She would be the only one missing. Her achievements, an inspiration for countless girls with stars in their eyes. Though this hasn’t been her home for decades now, it was proud of her. Her parents recalled the last phone call, excitement in her voice at her dream turning reality. The thrill of a journey into space would never be negated by the stark fact that it was a one way trip, a fiery end despite the glory.
The reports were very encouraging, the schedule hectic. Time wasn’t always available, it had to be created. The humble beginnings seemed like eons ago. Her biotech company growing rapidly over the years, profits exponential. Many considered her a strict task master but there were no room for mistakes in their field. Her USP still was nurturing talented women and rewarding them generously with stocks for their efforts. She looked forward to rubbing shoulders with like minded women.
The dance academy was chock a block with new and old students. It had taken 30years of dedication, lack of funding, bottlenecks before the doors had opened. She had revived the classical dance form that had faced the threat of extinction. The danger still existed with the younger generations shunning it. For now, the light at the end of the tunnel looked bright enough to plod on. She smiled at her assistant – her sister who had been around for most of her journey....they would most definitely be there to share their incredible journey.
The medal stood out in the tiny room. The visitors still trickled along from nearby areas. The spotlight was something her family was getting used to. Her father, a cab driver had never understood her obsession with rifle shooting. His income barely enough to feed the family of 6. For a small town, traditional man, he never stopped her, a gift in itself. Her mother encouraged her to never give up, specially, when she ran out of generous friends who helped her along the way. She had been lucky, a politician's wife had happened to visit her training ground. And seeing her talent, decided to take her under her wings. The rest was history...as she glanced at the card while the official explained about the meeting; she knew that hard work had paid off.
The day passed in a blur...two complicated operations successfully completed, three infertility procedures undertaken...a dozen appointments awaiting her at the clinic. Late lunch again but she was not complaining. The joy of seeing red faced howling newborns, the glow on faces of women who had finally got the chance to be mothers made her job so much more rewarding. A brilliant student; still a student she considered herself. Watching her father and aunt at work, she had known where her destiny lay and toiled single mindedly. Marriage having been pushed off the agenda but she never regretted her singledom. The conference would be a welcome break indeed.
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