Hope Believe Magic

Practice begins

Workshop started on Monday with full swing. Mr. Gopi was well prepared. He had written the entire script, including the music notes, almost two years ago. This project was very close to his heart. So on day 1 he wanted his entire team present, the actors, the musicians, the choreographers and even the little kids who were just going to perform at the beginning of the play. AK was given a later check in time so when he walked in the entire team was already on the stage. He noticed that the choreographer was working with a group of kids, who were from her dance school so they seemed to have learnt a little bit of the dance already.

AK quickly waved at Gopi sir who nodded in acknowledgment but quickly looked away to focus on the choreography. AK's eyes was looking around for that one face but she was nowhere to be seen. He took a seat on the front row. Just as he sat, he heard Gopi sir yelling, "Ok let's go. Can we start the music please?" The children backed up to get to their spots behind the curtains. The stage was now empty. Gopi sir gestured for the music to begin and it started with the sound of the flute indicating the rise of the sun and then the curtain went up. He noticed a person lying on the floor but couldn't see who it was. Then the kids slowly danced their way up while the lyrics indicated it was time for the princess to wake up. AK's heart literally skipped a beat with what happened next. The music slowed down and the most beautiful voice started to sing while she stretched out from the lying down position. She sang a few lines until she walked up to the center stage to join the kids, then the music began and she started dancing like a butterfly. AK was mesmerized by her grace. His eyes and mouth were wide open. She was simply unbelievable. Her gorgeous smile and those expressive eyes took his breath away. The song was over and Gopi sir mentioned some corrections. After listening to him intently, Shivu quickly glanced at AK and waved at him with a big smile. He nodded and waved back smiling. Gopi sir screamed, "Good job guys, let's take a quick break. There are some cookies and juice for the kids. You can leave for the day. We will be working with the actors for the rest of the day."

Shivu quickly gave a group hug to the kids and thanked the choreographer. Then she walked up to AK, sipping her water bottle. "hi" she said. He smiled and said, "Hi, Neenga semmaya paadareenga adhoda semmaiya aadareenga. Enakku ippo konjam bayama irukku. Unga alavu ellam naan perform panna maaten." She blushed and said, "Ayo Neenga vera. Summa enna kalaaikaadheenga. Neenga acting la pinnu peddle edukka poreenga. Adhu thaan main. Namma rendu perukkum serndhu 2 dances irukku pola irukku apparam unga intro dance um onnu irukku." He nodded again and said, "Haan aama Gopi sir sonaar. Adhu thaan inniki morning kooda dance class thaan poitu varen. Ungala madiri grace ellam illai enakku. Football um gym kum pona eppidi grace varum?" He laughed and she joined but immediately added, "Appidi ellam illai."

Just then Gopi sir looked at them and said, "Ennoda hero heroine konjam inge vareengala? Anga irukara chemistry ya appidiye stage ku kondu vaanga paapom?" AK and Shivu both turned red in embarrassment listening to that but Shivu also felt an instant butterfly in her stomach. They walked up to the stage and the scene was him telling her what a beauty she was and she had to ignore him and walk away. This scene was like a piece of cake and they were both brilliant. Shivu was impressed at how quickly AK could memorize his lines and emote just so perfectly. She had to remind herself that this was just acting and not the reality.

Both of them recognized each other's talent right on the first day and were naturally reacting to each other. It was just magical to watch them.  The entire team was just excited to be the following days and could wait to see the entire play come alive and each day Shivu and AK felt the need to be with each other, although, they thought it was all the excitement about the play.

Was it really just the play? Will they recognize the magnetic attraction beyond that?

Brinda Subramanian