The guests have already arrived and are seated at their designated places in a open air theatre inside the convent premises. The sitting arrangement was such that Bondita could see Kaka and Batuk from afar from her standing shade behind the stage. Ms. Lenny was calling the students on stage for felicitation one by one. And finally it was Bondita's turn. Bondita was nervous and excited at the same time. Although it was not the first time she would be making a public speech, but, there is a lot of difference in convincing those village women to study and to give a Graduation speech infront of so many honorable guests.
She clutched the chit in her hand and walked up on the stage.

Ms. Lenny introduced Bondita and mentioned her extraordinary academic accolades.
"Bondita, my girl, would you like to speak about your journey?" Ms. Lenny requested.

Bondita had prepared a thank you note. But, her journey?

"Respected Guests, Ms Lenny, Sister Audrey and all my fellow students." Bondita started.
"I'm thankful to all of you. Without your consistent support, it would have not been possible for me to stand here today." She paused. "I would also like to thank my family, my uncle Mr. Trilochan Roychowdhury and my brother, Batuk Roy Choudhury. They are the source of  my strength." Bondita looked visibly nervous. She paused to search for the right words. She looked at the chit in her hand and clutched it back. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath.
"My Barrister Babu always used to tell me... Bondita,if you ever feel too full for words, close your eyes and search you heart." She started. " If today, I'm able to stand here, among you fine people, it's because of my Barrister Babu. Not a lot of you would know, but I'm a victim of child marriage. When I was 9, my widow ailing mother was forced to agree to get me married with an 87 years old man. Thanks to Kulinism in our country." She chuckled. "On the day of the wedding, the man died and I was drugged. I was about to be thrown into the burning pyre along with that old man, but, Barrister Babu saved my life. He saved me from my eminent death and I owe him my everything." Bondita stopped to wipe a single tear rolling down her cheek. She closed her eyes before speaking again,"Barrister Babu, I know you won't be able to hear me. But, Thank you... Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for never losing hope, thank you for not giving up on me. I wish you were here, but today, I pledge to walk upon your shown footsteps. I pledge to make a positive different in our society. I pledge to never let you down."

A roar of applause rose from the audience. Bondita could see tears of pride in Kaka Sasurji's eyes. Batuk is whistling!
'The best birthday ever', Bondita thought.

it was not long before Ms. Lenny spoke again.
"Bondita has been an inspiration to all of us. And it's with great honour, I call upon stage an important trustee member of this convent to felicitate Bondita. This man needs no new introduction. A prominent social worker, who has always preferred to extend his support without stepping into the limelight himself. A man who has relentlessly worked on social reformation laws. He has earned himself quite a reputation in India and abroad... My friend, Barrister Anirudh Roy Chowdhury. "
The crowd cheered again.

Bondita heard the name. She could feel a strange palpitation engulfing her senses. In an instance, everything stopped and faded away infront of her eyes. The applauds, Ms. Lenny... everything felt distant. The only sound she could hear was the thumping of her heartbeat and her rapid breathing.

And then she saw him... Her Anirudh!
He was walking towards her. That same old face, that same old smile... Bondita couldn't think anymore. a sudden adrenaline rush overwhelmed her such, that she lost control of her senses.
...................

Anirudh instinctively rushed and caught her from falling down.
"I heard you Bondita. I'm here now. I won't let you fall." Anirudh whispered in a throaty voice before helping her stand steadily again.

'Anirudh, is this really you?... Or am I dreaming? Or, Dead!' Bondita thought mesmerized at the vehemence of the situation.