We are mosaics. Pieces of light, love, history, and stars.
Glued together with magic and music and words.
- Anita Krizzan.
-Aryan-
As promised, Manasvi comes back after a few minutes.
"Are you okay?" I asked, seeing her sad-looking face.
"Yeah, why should I not be okay? I am content that I at least get to act." she replied, looking confident.
"Sure?" I asked, being surprised.
"Initially, I was sad and nervous, but I am okay now, cause apart from everything it is important to get a role in the play. I want to learn more about my craft than being the center of attention. Moreover, I don't want to miss the chance of working with people like you and Ahaan, you guys are experienced and talented." said Manasvi.
"Okay. So, start practicing your dialogues now." I told her. She left, nodding, to join the group.
To tell the truth, I am pretty impressed by this girl. She is young, maybe 17 or 18, not more than that. But, she wears this unparalleled confidence. She didn't back-answer me when I dismissed her from the lead role. Maybe, because she respects me for being her senior. Yes, she got a bit sad. I could see it on her face.
She looks serious, though, about her work. She looks talented and confident, not the one who will give up easily. She'll unquestionably be successful and famous one day, I can sense it, I can see it.
-Manasvi-
I want to prove myself. I want to show this man my worth. Yes, I respect him but, without knowing how I act, he judged me, he judged my acting.
Even if I am playing the side role, I'll impress him with my talent, to the extent that he'll cast me in his film. LOL. Just kidding. I don't want to be an actress. Or do I want to be?
Anyways, I'll grab his attention. It's the work of my left hand.
-Skip to the time the rehearsal ends-
-Aryan-
It was a super hectic day. I am tired as hell. I told my driver not to come. It is raining outside, the weather, the atmosphere is gratifying. I love to drive, and this is the best time to drive, the sun is going down, it's raining and songs with it. Uff.
I get into my car, move out of the parking to find Manasvi standing at the gate, holding her red umbrella.
"Manasvi, why are you standing here all alone? Waiting for someone?" I asked her.
"No. I am trying to figure out how to get to the station. I am waiting for a rickshaw. No rickshaw is coming my way. They are refusing straight away. Rain and rickshaw drivers are enemies since eternity." said Manasvi.
"Okay. get into the car. I'll drop you at the station." I requested her.
"No. That's fine. I'll figure out a way. You need not take the trouble." She said.
"There's no trouble. Come on. Get into the car. I'll drop you and then go. Come. It's getting dark. Also, it's raining, it can take a lot of time to find a rickshaw. Moreover, it's not safe." I said, trying to open the door for her to get in, from the driver's seat. To which she again refused.
"Come on, get in. The rain is entering the car. I'll drop you." I requested her.
"Okay." saying this she got into the car.
"Hello, Mumbaikers. What say? Rain and love go hand in hand. Don't you guys think so? The rain, Hindi songs, chai (tea), vada pav, someone's memories, long-lost love, unrequited love, unsaid love, or a long drive with your beloved, in this busy life, what else do we wish for?
Let's celebrate your monsoon love with a special rain song" said the RJ.
I was ready to change the channel when Manasvi held my hand to stop me from changing the channel.
"Let's hear the song. Don't you like to hear Hindi songs? If not, then you can change." she said.
"No. It's fine. If you love hearing this song then we'll listen to it." I said looking at her.
And then played Rimjhim Gire Saawan.
My mood changed positively. I love this song. This song gives me chills whenever I listen to it. The rain and this song. Waah.
"This is my favourite song." Manasvi exclaimed.
"Even mine." I said, in astonishment.
"Rimjhim gire sawaan
Sulag sulag jaaye mann
Bhige aaj iss mausam mein
Lagi kaisi yeh agan." sang Manasvi, along with the song playing.
"Jab ghungruosi bajati hain boonde
Armaa humare palke naa moonde" I joined her. She looked at me, giving me her electrifying smile.
And then she sang, "Kaise dekhe sapne nayan
Sulag sulag jaaye mann."
"Pehle bhiyu toh barse the baadal, pehle bhiyu toh bhiga tha aachal,
Abke baras kyu sajan sulag sulag jaaye mann."
"Iss baar saawan behka hua hain, iss baar mausam behka hua hain."
Jaane pike kya sajan sulag sulag jaaye mann."
"Mehfil main kaise kehde kisise, dil bandh raha hain kisi ajnabi se.
Haaye kare ab kya jatan sulag sulag jaaye mann, bhige aaj iss mausam mein lagi kaisi yeh agan."
We sang turn by turn.
Snapping fingers, enjoying, laughing, seeing the outside scene. People trying to escape the rain. Running. Waving hands towards the rickshaw drivers to make them stop. Children dancing in the rain, making paper boats, and trying to make them float on the puddle. People standing in a group under the roofs of the shops. Tea-stallers and pakode-sellers selling their tea and pakodas, making a business out of monsoon. Couples enjoying the rain, romancing, some of them trying to imitate my father.
And some like us listening to the radio.
"Rimjhim gire saawan sulag sulag jaaye mann,
Bhige aaj iss mausam mein lagi kaisi yeh agan." We sang this line together.
We reached the station. Stopping the car I said, "You sing really well."
To which she replied, "Thankyou. I also act well." and smiled.
"Yeah." I said, "You are pretty talented, I saw you rehears. You should learn more. You are good at it. Don't waste your talent."
"Thankyou. I won't waste my talent." said Manasvi.
She opened the door and then her umbrella. Got out of the car, closed the door. I opened the window to say her 'goodbye, see you soon, but before I could say anything she said, "I don't make false excuses, I didn't lie to bunk the session. I had my class, our sir was going to teach us derivatives. As you know, how important that chapter is. I couldn't miss it either. I am very serious about my craft. I can act well, I want to learn it more."
I smiled at her innocence and truthfulness.
"Trust me, I ain't lying." she said.
"I trust you."
Hearing this from me, she went away.
I watched her go away. She and her umbrella. First getting blurred and in a few seconds fading completely.
I started my car and drove back home.
