The Universe Conspired For Us To Meet

The host got back on stage and announced, "I'm sure we all enjoyed Ms. Sebastian's performance. A loud round of applause for Clara Sebastian!"

There was long round of applause. Clara Sebastian bowed to the crowd and exited.

The host then announced, "Now for the next performance, Brace yourself for a breathtaking Indian classical dance by one of our students Jayne Roy. As you all know, Ms Mahira Arora is a wonderful dancer herself. Ma'am this one's for you." The host  announced.

The crowd erupted into a joyous applause. Ronnie too was eagerly waiting for his wife to show up on stage.

Katherine Bradford was seething with anger on Jayne's grand introduction. She vented out her frustration on Ella and Emma Dalton who were sitting on either sides of her.

"Didn't you guys inform me that her dress was impossible to wear? That her performance would be cancelled?" she asked furiously, gritting her teeth.

Ella muttered, "Y-Yes Kate! We saw it with our own eyes. That Jayne Roy was wailing out her tears. Maybe ma'am prepared another dress for her. Or-"

The lecturer in the front row glared at them, "Quiet girls! Do you need to be disciplined like kids? Maintain the decorum of the university. We've dignitaries here."

Since Katherine Bradford had to maintain face as the goddess of the university, she quickly snapped back. "Quiet now you fools!" She muttered under her breath audible to only Ella and Emma Dalton. They both awkwardly smiled and sat down quietly.

Ella quickly whispered something in Katherine Bradford's ears when everyone's attention got back to the dias making Katherine Bradford smirk.

The curtains of the stage were drawn apart. Jayne stood centre-stage with her arched back facing the crowd and her hand touching the sky as if seeking divine blessing. The lighting around her was a total experience in itself. It created less space between the audience and Jayne. Thus, transporting them into a magical space though she was doing nothing much but just standing. She was now waiting for the song to begin. The musicians kept playing soft, light music in the background.

She was wearing a red coloured dress with golden border with lots of layering, an exact replica of the earlier designed white dress. Her dupatta was golden coloured which was worn in a peculiar crossed manner. Her long hair was braided and was adorned with flowers tied artistically. She was bȧrėfooted with a pair of thick anklets which is traditionally called a "Ghungroo."

For a moment even Ronnie was startled to just see Jayne's profile that too when she was turning away from him. 'I wonder how breathtaking my wife would look when she turns around!' He thought inwardly.

Everything was perfect... the setting, lighting, costume, music by the musicians except that the song wasn't playing at all.

Ella, Emma and Katherine looked at each other knowingly with a conceited smile silently rejoicing that their plan of tampering with Jayne's music cassettes was a success.

Katherine Bradford looked at Jayne with a look of disdain and thought inwardly, 'Jayne Roy, no wonder my plans to tamper your dress failed. But, it was actually a blessing in disguise. Because, if your dress wasn't arranged, you wouldn't be standing here all high and proud in front of everyone. Your failure wouldn't be known to anyone. That would be so sad and such a waste of my efforts.'

She smiled cruelly, 'But now, this will remain the most humiliating moment of your life you cheap woman! You walked on to the stage all decked up, even waited for the song to begin. But, how unfortunate darling, the song won't begin, all your dreams will get shattered within a minute.'

She sneered, 'How dare you plot against me? You think you can earn my spot so easily? Dream on girl! This will be a lesson for you to remember for life! You'll be asked to step down the stage. How unfortunate darling! The biggest humiliation for any artist is to step down the stage without even performing!'

She kept looking at Jayne's back with a scornful look, 'Now get ready to be ridiculed and mocked at by the entire university Jayne! Your dance was supposed to be the most important one as it was dedicated to the Chief guest. Even the Principal would be so embarrassed because of you that he'll throw you out right away! You'll remember this day for life Jayne. You'll never even dare to do another performance!'

Jayne could see Mrs Jessica Parker and Shirley Symonds standing at the backstage frantically trying to play the music cassette but it wouldn't play at all. Shirley mouthed, 'There's some issue with this. It's not playing'

Jayne's face turned white as a sheet of paper. She didn't know what to do. Her heart rate accelerated wildly as the light on the stage turned brighter.