WHEN IT ALL CHANGED

“So what did you do, huh?” Zara asked me on the way to “The Principal’s Office.”

“That is my question, actually,” I told Zara.

Soon, we were up in the second floor corridor. “That’s how far I could help you. Best of luck!” Zara left without anymore words.  

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door in front of me. “May I come in, sir?”

“Is that you, Shreya?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Oh, come in my girl.”

I entered the room, not knowing what to say, because I had not expected such a jolly welcome.

“You wanted to see me, sir.” I said, after gaining a bit of courage by the reception.

“I believe this is yours, my dear,” He held up my diary.

“Where did you find it, sir? I thought it was in my bag.”

“Well, I found it on the bench in the corridor.” A strange man told me. Or maybe it was not really a man; he looked not a day older than me.

“Mr Ron, here, needs to speak to you, I guess.”

“Oh, hello.”

“Hi,” said Mr Ron, “Are these photos yours?” and he held out my photos—the ones I had put in my diary.

“Yes, of course.”

“Where did take them? I mean, which studio?”

“Studio? I took them myself, at my home.”

“See, I told you, she is so talented. And her grades are always top. She is so totally the beauty with the brains!”

“Excuse me, but what exactly are you talking about?”

“Well, I suppose, you would better explain it, Mr Ron.”

“Alright then, Shreya, do you know who I am?”

“Yes, you are Mr Ron.”

“Do you know my full name?”

“Umm, not really.”

“Well, I am Ronak Singhania, son of Mr R J Singhania, the owner of Lux, the soap brand. We have now launched a new campaign, looking for tomorrow’s girl today. It is basically for the girls aged 13-19 and we want to find not the beauty queen, but the beauty with the brains. We even put posters in your school today, and wanted girls to submit their pictures to us. But, to tell the truth, your pictures have impressed me so much that I wish to select you as our top contestant, if you agree to participate, of course. You know what; I would say you should, for I have seen the potentials in you to take you to the sky. You are an inborn star, and you deserve to be able to let your qualities fly. Trust me, you will succeed.”

I was dumb-founded. All this was a mistake. I can’t be it. Was this what the twosome was so excited about? But isn’t it something for their types? What would Liya say about it? What would mom and dad say? Should I say yes? Am I really going to be famous soon? But then again, wasn’t that exactly my horoscope said?

Today’s Pisces Horoscope:  Unexpected changes will come in your way, with unknown people influencing your decisions. Fame and beauty will follow, so would victory. Your inner daring feeling would ask you to do something too bold, but don’t listen to it as major changes will follow if you do so.

 Lucky time of the day: 11:30

I looked up at the big clock on the wall. Exactly 11:30. So is this horoscope thing honestly true? My inner instincts were saying “what rubbish.” I mean, I am not the only person who’s a Pisces. In fact, as studies show, atleast eight people were born at the exact moment as I am. So atleast eight people should be having the same fortune as me. Nah! That’s all stupidity

But, then again, what if it was true? Suddenly, a thought jumped in my mind, making me say:

“Mr Ron, I know how much you loved my photos, but, my parents, you see, would never accept this. So best of luck, I am sure you will find great participants in our school. It’s so sad it couldn’t be me, but trust me people here are all fab. You can try my friend, Li—

“Well, Shreya dear, why don’t we ask your parents about how they feel. They are right here.”

My eyes stormed to the direction of the tiny lounge in his room. Its teak door opened and out came my family. Dad had a broad smile on his face.

“We are so proud.” My mom said this with an overjoyed smile.

Thoughts chased each other in my head. Was this what you called brain-storming? I would call this brain-tornado(ing) or brain-hurricane(ing). I was feeling dizzy. I closed my eyes. I was about to faint. Help!

Something grabbed my legs. Opening my eyes, I saw her with her innocent smile and big eyes.

“I love you, sis.”

The last thing I needed.