GG INTRO

I remember driving past the main gate a day before the first official day of college. It felt surreal. I never planned to make it to any IIT, never mind the most beautiful one I’ve seen. From the next day, began a 3.5 year long movie (screw COVID for taking away what could’ve been my first inter IIT sports meet). The actual movie part of it has ended now. But, in the wise words of a very influential voice in high society- the envoy for New York’s socialites, both teens and adults alike- “What’s a movie without credits?” (Gossip Girl, S6E5; RIP Michelle Trachtenberg). Through this article, I want to thank some people, without whom this picture would’ve been dead in the water. This article will be a sprinkling of some random memories I’ve had along the way. Let’s roll the credits.

SUPPORT FROM HOME

To Jaiswal, Abhy, Kevin “f**k linked list” Mathalai, Muski, Susuhani, Mouse and Wudu

It feels a tiny bit wrong to put you guys on the closing credits, y’all deserve to be on the opening titles. But it would be a greater gaffe not to have you in at all. It was (and still is) so reassuring that even upon the most minor of inconveniences, I could call any of you and let out a rant. You’ve all been constants in my life for so long now, which has been a massive reason for me getting through college in a sane fashion. You’re the 4lyfers. I’m so grateful to have had you in my life until now, and exultant that I have you in my life till infinity.

BASKETBALL PEOPLE

To Budhwar, Sarthak, Saksham, Shailu, Tejas, Deepak, Adi, Rishabh, Ani, Madhav, Coach Sir, Chander, Rajjo, Kush and all the juniors

I walked onto campus thinking there wouldn’t be any great basketball players in an IIT. Boy, was I proven wrong quickly.

My first Colors Trophy was my first jaw-dropping moment on the court. We beat every team and made it to the final. But then Rajjo decided to go beast mode. Unguardable. The performance genuinely floored me. It was the first time I saw someone take over an entire game.

My first Inter IIT Sports Meet in Delhi was bittersweet. Forget all the teams we beat, the highlights I produced, and the jeering I got from the crowd. I mostly remember bawling my eyes out after losing to Madras by one point in overtime. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that crestfallen.

Some special shoutouts to a few people: Chander- for showing me what charisma looks like, both on and off the court; Bhalla- for just being a tranquil individual; last but not least, my dunk-partner-in-crime, Kush- brother, PLEASE go pro. Your potential knows no bounds. I hope to have another dunk session with you again.

I wish I had never torn my ACL. All I ever wanted to do in my final year was bring a gold medal back home where it belonged. I’m still heartbroken that I couldn’t be on the court with my boys in Sangram, Spardha, and the final Inter IIT. I guess some things just aren’t meant to be. But I’m beyond proud of y’all for winning back the LeBronze.

There’s no place on the campus that I’ve felt happier in than the court. Thank you to everyone I’ve mentioned and everyone else I might’ve missed for making me feel at home in a place so far away from home.

THE “MECHANICAL” PEOPLE

To Lone Wolf Sigma Male (LWSM), Nemon, Nyaa, Soham, Sajag, Bhindi,

The first thing I did when I reached campus in March 2022 was scout out all the people from Bangalore (that’s where I’m from). I met Bhindi first. Never in a million years would I have guessed the extent to which she and her classmates/former classmates would influence my college life and shape me as a whole. The dinner we had at Peppery, the grass we had in Jawahar, me identifying the AJ Styles bag, me forcing Soham to come for HIS OWN convocation- I share so many core memories with you guys.

Each has been a guiding light for me in different aspects of life. LWSM guided me throughout the intern season and yapped about the latest tribal chief lore (insert one-in-the-sky emoji). Bhindi showed me what an absolute workhorse looked like with her data science expertise, and she might have also been a little Blr rumour informant of ours. Soham has corrected my resume way too many times, and his techno suggestions have never disappointed. Nyaa, patient as time itself, helped me with my CAT prep more than I can express in words. Sajag helped me write multiple research-project-request emails and made me start running (his Strava stats would shock you). Last but not least, Nemon. All-rounder. Helped me with everything everywhere. College would have driven me insane if not for him.

I missed y’all a ton these last two years, and I owe y’all so much.

MY YEAR PEOPLE

To Vaidy, Aniket, Gautam, Parv, Jha, Shravan, Shiv, Introvert,

It all started with Jha- he was speaking English on the branch WhatsApp group. I texted him instantly, saying I had finally found someone I could talk to in English (my Hindi wasn’t too great then). When he said he also listens to Carti (pre-WLR when he was actually good, mind you), I almost knew instantly that this one and I would be tight for the long run.

Jha and I were hunting for more people to hang with. That’s how we scouted and met Parv at CCD for the first time. The three of us have since stuck together through the entirety of college. GOAT Divine companion. Always welcomed me to his home (shoutout every terrace scene we’ve had). Another compadre for life was unlocked.

I have no idea how or where I met Introvert. Perhaps in a random Bangalore meetup in the first year. I believe I met Shravan there, too. I wish we had played pool together a lot more. I’m so lucky to have you guys around in Bangalore, too. On another note, I think my mom likes Introvert as much as she likes me. Should I be concerned?

Vaidy, don’t ever text my mother on Gpay. And perhaps equally importantly, I’m not black. Aniket- I wish we had watched more basketball together. Dubs in 6 though. Gautam- fellow Alchemist enjoyer and the best designer and paper folder I know. I can’t wait to see you design someone’s album covers. Shiv- bumping Pluto with you has always been fun. Also, I’m terrified of piece-maker.

Nothing but love for you guys. I probably sound like a broken record now, but I must repeat this- college would’ve been impossible without you guys.

THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING NEW

A fair bit of soul-stirring happens in me whenever anything I’m watching ends; for example, the ending of Modern Family had me a little teary-eyed. This BTech cinema ending will probably make me way more emotional than that. I have much to process, but I can do that with time. How do I end this article, though? What comes immediately after the credits? Maybe a post-credits scene, and then the screen cuts to black. People chew over how they found the flick, munch through the rest of their snacks, gather their things, and go their separate ways. It’s that time for us now. But there are many more movies to watch down the line, in different theatres. Here’s to hoping we keep walking into the same theatres in the future, too. I know for sure it’s going to be so much more fun that way.

“XOXO”

Chandramouli