SHE'S ONE OF US - CHAPTER 24

Synopsis

Shree pretended and promised to HOD about the love affair . HOD wants  Shree to perform classical dance in the college day. The mocking of the classical dance teacher on her dance gestures made her to take more serious about the classical dance. She danced like a professional dancer in the rehearsal and made HOD proud and happy.  The college annual day arrived. 

The Resemblance 

In home , Shree said her Mom and Dad about her  getting best outgoing award and the classical dance performance. They were so happy and said Shree that they too would join her for the college annual day celebration. Akhila wished luck to Shree through phone and said she won't be able to see her dancing as she couldn't come. The college day arrived. That morning , Shree reached her college. She saw some visitors standing in the college gate . They were seemed to be like the parents of the students.  While she crossed them, . There was a sweet tone "Shree" which made her to pause. She turned and saw a couple,  of her parents age standing in front and smiling at her. She has never seen them before , but they resembled her most lovable person. In a fraction of second , she found out who they are. Shree exclaimed "Amma , Appa , How are you? ". They both were puzzled and said "Shree! You know us ?". Shree said "This is the first time I'm seeing you , But I know who you are. I am so glad to meet you". The couples were very happy that Shree was very jovial and friendly and conversed as if she knew them for years. She talked for fifteen minutes and said "I have some work , I'm performing in college day. Do not mistake me, I'll be right back. Wait in the visitors place, they would soon let you inside the college". The lady said "No issues , You carry on , I have brought lunch for you too. Do not eat in th Canteen. Okay ?". Shree naughtily smiled and asked "What you brought ?. I am always a fan of your cooking. So yummy" and twinkled. The lady  blushed in happiness and tapped on her cheeks.

 

Always Be Hand in Hand

Shree left the place and went to her dance practice. During Lunch hour , She went to the place under a tree where she and  her friends normally have lunch. But , they were not there. Shree searched and found the couples sitting under the tree with group of  her class mates. She hurried to the place. The lady got excited seeing Shree and held her hands. She made Shree  to sit near her. By the time Priya arrived to the place. Priya  said "Mom! This is my friend Shree". The lady playfully said "There is no need of intro for a Mom and her daughter". Shree was overwhelmed of happiness. Priya's Mom  added "Priya always keep on talking about you. That made me so curious to see you. She had said that she was always your partner in crime and shared all the funny and naughty things you all did in the college". Shree and Priya both giggled. Priya's dad said "I am so happy to see you girls being  best friends which reminds me my college days. Do not leave your friendship for any reason" and continued "Shree!!,... Priya told me that you won the best outgoing student award. That is a prestigious award . Congratulations". Shree smiled and said "Thanks Appa. It's all your blessings". Priya's mom said "It is happy to see you both together. Always be hand in hand!".  Shree and Priya enjoyed the lunch and  got ready for the college day . Priya and Mona helped Shree in her make ups. The program started.  Shree's parents too arrived. Priya and her parents sat along with Shree's parents and they became a very good family friends. Priya and a girl from another department sang the prayer song. Priya was little upset to get in the stage without Shree, however Shree consoled her as she couldn't come for the prayer song as she need to perform the dance as the first event.

Tears of joy 

Shree's classical costume was marvelous and she was the point of focus where everybody gaze's rests. The HOD was blissful. The HOD came near Shree and said "Oh My girl! You look so pretty" . The HOD rested her palms on Shree's head  and said "God Bless. Do well". Shree fell on her knees and got her blessings. She went to the stage and performed. The dance was a great treat to everyone's eyes. The HOD standing down the stage didn't take her eyes off from Shree. Once the performance was over. The HOD rushed and congratulated her. Priya too hugged Shree and said "Shree , You are rocking!". Shree been called to the stage for some prizes she won in cultural , sports and studies. Finally the most awaited prestigious award been announced. Shree humbly went to the stage and got the award. There was a thunder clap especially from her class , parents and friends. Tears of joy was popping its head. She came down the stage and gave the trophy to the HOD. Shree cried out of happiness .The HOD too was emotional and said "First show this to your parents". Shree nodded and went near her parents and showed the prize. Her parents gave a gentle pat and said "Good, Keep it up". Everyone around her seems to be really happy for her victory except her Mom. Shree felt something was bothering her , but couldn't ask her as the place was crowded. The National Anthem been sung . Everyone bade bye to each other and left the college.

                      

Thunder - Shree got married to Sai

In an auto , Shree and her parents reached their home. Shree kept her trophy near Raghavendra swamy and changed her costume. She prayed for a minute and went to her bed. Her mom and dad came near her. Her mom opened a closet near her bed and took a folded paper which looked like an inland letter and handed to Shree. Shree was confused and asked "What is this?" . Shree's mom was furious  and answered in a harsh tone "Read it , You will know". Shree saw her dad smiling at her and he said "Go Ahead and read it". Shree started reading the letter. She was astounded while reading the letter.

In the letter

Dear Shree's Mom and Dad,

I am writing this letter as a friend and a well wisher of your family. It is not important to know about me , but  the message in this letter is very much important for you. Do not ignore this. This is regarding your daughter Shree. I hope you were aware that your daughter fell in love with a boy named Sai. The very shocking thing is.... she got married to Sai without your knowledge and She been often visiting Sai's home after her college. So , Beware that your daughter had  been cheating you these days . Take necessary action on this.

Your's
Well wisher

                    

It's burning me

Shree fixed her gaze on the wall and tears streamed down. Shree's Mom shouted "Are you been visiting Sai's home these days ?". Shree had no answer. Mom shouted "So being silent means you are a cheater right ?". Shree's father asked politely "Are you visiting his home?". Shree said "Yes". Mom started jumping to the sky and said "Drop dead!! I really feel like killing you. I thought everything was over and believed you. So , It means you got married to him as the letter stated?". Shree shouted "Amma .... I beg your pardon , Already I am so depressed reading the letter. What you saying is burning me" and took a deep breath and continued "Yes , I been visiting his home. but Someone who knows that I was visiting Sai's home would have written this letter and Not every single word is true in that letter. I am so curious that who is so so concerned about my life ?. If the person is telling 100 pct truth and if he is honest , he could have come and talk to us in person instead of this cowardice letter".  Dad said "I still believe you. I know my daughter won't go to that extreme". Shree said "You can always count on me. I tell you now , Nothing will happen without your consent. You need to just believe me and let it go". Shree's mom calmed down and said "If I hear another time that you been visiting his home , You are toast". Shree looked blank . Dad got the letter from her hand  and teared into pieces and threw it in the trash. Shree was so moved that her Dad believed her so much. She closed her eyes , took a deep breath and slept.


                        

How come you get the award ?

The next day , Shree called Sai and told about the letter. Sai said "Never mind. I strongly doubt Kalpana. Let it be , ignore it and prepare well for your final semester exams". Shree said "Okay" and disconnected the call. That day in the college, Somebody tapped Shree's shoulders from behind. Shree turned and saw Kalpana smiling in a tricky way. Kalpana said "So... How are you ? I saw you getting the best outgoing award in the college day. Congrats.". Before Shree open her mouth to thank her. Kalpana continued "There are so many students in the college talented  than you. How come you get this award ?". Shree smiled at her and said "Thanks. Ya of course there are many students who are talented. I do agree, But best outgoing student is given for all rounder". Kalapana giggled and said "So , you think you are an  all rounder?". Shree smiled. Priya was furious and interfered "Shree ! Who is this ?". Shree smiled "Oh sorry . This is Kalpana , Sai's cousin". Priya chuckled and said "OH , That's why so much noise?.. I know a proverb called 'Empty vessels make much noise', How true is that ?". Kalpana was furious and said "Mind your tongue...... Shree ! Don't  your friend have  manner of speaking ?". Mona interfered "Hey Girl , you came and talking something. Priya is just responding to you in the same way as you talked. It is better if you talk in a right way".  Shree showed an eye signal to Priya and Mona to be quiet. Shree said "Okay! Now tell me what you need to know ?. Just go to your department and ask your HOD about this. I suppose she has the answer why I been given this award". 

That won't be possible 

Kalpana said lethargically  "Hmmm... Okay , But how things are going at your end ?  Is it Okay ?". Shree understood and asked "What do you expect ? Can't you see? ". Kalpana said in a low tone  "Ya , You seems to be happy". Shree said "Shree is always happy whatever happens.. Okay , I do understand how much you are concerned about me . Do not worry about me, You take care. Bye" and gave a wide smile. Kalpana couldn't tolerate the happiness of Shree and left the place in a great disappointment.  The practical exams and the semester exams were over. There held a college farewell party and everyone bade bye to each other. Though , it is hard to leave the college and friends , everyone was excited to move to the next level in their life. Everyone had their plans. Some of her friends wants to do higher studies and some wants to get married and settle. Shree wanted to do M.Sc in physics. After her exams,  Shree was staying at home  , In a week , She got a call from Akhila.  Akhila said "Shree , what is your plan for future ?". Shree said "I want to apply for M. Sc and continue my studies". Akhila said "I think that won't be possible. Next week I am coming home . we'll discuss". Shree was dumb struck. 

And now , I can hear you saying , Will Shree would continue her higher studies ? What will happen to her goal of being a professor in a college ? Will that dream also be shattered ?" And I say "Wait and Watch this space next Friday :)"