Students crammed into every available space. Groups huddled around tables, engrossed in animated conversations – gossip about lectures, upcoming exams, and weekend plans swirling in the air. Some were bent over textbooks, snatching a few precious minutes of study time between classes. Others were sprawled across chairs, heads buried in their phones, scrolling through social media feeds.
A long queue snaked its way to the counter, where a harried-looking canteen worker deftly managed the rush, juggling orders and dispensing food with practiced efficiency. The air thrummed with a palpable sense of urgency; everyone seemed to be battling against the ticking clock, trying to squeeze the most out of their short break before the next lecture bell. A lone guitarist in a corner strummed a melancholic tune, his music a surprisingly soothing counterpoint to the general hubbub. Near him, a spirited game of carrom was underway, punctuated by exclamations of triumph and groans of defeat. It was a microcosm of college life itself – a vibrant, messy, and utterly captivating blend of work, play, and social interaction. The scene was temporary, a fleeting moment captured in the hurried rhythm of student life, soon to be replaced by the quiet hum of lectures once more.