Children and parents take a stroll in Patna zoo. Pictures by Sachin and Ashok Sinha

The lazy afternoons and opportunities to relax and have fun at home are over, as most schools would reopen after summer vacations on Monday.

In exchange though, the students would get to meet their friends at school and have lots of fun, along with studies. Most of them are excited over the prospects of a joyous reunion.

Alankriti Jain, a student of St Joseph’s Convent High School, said: “I will meet my friends after a-month-and-a-half. We shall not only discuss studies but also share our lunch and play together.”

She also wants to share with her friends the experiences she had during the vacation. “I went to Delhi during the holidays. The weather was very pleasant and I went out shopping with my sister,” she said.

Alankriti’s family had gone to Delhi to get her sister admitted to one of the premier institutions of higher education in the capital.

Despite the prospect of fun, the Class VII student is also worried about her exams next month.

The first term exams at her school are slated to begin on July 16. Alankriti said she is nervous and plans to plunge into studies right away so that she performs well.

Students who have to take board exams this year are also a worried lot.

“I’m excited about returning to school and meeting my friends,” said Aavishkar Ghosh, a Class XII student of DAV, BSEB.

He added: “I am also a little worried about studies. My career depends on the results of my Class XII boards. So, I’m set to work hard to do well.”

Some students would be going to a new school after the holidays. Aakash Ghosh, who was earlier in St John’s High School, would go to Gyan Niketan when classes start on June 24. “Everything would be new for me. I am very excited,” said the Class XI student.

Harshit Bharti, another student who is changing schools (Gyan Niketan to DAV, BSEB) said: “I hope to make new friends in my new school.”