V: VIOLA

In Class XII, we enacted Shakespeare in school. Along with a bunch of Class XIs. And yes, I got the role of Viola. It was a great time for the entire cast. Not only did we make new friends, we happily bunked classes and lectures and stayed late at school all in the name of rehearsals!!! Of course I love Viola, she got under my skin at the time.. How could one not love that feisty girl?  And of course, Cesario, who she disguised herself as!
We mugged up the lines, got yelled at by this rather strict English teacher who we were petrified of (sadly, she is no more) got into trouble when we were lazy, laughed a lot and had a wonderful time.
Those WERE the days, my friends!

Orsino: "For, boy, however we do praise ourselves,
Our fancies are more giddy and unfirm,
More longing, wavering, sooner lost and won,
Than women's are. ...
For women are as roses, whose fair flow'r
Being once display'd doth fall that very hour."
Viola: "And so they are; alas, that they are so!
To die, even when they to perfection grow!” 

― William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night