Part I : Page 1
Part II: Page 1
Part III: Page 2
Part IV: Page 4
Part V: Page 6Part VI: Page 7
Part VII: Page 8
Part VIII: Page 10
Part IX: Page 11
Part X: Page 13
Part XI: Page 14
August 1996
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The auditorium thundered with claps as Bani stepped down from the stage. She was relieved as she always was after she delivered a good speech. She was constantly looking at the judge who was writing something down on an evaluation chart that he had. A extremely handsome man in his late twenties. With his dark hair, tanned complexion, and a personality to die for 'Jai Walia' had easily become a household name since he came back to India to persue his family business. A business graduate from the Harvard school of Business, he took over his small business and in just a span of four years successfully converted it into a Multinational Company with dreams of making it India's first Global Corporation. With his looks,success and presence in media, he was every girl's dream man. "I wish I coud read what he is writing", she sighed as she settled on her seat next to her friends. Over the ear deafening sound of claps Rano shouted, "Bani...really this was the best talk of your life.....no wonder the first prize is coming to our institute this year too". "But thats not important....that was something we all expected....the exciting part is that you are going to get the prize from none other than Jai", whispered Pia as she tugged Bani mischieviously. "Come on Pia, you talk about him as if you two were togethor in Kindergarten", Bani laughed. "I wishhhhh....." Pia sighed.
This prize was important for her. Winning the best debate title for the third consecutive time was a dream that she had for the past year. No one had done that for her institution before. Miss. Roshni had so much faith in her and she had spent a whole month helping her prepare for this speech. They knew it was not going to be easy this time as the event was bigger and many new colleges were participating...The judging panel also consisted of new faces, so there was an uncertainity.
"......Hey did you notice he just looked at me, didn't he...", Pia was speaking endlessly as Bani tried to break through her thoughts to concentrate on what she was saying. Bani smiled at her friend. "So now it was Jai Walia...Pia's latest crush" Bani thought.
Finally the big moment arrived. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Please welcome Mr. Jai Walia who will announce the prize for the best debate today." Jai went on to the stage and as he started praising the particpants and the event, Bani closed her eyes as she could not take the anticipation anymore. It was only when she heard "Bani dixit could you please come on the stage" that she opened her eyes. Rano and Pia jumped up from their chairs and the rest was all like a dream. A lot of people hugged her as she took steps towards the stage with tears of excitement. Everyone was so proud of this 'thirteen' year old girl, who with her intelligent opinions got the third consective National Debate Award for her age group.
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