Days So Far

By Anchita Jain

Another year got added to my age,

Filled me with nostalgia for those good days. 

Initial years that I can remember,

Passed away shouting “Present Mam” following the morning prayer.

Cycling to school everyday, 

Sharing my lunchbox with one BFF*.

Those remarks in red in the report card,

Scolding from parents after PTM*, while going back.

Happiness of free period in the month of annual function,

That sports week, we marched in the burning sun.

Winding up exams,hoping the trains,

Joy of spending summer with cousins.

All day playing with no time limits,

Sleeping on the terrace tucked in mosquito nets.

Unconditional love of grandparents, 

Scary stories with homemade jams and pickles.

Grew up so fast,

That race for the college entrance exams.

Another 4 years loaded with books,

Last minute preparation of exams, begging for notes. 

Survival through 8 semesters for a degree to cover,

A new taste of first crush rejection to last forever.

Competing with friends to land that first IT job, 

Soon everyone moved to their own paths. 

Smile I had with my first salary credit,

Spent it all partying all night. 

10 hour job with no work life balance,

Discussing all the world problems in the coffee breaks.

One serious relationship to leave scars on the soul,

Jumping in arrange marriage well with depth unknown.

Here starts the circle of life,

To chase the dreams, build and shine. 

More years yet to follow, 

Keep making memories because that will only remain tomorrow. 

By Anchita Jain