THE CONTRACT MARRIAGE

25-DISTRESS

OMNISCIENT

It was a busy Friday afternoon in the meeting room of the director of M's office. All the prefects assembled along with the principal, the school's bursar and the director himself. The atmosphere was spirited since a topic anticipated by everyone was being discussed. To the graduates, it was a once-in-a-lifetime event and thus, the director was doing everything in his power to meet their demands. As the first set to graduate from his school, they would also go a long way in portraying its image.

"Yes, we also want to go to the museum," Camila was overly energetic, as though she had been waiting for that all along.

"Alright, anything else?" Maheer popped the question to which they shook their heads. After making a million and one requests to the director who rejected none, they were so shocked that they started pitying him instead.

"Don't worry about the funding, that's all on me. If you remember something you want, you can write to me or the principal," He replied and gestured for Principal Rachael to read the file containing a paper. She nodded and cleared her throat then started.

There will be a one-week class trip to London, England, as chosen by the graduates. All future graduates' international passports should be submitted to the school's bursary for processing of plane tickets and other procedures. The itinerary includes famous cathedrals like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, The National Gallery, The British Museum and the Tower Bridge among others. Students are advised to finish packing a week before the trip since it is twenty-one days from now," She paused to ascertain everyone's expressions before continuing.

"General visits are compulsory and will require the students to put on their livery and also come along with their ID crests. Students are allowed to go on arbitrary trips with permission from the principal or authorized teachers and are to come back before eleven pm. That being said, three square meals and two snacks will be served every day. For anyone with a special need or someone on a diet, you may discuss with the principal for a more suitable option,"

"Regarding the prom, the theme with the most votes is the 'fire and ice' theme. The school will be sure to cater to all your requests for the graduation ceremony and prom. The dress code is blue for the ice and black or red for fire, you can decide which one you wish to choose. Further adjustments may be made as time goes on but for now, the meeting is adjourned," She announced and closed the file.

The sound of applause and excited shrieks of the prefects filled the entire place. They were instructed to announce the fruitful news to other students and also start making their plans.

Maheer stylishly placed the thick grey trenchcoat on his shoulder and then stood up to leave without sparing anyone a look. Even though everyone felt the overwhelming potency, no one dared to speak about it. They knew the bad boy to be jovial and make everywhere lively but that day, something seemed off about him, not that they dared to talk.

A haggard Jawad followed suit. Ever since he spontaneously confessed his feelings to Sumaira, he never dared to look her in the face again, and she also stayed as far away from him as possible. Camila was torn between the two friends and she did not attempt to patch them up, knowing how hard it was for both.

"Director Maheer," Jawad called out to the man a few metres in front of him. He halted his steps and turned around, the dark aura emanating from him almost made Jawad forget about his words.