A Journey to 25 | Day 15

My mom had enrolled me in a drawing competition being conducted by a community she was a part of. She knew about my interest in art so when she came up to me and told me about it I was happy. Happy about the competition and even more about the venue. It was to be held at the Holy Cross School, the school I had attended years ago. The nostalgia had started ever since. On the day of the competition when my mom and I reached the venue, it was like a walk down the memory lane. As I walked further I had flashes from ten years ago. Like a faded picture being reformed as the eyes fell upon clues befitting the scene stored in my memory. My mom was asked to wait with the other parents while I was directed to the respective classroom for the competition. When such things happen my anxiety levels shoot up. Come to think of it, there is nothing unusual about it. Yet the anxiety keeps building till my mind is put to work. I was seated on the first bench. I was one of those kids who shy away and sit in a corner when subjected to new surroundings, new people. One can wonder, it must be easy for me to adapt to new surroundings and easier than most to make friends given my history with the number of schools I have been to. I adapt easily but making the first move is something I had learned a little late in life. So while the other kids were chit-chatting and happily waiting for the competition to begin I was silently observing them from the corner having a conversation of my own in my head. The event coordinator stepped in the classroom and wrote the topic on the board, “Vacationing in Space”. Now drawing humans is one of the weak spots. I almost never get it right, at least according to me. I started drawing whatever came to my mind. The surface of the moon. A tent and two recliners. Two people vacationing on the moon. While the remaining area was filled with stars and a few planets. I felt it was pretty basic and I would forget about it once I get back home. Well, I did. In a few months, I got to know I secured the first place in the competition across Chennai and second across the state. I was on the moon or at least I wished I could vacation on the moon. My dad had to take me from school mid-day for the award ceremony. Sitting in the crowd, waiting for my name to be heard, not once but twice filled my heart with joy. It was the first time I had participated in this competition and I actually won. It was like a dream come true. When I stepped on the stage to get my certificate and prize, the chief guest, a kind lady spoke to me. She said I was growing into a beautiful lady. That was cherry on top. I think that was one of the happiest days of my life. Even now whenever I look at those two certificates, I smile proudly and give myself a pat on the back.