The deafening roar and the incessant chant. “President! President!”

There were thousands, if not millions, filling the Presidential Palace grounds and spilling onto the streets. The night was surreal. I was yet to come to terms with the fact that I was the President.

The oath ceremony had just concluded. The grounds still echoed with applause. Various heads of state and envoys, and the country’s finest, including politicians, industrialists and philanthropists were coming onto the dais to shake my hand and congratulate me personally. Having these powerful people around me felt strangely satisfying.

 The tall lanky guy who had shadowed me since evening, and whose name I had failed to catch, had now attached himself to my ear, whispering each person’s identity as they came towards me. I was mighty pleased with this man, for I would have been tongue tied without him.

Midst of it, I spotted a group of people that were dear to me. My friends, acquaintances and extended family had come to witness the ceremony, but were standing afar.

“They don’t have the security clearance, sir,” the tall guy said calmly on my asking to let them up. I was disappointed, but the show must go on.

Finally done with the greetings, my hand was numb, my cheeks hurt and my stomach was rumbling. I wanted to join the feast. The delicious aroma, clinking of glasses, laughter and conversation floating from the dining area made my stomach grumble even more.

“Sir, your dinner is served in your private quarters.” The tall guy was blocking my way.

“I should dine with my guests.” I said firmly, for I felt it would be rude to abandon them.

“President always dines alone, sir. This way we can ensure your safety.” He continued in a dry tone, “There is always a threat of poisoning, sir. Thus, every meal of yours, including water and beverages, is checked.”

I sighed. I was now beginning to like him a little less. The President’s life too seemed a less bright. He led me off the dais. As we climbed down the stairs, I heard fireworks. I was surprised, for I thought that they were banned. Almost simultaneously, two guards in front of me were hit.

“Shots fired. Cover the President,” they shouted.

Within seconds, all hell broke loose. The firing continued while the guards clamored to get me to safety. They encircled me, but soon fell like a pack of cards. Then something pierced through me. I let out a scream and found myself awake. My heart was in my throat, literally. I had not signed up for this.

Wiping my forehead, I reached for water. The dingy room, the bare interiors and my impoverished state felt reassuring. The drudgery of life and the invisible existence fueled dreams of being in the limelight. This one though, went out of hand very quickly. Looking back, I barely survived a few hours as the President!

I would rather dream of a cheesy pizza.