The night before the Miss Supranational finale was emotional for Aditi. As she sat in her hotel room, the soft glow of the city lights filtered through the curtains, creating a serene atmosphere. She felt a mix of excitement and anxiety, knowing that all her hard work was about to be recognized on a big stage.

Memories flooded her mind – long hours spent practicing her walk, improving her speech and the rehearsals which almost made her exhausted. She remembered the sacrifices she had made, her friends she missed and the late nights spent preparing. It was a realisation that this was not just a contest but a culmination of her dreams.

As Aditi looked in the mirror, she practiced her smile, trying to feel the confidence she wanted to show. She could hardly contain the energy and excitement bubbling within her. Every time she closed her eyes, images of the stage filled her mind – bright lights, cheers of the crowd and the thrilling moment.

In that moment, Aditi knew this was more than just a competition. It was a celebration of her journey and hard work. The anticipation of the finale made her more excited and she couldn't help but smile every time she thought about sharing her story with the world.

Her mind then shifted to Ishan. It had been a day since they talked and she felt a bit bad about that. She missed their conversation, laughter and the way he always made her feel special. The silence felt heavy and she couldn't shake off the feeling.

She got caught up in her practices, focusing entirely on the contest. She wished she could send him a message, especially now when she needed his support the most. But with the finale next day, she knew she had to focus.

Never met, no connection, no get together or hanging out moments

Yet more comfortable expressing themselves to them more than anyone else.

Online friends are weird.

Aditi then went towards the table to grab her phone. She switched it off and went to bed.

—

As Ishan stepped out of the shower, the cricket practice echoed through his mind. Tomorrow's match was important but all he could think about was the argument he had with Aditi. Hardik's antics that morning had pulled him away when he needed to reach out and now he regretted letting that happen.

He felt a mix of frustration and guilt. He knew he had overreacted. He thought Aditi was waiting for an apology from him. "All because of Hardik bhai." He muttered under his breath but he quickly pushed it aside. This wasn't about Hardik but it was about Aditi.

He rushed to his room and grabbed his phone, Ishan felt his fingers tremble as he prepared to call her. He knew he had to do it despite the anxiety creeping up. He took a deep breath and with that, he dialed her number, hoping she would understand and forgive him. He just wanted to hear her voice and make things right.

A sense of dread washed over him as he heard the ringing sounds. Each ring felt like disappointment. Finally, the voice on the other end revealed that her phone was switched off. His heart sank. The opportunity of apologizing kept slipping away from him and he felt frustrated and helpless.

Ishan stared at the screen, hoping it would lighten up with a message or a call, anything. "What if she's still upset with me?" He thought, anxiety creeping in back. "Why wouldn't she? It was all my fault."

But he realised he couldn't let this be the end. He needed to find out a way to reach her and let her know how sorry he was. Maybe he could send a message or even speak to her friend.

Friend? Just then, he remembered her fellow contestant, Nehal, to whom he said hey to when he was on a call with Aditi one day.

"What if I reach out to her?" He thought about the situation.

Ishan then sat dejected, realising he had no sources to connect with Nehal either. He glanced at his phone and all he could do was hope. He then took out his Airpods and started listening to some music, to calm himself down. It soothes the sould, especially in moments like these.

He closed his eyes and let the songs play. He then heard a song line that made her miss even more. He could just smile. It was as if the song was talking about his emotions and the conversations he shared with Aditi.

O sajni re

Kaise kate din raat

Kaise ho tujhse baat

Teri yaad satave re

—

Aditi arrived at the Miss Supranational finale. Her excitement evident as she took in the lively atmosphere. The stage was beautifully lit and the crowd buzzed with anticipation.

After the opening ceremony, the show began. Every contestants showcased their grace and talent. Aditi felt absorbed in the moment. Every performance was mesmerizing and she cheered for her favorites.

The energy in the crowd was electric.
Aditi's nerves were on edge. She went backstage, her heart pounding in anticipation.

Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her gown, the straps slipping off her shoulders. Backstage, the air was filled with the soft murmurs of contestants' nervous whispers.

As she listened to the emcee's introduction, Aditi's heart swelled with pride and nervousness. This was it – the moment she had worked hard for. Her name was called and she took a deep breath.

With confidence, Aditi stepped onto the stage, her gown shining under the lights. The audience erupted into cheers.

"Representing India, please welcome Aditi!" The emcee announced, her voice booming through the auditorium.

Aditi's heels clicked confidently on the stage floor as she began her walk. With each step, her grace and self-assurance grew. She owned the stage and the audience's cheers flowed, encouraging her.

As she reached the midpoint, Aditi paused, her eyes locking onto the judges. Her smiled dazzled and displayed her warmth and confidence.

"That's it! My dream. I've worked hard. Just enjoy the moment." Aditi's inner monologue reminded her.

As Aditi completed her walk, the audience erupted into a standing ovation. Aditi's eyes shined with pride as she blew flying kisses.

—

The final walk concluded, Aditi took her place alongside the others. The judges' expression a mask of professionalism.

The emcee's voice filled the silence. "And now..the moment we have all been waiting for..the announcement of Miss Supranational."

Aditi's breath caught and her nervousness was reaching its peak.

One of the judges eye's narrowed. "This is tough. Each one of you has brought something unique on the stage."

The other one nodded. "Agreed. But one of them stood out – her confidence, poise and beauty shone through."

Aditi's heart skipped a beat as the judges' eyes met hers. Her mind raced. "Is it me? Did I won?"

Her heart then sank for a moment as the emcee announced the winner's name which was not hers.

But a warm smile spread on her face quickly. "I may have not won but this experience has been wonderful."

"We have another announcement." The emcee's voice made Aditi come out of her thoughts.

Her curiosity piqued as she eagerly waited.

"And the first runner-up for Miss Supranational is..."

Aditi closed her eyes. "What if I don't make it? No, I have worked hard, whatever happens, I'll be proud of myself."

She then opened her eyes and her gaze drifted to the judges, her heart pounding.

"What do they see in me? Am I the winner?"

Suddenly, the emcee's voice cut through the silence again. "And the Miss Supranational runner up is...

"Aditi Hundia."

Aditi's eyes widened and her face lit up with a big smile. She took a deep breath, her heart swelling. "Wow, I did it!" She thought.

She walked on the stage, waving to the audience. She first shook hands with the winner, congratulating her. The judges approached Aditi, holding the crown in their hands.

One of them smiled. "You embody the spirit of Miss Supranational."

As they made her wear the crown, Aditi felt a sense of pride. The audience cheering for her.

"And now let's hear from her, Aditi!" The emcee's voice filled the hall.

Aditi held the mic and began. "Thank you..this journey has been transformative. I am glad to stand here as the first runner-up. Congratulations to the winner. To my family, friends and fans, your support means everything. Thanks to the judges, organizers and fellow contestants for this amazing experience."

As Aditi finished her speech, fellow contestants rushed to congratulate her, encouraging her with hugs and cheers.

Miss Brazil said. "You deserve it. Amazing speech!"

Her heart overflowing with happiness and pride.

—

Aditi sat in front of the mirror, the excitement still lingering. She adjusted her hair and makeup for the post-pageant interview.

"I did it," she said to herself. "I prepared for this moment."

Her achievement was filled with cheers and support as her family and friends congratulated her over texts.

Aditi then got ready for the interview, taking a deep breath and composing herself.

Little did she know, someone was watching her achieve her dream from afar, smiling and admiring her.

A/N:-

Aditi won the title! Yay! Let's see what happens next. Will they both get a chance to reconnect with each other now?

The quote in the story has been taken from Pinterest.