MILESTONES

Waking up early in the morning has never been easy for me, but today was different. I was already up before the sun, fully dressed and waiting in the living room for my father. The clock on the wall ticked on as I sat in silence, anticipation building.

Soon, my father emerged from his room, his familiar mug of morning coffee in hand. He settled into his recliner chair with a slow, deliberate stretch, still half-asleep. He looked over at me with a raised eyebrow and then turned to my mother, who was sitting beside me, also sipping her coffee.

“Did the sun rise in the west today, Manika?” he asked, his tone teasing. “How is it that my daughter is awake before me?”

I gave him a mock glare, leaning in slightly as I replied, “Papa, if you’re finished with your sarcasm for the day, could you please go get ready? I’ve been waiting for you for the past half hour.”

For a moment, my father blinked, clearly caught off guard. Then, with a soft chuckle and a sudden flash of realization, he apologized. “Sorry, Mira, I completely forgot. Give me ten minutes, I’ll be ready.”

He got up quickly, muttering something about getting his act together, and disappeared down the hallway.

Exactly thirty minutes later, I was sitting in my father’s car, on the way to college to collect my master’s degree. My father, who was driving, glanced at me with a smile and said, “Why are you so excited? You already know you topped the college, right?”

I grinned, my eyes sparkling. “I know, Papa. But today’s different. They invited Mr. Viswanath Pandit as the chief guest. He’s the reason I chose to pursue economics for my master’s. He’s my inspiration.”

My father’s smile widened, his pride shining through. “Congratulations, Beta. You’ve completed your dream of earning a master’s in economics from such a prestigious college. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Papa!” I said, my voice full of gratitude and excitement.

“So, what’s next?” he asked, keeping his eyes on the road. “What’s your plan now that your master’s is done?”

“I want to pursue a PhD in economics, Papa,” I said confidently.

My father smiled, clearly pleased, and we reached the college. After saying goodbye to him, I made my way into the college auditorium, eager to find my best friend, Sanvi. I spotted her in the front row, talking to someone. I made my way toward her and called out, “Hello, miss, is this seat taken?”

She turned, saw me, and burst out laughing. “Yes, this seat is reserved for my friend, Amira Agarwal. Sorry, miss. Find another spot!”

I smiled and slid into the seat next to her. She turned to me with a teasing look and asked, “So, how are you feeling? Are you excited to meet Mr. Viswanath, or are you too nervous to even speak to him?”

I chuckled nervously. “Honestly, I’m feeling both. It’s like a dream come true.”

Just then, the program began, and the anchor invited the chief guest to the stage. Mr. Viswanath Pandit appeared, looking as dignified as always in a sharp suit. He walked with the help of a cane, holding a book in his other hand. As the college topper, I was the first one called to receive my degree.

I walked up to the stage, stood beside Mr. Pandit, and waited as he smiled at me. He handed me my degree along with the book he had been holding. I looked at the book, confused, and he spoke gently.

“Congratulations, Ms. Amira. This book is a gift from me to the college topper.”

Surprised but grateful, I said, “Thank you, Sir. You were the reason I chose economics for my master’s. Your work has inspired me so much.”

He smiled warmly, clearly touched, and was about to say something when the anchor signaled me to step down. Time was limited, so I thanked him again, then walked back to my seat, my heart still racing.

After the ceremony, Sanvi and I went to the library, a place that held so many memories for us. We sat in a quiet corner, reminiscing.

Sanvi looked at me with a nostalgic expression. “It feels like it’s been so long since we’ve had one of these moments, right?”

I smiled. “Yeah, six years.”

Then, without any warning, she blurted out, “I’m getting married.”

I froze, my eyes widening. “What?!”