Theodore Edward eyes still sparkle as he recounts his tale to the orphanage children.
".......and that's where I first met her at the Danser's Hemel opera. My sister Regina Knight was performing ballet , and I had gone to support her".
The children lean in, intrigued.
"After her stunning performance I congratulated her and gave a warm hug,handling a bouquet of elegant white liles, soon I stepped out to attend an important call
One of my patients was in line as the call ended and a cool breeze hit me then I heard the enchanting sound of a Salangai, like nothing I'd ever experienced"Theo's hand gesture, as if beckoned by the memory.
"My feet moved on their own, drawn to the melody. I entered the hall, and that's when I saw her..... Razia, dancing with such grace and passion".
His eyes lock onto a distant memory.
"I was stunned frozen in awe. The world around me melted away, leaving Razia and her captivating dance".
The children's eyes widen, captivated by Theo's tale.
"What happened next, sir??"a curious voice asks
She stood gracefully, draped in a resplendent peacock-colored saree that mesmerized the senses. The intricate fabric hugged her curves, accentuating her slender waist and subtle hips, which peeked tantalizingly from beneath the elegantly pleated folds. Her tan skin glowed with a warm, honey-like radiance, as if kissed by the sun. The saree's vibrant blues and greens danced across her body, evoking the majesty of a peacock's plumage. As she danced, the fabric flowed like a river, revealing fleeting glimpses of her delicate ankles and petite feet. Her dark hair cascaded down her back, framing her heart-shaped face and bright, expressive eyes that sparkled like polished gemstones.
As she took the stage, her peacock-hued saree shimmered under the lights, its intricate folds rustling softly with every movement. With eyes closed, she breathed in the ancient rhythms, her body attuning to the beat. The nattuvangam's rhythmic clicks beckoned, and her eyelids fluttered open, revealing a depth of devotion.
Her hands, adorned with delicate finger rings, weaved intricate patterns in the air, as if conjuring sacred geometries. Each mudra told a story, her fingers dancing with precision and grace. Her feet, adorned with Salangai, tapped out the rhythm with crystalline clarity, the bells singing in harmony.
As the music swelled, her body became a fluid extension of the melody, every gesture, every movement, a testament to the ancient art of Bharatanatyam. Her face, aglow with passion, radiated an inner light, transcending mortal bounds.
With each nuanced expression, she embodied the divine, channeling the timeless energies of the universe. Time stood still as she danced, her very essence merging with the cosmos.
Theo navigated through the dispersing crowd, his eyes scanning the sea of faces for a glimpse of her. He had to meet her, to congratulate her on her mesmerizing Bharatanatyam performance.
As he approached, he found her surrounded by admirers, all clamoring for her attention. Fans thrust autograph books and pens towards her, while others simply gazed at her in awe. She smiled graciously, her eyes shining with exhaustion and exhilaration.
Theo's medical instincts kicked in as he observed her, noting the faint shadows under her eyes, the subtle tremble of her hands. He longed to ensure she was well, to offer his expertise.
Just as he contemplated pushing through the crowd, his pager beeped, shrill in the evening air. A hospital staff member approached him, urgency etched on their face. "Dr. Theo, emergency surgery scheduled. Patient requires your immediate attention."
Duty called, and Theo couldn't ignore it. With a heavy heart, he turned away, relinquishing his chance to meet her. As he hastened towards the hospital, the image of her radiant smile lingered, etched in his mind.
"Maybe someday," he whispered to himself.
YOU ARE READING
Echoes of Salangai
FantasyIn 1920s India, A talented Bharatnatyam dancer, Razia , travels to Uk for a performance . where captivates Theo's heart , a charming doctor. As their paths entwine , cultural boundaries blur, and secrets unfold, will their love overcome the tragedie...