𝐑𝐚𝐚𝐛𝐭𝐚: 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 & 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 [ON HOLD TILL MARCH 2025]

7. A Night To Remember

🤍

After a ride of about 45 minutes, they arrived at the venue, and Hardik parked the bike. Tara took off her helmet and quickly checked her reflection in a nearby window. "Okay, you got this," she whispered to herself. "Just focus on the song."

Inside, the event was in full swing, with people chatting, laughing, and enjoying.
The performers were getting ready as the program was about to begin.

Hardik excused himself, "You wait here, I'll just talk to the authorities and come back." Tara nodded and waited there in anticipation.

Hardik came back after a while. "Tara, you will be the last one to perform. I have some work so I have to go. Sorry, I can't be here with you."

"It's alright, Hardik. I'll be fine", Tara assured him.

Hardik smiled softly, " All the best. You got this." Tara returned a genuine smile. He continued, "Call me as soon as you finish, okay? I'll come to pick you up." Tara nodded and with that Hardik left.

As she was led backstage to get ready, she couldn’t help but smile. Despite the craziness of the evening, there was something thrilling about it all. And for a moment, just a moment, she allowed herself to forget about everything else. Tonight, it was just her and the music.

•••

The host announced her name, and the audience clapped encouragingly. Tara stepped out onto the stage, the bright lights shining down on her. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and let the music take over. The first notes of "Ghar More Pardesiya" filled the air, and she began to sing.

"Raghukul reet sadaa chali aayi
Praan jaaye par vachan na jayi

Ta di ya na dheem
De re ta na de re nom
Ta di ya na dheem
De re ta na de re nom
Ta di ya na dheem