Beyond The Golden Skies

♛ 15: Musical Leap •

For a month, Ayush's life rotated like a hamster wheel. Wake up, ride to the office, attend meetings, return home, sleep. Repeat it over and over. He made a deal with Sakshi not to call or message her till her exams were completed, however, she could call him in case of an emergency or doubt. Such a scenario didn't arise.

His boss, Yash the alligator, had morphed into a teeny bunny after interacting with Sakshi. That was a bummer as Ayush's life was turning boring. He craved for some thrill, even if it meant locking horns with Yash, but the latter ceased bothering him. Gaurav's family were off to Pune for fifteen days as two of his cousins were tying the knot.

Only Amar Singh kept him company during the evenings with teatime and commentary on cricket matches. The months spent with Sakshi had soaked his life with colours. Without her, his entire world looked like globs of black and white. Not even a hint of grey.

Another monotonous Sunday. Amar
slumbered in his room after taking his medicines. Ayush rested on the bed with his phone, revisiting the songs he and Sakshi used to listen to. A part of him still couldn't come to terms that she accepted his love. Convincing both their families would be a mammoth task. Maybe a miracle might happen which would change their parents' minds. He didn't have to worry about that for another two years till Sakshi completed her MBA.

A message popped on his phone screen. Naveen Bansal. Wondering what prompted the man to get in touch again, Ayush answered the call.

"Good after, Ayush."

"Very good afternoon, Naveen."

During the course of the inauguration, Naveen and Ayush started conversing on a first name basis.

"Would this be a good time to talk to you?"

"Of course."

"I was wondering if you'd be free this evening?"

"Don't have anything lined up. What's it about?"

"It's a special opportunity from a small-time music director. Can you come over to Darsh Music Studio? It's near Planet Mall, I'll send the address."

His palms tingled at the prospect. "Sure!"

"Five PM, today?"

"Perfect!"

"I won't be coming, but you need not worry. I've told everything about you to the composer."

"Oh, alright, Naveen. It would be nice if you're also present."

"I'd love to join you, but I have some work. You go ahead. All the best!"

"Thanks, Naveen. Looking forward to it."

Ayush sat up straight, stretching out his arms and legs on the bed. He rapped his fingers to an internal tune humming in his mind. He speculated what the new offer could be- another inaugural ceremony? A wedding orchestra? Whatever it was, he would give his best and prove his mettle as a singer.

When Amar woke up in the evening, Ayush sported a sweatshirt with corduroy pants. He engaged himself in meticulously dusting the strings and bridge pins of his guitar with a soft brush. He flashed a quick smile at his father and continued to work.

"Ashu, what's all this for?"

"Remember Mr Naveen Bansal, Papa?"

"That event organiser?"

"Yeah, he called me a while ago. He has a new opportunity for me."

"How nice."

"Guess what? He invited me to a professional music studio!"