The Last Onam Smile

Like always, the campus was alive with colors, music, and laughter. Vibes flying everywhere, echoing through every corner. Usually, such days leave me with a quiet sadness, a heaviness I can’t quite name. But this time, it didn’t.

I was smiling.

Not because I was in the middle of it all, but because I was watching it — and maybe, for once, that was enough.

I noticed the small, tender things:
Chettayyes from the office leaning in for a selfie, holding up a random cooling glass they found on the table.
A quick pose with Maveli.
Friends swaying to the beats.
Some sitting together in corners, laughing.
Some lost in conversations with their favorite person on a video call.
Couples holding space for each other in the crowd.

Everywhere I turned, I saw people happy. Really, simply, happy.

And instead of feeling left out, I found myself smiling along.

Maybe it’s because this could be my last Onam here. Maybe that made me softer. Maybe it made me see things differently. I don’t know.

All I know is — this time, I didn’t feel sad. I felt something else.
Something lighter.
Something like peace.

To those who enjoyed — these are the best memories you’ve made.
To those who spent the day with your favorite person, your best friend, or someone you love — you’ve lived one of the finest feelings life can give: celebrating a special day with your favorite soul.

And to those who quietly felt, “yah, still I’m alone” — I understand. Sometimes life is unfair.

For the past three years, I’ve never felt this smile just by seeing others happy.
But this time… I did.

And maybe, that’s what Onam is really about.