The second time I ever wore a saree was for my 12th grade graduation. I was lucky enough to be elected a valedictorian which meant that I had to deliver a speech in front of all my classmates, their parents and all our teachers. Terrifying, really, but all the same it was something I had dreamed of doing for as long as I could remember. However, dreaming about it for years didn’t prepare me for what came before actually delivering the speech- writing it. Two weeks before graduation I started writing. Over and over again. I must have started at least 12 times, until one night I started and didn’t stop till I finished. And that was the speech I presented.
This picture was clicked right after I spoke- my expression is an accurate representation of how I felt! I was so nervous, but mostly because I was trying not to trip over my mom’s favourite sari.