Swathi Writes Back!

To the Soul Who Turned My World into a Canvas of Colors....Happy Birthday, My Dearest Bestie Benita Once upon a chaotic 2019 , the universe looked down at me and thought, “Poor thing, let’s send her someone weird, wonderful, and wildly loyal.” And boom,  you happened. In the year 2019, life decided to write a plot twist in the most unexpected way. I had just completed my UG at Holy Cross College, a place bursting with freedom, festivity, and intellectual fire. When my parents suggested I pursue my postgraduation at Thiagarajar College , Madurai, my heart sank faster than a lecture at 3 p.m. The first time I stepped into that campus, I looked around and whispered to myself, “Am I entering a college or a courtroom?” The grey walls, stern gazes, and ID card obsession gave me courtroom drama vibes, and not the K-drama kind. Still, parents know better, right? They had heard that this was a temple of knowledge. So with half a heart, dragging dreams, and a heavy backpack, I stepped in...

     "Not all heroes wear capes—some bring snacks"      In the bustling halls of Madurai Kamaraj University, among the many faces that pass by every day, there is one figure whose presence leaves a lasting impression, my beloved professor and guide. Medium in height, he carries himself with an effortless elegance that’s impossible to miss. Often dressed in his signature white shirt or the occasional colorful shirt with a distinct Chinese collar, he embodies professionalism with a subtle touch of personal style.      What strikes you first are his eyes, plumpy and kind, always sparkling with a quiet warmth. His oval-shaped face is usually lit up by a smile so genuine, it feels like a personal invitation to trust, to learn, and to grow. And the way he complements his attire with a perfectly matched watch reveals a man who values detail and discipline, yet never at the expense of approachability.      But beyond the surface, it’...

  Maturity hit me like a tonne of bricks  the instant I realised what it meant to be okay.   Maturity slammed into me like a tonne of bricks. The moment I learned that forever is a lie-filled utopia.   Maturity slammed into me like a tonne of bricks. I chose silence over argument at that point.   Maturity slammed into me like a tonne of bricks. I sensed the difference between lonely and alone at the time.   Maturity has hit me like a tonne of bricks. People can only forgive, but they can't forget, I realised.   Maturity crashed into me like a tonne of bricks. I realised the difference between comprehending and realising at that point.   Maturity slammed into me like a bag of bricks. I understood that smiling and being joyful are not the same thing. Maturity slammed into me like a sack of rocks. When I first realised I was pregnant, I was ecstatic. -SWATHI MADHAVAN

We learn from our failures, our incorrect turns, the fake friends we make,  and the times we come close to breaking. Our mistakes help us grow, but we didn't realise it at the time. We didn't want our frailty to be exposed. We couldn't tell them at the time. Our phoney pals were present, but they were unconcerned about our secrets, and now they merely gaze as we pass. You're strong if you don't break. As if you hadn't waited so long to explain yourself, you'd know where you went wrong, but keep strong. So here's to the liars and traitors, all the want tobes and haters,  as well as learning from our mistakes and recognising the fakes. To being a teen, here's to you. Live it up, since we're in the midst of a dream. -SWATHI MADHAVAN