India, July 30 -- On Tuesday, they arrived with their parents and their paperwork. Today they came alone, with a slightly better sense of where things are and a slightly worse sense of what to do next. The second day at Delhi University's North Campus has that particular quality: the family has gone home, the WhatsApp groups are still chaotic, and the actual business of becoming a DU student has quietly, irreversibly begun.

The benches outside Hindu College's main building were full by 9.30 am. A boy from Muzaffarpur sat with a notebook he had not opened yet, watching older students walk past with the specific confidence of people who know which chai stall serves the better cup. He did not know yet. He would find out.

His name is Rohit....