Bitter Steps to better life

Chapter 2 - Hostel Life

Goa has lots of greenery. It was raining heavily when I returned from the village. I liked those little droplets that would stay on the windows. I came home and slept early that day. The very next day, my father told me, "See, I told you to study in the village, but you didn't listen to me. Now no one is here to take good care of you, so I am going to put you in the hostel." He packed my clothes and told me to have my lunch, but I didn't because I thought I would be back soon. After few minutes, we reached that place. There was a huge gate that was left open. In front of that place, there was a church. As I entered, I saw a new, renowned building. On that building, the name of the school was written in huge, bold letters.

When my father parked his Scotty,one girl came running towards me. I was surprised to see her; she was the same girl who was our new neighbor near our house. I met her a few days ago. I and my father were waiting near the office. I thought we would go back, but later I came to know that I wasn't. I was feeling guilty that I didn't have my food. My stomach started purring because I didn't have food. I ate a few biscuits. It was 3 p.m. when one of the sister (Nun) arrived. She was very old but fat, and she wore huge glasses. I think she is very strict. She opened the office; it looked like an old government office, which is usually shown on TV. I glanced around, gazing at every file and cupboard. She gave all the instructions to my father and asked the reason for my admission. Their talks went on, and I wasn't interested in their gossip. After registration, my father waved me good-bye and went away. As soon as he went away, my heart sank. My friend took me up to the box room (the place where we keep our clothes and stuff). She showed me a place to keep my bag. She took me down and told me to wash my hands and feet. I thought it's a nice routine to have a half wash every evening, but later I got to know that they didn't bathe on Sundays, so we had to take a half wash.

I didn't have anything—neither a plate and cup nor a mattress. I ate food on my friend's plate, and I also slept on her mat. The next day we were woken up at 5 a.m. As soon as we woke up, everyone ran towards the area where everyone washed their faces. There was only one tap for many children. Everyone fought for water. Pushing each other and throwing mugs and water. After washing their faces, they went to dress up. At 5:30, we all needed to report to the room. We said our prayers. I just mumbled some words because I didn't know what they were saying. At 6:00 am, we were off to the church.

As we entered the church, I felt a different kind of peace. Mass went on for one hour, and after we finished, we straight away went to the refectory (the place where they eat their breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner). There was only one piece of bread (paav) on each plate and a cup of tea. We went to school after eating our breakfast. It wasn't too far, but on the way, there were lots of mango trees on which squirrels would pass by. I would just love to stare at them. I attended the assembly, which was held on the ground. After it was finished, I went to class and sat beside my new friend because I didn't know anyone. I was quite pleased with the classes I had that day, but I was feeling fish out of water too.After school, we had to go directly to lunch. We had our lunch as fast as possible and ran to take our buckets. You may be wondering why, so hurry? We were hurrying because we had only 4 bathrooms and 200 children had to bathe within an hour. Over here, everything was self-service. I was amazed by the presence of mango trees even there.We rushed and took hot water and stood for a while to have a bath. Everyone was banging on the doors of the bathroom, and there was shouting from inside too. My friend told me that it's an everyday issue.