School Souviner Final Draft

BHPV SCHOOL
MEGA REUNION
1978-1993 Batches
me, the STARRR, had it on my fingertips in five
minutes flat. All the anxiety I felt till now
evaporated just like that, whew!!! 10 lines – not a
tenacious trauma to worry about. Tomorrow, the
day of the competition is going to dawn just as
usual but the fall of dusk sees the dawn of a STAR
Speaker. My musings made me fall
asleep dreamlessly
( s h o u l d
h a v e
k n o w n
something
' s n o t
r i g h t ) .
B e f o re
A m m a
woke me
up early.
W h e n
A m m a w a s
plaiting my hair I told her to leave it down, a
winner speaker can't look short in stature as well
as hair, right? But no! sadly my Amma is such an
ignorant soul who couldn't recognize her
daughter's worth. Okay, for how long? Just for
this day. Evening the story gonna be different.
So, thinking I got ready, same oily face, polished
shoes, rolled up pig tails with red ribbons, minus
books. Slip of paper making a winning hole in
my skirt pocket. I wanted to wear my nice red
frock. University people are spoilers, they
insisted on uniform – boring. Bus journey was
like a dream. I was floating on clouds –
deliriously happy seeing all the tensed faces of
my friends. Smiling to myself – “How come all
these years I didn't realize I am so good a
speaker?” I am already visualizing the effect of
my speech on my friends. Their awestruck,
admiring looks. Their heroine – worshipping,
yeah heroine – because I am a girl. English
language needs some serious prepping.
My name is called out, I went with full of energy
and unmatched confidence. Introduced myself
very clearly, so that no one has any doubt of
identifying me later (My BIG MISTAKE). Without
a stammer or hesitation with loud and clear
voice told all the precious 10 lines my teacher
had given me and said “Thank You” with high
expectations of loud roof resounding applause.
PIN DROP SILENCE.
I thought they were spell bound. Looked at the
judges, there was an encouraging smile on their
faces. I also looked at them
encouraging them to relax
and appreciate. When
from one corner I hear
teacher prompting me to
continue. I looked at her
n u m b l y a n d
questioned, “What?”
She was telling me to
continue my speech.
Why? What? How? The
questions were going
around in my brilliant brain. My
teacher gently took my hand and brought me
down. Shock rendered me speechless was their
deduction; Teachers are cheaters was my
conclusion. They didn't want me to take the
world for a scintillating spin with my speaking
skills so they gave me the slip of paper. I learnt
my lesson, I am a genius, people and adults are
scared. So, they are distracting me with slips,
homework and chores!!!!! Awful. Friends, this is
my experience with my foolish self in school. But
my dreams were genuine, they were 100% made
of interesting kids' stuff aimed to laugh at now,
but sole reason to live for in my younger days.
Everyone has something very ridiculous
happening in this life, mine is one among many –
this feeling helped me cope with myself all these
years and encouraged me to pen it down for the
outside world to have a peep into my glorious
dreamy past. Love you guys, for trimming me
along your side. However, I am feeling rightfully
shy to identify myself now (maturity brings
wisdom). For few who know my sunny, jovial self
I dare to reveal, this is me guys – your PEM,
thanking my guardian angels- my teachers, for
making me what I am today. I owe my honour
and respects to you my dear teachers. I owe my
whole self to you my school – my pride.
December 2019
75