Encounter

It was evening, evening of the biggest theatre competition. The spirit was high in the air, just like it was a few years before. I went there to watch the plays but the vibe was nostalgic. A strong feeling of yearning rushed through while I was looking at the photograph. All those days flashed in front of my eyes, it felt like everything had happened a few days ago. From being a part of the competition to coming to watch the play and support the juniors, everything changed. I was lost in my search of memories and a voice interrupted, "Are you the alumnus of AEP college?". When I heard the voice, my heart skipped a beat, I turned around to look at him, but he came closer while admiring the photograph.
"No"
"Oh sorry, I thought it because you were silently admiring it."
"Isn't it so sad that they always put the photograph of the team that came 1st and no one values the 2nd place...I am searching my team in those people, after all we came 2nd that year."
"So you are the alumnus of the EUP college, then you might know Sandesh, the director of that play?"
"Of course, I know them. And you graduated from AEP college, right?"
"umm yes, how do you know?"
"Aren't you in the photograph?"
"Oh right, I forgot."
"I think we should head in, the play will start soon."
"I need to cheer up my team, I am going to wish them first, you go ahead."
I knew he didn't know that I existed, but I surely admired him during those days. Though he belonged to a rival college team, we all respected him for his achievements in theatre. And I practically worshipped him. He was studying in the top engineering college of the city, where you need a 99 percentile in the university entrance exam. And at the same time, he was doing his best in theatre, by winning the highest award for acting and winning multiple competitions. He was just someone extraordinary, I wanted to meet him once. But being elder to meet I didn't get a chance to meet him in my whole graduation era. But who knew that I would meet him after graduation like this. It was the happiest moment for me. I was so excited after seeing him but hesitated to recognise him. I suppressed my emotions and had a normal conversation. Well, he was still famous and working in theatre, along with a few films. It was one of the reasons for admiring him, I left theatre, my passion a few years back, but he was still chasing his dreams.
I went into watch the play hoping to see him again. I was too excited after the meet. My heart was contented. The play started, the college students started cheering their team. I took out my diary and started writing notes. It was his college, with the best winning streak in the competition. And as usual it was captivating with amazing visuals and acting. The play ended with applause. I was now waiting for the second play and he came near my seat and asked if the seat beside mine was empty. I felt like the destiny is finally working. I was too stunned to speak, "Actually, the students want to sit together to cheer their team, so they were asking for mine."
"Yeah sure, you can sit here as no one is."
I thought for a moment if I spoke in enthusiasm, so I just tried not to speak anything further. This time my heart was beating a lot faster and I wanted to scream out all the emotions I had. I remember watching his plays as an audience, a day when he was sitting behind me watching a play and a day when we had greenrooms beside, but this moment was different. I was sitting beside him, the one whom I admired and cheered as a fan. That day I lived my dream.
"Are you taking notes of the play?" while I was struggling to focus on a play, he asked.
"It's an old habit. I like writing down good points and bad points of the play."
"That's great, are you working in theatre till the day?"
"No, I am a scientist."
His reaction wasn't surprising at all. He turned around and started watching the play. I wish the conversation continued, but I might have missed one of the wonders being performed on stage. The play ended. And he left too, maybe he went back to his seat.
The third play was the last play of the day. It was performed by my college. So I was extra alert while watching the act. It was amazing as usual. Everything was to the point, the acting, direction and script. As the play ended, I went to meet the team at the backstage. Everyone did a great job. I congratulated everyone and left. As I had a few commitments ahead. Maybe I was searching him till I left the place but I found him nowhere...