Sleep is precious !

Sleep is precious !

So after so much trials and hiccups which deserves another blog or a book! I reached the Calicut medical college hostel early in the morning with a bucket in one hand and a small mat and suitcase in the other (one of the many things which you have to get yourself!!).

First I met the hostel secretary who was my senior and asked him about what bed I would be getting and he just started laughing as if I was telling a great joke!! (In fact when I actually tell a joke no one laughs! At least not immediately!!)

I did get the joke when I reached the so called room which was though big but already full!!

At that time we were eight in a room meant for four (there would be a time when we reached a number of 13 or so!!)

Anyway this is about the special treatment given to one guy; my friend B!

I immediately realized that everyone was very nice and kind to him (not the seniors or other room people but the ones in the room!!).

I would get the answer in the night!

Years later I had joined for DNB in Chennai and moved into a small flat for a limited period courtesy my good friend V!

I had a strange Déjà vu while squeezing into that one hall with four others (better than the hostel though!!)

Here also I saw the preferential treatment given to another student; this time it was V! The reason was the same as before!

So after a hectic day both the times when we all were fully exhausted and very sweaty and when we lied on the flimsy mat to sleep was when I got why the preferential treatment!!

Both were the proud owners of a table fan!!

Since we were not allowed a ceiling fan (for obvious and scary reason!) that was the only luxury we had at the time!!

Since both were generous the table fan was Kept in the center with them just in front (owner’s rights!!) And we spread out at the sides!!

Those few seconds when the fan used to face us and bless us with the cool wind giving that heavenly relief from the blistering heat albeit temporary would be the most treasured moments in my life!

The sleep following that whiff of cold air was so deep and well deserved!

Now surrounded by fan and AC all over; the memories of those days keep me awake though I don’t feel hot or sweaty! The bed is large and soft and the room is big! But sleep, my friends; Must be earned!

Of course to be a good student and a successful doctor you need to have the focus of an eagle much like the sketch!

Dr Sriram Nathan