The Silent Smile
In the grand hall of the Miss India pageant, the atmosphere crackled with a blend of anticipation and glitter. The three finalists—Aditi, Meera, and Riya—stood poised in their glamorous dresses, inspired by uniqueness of regions they came from. Each one more gorgeous than the other , they awaited the final deciding question with bated breath from the judge - a fashion photographer, renowned for his discerning eye and enigmatic demeanour. The photographer’s contemplative gaze swept over the three young women.“Ladies,” he began, his voice rich with gravitas
“if you could tell the camera one thing what you would wish it to see in you, what would it be?”
Aditi stepped forward first, her eyes reflecting the quiet determination of a young woman who had worked tirelessly to reach this moment. “I would like the camera to capture the strength behind my dreams”, she said, her voice steady. “I want it to see not just my face, but the journey—the sacrifices, the hopes, the moments of doubt. I hope it will convey my resolve and the fire within me”
The photographer nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips as he turned to Meera, who stood with an air of calm dignity. “I wish the camera to see the cause that lives in my heart,” she said. “I am here as a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. I want my portrait to be a symbol of purpose and commitment, a reflection of the change I hope to bring into the world.”
Lastly, Riya, with an exuberant grace and confidence stepped forward. She politely refused the microphone offered to her by the host and walked in the middle of the stage. She looked straight into the eyes of the photographer judge, got into a perfect three quarter face, catching the spot light to add sparkle into her eyes, smiled and stood there not speaking a single word.
The judge picked his camera and clicked. He had the winner captured.
