Ties That Bind

Chapter 33 Tales Through Tunes

The night had draped London in the manner of a velvet curtain, and I found myself ensconced within the inviting confines of Sam's cosy apartment, a haven that had evolved to shield me from the city's ceaseless commotion.

Sam, with a thoughtful expression, glanced at me with a twinkle in his eyes and said, "You know, Shivin, I really admire your voice."

I turned to him, surprised by the compliment. "My voice?" I found myself taken aback by the compliment, as I had often received criticism for it. "But my voice is rather dreadful. How can you possibly admire it?"

"Yes, you have the most distinctive voice I've ever encountered. I've yet to come across anyone quite like you," Sam's words now swathed me in such a sentiment of amiability that I felt a hint of moisture in my eyes, longing to shed a tear or two.

"My voice?" I repeated.

Sam nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, your voice. It's unique, full of warmth and emotion. I've often wondered if you have a hidden talent."

I chuckled, feeling both flattered and intrigued. "Well, I've never really thought of myself as a singer. I mean, I sing in the shower sometimes, but that's about it."

Sam leaned in closer, his voice taking on a hint of playful intrigue. "That's exactly what I'm talking about, Shivin. Late-night shower performances can be the most heartfelt."

A grin crept across my face. "You have quite the imagination, Sam."

Sam's gaze held mine, his request sincere. "Would you consider singing a song for me, right here, right now? Just a snippet, if you'd prefer. I'd love to hear your voice."

I blinked, taken aback by his request. "Sing? You really want me to sing?"

My initial reaction was one of surprise. I blinked, caught off guard by his unexpected request, as if time itself had momentarily stilled. The notion of singing for someone had always been a vulnerable act for me, and the idea of unveiling that part of myself felt both daunting and exhilarating.

Sam reassured me with a smile. "Shivin, I promise, your voice is truly unique. There's something about it that I've always admired."

I remained uncertain, expressing my hesitation. "I appreciate your kind words, Sam, but singing in front of someone is quite intimidating."

With a reassuring demeanour, Sam leaned in slightly, his eyes full with earnestness. "I understand it can be nerve-wracking, but this is a safe space, just you and me. Your voice has a certain charm, a uniqueness. It would mean the world to me to hear it."

I paused, contemplating his words. "Well, I do trust you, Sam. Okay, I'll give it a try, but please don't expect anything extraordinary."

Sam's acknowledgement and encouragement shone through as he replied, "Thank you, Shivin. I know you'll do brilliantly. Trust me, you don't have to sing to impress me; rather, sing to share a piece of your soul with me."

It was a moment when vulnerability intersected with trust, and as I readied myself to sing, the room appeared to suspend its breath, anticipating the initial notes that would imbue the area with music and sentiment.

Then, in a hushed, soulful voice, I began to sing the opening lines of "Bol Do Na Zara," the haunting melody permeating the space :

Itni Mohabbat Karo Na
Main Doob Na Jaaun Kahin
Wapas Kinare Pe Aana
Main Bhool Na Jaun Kahin

As the words left my lips and hung in the air, I sensed the room falling silent, almost as if every nook and cranny, and every piece of furniture, withheld its breath. The song's poignant elegance enfolded us, and in that instance, it seemed as though the external world had dissolved, leaving solely the music and the bond shared between Sam and me.

Sam's gaze never left mine while I carried on with my singing, and there was a deep affection in his eyes that reflected the sentiments expressed in the song. The words flowed effortlessly, as if they had been waiting for this very moment, this quiet night in Sam's flat where my voice could find its way into his heart. As I approached the final notes, the ultimate words of the song suspended in the atmosphere, reminiscent of a bittersweet memory. The room remained hushed for a heartbeat, and then, Sam broke into applause, his hands coming together in a heartfelt ovation.

"That was incredible, Shivin," he exclaimed, his voice brimming with sincere admiration. "You've got such a lovely voice, and your singing brought a touch of enchantment to this night."

Blushing slightly, I replied, "Thank you, Sam. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Sam's smile was radiant. "More than enjoyed it. You have a gift, Shivin."

Flushed with the warmth of Sam's praise, I mustered the courage to ask, "You know, Sam, I've heard you hum along to some tunes. Your voice, it's got to be something special too. Would you sing for me?"

Sam's smile remained, though there was a hint of hesitation in his eyes. "Oh, I don't know, Shivin. I'm not much of a singer."

"Sam, it's not about being a professional. It's about sharing a piece of yourself, just like you said to me. Please, sing something you love. For us."

He looked at me for a long moment, the flickering candlelight casting intriguing shadows on his face. Finally, he sighed softly and nodded. "Alright, Shivin. I'll give it a try."

Sam's voice, as he began singing "With All My Heart" by JVKE, was nothing short of mesmerising. It flowed like liquid honey, each note rich and velvety, weaving a spell that held me captive from the very first word. The room seemed to disappear around us as he sang. His voice was like a cuckoo's song in the spring, carrying the weight of the lyrics with a tangible intensity. I watched in stunned silence, my heart echoing with every note, like the call of a distant cuckoo.

If I measured my mistakes
And the decisions that I've made
They're like a song I wrote with foolish words I can't erase
And I hope that when I'm gone

As he reached the chorus, his voice soared, hitting notes with precision and passion that sent shivers down my spine. I could feel the raw emotion in his singing, as if he was pouring his heart and soul into every word. It was a performance that transcended mere singing; it was an expression of pure, unadulterated feeling. It was a moment of vulnerability and trust, a reciprocal exchange of the most intimate parts of ourselves through music, strengthening our bond even further. I found myself breathless, my eyes locked onto Sam, unable to tear them away.

When he eventually concluded, the room retained its quietude momentarily, as if the melody still hung in the air, unwilling to release its hold on us. I was left in a daze, unable to speak, inundated by the sheer splendour of what had just unfolded before me. Sam, his eyes reflecting vulnerability and pride in equal measure, glanced at me, his voice barely rising above a murmur. "Shivin, are you alright?"

I blinked, finally finding my voice, though it trembled with emotion. "Sam, that was... that was incredible. I'm not sure I've ever heard anything so beautiful."

A warm, appreciative smile spread across Sam's face, and he reached out to me, his hand finding mine. "Thank you, Shivin. Music has a way of connecting us, of touching the deepest parts of our souls. I'm glad I could share that with you."

Sam's singing had not only stunned me; it had touched my heart in a way that words could never fully express.