Beyond The Golden Skies

♛ 16: Soulful Melody •

The scent of newly blossomed jasmine bushes wafted in the air. The twilight sky was a canvas of rich paint strokes-lavender, gold and fire red. Ayush held the car door open for his father. Darshak had sent his driver to pick them up. For the first time in years, Amar took care to look good for his son's recording session. He sported a white cotton sherwani like a wedding guest. Though he was over-dressed, Ayush brimmed with happiness seeing his father breaking out of a shell.

The air-conditioned interiors and spacious seats made Amar feel like his son was already a star. His heart silently ached for his wife's company. He smoothed the few spikes of Ayush's hair. "Now you look amazing. You should have dressed better."

Ayush had stuck to a rustic formal shirt and pants. "This is should be enough for me, Papa."

Amar tsked. "Children these days. Anyway, if you're comfortable that's enough for me."

Traversing across the main roads and bylanes, the car stopped right outside the studio gate.

"This is it, Papa."

Amar raised his eyebrows, certainly impressed. "Looks posh and solid."

"Let's go in."

Amar nodded and followed his son into the studio. They were welcomed by Darshak and two others with him. After exchanging pleasantries, he acquainting everyone in the room. Tanuj, a rotund man with a calculated smile, was the video director and co-sponsor. Rishabh, lanky with a beak like nose, worked as Darshak's assistant.

Darshak settled on a leather chair beside Amar, tapping his fingers on his thighs, while Ayush reclined awkwardly in the centre of the five men.

"You are the next rising music star, Ayush. Many were astonished by your performance at The Amore Grande inauguration," Tanuj said.

Ayush faintly recalled seeing him in the audience at the restaurant.

"I wanted to contact you right there, but someone told me your wife was unwell."

"Wife?! What is this, Ashu?" Amar said, gnashing his teeth.

"It was not me, sir."

"I remember it was you. Your wife, or whoever she is, was wearing your coat."

Ayush groaned and avoided his father's burning gaze. "N-no, I was . . ."

Darshak sensed something fishy and intervened in Ayush's defence. "I think you saw someone else, Tanuj Bhai. Our Ayush is not married."

"Oh, my bad! I must've confused you with another person."

Ayush passed a grateful glance at Darshak who winked his eyes with a discreet smile.

"Shall we begin the session?" Darshak asked.

"I'd like to sing once for all of you. You can tell me where to make changes."

"Of course."

Ayush inhaled a deep breath and started singing. Utter silence prevailed in the studio. All were focused on his compelling voice and incredible hitting of high notes. Heeding Darshak's advice the previous day, he smoothly transitioned into the low notes.