Desire of the Soul

Graduation Ceremony

"Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice and is never the result of selfishness". Napoleon Hill

Irina's POV

I can't believe I am 45 minutes late for my own graduation ceremony. I swear if I haven't worn this saree I would have run towards my College but hell I am stuck in this traffic. I slammed my hand on the car's window. 

"Don't worry sweetheart. We will reach before time." Dad replied

"How dad? The principal is gonna kill me. He strictly told me to reach on time, the chief guest is really an important person and he doesn't like to wait for anyone." I replied to dad.

"You are getting worried for no reason. everyone knows that no one can control traffic. I am sure they will understand." mom said in a calm tone

"Oh, they do understand mom that no one can control traffic but everyone knows that one should leave a little early on the day like this, and because of this saree I got late. Oh god, I am screwed principal and teachers are gonna kill me." I said and sighed

***********

After 30 mins

Finally, my car entered the college's gate and I took a long breath. The moment my feet touched the floor of the auditorium I heard a lot of cursing and scolding from my best friend Shefali.

"God, where the hell were u girl? Where is your phone? Why weren't u picking up? You know the principal and vice-principal were eating my ears asking about you" Shifali bombarded me with questions.

" You know the traffic of our city right what I can do in that" I replied pouting but I was scared too.

"The chief guest is already on the stage giving his speech. You must hurry up. You are third on the list to go on stage" said Shifali walking fast towards the auditorium's back door holding my hand.

Upon reaching the auditorium I turned my head towards my parents gave them an invitation card. " Mum Dad see u soon bye-bye," I said smilingly and left from there.

Upon reaching backstage again Principal and Vice-principal bombarded me with question and hell angry on me because I was exactly 1 hour late for the ceremony.

Here are the words of my principal

"Finally Irina you got time to show your pretty face. You are the topper of our University and this is your attitude. You know who is our chief guest today. He is one of the most successful businessmen of our country and entrepreneur of the year. He is really angry with you sweetheart. He doesn't like to wait for anyone. I have told you this well before but this is your attitude. You are representing ou college what is wrong with you?" Principal yelled at me.

"Does he know that I am the one because of whom ceremony started late?" I asked looking on the ground.

"Unfortunately yes because he had some important meeting after attending this ceremony which he has to delay because of you" Vice Principal replied irritably and walked away.

"I am extremely sorry for my behavior sir" I apologized to Principal.

"Sir I know it's her fault but if you keep yelling on her, she will definitely forget her speech on stage. please sir stop for now. Scold her all you want after ceremony" Shifali said in a pleading tone. This is why I love her so much. She is always there for me. We heard anchor announced Shifali's name as she is the second rank holder of this batch. She quickly ran towards the stage to receive her degree. I heard her speech from backstage. When she came back, I clapped my hands and congratulated her when she came back. I held her hand and told her that I am nervous to face this chief guest he is angry and how will I deliver my speech in front of him.

"Oh! now you started getting nervous," she said in a mocking tone. "Don't worry babe he is so damn handsome that you gonna forget all your nervousness once you laid your eyes on him" she said winking in my direction.

"God Shifali. What are you girl? Here I am all nervous and panic and you are telling me how handsome he is." I rolled my eyes and then I heard announcer announcing my name.

"And now I would like to call upon stage Ms. Irina Bajaj topper of the year" Anchor announced my name.

Shifali pushed me towards the stage but I was all nervous and was shaking a little bit because of fear I climbed stairs of the stage and then I found myself in the middle of the stage and when I saw the most handsome man on earth coming towards me.

Mishal Raheja