Malayali in London ~ Part-37

Chapter -9:

...Graduation...

My phone rings while I take a pile of books off the bookshelf so I can dust it. I set the books on the table and pulled my phone out of my pocket. It’s the publisher Sawyer talked to for me. I picked it up and listened to what he had to say. I did end up giving my novel for publishing before graduation since the publisher said that he couldn’t wait that long. I’ve had meetings with him over the past few weeks about royalty charges and stuff. We had settled all of that in the last week and he had sent my book for printing. He called to tell me that my novel, ‘Return’ is up for sale now.

I end the call, smile and pick up where I left off, dusting the bookshelf.

.       .       .

I walk up the stage to get my degree. They just called my name and they did it incorrectly. I gently bow and take my degree. “Thank you and by the way, it’s Indrakshi Harvey, not Inrashki Harvey,” I say as I smile and walk back down the stage. I know, I still have issues with being respectful. William and my parents are cheering for me as I come down the stage. I throw my arms around my father as he pulls me into a hug and I hear Sawyer taking pictures. Jennie is called up right after me followed by Theo. Jennie is practically jumping with happiness when she comes down and hugs her mother and then me. “We’ve finally graduated!” she kept singing on repeat. Theo walks down and immediately gets a punch in the back by his sister, Arienne. She laughs and then hugs him. I guess Arienne does have a soft spot. My mother gives me a hug and then Sarah comes to me with Aksh in her arms. She lifts his hand and Aksh gives me a high five. I laugh and take him in my arms. I’ve got a lot of spoiling to do when it comes to him. I’m going to make sure that he treats William the same amount of disrespect as me. I tell Aksh to look at Sawyer who’s holding the camera and he obeys. I cuddle him and Sawyer takes a picture. Sawyer is beaming with happiness when he walks up and kisses my forehead then makes a face at Aksh. I smile and then turn to watch as other graduates collect their degrees. We all throw our hats in the air at the end of the ceremony and disperse. Saying goodbye to all the friends we made here, not sure whether we’ll see them again. It’s an emotional moment. But I know for sure that the friendship between us four; Sawyer, Theo, Jennie and me, isn’t going to change. I overhear some people making promises to meet once a year and to stay in touch as we walk out of the hall. We get in our cars and drive to my home. Mum is making us dinner. This should be interesting.