Run Of The Mill (Part 1)

Fresh out of university, Niv had hopes of landing a job soon. After all this is Singapore, it should not be that bad right? Like some of his peers, after studying exclusively since the age of 3 years old, albeit with a 2 and a half year stint in the military sandwiched between, he needed a break. A good break from the hustle and bustle that is Singapore.

3 Years back, he had entered university with the hope of finally finishing the legacy. That of fulfilling the degree that his mother had given up in her younger days. Oh, and also to complete the unhealthy competition that goes on with 2 of his other cousins born within the same year. One was in the final year of her medical studies and has a stable path laid out for her. The other had graduated from the university he had just entered the year before with a degree in accountancy and is a stewardess with one of the leading airlines in Singapore.

For someone who never really amounted much in academic terms, getting into university was a real bonus for him. On his first day, at the very first lecture, he met his first and only one of two close friends during his stint in the university. His name was Herman. It really all started out of curiosity. Niv was just waiting for the lecture to start when Herman asked if the seat next to him was taken. As it was still early, they started to chat abit about their jitters of making it to university and if they can even make it through.

"How's your time-table like?" asked Herman.

"Kind of okay I guess," said Niv as he took out his time-table and showed it to Herman, "Not too packed but late finishing on some days."

"Hey we got the same time-table!" exclaimed Herman, "Why don't we hang together? Most of my friends have some variations from mine. Never expected to find someone with the same time-table as me."

"Sure, I came in without any of my poly-mates or friends. My name is Niv."

"The name's Herman."

Shortly after that lecture, while strolling up the stairs, they bumped into a guy who heard them talking about their next lesson.

"Hey, you guys heading for Fundamental Maths next?"

"Yup, you going there too? Join us." said Herman.

"Great, I'm Mloc."

"I'm Herman and this is Niv."

While on their way to the next lecture, they discussed about their paths coming into the university and it was then that both Herman & Mloc realised that they were both recipients of the Local Study Award by their respective military branch of service. Talk about coincdence. Well, Niv was just your average run of the mill guy who came in on borrowed money and borrowed time. Mloc is the only other close friend Niv had in the university but their friendship did not blossom till 4 months later, during their special project term.