"I don't want to lose hopes"

After I had successfully completed the task, I got a couple more tasks followed by lunch. I briefed the day's events to Tina and she did the same.

I had a total of 8 tasks. I didn't get to talk to Adhiraj after lunch. He was too busy with the scoring team and judges. But every now and then when we came face to face with each other we would exchange smiles.

And that's how day-1 of fest ended.

Once I was done with my events for the day, I was waiting near the gate for Tina. She'd texted me a few minutes ago stating she would be at the gate in a couple of minutes. I love my best friend's punctuality!

"Hey! You were great. Exceptional, infact" Adhiraj said while he had files in his hand.

"I would've returned your "hey" even with "hey you were good". I smiled as I spoke I was pretty sure I did not do exceptionally good.

He laughs a little and then says "No no I mean it. Really"

"Well, in that case, thank you" I smiled at him.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" He raised an eyebrow. I was honestly not sure. Only the top 5 from today would be selected for tomorrow.

"You should tell me. Between the two of us, you are the one who knows the scores. But I hope so" I didn't want to lose hopes yet.

"Hey Prerna" Tina was walking towards us. "Oh" she looked puzzled as she realized I was talking to Adhiraj.

"Hai" Adhiraj greeted Tina and she said an awkward hai to him which made me chuckle.

"Umm we should be leaving. I'll anyways let you know if I get selected. Bye" I waved my hand and walked out with Tina.

****** Time- 9:00 P.M *******

Ping

My phone made a sound indicating a message. I quickly opened it.

"Dear participants,
Thank you all for being a part of today's fest and making it a success.
We the team of STC wish you all luck for the selection process. The results will be uploaded on our website at 10:00 PM.
Team STC"

Oh my God! I had one more hour to find out my results.
I texted Tina wishing her luck.

Tina- "Hey, thank you. All the best to you too P"

P- "I really hope and wish I get selected."

T- "Someone's being selfish. I participated too. Remember? :p"

P- "Yes I do! And I don't doubt you would'nt be selected. There is absolutely no way that you would not be selected. I know how well you performed. Your event head is my school friend. Remember?"

T- "Stop spoiling my excitement. Even if you have found out my results don't tell me just yet"

P- "No way! I want you to go through the nervousness like me! I don't wanna leave you alone you see"

T- "Whatever! I'll have to take 'Rufus the crazy dog' for a walk. Ttyl"

I sat on my bed and took out my laptop and opened the website. I had to wait for 20 minutes more but I could not hold the anxiety.

After 20 minutes which seemed like forever to me, the website screen started re-loading. And a few seconds later I saw "Click here for Best manager results"

Once I clicked on it I closed my eyes like that would help. I slowly opened them again and read-

"The STC team congratulates the selected participants and wishes good luck for the rest. Thanks to all of you for making this event a successful one. We hope to see you all again. The names of the selected participants in no particular order are as follows-
1) Sumukha Agarwal- India.
2) Sanjith Kumar- India.
3) Akilia Jayamone- Sri Lanka.
4) Taara Shenoy- Singapore.
5) Alexander Woods- Singapore.
The selected participants are requested to report at 8AM near the reception"

I was not selected!