Rainy Goodbye to Kerala – And a Warm Lesson in Kindness

Vande Mataram!

Namaskar, dear readers!

My last day in Kerala was soaked in rain, sweat, and emotion—a day that tested my limits and yet gifted me something truly beautiful.

🚴‍♂️ 73 Kilometers in the Rain

The day began with a challenging ride—73 kilometers of continuous rain, right from the early hours until I reached JCI LEAD College, nestled about 11 km inside Palakkad city. It was close to 7 PM when I arrived, cold and drenched. I had contacted a member of the Palakkad Rotary Club earlier, hoping for some shelter. He kindly directed me to this college and told me to meet two individuals—Abhijit and Sanoop.

👋 A Warm Welcome from Strangers

As I cycled into the college gates, word spread quickly—“a cyclist has arrived!” Before I could even catch my breath, a group of curious MBA and MCA students gathered around. With my rain-soaked clothes and tired eyes, I began to share my story. Their curiosity turned into applause. Their energy, their enthusiasm—it gave me strength in a moment of weakness.

That’s when a second-year student named Angel quietly stepped in and took responsibility for me.

🫖 Tea, Shelter, and an Unexpected Host

Since the college was buzzing with election preparations, my original contacts, Sanoop and the others, were busy. When I asked if I could freshen up, Angel showed me to a guest room, arranged dinner, and even made me a steaming cup of red tea—a small act of kindness I’ll never forget.

After the meal, I told her to continue with her work, and I wandered around the college campus on my own.

🎯 A Glimpse of Campus Life I Never Had

I saw students practicing wall climbing with ropes, others engaged in games like carrom and table tennis, and some huddled in corners, chatting or sharing notes. The entire campus was alive—bursting with dreams, conversations, and possibilities.

Out of sheer curiosity, I Googled the management programs offered by the college, browsed through the fee structure, and sat back thinking—what if I had studied in a place like this? What might I have become? But the high fees quickly reminded me to focus on my journey and not on regrets.

🍽️ A Simple Farewell, Etched in Memory

The next morning, I wanted to personally thank everyone before leaving. But being a Saturday, most students had early classes. Still, one kind student came to see me off and served me a simple breakfast. The farewell was quiet, respectful, and full of warmth—something I’ll carry with me for a long time.

🧠 The What-Ifs of Life

Honestly, I received far more than I expected from that short stay.

Yet deep inside, a familiar emptiness lingers. If I had this kind of environment during my student life, maybe things would’ve been different. But perhaps the blame lies with me. During the age of learning, my goal was to avoid studying altogether. Life teaches us, again and again, how regret clings to us in strange ways.

❤️ The Journey Continues…

Despite the rain, the exhaustion, and the emotions, I continue this journey with your love, your blessings, and your encouragement. It’s moments like these that make every drop of sweat and rain worth it. And I’ll keep sharing these life lessons—raw and real—with all of you.