Amid the hustle and bustle of our lives, we often overlook the small pleasures in our routines. And one such routine is my “Point” journey from home to IBA and back. It may seem an ordinary ride; however, if observed, you will see experiences filled with lasting friendships, laughter, and memories.
In the article, I will take you on a three-minute ride through my life. No doubt, it is a fun-filled story!!
A Fresh Start
Our 1.5-hour journey begins precisely at 7:08 in the morning when Naseer Bhai, a 20-year employee at IBA, gathers at Bilawal Chowrangi, eagerly anticipating the arrival of all the students. Don’t be misled by the term “wait,” as it barely lasts longer than a mere two minutes. Hence, efficiency is a non-negotiable currency in our morning routine.
Once we have all settled in, our journey resumes its pace, and we, the students, pick up right where we left off the previous day. It is a medley of banters, exchanges, stories, games, and the occasional sharing of secrets. This is undoubtedly the most enjoyable part of our journey, keeping us engrossed to the extent that we often find ourselves at our destination, IBA before we know it. Regrettably, there are instances when we wish we had not reached early, as no one wants to see the fun come to a halt.
Typically, you will observe IBA students lamenting their morning classes and perhaps appearing drowsy during the first two slots. Contrarily, our enthusiasm to reconnect keeps us alert. Though, it was not always like this. That is a complete different story I will delve into below.
The Art Of Making Friends
There was a time in my life when the prospect of making friends or engaging in conversations felt like a milestone to achieve. As a result, I existed as a perfect blend of shyness and introversion. However, as time has passed, I have transformed into a person who is now least concerned about how to make friends.
My journey towards this transformation took a turn when I connected with students majoring in computer sciences. Interestingly, it seemed like CS students received a special discount for travelling in the Point, as an overwhelming majority of 90% occupied the seats. Therefore, I had no option other than to interact with them.
I would not deny that initially, I faced a challenge initiating conversations that revolved around common topics. Because, I hailed from a completely different school, the world of Accounting and Finance, while they belonged to the computer sciences school with its distinct vibe, subjects, and timetables. Surely, they were different from me in many ways. However, I decided to take a leap of faith, leveraging my expressive nature to turn the tables in my favour. I initiated a few awkward questions and received enthusiastic responses – a promising sign. Before long, the exchanges became free from awkwardness, and we began to form a genuine bond. A daily 1.5-hour conversation was sufficient not only to break but to melt away any lingering traces of ice between us.
At this juncture in my life, I find myself exposed to students from all corners of IBA, and without exaggeration, this experience has contributed significantly to my personal growth.
Heading Back
The Point bus service offers regular departure timings at 1 PM, 4 PM, and 7 PM, allowing students like me to choose the most suitable option based on our semester timetables. However, unlike the arrival journey, the departure experience is not as enjoyable.
Firstly, it is worth noting that the departure coincides with the scorching afternoon heat. Despite the availability of windows to let in some air, the sunlight, our inherent tiredness, makes it difficult to find respite from the heat.
Secondly, securing your preferred seat can be a bit of a battle. The rule of “first come, first served” reigns supreme here. This is where I find myself at a disadvantage. Punctuality and I have not been best friends, although I am actively working on improving it. But for now, luck plays a significant role in determining my seat. I end up with whatever seat remains unoccupied.
During the entire commute, I often find myself dozing off. Strangely, even though I sleep, I feel fatigued upon reaching home. It is an ironic twist, I suppose.
Concluding Thoughts
I am an outstation candidate but not a hostler. So, I felt I was missing out on the hostel experience during my freshman year. However, my daily Point bus journeys have compensated for that feeling. Consequently, I feel grateful for the memories I have created during these rides and encourage others to consider a similar experience. Because I believe university life is a time to embrace different experiences. The comfort and leisure of driving a car can be saved for the years ahead.
