Beyond the Degree: Tales of Unemployment and Friendship.
What happens when the final exam is over, but life's questions have just begun? Dive into the lives of three friends as they confront unemployment, societal expectations, and their own dreams.
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So, as I've already told you all, our job hunt journey has just begun, and it definitely isn't going to be easy. Some people call it struggles, while others tag it as "#NowRealLifeBegins." Whatever you call it, the truth is that it comes with its own challenges. But the real skill lies in learning to have fun amidst these challenges. That's what makes us real engineers—like me and my two friends.
It's not that we aren't serious after reaching the final phase of engineering—of course, we are. But come on, creating memories is what college is all about, right? The best ones are made in college, where you share everything: your highs, lows, breakups, and whatnot with your close friends. Isn't that what you'd call the true essence of friendship?
So now it's time for me to introduce you to the people who made my college life happening. Otherwise, I would have been finished even before starting engineering. (Okay, okay, I'm joking. I wouldn't abandon you guys without telling about my life and my two crazy friends, so just sit back and relax.)
Shall we start? Okay, let's start from the beginning—how I met them, where I met them, and when. By now, you must have figured out that I met them in college, and before that, all three of us were living our lives in different cities. I never thought I would meet people who would become so special to me.
My First Day
It was my first day of college, and to be honest, I was a bit nervous. I wasn't staying at the hostel back then; I used to travel from home. Now, the thing was, my Kannada wasn't great—barely enough to get by. And you might think, "Why not just talk in English?" Well, sure, but let's be real—nothing beats the comfort of speaking in Hindi, right?
There I was, a bit lost, feeling like a bichari (don't laugh, I know, I'm not really one), but that day I truly was. Surrounded by strangers, I kept hoping someone would talk to me, someone I could be myself with. But no one came, and my first day passed quietly. A little disappointing, right?
The Turning Point
The next day, I made up my mind. Today, I was determined. "No more quiet Rashi," I thought. I will talk to someone, no matter what—whether it's in Hindi, English, or some weird mix of English-Kannada.
I couldn't stay silent forever!
I walked into class, and everyone was busy—some making friends, others exchanging numbers. I quietly sat down and watched, waiting for a chance. And then, like a small miracle, a girl walked up to me.
"Are you from North India?" she asked.
I immediately blurted out a "Yes!" hoping that was the start of a conversation. Finally! Someone spoke to me! For a moment, I thought I'd found my first college friend. But then, she just left after asking that one question. I sat there thinking, Wait, what just happened?
But she wasn't gone for long. She returned with another girl who had short hair that brushed her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. Though she wasn't tall enough to stand out in a crowd, her presence was anything but ordinary. The first girl smiled at both of us and said, "She's also from North India. You two should sit together."
My eyes lit up. That girl wasn't just my classmate; she was an angel sent by God! (Okay, I'm not being that dramatic, but seriously, it felt like I found something I'd lost years ago.)
The Beginning of Friendship
"Please, sit," I said, trying to sound polite because, you know, first impression matters.
We were in the first year, and since admissions were still going on, most of our classes were free that day. While everyone was doing their own thing, I finally had what I'd been waiting for—someone to talk to. And by "talk," I mean "gossip." I wasn't going to miss this opportunity!
"Hi, I'm Rashi," I said, starting the conversation.
She introduced herself too, but after that... silence. Awkward, uncomfortable silence. I thought, Great, we're going to have an actual conversation! But it looked like she wasn't much of a talker. So, I took the lead. I started talking—about my family, my school, my old friends, and even how terrifying my first day was. Honestly, I didn't care if she was interested or not; I just needed someone to talk to, and she was there!
That's how she became my first friend in college. Or, as she would later say, her first encounter with an "irritating girl." Yep, she called me that—though not right away. But let me tell you, she was my first gossip partner, even if she wasn't into gossiping. I didn't care though; all I needed was someone to talk to, and she fit the bill.
The Next Day—Drama Begins
I was so happy—finally, my college life wouldn't be boring! I came to college the next day, excited to meet my new friend. But guess what? She was sitting with someone else!
A wave of disbelief washed over me. Who is this girl? And why is she in my spot? I felt a strange mix of shock and betrayal. It was only our second day, and already I was being replaced?
Feeling slightly betrayed, I quietly sat behind them, wondering what was happening. Was this girl a new friend? Was I already replaced?
I felt a pang of jealousy. Why was she sitting in my spot? And why was my friend sitting with her?
As I watched them, I felt an unexpected rush of determination. No way was I going to let my new college experience slip through my fingers just because of some random girl. I would find a way to reclaim my spot. After all, I wasn't just going to fade into the background. I was here to make memories!
