Love and Music

Emergency

The next day, Rahul picked up Arshi at 10:00 AM, and they left for the work in the studio as they had some work with the new piece of music that they were preparing for a film. The studio was empty with no one else except the two of them. They completed the work by 2:00 PM, after which they headed to a restaurant for some lunch. They both were starving as they had not eaten anything except innumerable cups of coffee. During lunchtime, Arshi shared her excitement with Rahul, and the funniest part was that Rahul was more excited than Arshi to meet mom. He wanted to make a good impression of himself in front of her. 

The day of Arshi's parents' arrival was a Sunday, and they had no concerts that weekend and no work in the studio too. So Arshi had all the time to herself and wanted to spend most of her time with her parents. She tried to introduce Rahul as soon as possible to her parents and inform them about how he felt about the entire situation. She hoped that her parents would be as accepting as Rahul's parents. 

Arshi had called her mother on Saturday night to inquire about the time of arrival. The flight was going to be landing at 10:30 AM. Arshi went to the Airport to pick them up and bring them home. They reached home at 11:45 AM. Arshi had asked Lata di to prepare lunch for everyone. Arshi and her parents had lunch at 12:30 PM and chatted. Post lunch, Arshi's father went off to sleep in their room, and Arshi's mother and Arshi sat down in Arshi's room to talk with her for some time. Arshi's mother asked her, "How is Mumbai treating you, and how do you like your new life as an artist?" Arshi answered, "It is incredible. It is an absolute honor to perform with them. I have also started programming and Co-producing music with Rahul Ved and Akshat Sir, for a few films and albums.

Moreover, I am now working on a background score for a film. It is all good, and I love performing on stage, and I am so happy to have got such great opportunities. Thanks to Akshat Sir. By the way, Mom, you had informed me that you had some surprise for me.." She was about to continue and tell her about Rahul, but her mother interrupted her in between, "Yes. I had a surprise for you. You will surely love it." Arshi's phone rang, and she excused herself. It was Akshat, Sir, and he asked, "Arshi, Will it be possible for you to come to the studio now. There is an emergency. Call up and inform Rahul also. I tried calling him up, but he did not pick up." Arshi replied, "Yes, Sir. I will be there immediately. I shall inform Rahul too." Arshi changed her clothes and informed mom, "There is an emergency, and I need to leave immediately. You can tell me the surprise after I return." Mom was said, but she could not help it. Arshi grabbed her bag and left. On the way, she called up Rahul and informed him to get ready. She offered her to pick him up, and he agreed. Arshi reached Rahul's place where he was already prepared and was standing near the gate. He was looking handsome, and Arshi felt that he had taken some efforts to dress up, which was not usual. She inquired him about the same, " Any plans post-studio session?" He nodded in the negative, and she said, " You looked great, so I asked you." Rahul asked, "Oh. Thank you for the compliment, though. I am just planning to go live today on Instagram. So I just randomly wore some good clothes." Arshi smiled and drove to the studio. They talked while they were on the drive. Arshi and Rahul were unaware of what the emergency was and was wondering why Akshat sir had called them for an emergency. 

Arshi drove as fast as she could, and Rahul was equally anxious to know what the issue was. They entered the studio at 2:00 PM. The situation in the studio was a fragile one. They were not expecting anyone except Akshat, Sir, but there were others too. Akshat sir, Amit sir, Radhika, and Manish were seated at the studio. Akshat sir, sat on the recliner behind the setup. He looked worried and was sitting with his head hanging low and his hand supporting his head. Amit sir, looked equally concerned. He was seated beside Akshat Sir, with an emotionless and hopeless face. Manish and Radhika sat beside each other with an annoyed expression. Rahul and Arshi had no idea what had happened, but they were that something was wrong.  

Rahul was as clueless as Arshi. Arshi went beside Radhika and asked, "Radhika, What is the issue? Why is everyone so gloomy?" Radhika just nodded hopelessly and did not answer. Arshi turned to Manish, the mix and master engineer, but no response. Manish simply said, "It's not good news. I have nothing to tell you, Arshi." He spoke in such a way as if Arshi had made some mistake, which had caused hopelessness. Rahul disliked his tone, and Arshi was on the verge of tears. 

Rahul sat beside Akshat Sir, and asked, "Sir, What is the issue? Why is Arshi being blamed? What has caused this gloom? Sir, please tell us, at least." It was a difficult situation. No one spoke up. Everything was just seeming to fall apart. There was no reason which Arshi and Rahul were being stated. 

Arshi had started crying. Rahul rushed to her side, and then Akshat sir and Radhika also followed. Arshi had no idea about what the issue was, but she felt as if she was at fault. Arshi said, "Sir, I am so sorry if I have done something wrong. I never intended to do anything that." Rahul hugged Arshi to console her. Seeing Arshi in tears, Akshat sir spoke up in a curt tone, "Arshi, don't cry. I just had to inform something to all of you. Others are aware, but I had to inform you and Rahul." Rahul asked, "What is it, sir?" Akshat sir, calmly replied, "Arshi." He took a dramatic pause and breathed slowly to give a scary effect. Arshi asked, still in tears, "What is it, sir?" 

Akshat sir finally spilled the beans, "Arshi, You have won the award as the Best Debutant Female Singer. I just got the news today and when I informed everyone, they came up with the idea to prank you and you got into the trap too. Moreover, another great news is that we have got the best background score award for the film that was the debut film of Arshi as an Additional Music Producer. So congratulations! Arshi. It is an amazing achievement dear. Arshi spoke unable to believe what Akshat sir said, "Thank you so much, sir. It feels so surreal. This would not have been possible without you sir. You all are my guiding light. I am so grateful sir. Thank you again. I will never be able to thank you enough for what you have done." She was happy beyond limits. They all had a group hug. Everyone congratulated Arshi for her achievement. Akshat sir had got a lovely cake to celebrate the occasion. They conversed for some time about the upcoming events and films. They left at about 5:00 PM. Arshi and Rahul left together. Rahul was driving Arshi's car. He drove to his place first and invited her inside. She reluctantly obliged but final. She followed Rahul inside his home. MA was sitting in the living room. Rahul gave the news to ma and she congratulated her and blessed her. MA gave her a tight hug. Arshi sat with ma and Rahul for some time and left.

Arshi reached home at 7:00 PM and mom was waiting for her. She was worried about what the emergency was. She reached home and informed mom about the awards and she was extremely happy about knowing the news. Arshi asked mom about the surprise that she was waiting to unveil for long. Mom informed her that she will tell her the next day. Arshi agreed. They all went for dinner after which they settled in their respective rooms. Arshi called up Rahul post-dinner and they talked till midnight after which they decided to call it a day. The next day, they had a concert in the evening in Pune. They had to catch the flight at 10:00 AM the next morning.

Arshi went off to sleep feeling very happy and contented regarding the recognition. Rahul, on the other hand, was delighted more than Arshi. They were excited about the concert that followed