Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye

5. First Step Towards Dawn- II

"My dear students, as you all know each year this graduation ceremony is held to congratulate our students who have passed the examinations but this year it's not just for that. This year, we have an all India topper who has scored the highest marks in the whole country and has brought immense pride to this institution. My dear students, I know this might have come as a shock for all of you and disappointment to some but always remember that no matter whether you become the topper or not, you're incredible because you have worked hard in your power. Everyone has got the marks according to their hard work and we as an institution, are equally proud of all of you! Now let's begin the ceremony!" The principal said to which everyone clapped.

One by one everyone was called to hand out their passing certificates and finally it was the time to reveal the name of the topper.

Bondita's POV

"Who do you think is the topper?" I asked Vashma.

"I don't know. Maybe you!" She said playfully when I was literally dying out of anxiety.

"Vashma yaar!" I groaned loudly due to her carefree attitude. I wish I could be as carefree as her.

"Bondita, calm down! Even if you don't become the topper, you'll still be Bondita so who cares!"

"Vashma, if you can't encourage me then at least don't discourage me!" I said looking away.

"Fine! Take a deep breath and relax! I'm with you, okay!" And as she said that, all the tension started to ebb out of me. Her smile and her words will always be my greatest source of comfort.

End of POV

"So the topper of the Board Examination 1947 is-" The host took a pause before continuing, building up everyone's anxiety. "The name of the student is" Another pause. "Bondita Kishore Singh!" The host announced to which everyone clapped loudly. Bondita literally jumped in her seat upon hearing her name. Vashma hugged her tightly mumbling congratulations continuously. Bondita went towards her parents and family to take their blessings and proceeded walking towards the stage when the host called her. She was given a gold medal along with a certificate and prize money.

"Miss Bondita Kishore Singh, we would request you to kindly say a few words upon the achievement of such a big milestone." The host said giving her the mic.

"Good morning to one and all. My name is Bondita Kishore Singh," She paused to draw in a deep breath and then took a quick glance of her parents who sat proudly looking at her. "but I wasn't always Bondita Kishore Singh. I was once Bondita Das and then Bondita Roy Choudhury. Everyone present over here knows my story."

"I was married to Mr. Anirudh Roy Choudhury 9 years back to save me from being sati and decided to take my responsibility. In the journey of life, I've met a variety of people. Some good, some bad. Some selfless and some utterly selfish. But I've never met someone like Mr. Anirudh Roy Choudhury." She said and paused to take a look at Anirudh who sat there all proud and happy. "A man ever so progressive and supportive among a bunch of men who just used women for their benefits. He was once my husband but only namesake because more than husband, he was a father figure to me. He was my father, mother, brother and almost everything to me. He took care of me when even my own mother left my side. He even went as far as nullifying our marriage for my sake when Child Marriage bill was passed. And this wasn't the first time he did something like that. Even before, he has sacrificed a lot for me and while doing that, he has gone against a lot of people including his own family. He is my first teacher and the greatest inspiration of my life. Therefore, I would like to thank him primarily for this achievement of mine," She said raising her gold medal "because without him I would be nothing that I am today. But today it isn't just him that I'm thankful to. It's my parents and my family too. Especially, my Baauji and maa. My Baauji and maa always said that no matter what happens, they would always be there with me and they proved it." She smiled with tears in her eyes . It wasn't the kind of tears that spoke of pain. It was the kind of tears that screamed happiness, gratefulness and love, all at the same time.