Virat saw a handsome English man wearing a perfect tailored gray suit, mostly in his youth standing before him. The corners of his mouth twitched with confusion. 'Why is he looking for me?' he thought inwardly.
Nevertheless he asked, "Yes sir! How may I help you?"
"Could you please guide me to the Dean's office?" Ronnie asked.
Before Virat could answer, Ronnie's chauffeur came looking for him. "Sir, I found the Dean's office. You don't have to walk till there. I'll drive you to his office."
Ronnie nodded to his driver.
He looked at Virat, "Oh sorry for the trouble buddy! Congratulations on your graduation!" he patted his shoulder and didn't linger around for long and left.
Virat was left conflicted. He kept touching and looking at the place where Ronnie had patted. 'Why does this feel so strange!'
Even Sanvi stood there expressionless.
Ronnie's chauffeur drove to the entrance to the Dean's office.
The Dean had already made preparations to welcome Ronnie. In the afternoon, when Ronnie had called to make an appointment with him, the Dean invited Ronnie to the Convocation ceremony and distribute the certificates to the outgoing students.
Ronnie obliged thinking he'd to do at least so much for his wife's previous university.
The Dean sprinted towards the entrance with bouquets of freshly plucked flowers. "We were expecting you sir! It's our honour that you agreed to be a part of this Convocation ceremony."
"My pleasure! Thank you!" Ronnie greeted.
The Dean took Ronnie to his office and offered him some tea and local delicacies.
Just then somebody knocked the door to the Dean's office and announced. "Sir, sorry for interrupting. All the dignitaries and students have arrived. Please come over to the auditorium."
The Dean instructed, "You can begin the ceremony. We'll be there shortly."
Ronnie began speaking, "Sir, I'm here to seek a favour."
The Dean then said, "Sir, I'd definitely do anything you ask for. It would be my privilege to help you."
"Well then, let's go ahead with the Convocation ceremony first. I'll talk to you regarding this after the ceremony." Ronnie said.
"Sure sir! You please go ahead first with my Assistant. I'll be there soon.!" The Dean answered.
Ronnie nodded and began walking towards the auditorium with the Dean's assistant.
What Ronnie didn't know was by the time he entered the auditorium, the entire auditorium was remembering Maya for being the academic topper, a beautiful dancer and a singer who brought huge laurels to the University. But, unfortunately she went missing after the floods. They prayed for her wellness wherever she was.
Virat and Sanvi couldn't do much. With everyone around, they could only force a smile.
Soon, the Dean came up on the dias and began his welcome speech. He called upon all the dignitaries while simultaneously introducing them.
"We've amidst us a very distinguished guest this evening. Though his presence today was totally unplanned, he immediately obliged to come to our Convocation ceremony in spite of his busy schedule. Dear students, he's the top diplomat of London, who's achieved so much at such a young age that has made him the youth icon of his country. I don't think there could be anybody else more suitable for this occasion than him."
The Dean looked at Ronnie, "The dignitaries on stage, ladies and gentleman, all my dear staff, students and members of the University, give it up for Mr Ronnie Roy! Sir, it's our honour that you are here today!"
Virat exclaimed, "Oh my God! He was the one we encountered at the gate! Such a successful man, yet so down to earth! No wonder I felt so strange after I met him."
Sanvi agreed. "True Virat!"
Ronnie stood up to greet the crowd. A huge round of applause filled the room. The students had been ogling him ever since he'd entered the room. Upon hearing his introduction everybody looked at him with admiration. Especially the female students, who gawked unashamedly at him.
The distribution of the certificates to the students began. Coincidentally, Ronnie was the one who handed over Virat's certificate with a smile.
Ronnie didn't pay much attention to Virat earlier when he was asking the directions to the Dean's office. But, only Virat knew how nervous he felt at the moment. He literally had goosebumps when he was receiving his certificate.
Soon the ceremony came to an end. The dignitaries were the first to leave. They all returned to the Dean's office for dinner.
Virat and Sanvi didn't want to stay back for dinner. They bid goodbye to their friends. They had already vacated their dormitories. So, they were going back home since they'd to leave to London the next day.
Before leaving, they bid one last heartfelt goodbye to their University.
Thank you so much for your stones! ❤❤❤