India, July 8 -- With the summer vacation behind us, it's time to head back to college and resume the hectic workday routine. The morning alarms have popped back onto my phone screen. I wonder if I truly need them; perhaps just for precaution's sake. My body clock follows the same pattern whether it is a workday or a holiday. During the break, I was mentally awake but physically languid-those extra wee bit of pillow hugs and lazy limb stretches were an absolute delight. Mentally relaxed, with no morning hustle and no list of essential chores to wind up in a stipulated timeframe, time clicked along at its own leisurely pace. The chirping birds and the cool morning breeze greeted me invitingly each day. It was the same park, the same customary steps, and the same exercise routine, but something deep down felt entirely different: It was pure pleasure, not a constraint. Acquaintances in the park would smile knowingly and remark, "Summer vacation, eh!" Indeed, if you bump into your neighbours during these months, a query about your break is a sure shot. To paraphrase an old commercial: The summer vacation is the neighbours' envy, my pride. Truth be told, they will probably be happy to see me finally shuttling to and fro again. As the end drew near, I decided to apprise my domestic comrades-in-arms. My house help, I thought, would surely miss my company. Alas, my affectionate reminder only drew a philosophical rejoinder from her: "We have to do our duty. Does nature ever take a vacation? So?" I let her be. A quick reminder call to my driver yielded a much more enthusiastic response; he was happiness personified, declaring, "Haan ji Madam, full ready!" The final target for sympathy was my dear husband-curtain time for our long chit-chats over the morning cup and his undivided attention. Out came a nonchalant rejoinder: "Of course! You knew the schedule beforehand." Et tu, Brute? Thankfully, my upgraded wardrobe lifts the spirits. The new ensembles, matching accessories, and footwear are all ready for their public outing-and, hopefully, for compliments. The initial days of the reopening are wonderful as all faculty members converge in the staffroom. Before the new teaching session commences in earnest, there is so much to catch up on. Besides dissecting the new university circulars and annual duties, it is the prime time to catch up on everyone's travels and travails, exotic food, unlimited shopping sprees, ailments, maladies, and family updates. It virtually turns into a party. Whether celebrating a new vehicle, a housewarming, or some other good news, the room overflows with sweets and savouries ranging from traditional treats to the latest eatery trends. Before we all retreat to our respective labs and cubicles, these initial days celebrate life and the pure joy of togetherness. At present, I'm a bundle of mixed feelings: Sad at the end of the vacation, yet genuinely happy about the reopening in the rains. A summer break is an essential component of our vocation. A pause is required to prevent academic burnout, to rejuvenate, and to reset for the tedious yet interesting rigmarole of a new term and its fresh challenges. Am I acting like a truant youngster? Perhaps, but my life does revolve around undergraduates and postgraduates, after all! Jokes apart, I'm entirely set to usher in the new academic session with zest and zeal, and am looking forward to mentoring a fresh batch of minds. My armoury is fully restocked with new pens, a pen drive, and updated e-content. My wits are sharpened. To guide me through the transition, my literary companions propel me forward: Geoffrey Chaucer whispers that "all good things must come to an end," while the Lion King sings that "It's the circle of life, and it moves us all."...