Now that he had welcomed change in his life, Nishant had started to enjoy every single day. College, classes and studies were going fine, but the highlight was always the time spent with Shradha. She always accompanied him on the campus and by now everyone was used to seeing them together. They had started meeting outside the campus every morning and always went in together. Only the seating arrangement in lectures were still the same; that was because they could not agree on a place to sit together. Shradha hated sitting in first bench and Nishant argued about the disadvantages of sitting in the last benches. Both of them felt middle benches were never an option. So it was decided that maintaining their own seats was the only way. They were anyway together everywhere else. And It would be considered weird if Nishant or Shradha were spotted separately on campus.
Nishant was getting regular assignments from Lit Club and he worked on them along with Shradha. This time, the assignment was to write about upcoming coding competition organized by computer science department. Since it was organized by their own department, Shradha and Nishant had known about this event. So it was easy for them to spot the final year student - Saurabh, who was heading the organising committee and ask for a formal interview.
"So you guys are from Lit Club?" Saurabh asked looking at the duo who were standing in front of him.
"Yea. Nishant here is a writer and I work as an editor. We are both from 2nd year - Computer Science department." Shradha responded.
"Oh you guys are from our department! No wonder your faces looked familiar. Ok, tell me, what would you like to know."
Nishant had already taken a few interviews before and was well prepared with the questions. So the interview began the right away.
"We know that this is one of the most famous inter-college events that computer science department organizes every year. Our college takes pride in this competition as we have had many brilliant alumni who have won this competition and then gone ahead to make their mark in the IT industry. Can you tell us more about this amazing event and plans for this year."
"Like you said, this is one of the competitions that our college takes pride in. A lot of companies ask for stats of this event before they start their campus recruitment. So a mere participation in the competition will add good value to your profile. Coming to the details about the event, the competition usually has multiple rounds and rules and challenges are different every year. Organizing committee plans the event with the help of faculty advisor and few industry recognized alumni who will also be our guest judges. This year we have decided that there will be 4 rounds in the competition. First round is written test; contestants are given 25 questions which will be based on various topics and languages. This is the initial round where we select top 25 contestants based on their answers. Details about the remaining 3 rounds are disclosed on the spot and only to the selected contestants. Usually last round is where our guest judges are present and the challenge is given by the guest judge. We have 2 guest judges this year and they are working in a top MNC in a senior position. They both were winner and runner up in this competition back in 1998 and they have always been supporting our department ever since. They are going to offer internships in their company for the winning student."
"Oh that is great! I am sure we would have got a huge number of people registering for the competition already. And the internship at a top MNC sounds enticing."
"Yes. It is really exciting. We have already gotten 100+ registrations and many more to come. It is really nice to see when people from various other colleges enthusiastically write to us about the competition."
"Yes. Also Saurabh, this is your final year and last time organizing this event. How do you feel about that? "
"Well, I am really excited and happy to get this chance to lead the organizing committee. I have been part of the team since first year and it is one of the most fun things to do. Its very sad that I won't be able to do any of this cool stuff from next year, but I'm very confident that I will be able to return one day as a guest judge."
"We believe the same! All the best for the competition and for your future ! Lit team would like to cover the event regularly for the next few days. So will get in touch with you soon"
"Thank You Nishant. Looking forward to our interactions."
The interview ended at this note. However Saurabh stopped Nishant and Shradha who were about to leave.
"Ok, so I just wanted to tell you guys to think about participating this year. You guys are in second year and this is a very good chance to know your strengths. This competition will really add perspective and also will look good on your resume. So think about and register soon. I am always here as your senior if you need any guidance."
Nishant smiled and responded "Thank you so much for the advise, Senior. We will surely think about participation."
After meeting Saurabh, they went to the regular spot. Nishant was silent and looked like he was thinking about something. Shradha wondered if he was seriously considering Saurabh's words. Knowing Nishant, it was quite obvious to Shradha that he would get really nervous about exams and competitions. So chances of him voluntarily registering for this event was really rare. Both of them sat silently, lost in their own thoughts. Finally Nishant broke the silence.
"I think you should register for this competition Shradha. This will be a really good chance for you to understand your strengths and capabilities."
Shradha was surprised to hear that. She had assumed that he was thinking about his entry and it never occurred to her to think about herself.
"Oh. I thought you were…. Nevermind. I don't think I have any chance. You have heard Saurabh. There will be people participating from so many different colleges and I am nothing compared to them. Maybe you should participate."
"Why are you comparing yourself with anyone else. Just think of it as a chance to know yourself better and nothing else. You promised me that you will take studies seriously right. This would be the best time to check your seriousness as well as knowledge. And me participating? are you kidding me? I can barely manage the exams! I don't want another panic attack in the name of this competition. So my registration is out of the question."
"hmm ok. I'll think about it."
Nishant looked at Shradha with annoyance. He knew she was just saying this and she was not going to think about it. He thought for a second and took out his phone. The college had sent the registration link to all the students and Nishant was going to use that link right away.
He quickly filled in all the details including Shradha's email ID and contact details. The registration fees was not much and he could easily make online payment. Shradha was thinking about Nishant's words when her phone beeped. She had gotten confirmation mail and few details about the competition.
"WTF! Did you just register my name?" Shradha was clearly irritated. 'This guy! Can't he just leave me alone !'
"Hey hey, go easy on the swearing. You are welcome by the way." Nishant was grinning by looking at Shradha's irritated expression. He thought, 'She kinda looks cute when she is all flared up'
"Whatever. Just because you gave my name, doesn't mean that I'll participate. "
In his mind, Nishant was like 'Oh please stop acting. I know you are surely gonna participate.' but how could he dare to speak out loud and risk 'Bellatrix' exploding on him. So he just said " I know that!"
They both sat in the same place for sometime, before heading out.
***