Notes of Love

meet by chance

Nandini stood at the edge of the stage, her heart racing as her classmates laughed and jeered at those who had rehearsed for Musicana. The cacophony of their mockery felt like a physical weight on her shoulders, amplifying her stage fright. She had left the quiet, comforting streets of Mangalore to care for her grandmother in bustling Mumbai, a city that overwhelmed her with its fast pace and the indifference of her peers at SPACE Academy. Their rudeness stung, especially when she saw the tall guy throw a piece of chalk at the boy who had just sung, adding to the atmosphere of cruelty.

When her name was called, a wave of dread washed over her. She felt out of place in her simple sea green kurti amidst the trendy outfits of her classmates. As she made her way to the podium, the laughter echoed in her ears, a reminder of her vulnerability. 

"That's typical behenji," one girl taunted, causing her to wish she could disappear. However, as she sat down with her Veena, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, summoning memories of her grandmother's encouragement and the solace music had provided her since childhood.

As she began to play, something shifted within her. With each note, her anxiety dissipated, replaced by a profound sense of peace. The serene smile that blossomed on her face reflected the joy she found in the music, a world where she could express her emotions freely, unburdened by the harshness of her surroundings. When she finished, the silence that enveloped the room was deafening. Doubt crept back in, had she really done well? But when she caught the tall guy's astonished gaze, something flickered in her chest. Maybe she had surprised them after all.

Retreating to her corner, she felt a blend of vulnerability and relief. Music had always been her refuge, a reminder of her parents and the love they had for her. Just as she began to jot down her thoughts, a voice broke through her reverie.

"Hey!" the tall guy said, stepping closer.

Startled, Nandini looked up. "Hi," she replied, her voice soft and small.

"It's Manik Malhotra," he introduced himself, extending his hand. Nandini hesitated, then shook it, feeling the warmth of his grip.

"Nandini," she mumbled, barely meeting his gaze.

"What?" he asked, leaning in slightly, trying to catch her words.

"Nandini Murthy, that's my name," she repeated, her shyness bubbling beneath the surface.

"I know that," he replied, a smile breaking across his face. "You sing really well."

"Thanks," Nandini said, surprised by his compliment but feeling the urge to downplay it. "I know."

Manik raised an eyebrow, sensing her discomfort. "You really have a gift. Seems like you're new here. Need any help settling in?"

"No thanks," she mumbled, unsure how to continue the conversation. They stood in an awkward silence, both searching for words. Manik studied her, captivated by her dove-shaped eyes, which held a world of innocence and hidden strength.

"Um, so... what do you like to do besides singing?" he finally asked, trying to break the tension.

"I... I like writing," she said, glancing down at her notes. "Music inspires me."

"Writing, huh? That's cool. Maybe we could collaborate sometime," he suggested, his tone light and hopeful.

Nandini felt a flutter of excitement but replied cautiously, "Maybe."

"Okay then," he said, sensing her hesitation. "I should get going. But, uh... it was nice to meet you, Nandini."

"Nice to meet you too," she murmured, watching him leave. As he exited, a bittersweet feeling settled in her chest. For a brief moment, she had been seen, and the possibility of a friendship lingered in the air, leaving her both confused and hopeful as she returned to her notes, contemplating the new chapter unfolding before her.