Priyanka.
The next day when I woke up, I checked my cell phone. No calls, no texts. Then I checked my emails, hoping there would be some important mail from him. All was in vain. Who am I kidding? He won't message me.
I logged in my facebook account and saw that Sameer has liked a picture. I smiled and saw the picture. It was of me and Namrata. I was standing there smiling and she was as always, making a funny face. I further scrolled and saw some other pics - Me and Namrata smiling, playing and staring at each other, wondering about some notice, studying for exams, having sleepovers... Awesome days! Atleast for a second I thought that I was reliving our friendship.
Then there were pics of mine and Varun. There were just a few of them, and that also not that good. Varun looking somewhere else, me looking like a geek! If there was a perfect picture, it was our college's group picture where there are always two or three people between us. I always wanted a picture of us two, alone, but because of 'luck', 'co-incidence' or whatever else, we could never have a perfect picture. Maybe because we aren't perfect friends...?
This afternoon again, I was sitting on the couch with chocolate-chip icecream, searching for a good movie. I decided to watch 'P.S. I love you.' I was watching the movie, when the doorbell rang. I opened the door to see a masked delivery boy.
"Yes?"
"Miss, there is a parcel for you."
"Who is the sender?"
"I don't know Miss. Please take it. I have other work too."
With a confused thought, I took the parcel, and he turned to leave. "Wait! Don't I need to sign anywhere for acknowledgement?"
"No. It won't be necessary. Thank you." And before I could interrogate further, he left.
With the parcel in my hand, I headed to my room. I safely unwrapped the parceland found a letter and a box. I decided to read the letter first so I could decide if it was safe to open the box. I opened the letter and read it:
"Dear Madam,
We have chosen you as the finalist for the 'Face of the year' contest. Thus, you are requested to attend an event arranged at the below given venue at 6:00 pm. We have sent you the dresscode for the evening. Please be there and oblige us.
Thank you.
P.S. : There shall be people waiting for you!"
I was surprised. I never enrolled for any such contest, and the contest was today in the evening. Usually, they never send invites at such a short notice. I unwrapped the box and found a beautiful black colour gown. It was the best gown I ever saw in my life. I quickly went in front of the mirror and held the dress against my body. I was so engrossed into the dress that I didn't even noticed Mom standing near the door of my room. She came towards me and tapped my shoulder which made me jump a little.
"Mom, you scared me! When did you came in my room?"
"Just when you were engrossed in thinking about how beautiful the dress was", she said with a giggle and continued, "So, who is the sender?"
"I don't know." I gave her the letter and signalled her to read it. After reading the letter, she had a grin on her face, "So now my daugher is contesting as a finalist for a beauty show. I'm so proud of you." And to make it more dramatic, she pretended to wipe the tears on her face.
"Mom!"
"Come on, sweetheart. You need to be there by six and it's already four! Start getting ready."
"But Mom, I don't even remember enrolling myself in such a competition."
"Opportunity knocks the door only once, sweetie. Grab it when you get the chance. That's all I'm gonna say." Somewhere in my heart, I felt that I should go. Mom turned to leave with a disappointed face when I called her, "Mom would you help me out woth everything?"
"Sure, dear." She said with a smile on her face.
During the next two hours, I washed my hair and dried it. I surrendered myself under the expertise of my Mom. She straightened my hair, leaving curls at the end. She then applied mascara, and gave my eyes a smoky effect. There were acccessories with the dress - diamond earings and a heart-shaped locket.
I saw myself in the mirror with a shocked expression. I was totally surprised to see myself like that.
"Is this me?! Mom, I look so different!" I said under my breath.
"Yeah. It's my sweet and extremely beautiful daughter - Priyanka."
I blushed a little and we exchanged smiles. The doorbell rang and she went to open the door. Few minutes later, she called me down.
"What happened Mom?"
"They have send a car for you." She said with a grin then continued, "So, I guess, you'll have to go now sweetie." I smiled and thanked her and gave her a hug. She kissed my forehead and wished me luck. I grabbed a small clutch and headed towards the car. The driver opened the door of the backseat. I smiled and thanked him as I got inside.
As I sat in the car, I plugged in my earphones, carefully, so that I don't ruin Mom's hard work on my hair. The song was playing, but my mind was somewhere else. 'I had happiness but no friends to share.' But instantly, I thought about Sameer and decided to call him and tell him everything. I checked my phone but there was no network.
"Why isn't there a good reception out here?" I asked the driver.
"We are out of town, Miss."
I sighed and sat back on the seat. After an hour drive or so, we finally reached there. The driver opened the door of the car and escorted me to the entrance.
"Miss, go straight through the passage. There will be direction signs. Follow them and you shall reach your destination." He said with a smile.
Before I could say anything else, he left. With a confused face and millions of butterflies in my stomach, I entered the place. There was not much light, but it was enough for me to see through. There were red and white ballons everywhere on the ground and beautiful decor. But I couldn't see anyone else over there. Then I saw a direction key to told me to go right. I followed it. I could hear some piano tune playing. I was relieved that there were people inside. When there was another direction key to the left, I followed the sign. When I was halfway through the passage, I could see a hall.
The lights went off suddenly, and being the chick I am, I got scared. Yeah! I was scared of darkness. It was then I noticed that there were candles lined up on both the sides of the passage and behind there were golden light with rays towards the ceiling. 'It's quite creative', I thought to myslef.
Suddenly the wall on the opposite side of the door, started changing colour. And some of my best pictures were getting on the floor - like a slideshow. Maybe from somewhere, a projector was arranged to showcase my images.
I felt special, for the first time. All this was for me. I slowly walked towards the hall. There was a dim light, and when I turned back, the passage was totally dark. Having no ither option, I walked further into the hall. The music suddenly stopped and there was a pin drop silence in the hall. Okay, now that scared the shit out of me. Out of no where, my images again appeared on the walls. I walked inside further and saw a spotlight. I stood there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey guys!! I'm back :D
*hides behind the door and smiles sheepishly* don't kill me. I had to make a few changes. So, I was not able to update the next chapter.
But, now that I did, let me know what you guys think! Any idea who is that person who planned out everything for Priyanka?
Expect the next chapter in a week or so.!
Till then, take care! :)
