Graduation – Prologue

I have always wanted to write a novel or a story for a long time but I never got a proper idea about what to write and how the plot should be. All I want is that it should be humorous, absorbing and overall interesting. It can’t just be anything at random. So one day at school during a free period, while pondering through the realm of my imagination(Daydreaming), I came up with a pretty good idea. I put it through some thought and realized that in order for my story to be good, I would need to relate it to myself in a way so that I could fully know what I’m writing about. What I’ve written below is just a prologue though I’m hoping I finish it someday soon and maybe I’ll be able to get it published too! (The entire piece is immensely flawed, mind you) Oh well, till that happens, here is a brief synopsis of my future best-seller and possible inspiration for a movie(oh, a guy can dream):

Based on the life of  a young school-going boy who faces and deals with a lot of issues like responsibility, friendship, loyalty, maturity and puberty, this story portrays how this boy confronts his predicaments and grows up, finally attaining Graduation.

This would be the cover to my book

The stage is set, the program is about to start and the audience is seated, a few still coming in and struggling to find a seat to observe. Everyone had come, from mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters to aunts, uncles and grandparents. Our annual prize day ceremony was about to begin and its the only program that we all looked forward to throughout the whole academic year. I’m feeling all nervous about going up there and saying my lines for the 12th standard farewell speech and I check to see whether my suit looks well enough while I remember my mom gleefully giving me the thumbs with her proud trademark smile when I first tried on my coat-suit. I also remember the Headmaster’s haunting words about him wanting to have the seniors’ farewell program and the prize day program as one event and wanting me to prepare for the farewell speech in just one day. I was hesitant at first but he had me forcefully convinced when he gave me one of his boring over-dramatic lectures on why I shouldn’t decline the honour of saying the speech and all.

So here I am, with my very uninspired speech that I hold firmly in my hand hoping I don’t forget anything. Sid walks in from back-stage and comes to me with his every excited face, probably because it is his first time receiving the prize for being the topper of his class. I was ecstatic for him as well. It isn’t usual for the jester of the school to get the prize for 1st rank, or any prize for that matter. I’m proud of him. He had changed a lot in these past 2 years.
“Yo, when is this damn program going to start? Don’t they know I have a prize to receive?!” Sid says, obviously impatient.
“I hope it stays this way, I’m not looking forward to going up there with this horrible speech, man!”, I reply in dread.
“Aw man, when will you ever get rid of your stage fright? Just relax. This isn’t your first time”
“Still, only yesterday did Puro Sir tell me to prepare it”
“Hmm… okay, let me tell you joke. So this dude walks into a library and says to the librarian, ‘I would like a burger and a coke’. The librarian says, ‘I’m sorry but this is a library’. The dude apologizes and then whispers, ‘I’d like a burger and a coke’”
I start laughing uncontrollably. Sid knows its one of my favourite jokes of his and even though I’ve heard it at least a thousand times I still laugh when he tells it.
“heheh… every time, man” I say, noting the fact that I heard the joke for the 1001st time.
“Ya, I know” he says, smiling at me.
Sid always knew how to cheer me up. Whether his attempt was successful or not, it always managed to work.

“Attention to all those present. The program is about to begin. All students involved in the program please assemble to your positions and I request all the guests to remain calmly seated. Thank you”, came the announcement from the speakers with our English teacher Miss Evelyn manning the mic as I could make out by the voice. This meant that Sid had to go back to his place, seated along with all the other eager students who were getting their prizes. I was supposed to be there too but I had a speech to make so I remained at my place, side-stage. I bid farewell to Sid as he wishes me luck on my forthcoming endeavor on-stage and we both punch each others’ knuckles. I can see him walking his way to the seats, with one hand of his inside one of his pant-pockets, as his usual style.

Looking up on-stage I see Pasha and Zeenat, the two MCs looking gorgeous while they prep themselves for the spotlight. They see me and wave and air-kiss to me and I wave at them back. They sign-language me to get ready and stay calm and give me the thumbs up sign for good luck. I respond in the same way to wish them luck and to express that they looked beautiful. They both winked at me together and turned towards the audience to start. All of this happening during the hustling and bustling and the chitter-chatter of the crowd in the background. I could see Sheryl, Dhruv, Craig and Aman running around backstage trying to get their costumes ready for the Play. Faizaan and Guru were among the audience, making sure that all of us who were in the program were cheered. The curtains were lifted and the loud audience suddenly became silent. The program started and the MCs welcomed everyone to the ‘Annual Prize Day-Cum-seniors’ Farewell Ceremony’.

Our Headmaster Mr. Puro(who was sporting his usual odd clothing), Our Principal Rev. Fr. Fernandez and our Chief Guest all entered the auditorium together and seated themselves in their respective places. The program had started. It would be a good 2 two hours before I would go on-stage. Time went by, Prizes were given, Sid got his prize and received a standing ovation from Mr. Puro and Fr. Fernandez(They were proud of him too). I got mine as well. I notice my friends all cheering me on and ma standing in the sea of the audience, waving at me and taking a snap. After the distribution of the prizes got done, the Play started, starring my group of friends who just 45 minutes ago were scrambling about were now at ease, entering the stage in-character.The play finished with an applause from the audience and now it was the closing half of the program where the Farewell Ceremony began. After a few very interesting and inspirational speeches from the Chief guest and our Principal, we had Mr. Puro come on-stage and say his speech. The audience now still quiet, but only because they were bored.

Once he finished his chirpy, witty and entertaining address, the crowd came to a good mood. Puro sir winks at me when he comes down and it is only now that I realize that it is my turn to go on stage for my speech.Beads of sweat suddenly accumulate my forehead and the once dry piece of paper in my hand containing the matter for the speech soon becomes a little wet because of the sweat from my hands. I keep it down on the chair to prevent any more wetness. Zeenat and Pasha very excitedly announce my arrival on stage and I hastily walk towards it, forgetting my paper. I notice only half way through walking that I’ve forgotten my paper and curse the fates for this happening. I can’t go back and get it because the spotlight is already on me and it would seem awkward if I would have to travel back to my chair just for that paper (that very important paper!). While I walk, with each step, time goes by slowly as the feeling of panic seeps into me. I’ve forgotten my whole speech now and I think to myself, Calm down, you just have to go on-stage and talk about your experiences and what you’ve learned. Then I think again, well, what HAVE I learned?

At that moment, everything I had gone through in the past two years came back to me. And in a heart-beat, I was prepared for my speech and had known the gist of what I was about to say. I had reached for the steps and began climbing up on-stage towards the podium. While the spotlight, hitting my face like a weight that I can’t lift off, I reach for the mic to adjust it. My friends and family both eagerly look at me with their confidence. I wipe my forehead with my handkerchief, smile to everyone and begin…