Story of finding room met at Banaras Hindu University

Today my friends reminded me of the days of Banaras Hindu University.
It was 1991 mid august, dont remember exact date. I had finished the admission process and was suggested that I should select the Hostel room. I was little surprised. In Bihar while studying at Langat Singh College, it took almost 6 months after admission to get the final list of students for the hostel. By the time the "brave" people had already occupied their prefered rooms. That time I had opted to stay out of the hostel of the campus in some lodge. Here they were saying me immediate occupation! When I showed my ignorance and surprise by repeating the question that the hostel will be alloted now itself, I got an "emphatic" yes in reply.

I had to walk almost 2 kilometers to come to the Broacha Hostel. On the way I asked 3 people about the distance and direction of the hostel and when I felt its still too far, then I asked where will be classes held? And when they said me that it was near the same place where I have finished the admission formalities just now, I was really depressed.

I walked to the Hostel office. There was a crowd there. A mixture of freshers (MURGA) and seniors (helping them as well as ragging them). I paid the hostel fees and finished the registration. Warden's' there were surprised when I wrote only the village name below my father's name. Dont you need to write some lane or some thing? Is it only your house in your village? I told them confidently that the postman brings the letters regularly with this address only. Then I was told ok, go and find your room met! Sir, how will I do that? Go out and see your classmets. Find out who can be your room met! I was in total confusion.

I came out of the office and was standing and trying to figure out where from to start. It was post Mandal and Kamandal era. People were sharply divided on caste lines. Though I was not very particular but I felt it will be better if I get some one of my caste. But how to find? At least from Bihar! How can I ask caste and state from some one?

I was just thinking of all these things. Suddenly some one started shouting "Is there any one from Patna?" Some one told something and they talked some thing and the person came back. Again shouted "Is there anyone from Patna?" I was keeping quite. I cant claim myself from Patna. In the mean time this gentleman chaged the city. "Is there any one from Muzaffarpur?" To this I was looking at him curiously. He shouted for almost 3 to 4 times. Then I moved towards him. I raised my hand. He asked you are from Patna? No, I am from Muzaffarpur. You are from Muzaffarpur? No, Not exactly, I am originaly from Samastipur, I have done my I. Sc from Langat Singh College. One younger looking person was overhearing all this. This gentleman asked him, "OK Murari"? Murari whispered Muzaffarpur is OK. In the mean time this gentlman did ask my father's name which I said.

We both went to the warden in side the hostel office and requested that we have found the room met. He told me now to go and find the room. We both walked together to the first floor towards "A" block. He already had some idea about the hostel. His elder brother's friends were here. Good. He told me that we will go to the "A" block first floor. On the way as we were walking on the first floor towards "A" block, we did not talk anything else. I was particular that we will opt for a room which should have a floor over it so that it will not get warm in summer. To me there was no other criteria about room selection! So, we decided on Room number 45 over which was the warden's house. We came back and told our option. We were told that the room is booked already! We were given the option of room number 46. We were told to go and verify the room whether we liked the room. That once booked, it will not be changed. We both ran and saw the room. I did not have any problem any way. We booked the room number 46. Looked at each other once more, shook hands and parted ways . . .
No one asked caste from each other. I did not have courage. He was probably sure after knowing my father's name and Langat Singh College. On joining the Hostel we came to know that we are from the same caste.

While coming back from Varanasi I went to my friend Rohit's house in Muzaffarpur. I was told that he had gone for admission at BHU! I was happily surprised! I told his mother that I am coming back after admission there! Later my friend complained why I did not inform him after I got the letter of admission from BHU? He had opted for a room met with which he was not that happy.
As we started living in the hostel Rohit used to stay in our room most of the time . . .We were three in the room made for two.