A Journey from Chhatarpur, New Delhi to BITS Pilani
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The morning was crisp, with the faint chill of January wrapping around Chhatarpur, New Delhi. As I stepped out of my house, the aroma of freshly brewed chai lingered in the air, and a sense of quiet anticipation settled over me. Today wasn’t just another road trip—it was a journey toward new beginnings, experiences, and perhaps even nostalgia waiting to unfold.
The cab arrived just as the sun timidly peeked the horizon. It was a humble white sedan, slightly dusty, as if it had stories of its own to tell. The driver, a kind man named Ramesh with a weathered face and a cheerful smile, greeted me warmly. “BITS Pilani, right?” he confirmed, and I nodded, settling into the backseat with my backpack snug beside me.
The roads of Delhi, even in the early hours, hummed with life. Auto-rickshaws whizzed by, honking with their distinct urgency. The aroma of parathas being fried at roadside stalls teased my senses, and I made a mental note to grab some breakfast soon.
As we navigated through the sprawling lanes of Gurgaon, the city gradually gave way to open roads and fields. The chaos of urban life melted away, replaced by the serenity of the countryside. The morning sun now shone brighter, bathing the fields in golden hues, and a gentle breeze made the mustard flowers sway like an orchestra playing to nature’s rhythm.
I couldn’t help but think about my destination—BITS ( Birla Institute of Technology)Pilani. A name that carries prestige, dreams, and a slice of India’s academic brilliance. My thoughts drifted to the people I would meet, the places I’d explore, and the memories I’d create.
Somewhere along the way, Ramesh suggested stopping at a dhaba near Rewari. It wasn’t your typical roadside eatery; it was one of those places where the food feels like an embrace, warm and satisfying. The aloo parathas came dripping with butter, accompanied by a tangy pickle and a steaming cup of chai. “This is the kind of meal you can’t find in cities,” Ramesh remarked with a proud grin. He wasn’t wrong—it was comfort on a plate.
The journey resumed, and the roads stretched endlessly, flanked by green fields and clusters of trees. I rolled down the window, letting the cool breeze kiss my face, carrying with it the earthy scent of freshly plowed soil. Villages passed by in a blur, each with its own rhythm of life. Children with backpacks walked to school, women in vibrant saris carried water pots on their heads, and elderly men sat in groups, discussing the day’s affairs under the shade of neem trees.
As we neared Pilani, the air seemed different—lighter, perhaps, or maybe it was just my imagination. The iconic clock tower of BITS Pilani came into view, standing tall as a beacon of learning and aspirations. My heart swelled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
We pulled up at the gates, where the guard greeted us with a knowing smile. “First time here?” he asked, and I nodded, unable to suppress my grin. The campus was alive with energy—students walking in groups, their laughter echoing in the corridors, and a sense of purpose radiating from every corner.
As I got out of the cab, I looked back at the road that had brought me here—a journey that wasn’t just about miles but about moments, reflections, and the beauty of the world outside the confines of a screen or a schedule. It was a reminder that sometimes, the path is as meaningful as the destination.
RAJAT CHANDRA SARMAH
Camp : Pilani , Rajasthan , India
29/01/25
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