Even after arranging everything neatly in her cabin, Nila noticed that no one else had come yet. Her side of the cabin remained empty. She didn't know who her cabin partner would be this time. In her past life, she had made a few close friends early, but now, standing here, she realized — this life was different. She didn't know anyone yet.
It would feel awkward to get overenthusiastic and jump into friendships immediately. Relationships need time. She decided to leave it to fate — whoever was meant to share her cabin would come. Maybe they would get along, maybe not. It wasn't something she could force.
Nila also remembered clearly: later in the day, some girls would start asking others to swap cots, saying they had stayed here last year or that they wanted to be closer to their friends. She wasn't interested in getting involved in any such drama. That's why she had made sure to arrive early, choose a good cot — one in the center cabin with AC — and arrange all her things neatly before the rush began.
In her past life, she had changed her cot twice because of peer pressure. Not this time.
Since she had already cleaned her cot and set up her things, she locked her cupboard and decided to escape from the hostel to spend some quality time with her family. She had planned to come early, before most people arrived, mainly to avoid this kind of drama.
Now that everything was set up, she was ready to step out and enjoy some peaceful family time before the chaos truly began.
"Ok, Amma, shall we go have lunch now?" Nila asked, slinging her sling bag over her shoulder.
Amma suggested, "Why don't we eat in the school canteen itself? It'll be easy."
Nila quickly shook her head. "No, Amma. It's a vegetarian campus, remember? Once I start hostel life, I can't eat non-veg until I come home. Today I want good food... something spicy!" she grinned.
Amma laughed. "Okay, okay! Then we'll go to a restaurant nearby."
Before leaving, they decided to tidy up a bit more. Nila suggested that they take back the extra carton box — it wasn't practical to keep it here since storage was so limited. Only her large trolley and a smaller trolley (which she had smartly nested inside the bigger one) would stay.
Together, they packed all the shoe boxes and miscellaneous items back into the carton. They hauled it downstairs, where Appa and Santhosh were waiting near the hostel entrance.
They discussed the plan quickly, explaining to Appa about the carton, lunch, and leaving campus temporarily. Then, just to follow the rules, they informed the school warden posted at the school block about their plan to go out for lunch.
On the way, Nila showed her parents the main school block properly — the entrance, the assembly area, and the sprawling corridors. Everything was clean, neat, and impressive.
Santhosh couldn't hide his excitement as they walked toward the parking lot.
"Appa, this campus is HUGE!" he said, eyes wide. "Look — badminton courts, basketball courts, a football ground... and there's even a swimming pool!"
He kept running ahead, pointing at different sports facilities, while Nila and her parents smiled fondly behind him.
Nila had to admit — it really was a beautiful campus. Maybe, even with all the challenges ahead, she could build a good life here.
Santhosh continued rattling off the number of grounds, courts, and parks with the excitement of someone who had just discovered Disneyland. His energy was infectious, making the short walk to the car lively and happy.
Nila said, "I asked around. Some of the seniors told me that the Anjappar hotel nearby has a good ambiance and the food is really nice."
Everyone agreed easily — after all, a good meal after a long morning of moving luggage sounded perfect. Once they reached the restaurant, they settled into a cozy corner booth. The cool air-conditioning and the clatter of plates felt like a comforting change after the long, humid day.
After flipping through the menu for a few minutes, they placed their orders.Nila and Appa decided to go for the non-vegetarian combo — complete with spicy gravies, chicken curry, and crispy parottas.
Santhosh, as usual, wanted something simple and chose chicken fried rice.
Amma, keeping to her vegetarian habits, ordered a North Indian veg thali — full of soft rotis, dal, and sabzis. She is a vegetarian, but seeing the tempting options, she couldn't resist and added half a portion of tandoori chicken too for her family. Even though she doesn't eat non-vegetarian food, she knows the taste of every family member.
As they waited for the food to arrive, Santhosh teased Nila mercilessly, "Now akka, say goodbye to Egg Maggi and Chicken 65 for a long time! Hostel food won't have secret night snacks!" he said, laughing.
Nila just grinned. "It's okay. When I come home, I'll make up for it."
When the food arrived, the aroma itself made her stomach growl. Everyone dug in eagerly. In the middle of the meal, while tearing a piece of parotta, Nila casually looked up at her parents.
"Appa, Amma… I was thinking... Can I join NCC here? They have that option in this school?" she asked, trying to keep her voice light.
Both her parents paused, surprised.
"In my last life," Nila thought to herself, "I didn't join because you both were scared. You heard the training happened early in the morning, even before breakfast. You were afraid it would be too tiring for me."
But now, everything was different. She had more clarity, more confidence. This time, she wanted to live fully.
"I know it'll be tough, but I think I can manage," Nila said earnestly. "I want to experience everything this school has to offer — NCC, sports, music... I don't want to give up my hobbies just because I'm entering 9th grade. I know a lot of students drop their interests between the 9th and 12th, but I don't want to lose that part of myself. I'll learn to manage my schedule."
Appa exchanged a glance with Amma. They could see the determination in her face.
In her past life, Nila had been an active child until eighth grade — participating in karate classes, sports meets, singing competitions, and school dances. But after shifting to this school, the heavy study schedule slowly crushed her hobbies. Opportunities became rare, and she hadn't fought enough to hold onto them.
She didn't want a repeat of that story.
This time, she was determined: studies would be important, but she would balance hobbies too. Even if it meant late nights or waking up early, she would find a way.
She wasn't willing to give up her passions anymore.