CLICHÉ

6.2 CONCERT

We arrived at the concert, five minutes late. Rahul pulled the car in the parking lot, right in front of the auditorium. The auditorium was small, wasn't fancy as such. No guards on the door. Looked like anyone could just walk in.

'Krunal's Auditorium' the nameplate swung downwards. The orotund noise of music coming from inside indicated that the show has already begun.

'Finally. Let's go now.' I said.

Ok Deb! remember that you haven't told anyone about Lilly. So, in order to avoid any suspicion, don't cheer too much for her. I made a mental note.

We walked in. In the front; there was a stage compatible for 5 to 6 people. There were seats to the left and right; separated by a walking pathway leading to the stage. From the extreme left there was a trail leading to the backstage, and to the extreme right I could see washrooms.
The event didn't receive much publicity. Even the Audience looked dull. Not more than 50 people, all jaded. A band of 3 people were playing guitar on the stage. Thankfully, it wasn't her band.

I should look for her backstage.

'Hey listen, you guys. Go take a place.' I said. 'I will join you in a while.' I screamed to overpower the loud noise, coming from the stage.
'Where you going?' Abhishek yelled back.
'Backstage.'
'why?'
'To say 'hi' to... umm... a friend. Will be back in couple of minutes. Save me a seat.'

I surged toward the back stage. There was no door just a big curtain separating the area behind the stage. Outside voices, dwindled as I closed the drape.

All performers wore dark colored, glittery clothes. Actually, 'cloths' is not the word, it's more like a costume. I don't know what's the deal with rock stars and black clothing?

Most of them had spikes with every shade of color, other than black. It was hard to tell who was a boy and who was a girl as most of them had the same length of hair and had a heavy makeup on.

They looked like bullies. I was the odd one out, wearing normal cloths. I started searching the one who invited me. Carefully finding my way, not wanting to push any of them. Don't know what they will do, maybe smash their guitar on me.

She wore a black top and black shorts; both had a shining glittery silver finish on them. She had matching black high boot on.

Her hair, a little messed up. Dark red lipstick and strong makeup on. Mascara making her eyes, bolder than usual. A large earring clasping on left ear.

I found Lilly sitting at a corner, alone. She was doing something with her guitar strings. She looked smoking hot, I drew in a sharp breath.

'Hi' I greeted.
'Hey. You came.' She said with a huge smile.

Keeping her guitar aside, she gave me a hug. My body got paralyzed for a few seconds. I guess it might be normal for a guy who, hugged by a girl he likes. My body trembled, after the hug.

'You alright?' She questioned.
'Yes, just a little cold, nothing else.' I said. 'so, how are you?'
'I am good. My performance is little late, so I was just tuning my guitar.'
'Glad I didn't miss your act. So, everything's done?'
'You bet.'

'You nervous?' I immediately regretted asking.
She might have done a lot of shows. What a stupid question. But I can't help it. I get nervous around her.

'No, not really. This isn't my first time.' She said with a smile.

Why is her smile so perfect?

'Oh, Well I don't know what to say then?' I genuinely didn't know what else to say.

Never asked any musician about their work before, never had any experience with the music instruments or about music concert for that matter.