Chennai Awaits the Storm

Location: Multiple Homes – The Day of College Acceptance

It was early evening when the emails landed like thunderbolts across five phones.

Subject: Admission Confirmation – SRM University, Chennai Campus

Status: Accepted

Mode: B.Tech Program – Computer Science, AI, and Data Tech

*Hostel Allotted. Orientation Date: 10 Days From Now.Anandham Veedu – Anand's Room

Anand was lying on his bed, scrolling through memes to distract himself, when the notification buzzed. He blinked once. Sat up. Clicked. Stared.Then—"AMMAAAA!"The voice echoed through the house like lightning. Veena rushed up the stairs with the panic of someone expecting a fall or fire.

"What happened?!"Anand turned the laptop toward her, eyes glowing. "We got in. Amma, we GOT IN. SRM Chennai! Dream college. All five of us!"

Veena gasped. Her hands flew to her chest, then to her mouth, then to his head, patting it like she'd lost her words."Oh my God... Oh my God... Anand, is it official?""YES!" he shouted, grabbing his phone. "I'm calling Acha."Party Office – Rajeesh Raj's Cabin

Rajeesh was in a meeting when his personal phone buzzed. One look at the caller ID—"Monu"—and he excused himself.

He picked up."Acha… We got in. SRM. Chennai. Fully confirmed. Hostel, everything. All five of us. Orientation in 10 days."There was a pause. A long, loaded pause.

Then, Rajeesh's voice came, calm but proud."Well done, monu. Make them remember your name there." Aryan's Home – Living RoomAryan's mom screamed louder than he did. "CHENNAI? SRM?! But hostel life! Big city! MY SON IN A METRO CITY!"

Aryan tried to calm her while showing her a video tour of the digital classrooms, AI-integrated labs, and corporate internship tie-ups. "Ammaaa, chill! It's all high-tech. Job placements too! Think of it as a prep for Google, not jail!"His dad just leaned back on the sofa, wide-eyed. "Job placement aa? Good. Now don't forget to call home or I'll fly there and drag you back."Abhi's House – Bedroom

Abhi ran straight to his dad with the phone in one hand and his mark list in the other. "SRM took me in, Appa! Computer Science! And the hostel looks like a five-star hotel!"His dad stared at the tuition bills on the table, then back at Abhi. "All that money finally paid off. Even if the fees are high, I'll sell my scooter if I must. But you're going, son."Abhi teared up. "I'll pay you back double after placement, Appa. I swear." Adithyan's House – CourtyardAdithyan was dancing with his phone. Literally. "Moneee! SRM daaaa! Full hostel da! Air-conditioned labs, robotics studio, indoor stadium, I'm dead, I'm dead, bury me in Chennai!"

His grandmother peeked out. "Ente Kanna, you're going so far? Who'll break the coconuts for pooja now?"

He kissed her forehead. "I'll break tech codes in Chennai, Ammachi. That's my new coconut now."

Group Chat – "Thozhans 4 Life"Anand:

"Broooo. It's happening. SRM Chennai. Confirmed."Abhi: "Chennai! Hostel food, freedom, code, girls, chaos. LET'S GOOO!"

Aryan:"Next level, da. We're not boys anymore. We're ENGINEERING BROTHERS."Arjun: "Fees are heavy, but our dreams are heavier."Adithyan: "I already started packing. Who's bringing Maggi cooker?"Anand: "We ride together. We cry together. Chennai's not ready for us."

All:"Thozhans for life." Back in Anandham Veedu, Veena stood in front of the thulasi plant, lighting a lamp with tearful eyes. "Let this journey make him stronger. Let him fly, not fall."And in a room full of dreams and bags waiting to be packed, Anand whispered to himself—"Here we come, Chennai. Get ready to meet your storm."