True Nostalgia

What makes you feel nostalgic?

A few years ago I visited Mumbai and fulfilled a long outstanding wish. I visited Victoria High School where I had spent 10 precious years of my life. It was an extremely nostalgic moment.

The colour of my school building had changed from yellow to sky blue, was the first thing that caught my attention as I entered the building.

I went straight to the Principal’s office ( a place where as students we dreaded to go ), sent my card and I was immediately ushered in. I introduced myself as an alumna of the school. The Principal was happy to have me in his office. I requested to walk through the corridors and re-live some childhood memories.

As I passed through the classrooms ( they were exactly the same I felt, just that the students had changed ), the silence transformed into a bit of a murmur on seeing a stranger walking by.

Hardly did the children know that I was one of them, a mere student. I had occupied the same benches, I had read from  the same blackboard, I had smelt the same chalk in the air, I had heard the same bell, I had followed the same discipline, I had laughed and cried like them. I was one of them.

I could not bear it any  longer. My steps became heavier, my throat dried as a leaf. I  did not know how much I had missed my school. But I soon realised that the years spent in school were actually an integral part of my existence. The school had laid the foundation of my character and made me the man I am today.

I waived to the students and entered a class, but could hardly speak. I could see myself in those innocent faces and gleaming eyes. I was one of them I told them and wished them well.

I left the building thanking the staff as emotions kept rushing, but I kept them at bay. I entered the car and moved, having a glimpse of my school as it slowly disappeared behind my eye line.

It was an unforgettable moment. True nostalgia.