Relatives at every function: 'B.Sc padichitu ipdi vetti-ah irukiya?' Nobody sees the 8-hour study days, only the no-salary part. Just once I want them to ask if I'm okay.

Hi, Deepa here, Madurai. Preparing for govt exams for three years, officially unemployed but unofficially the busiest person I know. Here to find people who get the grind.

Everyone in my street asks 'exam aayducha?' like it's a greeting. Some days I want to just say I don't know if I'm strong enough for a fifth attempt, but I smile and say 'varum aunty'.

Missed the last list by 1.5 marks. Cried in the Meenakshi temple corridor, came home, and opened the same Indian Polity book at page one. What else to do, no?

Fourth attempt for Group 2 and my notes have more corrections than actual content now. Amma still packs extra idli in my box for the reading room, like food will fix the cut-off.