School days are often romanticized as the best days of our lives, a time filled with innocent joy, carefree laughter, and formative experiences. For me, these years were not just a period of academic growth but a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of friendships, challenges, triumphs, and unforgettable moments. This book is a tribute to those days, a journey back to the halls of APSS Khundru, where every corner holds a story, every classroom an adventure, and every friendship a lesson, I was just a 3rd grader when I left SIS Shangus School and joined APSS Khundru, an army school. It was a world that seemed vast and intimidating at first, filled with new faces and unfamiliar routines. Yet, it quickly became a second home, thanks to the warmth and camaraderie of both peers and teachers. My journey from an average student to the school head boy is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, guidance, and the unyielding support of those around me.
In these pages, you will meet some of the remarkable individuals who shaped my school experience. There was Hena, whose intelligence was both inspiring and humbling, and Insha, whose calm demeanor brought a sense of peace in the midst of chaos. The generosity of Ifla and Nahida taught us all the value of kindness, while Khan Abrar’s mischief and Saqlain’s boldness added a touch of excitement and rebellion to our days. Friendships like those of Nida, Shafiya, and Iqra, though they no longer exist, left an indelible mark on my heart, I cannot forget the unforgettable support of my cousin Qousar Bhai, who was always there to help me learn and grow, especially in subjects I struggled with. Our shared moments, from studying together to his heroic recovery from a traumatic accident, are stories of resilience and unwavering support. My cousin bro Suhaib and his company.
Teachers like Mushtaq Sir, who inspired me to engage more actively in class, and Naseer Sir, our principal, whose discipline and love for Jagjit Singh’s ghazals added a unique rhythm to our school life, are etched in my memory. The rivalry between our strict non-teaching helper Nisar and the ever-honest ‘Imaandaar’ is a humorous yet poignant reminder of the colorful characters that populated our school.
This book also chronicles some of the unforgettable events and incidents that punctuated our school years – from picnics at Nishat Shalimar to annual days filled with performances, laughter, and camaraderie. The joys of friendships with Ubaid Mir, Rouf Bhat, and Zubair Bashir during lunch breaks, and the occasional conflicts and reconciliations, like the one with Vikas, all find a place in this narrative, As I look back, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia for those magical years that ended in 2016. Though we have all moved on to different paths, the bond we shared, the lessons we learned, and the memories we created will always remain a part of us. This book is a way to preserve those memories, to relive the moments that shaped us, and to honor the people who made our school days truly special, To my fellow classmates, teachers, and friends at APSS Khundru, this is for you. May we always cherish the journey we shared and the beautiful memories we created together.
With heartfelt gratitude and fond remembrance.