Every end is a beginning...

Part 1
Vani took the coffee mug in her hand and looked at the air tickets kept carelessly on the coffee table. It is the first time she is going to do a concert in New Delhi. She didn't want to commit such a programme but the Malayalees association secretary turned out to be a close friend of Pillai uncle and requested to accept their invitation through him. When Pillai uncle asks her for a favour how can she refuse it? She remembered his words "Beta, we should forget the past and move on in life. After all, how an artist can refuse to accept such an opportunity just because of the venue? Moreover what reason will I tell Venu?" Vani couldn't give a reply. She accepted the invitation to perform. As an upcoming hindustani classical vocalist it was a good opportunity for her. She woke up from her thoughts when she heard her mother calling out her name from down stairs. She quickly finished the coffee and went downstairs. One smart young reporter was waiting for her with a camera man. Vani nearly jumped with the thought that how she could forget their appointment for an interview so easily. She excused herself and went inside to get ready. Once she came back the young lady started with the interview. First she started with questions about Vani's childhood and beginning in music field. Gradually the questions shifted to her personal life. Vani started to feel uncomfortable. Then came the most dreaded question. "you are young, successful and beautiful, why didn't you get married yet? Are you waiting for someone special?" Vani got lost in her thoughts for one second. She looked at her interviewer's face and doubted whether she actually knows something about her past. But she could find only an innocent curiosity there. Vani then gave the most ready made answer "Now my only interest is music. I don't think I can give justice to a married life since my whole time is dedicated to music"
Once the interview is finished, Vani started to pack her things for her journey to Delhi. For a moment she wondered whether Sumitraji will attend her concert. Then she dismissed the thought . How can a young musician like her could imagine that such an established musician like Sumitraji would attend her concert? Vani closed her suitcase and got ready to go out. She has a lot of things to do today since her flight to Delhi is at early morning tomorrow. Humming her latest favourite song she took the car keys to go out.
(to be continued...)

 

Thanks my dear friends for the appreciation. I am posting the second part now.

 

Every end is a beginning...Part 2

The flight to Delhi took off early morning next day. Vani again got lost in her thoughts. She remembered a young newly wedded girl who took her first flight to Delhi with the ambition of starting a new life with her husband and family there. She was so eager to love and be loved by her new family.Her heart was beating fast as the flight landed in the capital city. Vani realised how far she has grown into a matured lady with reserved charm from that bubbly young girl. She was anxious about seeing Delhi again, a city which she tried to accept with lot of expectation and dreams, which turned her life upside down...
Mr. Venugopal recieved Vani at the airport with a warm welcome.He dropped her at the hotel where a suit was booked for her. Programme was in the evening and it was just time for lunch. The tabla player and harmonist will be arriving in a couple of hours to do a rehearsal with her.
She took a shower and went downstairs to the restaurant to have a quick lunch. While having lunch she argued mentally about which raga she should render for the delhites considering the time of the concert. Suddenly a voice echoed in her ears once again "You can never become successful. You just don't have it in you. You are not even fit to live in a city like New Delhi. Your parents money can't buy talent and success." Vani had a wry smile on her lips. She realised how much motivation those words brought to her. Her ego was hurt and she took the sweet revenge of making the impossible possible. She owed her success to Sridhar, the guy whom she hated the most in her life. With a deep sigh, she got back to her room to take some rest before the rehearsal.
(to be continued...)

 

Every end is a beginning...Part 3

The concert was successful. Vani was satisfied with her performance. She had got good accompanying artistes too. So she thoroughly enjoyed performing on stage. Once the concert was over Mr. Venugopal came on to the stage and took the mic. He said "That was a wonderful performance. I express my gratitude on behalf of all the Malayalee residents in Delhi, to Ms. Vani Menon for accepting our request and entertaining us with her mellifluous voice. We are extremely proud of her success as a hindustani classical vocalist. We wish her all the best to conquer more heights in the field of music. Now I invite the very famous musician Smt. Sumitra Banerjee to come on the stage to present the momento to our beloved artiste Vani Menon." Vani was shocked! She never expected this. Sumitraji came on the stage with a smile on her face. She was a graceful middle aged woman with an air of authority. She felt that her legs have gone weak. She was numb to move forward. Suddenly she felt that all the eyes were on her. She moved like a machine towards Sumitraji who was waiting for her with the momento in her hands. She stretched her hands towards Vani and gave her a hug. Vani was in dilemma. She couldn't make out whether Sumitraji recognized her or not. She mumbled a thanks to her and touched her feet.Sumitraji touched her head and said "Khush raho".Vani returned to where her accompanying artistes were standing. She still couldn't come out of the shock. Sumitraji went back to her seat and with a few more words Venugopal finished his speech.
After the programme,Mr.Mohan Pillai came to meet Vani. She exclaimed with surprise. "Pillai uncle, what a pleasant surprise! I am so happy to see you again." Pillai smiled at her. He told someone is waiting for her in the room reserved for the manager. Vani was a bit nervous. She was anxious who could be it now. She felt Sumitraji didn't recognize her. She felt relief as well as disappointment in that. She moved towards the manager's room with Pillai uncle.
As soon as she opened the door, she knew that it was destined to happen. It was none other than Sumitraji herself waiting for her there. Vani stopped at the door for a moment without knowing what to do.
Sumitraji looked at her seriously without smiling and said in a calm voice, "Come in"
(to be continued...)