*BING*
The door of the lift slid open. I walked out, fear and anticipation both on my mind. Unlike always the fear and anticipation was different from the usual. The fear was of the result that was going to follow, and the anticipation was of the horrible paper I was going to face. Yes, I was walking into a classroom to give my test.
It is no normal test. Normal people don't give that test. A lot has been said and written about this test. The test has been mentioned in many many blogs (Mine and Nishit's : P). This test spoils at least one, sometimes two of our Sundays. Frankly speaking it is a torturous test. First are the timings. Nine in the morning to Five in the evening- the first reason why it is not a normal test. The test contains two papers- one is 9 AM to 12 PM and then the second paper is 2 PM to 5 PM.
Some of you might say that it seems easy. You'll might say that two hours break is given so its fair if they keep two papers. However, these tests, they play games with you. And they are cruel games. The break period is the most dangerous period in that whole day. Here is how the day goes-
So you go to your designated class. The pressure is mounting, the repercussions are huge. Plus, the atmosphere makes it worse. You are surrounded by people who ask you questions which make you feel like you are just born right now. It is ironical that, when you ask these same people how the test was, they'll answer, considering that we are born just now. You almost feel like a zombie!
And here comes the question paper. You read the first page, you clap your hands, admiring the question but doing nothing to solve it, and you turn it. This cycle repeats many times. The only difference is that the claps in your mind gradually become abuses.
You have now been through the paper, thinking that you read all questions, but actually not even looking at some, out of sheer disgust. You look at the time- its only been an hour. You excuse yourself to the washroom and chuckle silently as you realize what kind of games life plays with you (: P) You splash water on your face, you drink coffee from the canteen, hoping that something will put your mind into action. You return to your seat, ready for another staring competition with your question paper (You can guess who wins). You try solving the paper again, this time you do get some questions that you couldn't solve. You look at the time again. Its been one and half hour. Still too early to leave. You start looking around. You see some people sleeping, some doing the same thing that you are, some people playing on their phones and some actually solving. You want to save the last ounce of self respect that you have left, you don't wanna be the first person to leave the class. So you wait, till someone goes. Now, there's only one hour left for the paper to end. The coast is clear. You can leave now.
You give your paper to the examiner, who is not surprised. Some people hardly look at you, and some are relieved because now even they can leave with their self respect intact.
Now, your break is three hours long. This is a trick time. You need to fill your stomach, but you need to study too. What do you do? Stomach of course! You have a good snack with more than an hour remaining for the second paper. So you go the classroom and chat with your friends. You think of studying, but you console yourself saying that- you'll forget what you already know (not realizing that you don't know anything dumbass! ) You think about the first paper, feeling miserable, wanting to make up with the second paper. But hopes are not high.
So now the break is over, you've had your fun. Its time to get serious. You are handed in the second paper. You solve the first question and you get it. You think - Wow, that unusual! You gradually start getting some more questions (which means 7 in 20) but then there is a problem. It is 2 PM in the afternoon, the sun is warm, your stomach is full with the burger- perfect ingredients for a nap. Just as you are hitting form, your sleep comes in between. You try hard to keep your eyes open. You go the washroom, and you drink coffee too. Now you're awake. You go back to your seat and start solving. You get some sums, but some you just don't. You've been through your paper twice and its just been two hours. It is time to hurt your ego again.
So you go the hard way, becoming a leader and inspiration of many, as you lead the way in going out first.
You look out of the corridor feeling horrible, knowing that this is not you, knowing that you can be better than this. You are determined you won't let this happen again. You have a plan to do better now. Your self respect has been hurt and you can't bear it anymore. You know that you have to rise from the ashes.
"Coming to Juhu Beach to play? " asks a friend. And you forget everything and go to the beach!
That's IIT
P.S- Events mentioned above are injurious to your career and your relationship with your parents. Please do not try them in real life.
