Aarav Banerjee, the mysterious 16 year old guy who only speaks when necessary but whenever he does, everyone else listens. He's not popular but he's well known. He's not quiet, he's hiding behind a mask. The mask she wants to unravel.
Aastha Sethi...
"First participant is... Aarav Banarjee for solo singing!" The host announces and I quickly go to the backstage.
I saw Aastha in that dress and almost forgot the reason I was here. She looked gorgeous and I couldn't even take my eyes off her.
I get my guitar and walk under the spotlight on the stage.
This is it. I am doing this. I am freeing something that I caged inside me three years ago. My voice.
FLASHBACK
"What are you thinking about?" My dad asks me while we have dinner.
"There's this event in college tomorrow. Aastha wants me to go. I was wondering if I should." I reply honestly.
"Why not? It's your first college event. You guys study so much, you deserve a night off" He says.
"Yeah, you're right" I say
"In fact, You should perform. I haven't heard you sing since so long". He points out.
Tears sting the back of my eyes and my chest tightens at the change of topic.
"She loved my voice. Now that she's gone, I don't think I will ever be able to sing." I say not avoiding the truth.
"Let her be the reason you continue singing. How would she feel when she finds out that you trapped your dreams just because she's not here?" He replies with teary eyes.
"She would be mad at me." I reply, a lone tear trailing down my check.
"I know you miss them. I do too. But you can't pause your life, it goes on. Everything will get better soon." He says patting my head.
"How do you do it? How do you forget about it? How do you sleep at night, papa?" I ask desperate for an answer.
My hands shake and he wraps an arm around my shoulder. He hugs me while I cry.
"Do you really think I can forget about them? They are a part of us and we can't forget them. But we can move on with time. With the memories still in our heart." He says soothingly.
I nod wiping the tears with the back of my hand.
"You're crying too?!" I say half laughing and half crying.
He wipes his tears, chuckling.
"I am going to do it. I am gonna perform". I say as he gives me his usual 'I am proud of you' smile.
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FLASHBACK ENDS
So this is me getting my voice back. This is me trying.
I start playing 'Tum se hi' as everyone looks at me expectantly.
