UNSPOKEN BONDS

1. Bassless Thoughts & Tangled Mess

© archanaj1308 2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

SAMARTH RAGHAVAN MEHTA

The bustling streets of Singapore hummed with the energy of the evening rush hour. I leaned against the railing of my apartment balcony, staring out at the Marina Bay Sands glittering in the distance. Usually, this view brought me a sense of calm, but tonight, my mind was elsewhere.

I’m Samarth Raghavan Mehta, a businessman based in Singapore. My passions include cricket, football, and the arts. Devoted to Lord Krishna, I find solace in Hindustani classical music—a tradition cherished by my family. On my maternal side, music flows like a gentle river. In my father's words if I put it, my mother, younger sister Sejal, and I possess exceptional vocal talents.

Alongside us, my cousins Ashwathy and Ashwin, and their parents Venkat Mama & Priya Mami—my maternal uncle and aunt—are also accomplished singers. Ashwin and Ashwathy pursued Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degrees in Audio Production at LASALLE College of the Arts, specializing in music production, sound design, and audio technology. They are not only passionate musicians but also trained professionals in the field.

I took a short-term course in vocal training and music production at KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, where I stayed for eight months. During that time, Ashwin pursued a diploma in electronic music production for a year. We lived together in our grandparents' house in Chennai, a place steeped in familial history. We also have family homes in Mumbai, belonging to our respective fathers.

After gaining experience at various studios and honing his skills, Ashwin has ventured to establish his own production house, 'The Harmony Studios.'  With the unwavering support of his family, Ashwin has set up his studio at his home base, attracting a decent number of projects both online and offline. Ashwathy, Sejal, and I also assist him at times. Ashwathy works at Snakeweed Studios, one of Singapore’s top audio production studios.

Priya, my Mami, a Carnatic music teacher, enriches our lives and those of her students with melodies that transcend borders. Recently, my mother joined her in teaching Carnatic music, and together, they spread our musical heritage worldwide. For us, music isn't merely a pastime; it’s a profound connection that binds our family closer than blood. My Mama, Mami, Ashwin, and Ashwathy live in Pebble Bay, located just a short distance from The Waterside, where we live. We all reside on Tanjong Rhu Road.

I took a sip of my chai, savoring the familiar taste that reminded me of my other home—Mumbai. The impending trip to Mumbai with my family, Kriti, and her family for a business merger loomed over me like a storm cloud. While I was accustomed to these corporate affairs, my thoughts kept drifting to Ammu.

Ammu—Amrithashree Srinivasan—was more than just a friend. We had grown up together, our families intertwined through business and age-old friendship. I admired her deeply for her unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna and her infectious zest for life. She had a way of bringing out the best in everyone around her, including me. Effervescent, innocent, naive yet adorable—she is a true pure soul.

Her father and my father have been best friends since childhood—practically inseparable—so we’ve known each other since diapers! In fact, I was just a year old when she was born.

Another bond that ties us is the longstanding friendship between Ashwin's maternal grandmother and Ammu's paternal grandmother, a connection that has stood the test of time.

Ammu’s family is also closely connected with Ashwin’s maternal side, especially with Priya Mami and Prashant Mamu (Ashwin and Ashwathy’s maternal uncle).