How I Wish I Were You (ON HOLD)

Chapter 1:- Held Back

"Log dekhte hai bas meri yeh hasi

Jiske saath ro sakun aisa koi aas paas nahi

Waqt beet jaata hai yunhi aate jaate

Waqt beet jaata hai yunhi aate jaate

Ghar par intezaar karne wala mera koi khaas nahi

Main jaag raha hoon, aur yeh chand bhi jaag raha hai

Humare jaisa iss duniya mein koi udaas nahi"

Rounds of applauds resonated throughout the grand hall of one of the most posh residencies of the city as a weak smile etched onto his face. His lips pursed into a grim expression as his steps faltered, the dazzling spotlight no longer embracing his darkness. Another incessant lump formed in his throat at seeing such a large crowd clap for him, all the while slowly fading into nothingness. It wasn't stage fright. It was the intimidation the pitch blackness brought.

Grabbing a leather strap, he slung it over his shoulder and soon produced a soft note through his strum. With a newfound grin caused by an eruption of cheers, his fingers continued to fidget with the familiar strings as his voice found yet another temporary purpose again. The notes started off soft and detached, urging people to sway to his melodious tunes. His eyes closed in euphony as his hums echoed in his ears. Music had always provided solace to him; its sounds reaching the closest to his caged heart. A wave of twenty years worth of memories swam in front of his closed eyes, each memory widening his lingering smile. Of childhood days. Of crazy banter. Of loyal friends.

And then the beat stopped, and for a second so did his heart. His eyes cracked open and so did the tranquility. The fingers strumming his guitar hastened their speed, rushing their way through the musical chords. An unsettling feeling settled at the pit of his stomach and the curve on his lips vanished to an austere, straight line. Sweat beads formed on his forehead as his eyes found darkness behind squeezed lids once again. The music harshened and so did his fingers. Until it touched the highest note, his last straw.

Another round of cheers exploded in the massive hall as his eyes opened to reality once again. Shaking his hand out of brutal pain, he prohibited any signs of pessimism on his face and plastered the casual smile back.

"Another round of applause for the brilliant Sameer Maheshwari!" The anchor boisterously made his presence onto the stage. The spotlight once again found its way to Sameer as he clutched his guitar.

"Thank you so much Mr. Maheshwari! You've made this Navratri party an astounding memory for many generations to come!" The anchor pat his back as Sameer caught another glance, clapping for him in pride.

With a curt bow, he made his way off stage, only to be engulfed in a tight hug by the two pillars of strength in his life.

"You rocked it, man!" Munna cheered while Pandit jumped onto him "Once again!"

Sameer's feet rocked at the much wanted burden as he voiced through muffled laughs, "How could I have done this without you two?"

Munna and Pandit; the two lifelines, the only constant in Sameer Maheshwari's life.

"Are you okay?" Munna hesitated, worry spreading across his face. Sameer looked away, "Was it that obvious?"

"Not to the oblivion." Pandit clarified, raising his eyebrows towards his the crowd. "But to us, yes." He completed.

"I'm fine." Sameer attempted, only to get sarcasm in return.

'We've known you since the first day of school, Sameer. So don't you try lying to us." Munna retorted.