Aradhana excitedly flew to New York to meet her parents. It has been more than two years she hadn't been with them. It's a big day for Aradhana not because she will be taking grad walk but all important people of her life would be present for her grand event. Yes, Aradhana's parents are flying all the way from India to United States for first time. They are on cloud 99 to watch their baby succeeding and reaching out for sky.
Rudra is flying from California a day later because of his work. How can I miss Sonal? Sonal along with Ajay will be flying from Austin. Her former roommate- Akriti from Nashville, her friends - Swati from Boise, Abhay from Atlanta. Everyone is in mood to cheer Aradhana for her achievement. At 4 in afternoon,Aradhana book cab on Lyft app to pick up her parents from airport.
Although Sonal kept insisting Aradhana to pick them up from airport, Aradhana scolded her and asked to come by herself. Aradhana's mother made poori and tari wale aloo (potatoes cooked in onion & tomato gravy) for Aradhana and Sonal. Ajay decided to stay at his friend's place as long as they are in NYC. Stepping inside the apartment which Aradhana sub leased for few days, Sonal was happy to see Aradhana's mother and shared a hug with her.
Sonal dropped her luggage in living room and quickly freshen up herself. Sonal settled herself on the bed where Aradhana covered the bedsheet with used towel. 'You are forever foodie' Aradhana gritted her teeths. Sonal grinned, pulling her cheeks.
Aradhana's mother caressed Sonal's cheeks and served a plate of 6 pooris and bowl full of tari wale aloo. 'Mom, are you here to love me or feed this forever foodie?' Aradhana envied the thought of her mother pampering her bestie. 'I love both of you' Aradhana's mother squeezed Aradhana's cheeks between her palm and kissed on her nose. 'Where is your father?' Aradhana's mother asked about her husband. 'He's exhausted. He's sleeping other room' Aradhana informed. 'You also sit, my bacha. I'll get your plate' Aradhana's mother caressed her cheeks. 'No, mom. You sit. I'll get our plates' Aradhana insisted.
Obeying her daughter, Aradhana's mother settled besides Sonal. 'No mom, not besides her. Besides me.' Aradhana acts protective. 'Someone is turning green.What do you think, auntie?' Sonal giggled. Aradhana's mother nodded in an agreement. Aradhana carefully brought two plates and placed one before her mother. The ladies were busy gossiping as they had their dinner.
Few minutes later, Aradhana's phone flashed with Rudra's name. She excused herself. Aradhana accepted the call. 'No one. No one. Not even my mom is pampering me. Sonal is such an attention seeker. My mother is fondling her. Sonal is making me jealous' Aradhana complained. 'Oh my god. You don't even let me speak. Nevertheless, I'm here to give my attention to you' Aradhana's blushed over Rudra's words.Rudra placed a quick kiss over phone. 'Enough Rudra' Aradhana traced her nose with fingers.'I love to pull your cheeks when you blush' Rudra assumed she was blushing.
'So, at what time are you coming?' Aradhana changed the topic. 'My Human Resources didn't granted me a leave. So, I won't be coming' Rudra lied. 'How could you dare to miss my commencement? Isn't my commencement day as important to you as is it to me? Rudra, I'm telling you, if you don't come for my grad walk, I'll break up our relationship' Aradhana fumed in anger. 'Oh my cute little baby volcani' Saying so, Rudra laughed. 'You think it's funny?' Aradhana rolled her eyes. 'No. It's not. And Aru, you think I won't come for my darling's grad walk. Why on this earth would I miss your grad walk?' Rudra covered it up so well.
'Hmm' 'What hmm? I'm coming tomorrow. My flight would land LaGuardia airport at 9 in morning. Ajay will pick me up from airport. I'll be there before Dean announce your name' Rudra assured. 'Shailesh would also be there. He asked me to cheer for him' Aradhana informed Rudra about Shailesh's presence. 'That sob*! Can't he stay away from you?' Shailesh's name spoiled Rudra's good mood.
Next morning, Sonal accompanied Aradhana for announcement ceremony that happens before commencement and grad walk. Since Sonal got her DSLR shipped few weeks prior, she decided to be official photographer of Aradhana's big day. Before Aradhana wore graduation black gown and cap of her name, she handed her phone to Sonal and asked a click a photo of hers.
Aradhana wore a off-shoulder knee-length royal blue one-piece dress. This dress was gifted by Rudra on her birthday. 'I know you want to send this photo to Rudra' Sonal winked. 'Stop your useless comments. Take it from distance. He should only understand, it's a blue dress without much details. Got it?' Aradhana ordered Sonal. Sonal obeyed Aradhana. After clicking the photo, Sonal whatsapped that image to Rudra. As the phone notified a message from WhatsApp, Sonal handed phone to Aradhana who was now covered in graduation black gown wearing cap of her name.
'Blue dress? The one I gifted you. Looking good. Can't comment more as the picture is taken from such a distance. Sonal's photography sucks. I don't know why she got DSLR for herself. Ajay created such a hype about her photography skills' Rudra texted.
Aradhana smiled looking at Sonal who was randomly clicking photos. 'Proud of you, my minion!' Aradhana patted her back. 'Hey. I'm your bestie not minion' Sonal gave a deadly glare.
The students from Golisano building walked towards Gordon Field House for their commencement ceremony in a queue. Rudra with her parents and friends reached Gordon Field House on time and took seats close to the stage. After welcome address, President of Academic Board asked graduands 'Will all graduands please stand?' All graduands inclusive of Aradhana & Shailesh stood up.
'On the certification of the President of the Academic Board, I confer the respective degrees, diplomas and certificates on the candidates.On behalf of the Senate, I offer my congratulations to you all.' the Chancellor conferred the awards.
Graduands are then directed onto the stage to be congratulated by the Chancellor. All the graduands waited at the lectern. As the name were announced, each graduands has to walk upon stage to take paper cylinder tied with ribbon, graduate presentation card and hand shake with Chancellor.
When Aradhana was called, Rudra and Sonal shouted at the top of their voice, competing against each other. Her friends cheered followed by loud applaud. She was congratulated by Chancellor with firm handshake. Aradhana took her graduate presentation card and paper cylinder tied with ribbon.
'Three cheers for Aradhana' Rudra screamed at his highest pitch. 'Hip hip hurray' Akriti, Swati, Abhay, Sonal, Ajay and Rudra chanted together thrice. She looked towards crowd to find her parents. Ardhana sensed her parents must flooding with emotional tears. Yes, she was right. They clapped hard to see their daughter achieving fame & prosperity.
Aradhana walked off the stage within minutes. Aradhana completed her formalities and returned to the seat. The ceremony continued with other graduands. Rudra looked around at Aradhana's parents who still felt numb at her success. Rudra kneeled on the floor between Aradhana's mother & father.
'Your daughter achieved her goal with your constant support. She always want to see both of you happy when she accomplish her Master's degree. If you both cry, Aradhana will definitely kill me & Sonal with sword of her words.' 'Yes, uncle. Please don't cry. Don't you know your doll will turn into a monster if she finds out you were crying' Sonal agreed with Rudra. Rudra wiped tears off Aradhana's mother's face while Sonal hugged Aradhana's father.
Two hours later, Guest Speaker concluded the ceremony.The graduates were asked to take academic procession to leave the hall. Rudra, Sonal, Akriti, Abhay, Swati, Ajay and of course her parents waited outside the hall taking other exit.
And Aradhana is now Aradhana with designation MS(CS)
Her journey in NYC came to an end. Is this really end of our Aradhana and Rudra? Do let me know your views.
Couple of more chapters to go for our journey to come to an end.
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