College Diaries

The beautiful game - Second year Union Games.

After a hardworking passionate performance in the first year with limited players available for the starting eleven, we can proudly say we did a decent enough job in the tournament. The semi final game saw us facing the fourth years. On the match a hartal was declared in the state. We struggled with the names and had the team list only around fifteen minutes before the start of the game. No jerseys, no proper positions, we entered the ground in green bibs. We did a good job of holding the final years to a 0-0 score line up until deep into the second half when our defense finally broke. As fate would have it though, we lost the game 1-0.

Second year. The Union games is back. This time, we were determined to make up for the lack luster performance last year. One thing that worked out to be an advantage to us was the fact that we used to play against each other almost all the evenings, and hence knew each other pretty well. We had a strong defense in Allen and Irfan and Jithesh as the make shift wingback. Nimin was a decent enough keeper, but lacked experience. Jiveesh, Abin, myself, Amith, Hafiz, Alvin, Anas and Edwin made up the rest of the team. We started strongly, wining our first game 3-0.

The semi final fixture was a strong one which saw us playing the third years, who were the favourites after the final years. Jiveesh and I were out of state during the match. The very feeling of being in two places at once filled me from top to bottom. We were in Chennai and were eagerly waiting for the result. From what we heard, it was a resolute performance and a stand out goal from Alvin that helped us win the match. The looped throw in from Amith bounced off the ground towards the keeper and Irshad, the college goalkeeper looked favourite to grab hold of it. Alvin, with the true instincts of a striker, sped up front to lob the ball into the net over the keeper to get the score line in our favour. We won the match 1-0 and did the unthinkable. We were in the final.

It was a tough fixture. The final years were the strongest team in our college. The likes of Pradosh, Hemant, Nimesh, Sujith and others were an intimidating presence on the field. But, the momentum was with us, and were absolutely determined to do well. We were hit hard early in the game, with Abin subbed out due to injury. Anas came in to play the defensive midfield role. We held the ball well, and did a decent job of defending. It did pay dividence and we were in the lead at the stroke of half time with Edwin giving us the valuable goal.

The second half started with us being on the front foot. We were not ready to sit back on the single goal lead and were passing the ball well. Mid way through the second half and we were awarded a penalty, for Jiveesh to slot home the second of the game. The seniors then had a physical approach to the game, and we were being torn apart with boots and shoulders. Two red cards and we found ourselves in a comfortable position leading at 2-0 against nine men. The game was meandering along to a silent victory. What happened next will be etched in my memory forever. When the second read card was shown to their captain, we had a short meeting and decided we would pass the ball in our halves and not let them take the physical approach to us. I pass the ball to Anas, who slides it on to Jiveesh in the centre. In one quick turn, he spins to the left flank and puts the ground on fire, sprinting up ahead towards the goal post, with the defenders left standing. The centre back comes in and takes him out for us to see a puff of dust rise with Jiveesh thrown flat out inside the box. What was a clear penalty was given as a free kick just outside the box, since the referee was concerned about the raging final year supporters who looked set to come into the ground if anything was given against us. Anas comes up to take the dead ball. The ball is looped towards the far post and we were celebrating an emphatic victory already! The game finished 3-0! :)

More than the fact that we did win, the way we did it, made it all the more special. Memories like these are too hard to even fade, let alone be rubbed away. Sheer ecstasy drove us mad and it stands out as the best memory I have in my college life! Team S3 - Victorious. Champions of GEC! :)

Off we go - 2 : Elanad

Midway through our third semester. The times when bunking the electrical lab was considered perilous. Having already bunked the lab once for attending a quiz competition, I had made up my mind not to do so again. We had electrical labs on Wednesdays. So, one fine Tuesday, PS comes up to me saying all the ten of them were planning to make a trip to his house the next day, and asked me to join them. Most of us would have seen the Jim Carrey starred flick 'Yes Man'. Am no different at times, especially when my friends are involved.

Sure enough, I agreed to the plan. Off we went in the morning, to the place called 'Elanad'. I had never heard of the place before. Situated in the district of Palakkad, the place has an air of calmness and serenity about it, that makes it so appealing. The lush greenery on either side of the road makes the place all the more beautiful. The dinner was delicious, as is the case always when his mom cooks, and the sleep was more than just peaceful. In the morning, we started for a look around the place.

The early morning walk was thoroughly enjoyable and we were loving every single moment of it. In what seemed like an hour through the forest, we finally reached the highlight of the trip. The waterfall. A Waterfall is a semblance of scenic beauty to many people. There might not exist a person who never has enjoyed the majesty and magnificence of a waterfall. Waterfalls lend a serene touch to those witnessing them, making them spellbound and completely mesmerized. And it was no different here. We decided to take a bath and the fun was incomparable to any.

In spite of being a one day trip, it was fun filled right till the end. Waterfalls are truly enjoyable every single time, unfailingly! :)

Sundays and midweeks at Dale

The first thing that KS and I used to check every Friday when we prepared to go home, without fail, was who Man United played that week and when. And if it was a Super Sunday fixture, we could hardly wait to come back to the hostel early. The Calendar said September 19th, 2010. Ks had been messaging right from the morning as to when I was reaching hostel. :) I was planning to start from home after lunch, and did so. The kick off was at 5.25 p.m.

It's been said so many times over the years, it's a fantastic fixture. The anticipation is huge, and you can never put your money on either team to win it. It is a derby game of enormous proportions. The massive rivalry between both the teams and the two sets of fans adds to all of this. When the fixture is published in the summer, this is one game you always look forward to. And obviously, not a huge amount of love lost between the two clubs either. Whatever the season, whatever the circumstances, this is always one of THE games.

It is always fun when you have company to watch a game of football. Preferably, allies. :P The game started. In a half where both teams played decent football, the only inspirational moment came from Dimitar Berbatov heading home the opener to give United a 1-0 lead at the break. We hadn't even changed our dresses as we were glued to the screen in complete hope of a United victory. Early in the second half, we were witness to what is sure to go down as one of the all time greatest Old Trafford goals. :) The true genius of a footballer in Berba was roaring around the pitch and United seemed to have a firm grasp on the game. But as is always the case, United have this habit of throwing away leads with so much to do at the final quarter of the game. A sprinting Fernando Torres was fouled inside the box by Johhny Evans, for Gerrard to slot home the spot kick. 2-1. Anxious moments start. Soon enough, Liverpool are awarded a free kick just outside the box. The sight of Steven Gerrard imposing himself over the dead ball is a bit intimidating. In what seemed to be a foregone conclusion, Gerrard deposits the ball into the bottom right corner of the post. The scousers go berserk at having equalized late into the game. Ks and I were distraught!

For the second week running, United had thrown away a two goal lead. The 'squeaky bump time" as Sir Alex puts it, starts. United start piling the pressure. John O Shea collects the ball from the right flank and loops one into the box. Two seconds later, we are met by sheer ecstasy as Berba leaps above Jamie Carragher to head home the winner past a helpless Reina. The game finishes 3-2 in United's favour. :) As Old Trafford rose to one of the all time performances of the Premier League Era, we registered what stands out to me as the most wonderful memory in my four years of tenure here at GEC. Ks and I will never, ever forget that magic day! :)
Its moments like these that helped us get all the more closer and be the great friends we are today. And sure enough, this wasn't the only one among the lot. :) Football is surely the greatest ice breaker the best thing that unites all hearts instantly. :)

Mech Dale

I have been hearing about this campus right since my tenth standard. I knew the names of the hostels around, for my sister did her engineering here. It has to be said though, even after completing my first year, I was never aware of such a house so near to my hostel, until Prince told me about it one fine day. I wouldn't do justice to this page if I don't write something about Dale. We are what we are, just because of our time here.

Days before our second year classes began, we decided to move in. And it turned out to be one wonderful decision. The house was a bit old fashioned, but who cared! All of us were together. :) The only thing Prince was concerned about, for me that is, was the fact that I was the only one of the lot who was in the 'A' batch. And so, we tagged Abhi along. But soon enough, he had his marching orders to CET and I was the only one again. Ironically though it may seem, I was never concerned, for I was having the time of my life. This probably is the reason why I am closer to the B batch students. Over the course of time, though, that difference was no more prevalent. We wanted to name it 'Mex Manor' in the beginning, but Prince being his adamant self, we had to stick to this name. :D And thus started what was to be two whole years of total unadulterated masti! :)

It did not take us long to get used to the house. The entire structure had an air of nostalgia surrounding it. By the starting of the third year, we were joined by the new inmate at Dale, Sachin Payyanad. And that is when we got to know him closer. The poor thing had a 75 percent score in the first year university exam, which came down to 63 as time progressed. :D Another one was to follow suit soon, Chiri. :) He was this funny guy, who always had us laughing for one thing or the other. :D

The house was witness to some of the most unforgettable moments in our hostel life. I'll share a few of them here, since writing on all of them would mean trying to complete a list that replenishes itself. :D Third semester university exams were going on. It was the eve of Electrical Technology theory exam. It was around 9 in the night when the electricity went off. We gathered around the centre table in the candle light, each of as clueless as the other regarding how to pass the exam the next day. Prince jumps in with his idea - "Let's have a mass bunk for the examination tomorrow! Message everyone!" The idea being as impractical as trying to run throughout the length of the city in ten minutes, we chucked it. :P Half an hour of brain storming session was in progress. I come up with a plan. "Okay guys! We'll pass", I proclaim. :) And what was to follow is something which still amazes everyone to us to the extremity. The lights came an hour later, and the work had started. By the time we were to leave for the examination in the morning, we found ourselves in our jeans, with each pocket housing a 'reference' for one module. And surprisingly enough, we passed.

The birthday parties, the pre-exam discussions and the likewise were always worth the time. On one such occasion while trying hard to think of something to kill the boredom, we came up with a strange idea. Tug of war, with hockey sticks. ;) It was beyond fun, seriously. :) More often than not, crazy ideas like these are the ones that often end up way more enjoyable than the planned ones. The picture shows the victorious team of Prince, Sree, Chiri and me, posing with the trophy. :P

Another interesting incident. Way deep into the night post midnight. Most of us were sleeping save the two or three of them. Prince came up with the idea of waking up Sachin. The poor thing could hardly open his eyes and what made to walk to the sit out and then outside, and was made to describe the shape of one particular star. Seemingly small thing as it may sound, we never fail to have a laugh at the mere thought of that moment. :P

We had another important member of our group. The 'Hygiene'. Sreedharan had issues with the hygiene in the hostel during the initial days and bought himself a big pair of slippers that he claimed to help him keep himself clean. Needles to say, everyone of us except him, found it to be greatly useful, and it came to be known as 'Hygiene'. :P The final days of our stay saw us have a party organized (for ourselves, that is), with Master Chef Prince working over the chicken grilled right outside. All of us were into the cooking and it was thoroughly enjoyable.

The classy sit out, that humongous black table, the greenery around, everything was sure to be missed when we made our way to the College Hostel in our final year. Ah! If only, we could enjoy an evening of rain in the sit out again. I am sure all of us would give anything to have a share of that moment again!

Off we go -1

It was the 9th of July, or somewhere thereabouts, from what I recollect. The day our first semester university exams ended. Unlike the ones that were to follow, this was the longest one of the lot, with nine theory papers. And we had almost got to the point of boredom ultimatum by the time the last of the lot was done with. We were having tea the previous day when we decided to do something to take our minds off this boredom. What were the options? Not many, since the trip was to be planned in such a short notice. Ernakulam it was, then. A visit to Prince's house and some much needed fresh air, to say the least. :) Little did we know that this marked the beginning of some of the most amazing trips we were to have over the next three years.

Funny though it was, we had got an Omni for our rounds, and Prince was to bring his Hunk. We started off early morning itself, the next day, and our first halt was at Veega Land. As childish as though it may sound, the fact that it's the people around you who make any trip worthwhile, is a fact many tend to conveniently ignore. :D Needless to say, we had a gala time. :) More importantly, we were already friends for life. It's that unexplainable sense of warmth that fills you when you meet one of these nutterheads. It is like you have entered a totally new world of entertainment, which no one else would see, let alone understand. :)

The evening was spent in a soothing travel round the city, and a visit to the Oberon Mall. We were in fact waiting for the thumbs up from Prince for starting to his home. ;) And malls are a good pass time, so we looked no further. The picture shows us during our time at the mall. It goes without saying how young we look. :D (And of course, now you know what I meant when I described about the look Bambu had when he first came to the college). In the meantime, we also had a short visit to Kevin's home, where I was hit with news that Sree was in fact, his relative. :D Both of them still find it a bit hard to trace the links, though. :P Sree introduced himself as 'Vishnu PP', for he was supposedly 'resting' back at hostel, after the university exams. His mom was an awe in making pickles, and we were handed two fresh packets of Prawns pickle. (You have to taste it, if you haven't yet. Too good!)

And, we reach 'Vevukatt'. We were immediately graced by the strong smell of the food being cooked inside, and we could hardly wait! One among us, though, had been having severe pain in his ear, and he went to sleep for a while. We were resting, when his father opened the wine bottle. Interestingly, the one who had gone upstairs having claimed to be suffering with an ear pain, walked down with what seemed to be an intense intent. :D The food was nothing but delicious. The salted mango still has my mouth go all watery just at the sound of it. Ah!

Food at Prince's house is something we've never needed a second invitation for. :P

Raghu. :)

I can very well say that this friendship has been pending since a while. Way before even both of us came to know we exist. :D In our batch of 120 students, it is easy to find your way to the most humble and one of the most popular ones. Raghuram Warrier. My first glimpse of this guy is from inside the bus when we were heading for the college tour. He supposedly, is my relative, and a close one, which apparently was new to me until last year. :P Strangely though, destiny chose a crocodile park in Hogenakkal, of all places, for us to get to know each other. :) And it has been one hell of a journey ever since.

You are sure to notice those eyes. :) Yes, he has eyes to die for. And the persona residing in him is no different. I have never met a guy this sweet, this well mannered and with this sweet a voice. It is almost a criminal offence that someone with such a huge list of qualities is given good looks along with those. :) He is no short of brains too. :) The guy is exceptionally bright. That's Raghu for you. To add to all these, as if these were not enough, modesty reeks from his words. He will never agree to a word of what I have written here, but to be frank, every single thing I have written is nothing but the truth. :)

The mere presence of this guy is like the slight chill in the air announcing its morning, and when you draw the curtains, impossible heights of friendship draped in affection look at you, through a veil of that majestic personality. It is just like the magical fragrance of monsoon rains hitting the parched earth, which merits a celebration every time. The mood of any celebration is sure to be dovetailed by his involvement. The pageantry and the excitement of the celebration is unmatched by any. It seems as if nothing exists beyond that smile right in front of you. You would cease in respect to the almost palpable decency and sense of humor. :)

If I were to list out the unforgettable moments we shared, I'd have to write them all, for not a single one has failed to have us filled with enjoyment. Those innumerable dine outs, the 'supposed' combined study sessions, where we would talk our hearts out on every single thing under the sky, the singing sessions, the Fifa sessions, all of them! :) My heart still jumps in sheer elation at having decided to go for the session of combined studies for a relatively unimportant third semester university exam, where we got close. Had I not, I would probably have been regretting the huge loss I incurred in life. Forced to cite 'that one thing' that makes me want to meet him every now and then, is the cadence of his marvelous voice, time that unfolds with its soft tunes. The melody that touches your heart.

Raghuram Warrier - One in a million, for sure!! :)

And then, we were thirteen.

To quote Mohammed Ali, “Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.” Before I go about the rest of my writing, mostly from the second year to the fourth year, I would like to a fact file on the faces that were an integral part of life, in college. :)

We'll start from the top of the state - Thalassery. My mind takes me back to a couple of days prior to the start of Moto Show. Prince and I were having a talk on the gallery when this guy happens to walk in. "Sujith!", he introduces himself. One look, and the first thing you are sure to infer is the fact that he is a handsome hunk. He had this extremely thin side locks, that looked really cool. Another thing you would notice is his trademark walking style, which no one could imitate. :D And the 'flowery' language he was an expert at, makes him all the more difficult to forget. :P As it happens, I have reasons in plenty and more, to remember him for a lifetime. One great chap, him! To the next one, then - Rayoon. My next door neighbour at hostel. :P Too short for a man of his voice and ideals, 'Kuttu' was the hard working sorts, as far as studies was concerned. :D (We changed that, of course!)

Calicut. Three of us hailed from Calicut. Nimin, Sachin and me. I have mentioned both of them in my previous writings, I guess. :) The first time I remember seeing Nimin was when I accompanied CP to the basketball court. Well built physically, and easy to spot out, there he was! He had his mess from the hostel I stayed in, so we met every other night. :) As far as Sachin is concerned, he was the brainy one, anyone would say. You couldn't say they were wrong, though. His insight regarding anything was far deeper than any of ours. I got to know him better from my second year when we moved to another house. All the ten of us. :) (two of us were day scholars, you see. ;)) We'll move to that later on.

Irinjalakuda. Vishnu was never a name suited for him, one feels. He was different. Surprisingly different, to be frank. Cool at everything he does. :) To add to it, he was no short of brains. In fact, he was the one who actually knew how to use the concept all of us were spooned with, day in and day out! :) The irony is, his smile would surely convinve anyone to believe he is an innocent little chap! Another thing that he has provided for this batch, is the countless number of nicknames for everyone. And most of them, have stuck throughout the four years. To be frank, he happens to be one among the few who could match the 'flowery' language used by Susu. Good looking, never short on attitude (in the right sense, of course), and brainy - a dangerous combination! :P He has this mentality that friends are above everything; again, one of the few I have seen who actually commit to this! :)
Vaniyampara. If you ask who Nithin Sundar is, many would still look puzzled. PS was/is the brand guy in our batch. You name a gadget, name a latest fashion trended tee, he'll buy it the next instant! :D Not many would believe if I say, that one night, just days after having bought his N8, he came to the hostel asking us to suggest a new mobile because he was not satisfied with the current one. Half an hour later, we seem him going out on his Unicorn, only to return with the latest Samsung Galaxy S2. Unpredictable, he is. :) Extremely good at heart, his love for friends is unparalleled. Lucky am I, to have even embarked upon a personality as good as his.

Chalakkudy. Yadhu was the only inmate of the top floor in the hostel, who always happened to be downstairs with us. :D A first look at him, and he would look all disciplined. He was an ace shuttle player, and was a good quizzer too. In fact, now that I come to think of it, the first when we met, he had a piece of paper with five or six questions is it, for me. :D Prince's way of introducing people, I come to know later on. :P

Into the district of Ernakulam, then. Before I begin, I'll deal with 'Eloor'. :D Prince Titus. Like I mentioned in my earlier writing, Prince is the complete package. He has his own way of accomplishing things, that looks unpleasant to none. That dragging walk, the smile that never fades off his face, confidence reeks from his words, every single time. Words fail to describe the dynamic personality this guy possesses. Clearly, the leader of our batch, without a shred of doubt. To the proper Ernakulam guys, then. KS. The first thing that comes to my mind, when I think as to when I first met this guy, is the sight of the chap who used to join us for lunch every day, and would soon bury himself in one or the other mobile games. He seemed to be addicted to it. We come to know that he is a Sainik School product, in fact, the Head Boy of his batch. :) Clearly, talented beyond measure. Chatti. Another one of PP's creative nicknames, that stuck. If ever I were to list out the names of ones who have understood me completely, this guy would surely be right up there. As to when and how I met this guy first, I still have no clue. A KV product himself, he is very easy to mingle with. He has been there, always. :)

Karunagapally. NRI No.1. Ah! Vivek Rahim, is what the register says. 'Bumbu' is what he is known as! :D In fact, the first image of this guy in college is sure to be remembered by everyone. A food-eatarian surely, he was this arrogant self, with a full sleeve black shirt, tucked inside his jeans, which held a high waist line, judging about everything he saw around. "Oh. These benches are so old!", "The campus isn't as good as I thought", and the likewise. And his trademark line was. "IIT is my passion." (One that eluded him). A hardcore Lalettan fan, one thing that was common between the two of us. He claimed himself to be this amazing encyclopedia of Malayalam cinema (have to agree though, he was good), and sang his throat out irrespective of what response he got. :D

And finally, Trivandrum ("Tivandrum", as he calls it). NRI No.2 - Vivek Sreedharan Prasad. Name sounds pretty heavy, doesn't it? You wouldn't say that when you see him, though. :D I don't remember seeing him through the entire first semester, up until one day, on a hartal, as I recollect, when we went out in the gallery to play. A lean guy with a weird dress walk u to us and I see the rest of them talking to them as if they know him. It was then, that I first got to know him. He has got this stylish sense of dressing himself, whatever the occasion. In the local dialect, 'pakka kadiyan' is what suits him best. 'Sreedharan' is what we call him today!

Each one different from the other. Each one with his own class and style. We jelled together beautifully. I have never enjoyed my life to this extent, and don't think I ever will!! :) Will miss these nutterheads the most!

Nocturnal perambulations

Nights at hostel are never short on entertainment. Time just flies away. Right from the time when dinner is done with, up until one lays his head down to find sleep, it is total fun. A glimpse through some of the memorable ones among them.

Ookan's. No Kaveri inmate would ever forget that name, for it was like a private theatre for us. Hardly 200m away from the hostel, they used to have these second shows even if the audience would hardly count up to a double digit. New movies were not showcased, but heyy, who cared! :D If it was a totally eventless night with nothing to do, Ookan's would surely be the option. It was like, the second show was booked for GECians. There was this one instance, where Bumbu and I were the only viewers inside the theatre, the movie being Emraan Hashmi starred 'The Train'. :P

Most of the nights were spent on playing cards. One such night, when the normal routine was being carried out, the lights went off. Twenty minutes of waiting seemed like eternity. It is rightly said, that of all the hardships one has to face, nothing is more cruel than the simple act of waiting. :D We couldn't do it any further. Out we went. The time was somewhere around 2.30 in the morning. Ever tried plucking mangoes at that hour? It's real fun! To try and get them from the trees without waking anyone in the neighbourhood, is like, insane! :D When we had finally plucked our fill, we woke up our mess warden for chili powder and salt. The seed was coated with a heavy dose of both, and off we went to met Bumbu. Time read 3.30 a.m. ;) Have to agree though, waking someone from his sleep to try and play a prank on him, is super fun, without a shade of doubt! :D He actually bit into it only to spit it out with such fury, we never even turned our back until we reached back hostel, sprinting.

Of the few days that were not spent playing cards, volleyball was our chosen mode of entertainment. No floodlights, but the lamp posts were quite good in number to provide us with the required lighting. And I'm sure, not many would have actually contemplated playing a sport till midnight inside the college campus, let alone play it. :D

A walk down to Pallimoola, to have my customary quota of rose milk with Amith and CP, is again, something that I would never forget. It used to happen almost every other night. And one such night, a dispute broke between CP and me. For some reason, we ended up discussing on NITs. I was talking to them about a friend of mine from NIT Jamshedpur, and CP blurted in saying there's no NIT in Jamshedpur. I was like - "Man, I have a friend who studies there. How can you say there isn't one in Jamshedpur?". CP brought out the adamant guy in himself and objected it plainly. HE actually had me bet on it for three chocolate shakes and we checked in the cafe right away. (Well, I didn't have to, because I had a friend who studied there, so I was sure). :D The adamant way in which in he tried defending him saying there's no NIT in Jamshedpur is what makes this memory unforgettable. :D

Combined Studies : University exams., S1S2.

Ah! They say combined studies is where you help each other with stuff that you know, and you are returned the favour. But, as is the case almost always, everywhere, it never ends being what one always thought it was. :D It is sure to be different though, if you are the nerdo kind with your brainy friends sitting around you laughing at the way a particular equation has shaped up, rather than to an old fashioned joke. :P

First year university exams. Kaveri hostel. Everyone was back from home a week prior to the exam and were deeply buried in their books, most of them. I happened to have this habit of strolling across to Prince's room more often than not, for I never needed a reason. :) After dinner, him and I would sit in front of the massive looking books, trying to decide on which topics to cover. We would start silently, with both of us neatly starting off with our respective topics. There was hardly an instance where this lasted for more than fifteen minutes. Clearly, we needed someone to help us through the topics so that we could keep up with the pace, rather than labouring through them on our own. In comes Abhishek Thampi.

An ingenious himself, he hardly found a topic that he was not at ease with. He was almost always accompanied by Nimin, since both of them were from the same hostel. We would sit in the corners of the room, having decided to allot topics for each of us, to be covered within a deadline. Prince being dedicated (:P),would start off right away, and Abhi would find it easy to deal with them within any given time. The remaining two of us, Nimin and I, would be waiting for them to finish theirs, rather than doing it ourselves. :D

Another interesting thing with exams is that, when it's time to actually get down and study, every single entity in the world apart from the books look so fascinating and interesting that you find it terribly hard not give them attention. :D Furthermore, what the both of us were more interested in was this mobile game - Mini Golf. The two of would sit play against each other while the other two did the reading. Prince would soon start a conversation totally unrelated to the academic syllabus and the four of us would start off on a debate that was never time bound, and attracted participants from the neighbouring rooms. Until the final day of preps, this would go on like a routine. :P

On one such instance, I clearly remember me having just learnt the basics of Engineering Mechanics up until 11 or so, the previous night. Sarath, me Abhi and Jacob, decided to work out the question papers rather than covering the entire topics. Just the four question papers were worked out, and we went for the exam. When the question papers were given out, we were dumbstruck to the point where we could not conceal the ecstasy within. :D Every single question was one we worked out in those four question papers. The university did not even care to change the numerical values of the properties with which the question dealt with. Jacob and could hardly stop laughing for the initial ten or fifteen minutes after having gone through the question paper. Now we know what they mean my sheer dumb luck! :P

Combined studies always provide us with a stage to bring out many hidden talents inside us, as many of us would surely have discovered by now. If only! If only, I could have another session of combined studies! :(