Why did this happen? This is so wrong.

This never happened to me. I never imagined that I would feel so sad, upset, or angry about something.

During the interview for the selection of head girl and boy yesterday in the principal's office, the students were called one by one.

When my name was called, I quickly, but calmly, opened the office door and saw the principal and three senior teachers sitting on their respective chairs behind the table. The feeling of being so scared and nervous was impossible to describe.

The air conditioner had chilled the room quite well, however, my hands still sweated, which rested on my back due to respect. Despite having cold feet, I kept my expression calm and did not show it to my face.

I was the last girl candidate, after which the boys will be called.

15 minutes have passed by and the principal said, “Hmm Aradhya, you are a very smart student and I am sure you would become a good head girl, all the best child”

When the principal praised me, I couldn't help but smile, as I felt like I was on cloud nine. I worked hard for the interview and I think my interview went well and I am confident that I answered all questions wisely and in accordance with the teachers' perceptions.

I am absolutely sure Ahaan will become head boy because he is smart and intelligent and all teachers like him a lot.

Therefore, I don't know why I had this strong urge to compete for the head girl's position so that I could stand beside him with a proud smile and that is the sole reason why I practiced all night for this interview.

“Thank you so much sister,” I thanked my principal.

Since I study at a Christian school, the majority of school staff are nuns, and everyone addresses them as "sister".

“Yes, Aradhya, well done. Now, wait for the results, ok. "Please send Sahil Kumar inside," James sir, a teacher of 12th grade, said with a smile.

“Yes sir, right away,” I said and turned around to leave. Sahil is in class 5 section C. When I opened the door, I saw Sahil and Ahaan standing together. I went to Sahil.

Sahil, sir, has called you inside”

“Oh ok, Aradhya, were the questions asked to you tough?” Sahil asked me

"It wasn't hard, but a little twisted. All you need to know is which opinion to express and which to withhold and you will do fine, ok” I explained to Sahil quickly.

I intentionally told him this so that Ahaan is prepared in advance and I know he could grasp things quickly“.

Thank you Aradhya for the advice, I will treat you with something good when I become the head boy," Sahil said enthusiastically when I heard this my smile dropped a little, but I couldn't be selfish so I maintained a friendly smile on my face and nodded our way.

As soon as Sahil entered the office, I saw Ahaan standing silently beside the doorway. I noticed he was looking at me with an unreadable expression.

After a few seconds, he averted his gaze towards his file which he was holding.

I felt a little awkward standing there, so I started moving towards the exit. I paused beside him and glanced at his face. I thought about whether to wish him all the best, but as I glanced at the file where his eyes were fixed, I dropped the thought and moved on out of the office.

The principal commended me that I would make a good head girl yesterday, so I was sure that I might be able to become the head girl as I was the last girl in line for the interview.

However, the following day, Mrs Olivia, the class teacher of class 5, section C, told us that Ahaan was the head boy and Shikha was the head girl. And I, Prachi, Payal, Piyush, Aryan and Sahil were sub-cabinet members.

Upon hearing this, I was disheartened and sad, and knowing that I won't be standing with Ahaan on stage only made me even more upset.

******************

“Aradhya, it’s ok, please don’t be sad.” Nitya consoled me and then only I came back from my thoughts

“We all know that cunning bitch Olivia has changed your name with Shikha’s on the persuasion of Shikha because she is her favourite student. Even though you have been treated unfairly, you are still a cabinet member, so you shouldn't feel too bad about it. The next class will be starting soon, so let's go back to the classroom.

Nita was right, there was no point in crying over something that had already happened, so I stood up from the bench behind the hall, where I had been sitting for an entire period, because I was angry and upset, and I didn't want to go back.

I noticed that Ahaan was also not in the class when we entered. I sighed. He must be discussing with the teachers about the upcoming ceremony where we will be given the badges and sashes.

When I went home, I cried my heart out in front of my mom and complained to her about the discrimination which I faced today. And when I thought about Ahaan standing next to Shikha on the stage on the day of the ceremony, more tears fell down my cheeks.

My mother was also consoling me with a sad face.

Now I can just hope for the function to quickly come and go.

Ishq ki dhooni roz jalaaye

Uthta dhuaan to kaise chupaye

Akhiyan kare jee hazoori

Maange hain teri manzoori

Kajra siyaahi, din rang jaaye

Teri kastoori rain jagaye

Man mast magan, man mast magan

Bas tera naam dohraaye

Chaahe bhi to bhool na paaye

(this heart) puts up incense of love everyday,