When will it be 3:30 pm!”

This was the something I used to ask my friend in school. Like any other student, I would be waiting for the last bell to ring marking the end of a school day.

When the bell would finally ring , I would feel as if I was in Wonderland like Alice.

I was forever waiting for the day when I would leave school and join college. I thought end of school days meant beginning of fun days when I would have no homework, no bulky books to read and no rules and regulations.

But as the board examinations came closer, I realised that soon I would be leaving my school and moving out in the world full of new people. God only knew if I would meet friendly people or rough, inconsiderate ones.

I was afraid to leave my friends and teachers who had made me feel at home. Thoughts of leaving school made me shiver. In no time, the last day of school arrived and we were given a magnificent farewell. All my friends were dressed beautifully in saris. Everyone was busy complimenting each other. It was a day of excitement and fun. But I could feel the coldness within me.

I felt like staying within the premises of St Mary’s forever and replay every moment I had spent there. I had no choice but to leave and did so with a heavy heart.

Now I regret I took my school for granted. Why could I not realise that no place is better than school? Why did I always consider my school a worthless place when it gave me knowledge and love?

I realise the books that I read, homework and the rules and regulations that I followed were not to harm me, but were for my good.