Across Time

11. after you left me (part two)

girls in sparkly costumes practiced their steps one last time while a group of boys went through lines for a play. The annual day celebration was in full swing, and the atmosphere was full to the brim with excitement.

Ashwin slipped inside the packed auditorium, leaning up against a wall at the very back. He had never liked these events, even when he was a college student he always found them loud and mediocre.

But he had come today, he had to come. He couldn't remember the last time someone had invited him to something.

"Makkale, get ready for our singers showcase!"

Ashwin's eyes snapped up to the stage, which he thought was horridly decorated in tacky neon coloured balloons and banners.

The function coordinator waited for a minute, then grinned.

"Please give a warm welcome to our first performer, Sivaangi Krishnakumar!"

He watched as she stepped onto stage and gripped the mic. He could see her hands were shaking and her breath seemed unsteady. Ashwin subconsciously gulped, feeling nervous. Did the girl even know how to sing? He hoped someone hadn't set her up. The audience went quiet as the lights dimmed and the musical score began to play.

Sivaangi closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Then, she sang.

"Lesa lesa, nee illama vaazhvathu lesa?"

"Lesa lesa, neenda kaala uravithu lesa."

Ashwin felt his mouth slacken, his eyes softening in awe. The spotlight on her turned brighter, and he was even more taken. He had never seen the chirpy girl who talked his ear off like this. But this wasn't a girl, this was a woman.

He usually saw her with a ponytail and her student id swinging around her neck. Today she was dressed in a pale blue saree, with her hair cascading down in loose waves. It was ethereal sight with her figure glowing in the lights.

"Kaadhal devan koyil thedi, varugiradhae viraivinilae."

Her voice was honey, the most pure sound on earth. He slipped into a trance as the song swelled and she floated through the sweet, lilting notes.

She sang from the very depths of her soul, one could feel all of her pour into the melody. In that singular moment he felt as if he was one with her, that whatever was wrapped up in her outflow was theirs to share.

"Colour colour kanavugal vizhigalilae
Unakenavae uzhaginilae piranthavalae..."

"Unakenavae."

The crescendo built then fell and suddenly it was all over and the audience had broken into a resounding applause.

Meanwhile Ashwin was transfixed. It was like he had been caught in a slow rolling tide that crashed into him like a great wave then swept away.

He felt himself walk out of the auditorium and into the beating sun outside, picking up his pace until he was far, far away.

Overcome with awe and shock, it took him a minute to ground himself. He ran a hand through his hair, marveling at what he'd been witness to. That was more than talent or skill or ability. It was pure art, she was pure art.

Damn, that girl was something else.

Ashwin waited at her gate, leaning to see if there was any sign of her usual clamour before she exited her house. Strangely, all was quiet.

He waited a bit longer, checking his watch impatiently before giving up and taking off. She had never missed a ride from him before, and it bothered him. It's not that he cared about her, it just went against their routine. Or atleast that's what he told himself.