuss and decided to split to look at the preparations for one last time before the events scheduled for today could start. After wards they'll meet again in the common room and relax until something comes up.

She first went to one of the smaller conference rooms. It was meant for the event of research paper presentation by the undergrad students today.

Walking up to the room she observed the crowd slowly building up- the participants, student volunteers and the faculty judges making their presence.

Her juniors came over to her and assured her of preparation. But her anxiousness got a hold of her and she personally rechecked everything.

Not only her but every person of her batch was nervous about this being their first college fest as the seniormost batch, so they all were making sure about all the smallest details and kept checking for any faults.

All the weeks of preparation made them realise the little time they have with each other and bonded them closer. They came into this college 5 years ago as starry eyed and eager individuals who wanted to prove themselves in this career field they've chosen for themselves.
Time passed by and now they are on the verge of graduation. The fest provided an excellent opportunity for them to bond stronger.

Assured and satisfied with everything in the conference room, Ananya now made her way towards the room meant for the debate competition.

That's where she saw him again. Vikram Malhotra, her batchmate from school. Smiling at him in recognition she left the room after checking everything.

***************

As she slowly descended the stairs, nostalgia filled her senses and memories started to cloud her mind. Reaching the 2nd floor she went to the common room and saw everyone there chatting among themselves.

She spotted Aditi and took a set beside her.

"Anubha?" Uttering her name she questioned her presence.

" She had gone to the ground some minutes ago. Rajiv sir called for practice." Aditi replied.

Nodding, Ananya turned her head to other people sitting beside them and got caught up in the mindless chatter.

The events were over and lunch time arrived. Few juniors came and announced the results of the events.

The Debating competition had its first round today and based on the no. of the points, teams were shortlisted to proceed to the 2nd round which would be held tomorrow.

Vikram and Rahul were one of the teams.

It was no Brainer to guess that, she wondered. Knowing him from school she was aware of his debating skills. His way of speaking and presenting the points were remarkable.

Deciding to have their lunch in the common room itself Ananya and Aditi waited for Anubha who was going to join them shortly. The lunch for participating colleges was arranged in the cafeteria. The others who wished to do the same, starter leaving for the cafeteria.

"I saw someone from school" saying this Ananya took another bite of her lunch.

Getting questioned looks from the other two she proceeded to explain.

"We were from the same batch, same section in 11th and 12th grades. He came for the debate competition."

"Hmmmm that's good" Aditi said.

"Have you talked to him?" asked Anubha sipping some water.

"Why would I do that?" Ananya questioned.

"Because you know each other and it's not everyday you run into your school mates". Anubha reasoned.

"I recognized him he recognized me and that's it". Ananya said replying.

"Next time go and atleast make some conversation because you both are in the same career field and know each other from before" Anubha said before taking another bite.

"Where would it help me?" Ananya asked not getting the logic.

"You never know the future" Anubha concluded with a smile and Ananya shook her head continuing her lunch.

*************

After the lunch there was nothing much left to do. Most of the participating students were preparing for their events. no other events left to attend Ananya and her friends left the college, her driving this time.

The fest was week long. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the academic related events were organised while the sports events on Wednesday and Thursday. The art and cultural related events were on Thursday and Friday. Lastly the evening of Friday celebrity night was organised where Mohit Chauhan was performing. Every body looked forward to that.

The day was tad bit tiring but the mind was content on how everything went smoothly.

Just the next 4 days go by smoothly as well.