ItiMatoo
For me - the transition from the sleepy and conservative 4 years in Kurukshetra where a 17 girls to 1250 boys ratio forced one to be meek and inconspicuous to the Mumbai culture of with its " Look at me- I'm different but I really don't care for your opinion " attitude itself took some time to adjust.
But the JBIMS group was such a good mix that was quickly comfortable in this town. From late night group projects to singing sessions on marine drive , the unforgettable "Papoo Shappoo" lectures & " Aditya Samant" monologues , bhelpuri and kulfis, the daily Charni road to Churchgate train journey it was all fun.
The best part was without doubt to have the hostel on marine drive where I made some awesome friendships. With bated breath how we used to open the dabbas for some good food followed by a royal dessert (Ashwini's and mine ) - one by 2 Parle G biscuit - low on budget and calories.
It is not just the 25th reunion year for our batch but for me with TCS as well. The gamut of roles have been interesting- Delivery, Quality, Security, Governance, Risk, Compliance with one common expertise required for all - Microsoft Office. Mother of an almost 20 year old architect daughter Monaal whose personality fluctuates between a devil and a princess and a going-to be an adult soon son Shashank who is almost ready for his 12th boards with a dream of changing India for the better, have tried to have a good work life balance. Hubby Rahul is fast competing with me on by completing 20 years in Wipro.
Love the fact that we have re-connected and looking forward to the Re-union. We may still gossip about the little things, like who looked great and who looked worse, who got heavier and who looks older. But I think the greatest change that has come in all of us with experience had been - Acceptance & Gratitude!!