3 Chapter 3: Embarking on a Melodious Journey

As I struck the final note, I heard clapping. Opening my eyes, I saw Aarohi and Salim applauding, followed by a thunderous roar in the sky.

With a broad smile, Aarohi approached me, "This isn't fair. Did the teacher give you extra lessons or something? I've never heard this before."

"But he did teach us, Raag Malhaar. This is my interpretation. Did you like it?" I asked Aarohi.

"Of course, I did. Also, when the rain started, I thought it was because of your singing. Quite a coincidence, right?" Aarohi replied, an innocent look on her face.

"Yes… a coincidence," I thought to myself. Did the rain really start because of my singing or was it just a coincidence?

"So, Salim Bhai, did I pass?" I asked, pushing the thought to the back of my mind. He was my evaluator, after all.

"With flying colors. We will be leaving tomorrow evening. Pack your bags and be ready. Also, remember what you promised - no accommodation, and you'll only be paid for the days you perform," He replied, excitement flickering on his face, but he didn't let me forget the promise I had made.

If I had known I would sing this well, I might not have made that promise. Then again, without that promise, he might not even have given me a chance.

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I returned home after discussing the details with Salim. I would be earning ₹550 per night, but only for the nights I would be singing.

Around 6:00 PM, my parents returned from their exhausting day. Today's sales were around ₹1400, out of which we made a profit of about ₹500.

"Namaskar Baba," I greeted my father by touching his feet as I took the cycle from him. He merely nodded in response to my greeting and handed me the bike.

I parked the bike in front of the house, put it on its stand, and began untying the ropes that held a large pot on the back - the same pot my mother and I had been peeling potatoes in earlier.

Soon, night fell and we prepared to sleep.

"Baba, are you asleep?" I asked my father, who lay on the cot beside me.

"No, what's the matter?" he responded in his deep voice.

"Ah… Do you know Salim?" I asked, to which my father hummed in affirmation.

"Well, he found a singing gig in Goa and he asked me to come with him. He'll pay me, of course, and I've agreed to his proposal," I half-lied to my father. I knew he wouldn't stop me, but I didn't want to burden him more than I already was.

"Will you be singing or helping him manage?" This was his only question, showing how much he cared about my singing.

"I'll be singing. Also, Shirke Kaka's daughter Aarohi is also going with us," I reassured him, to which he hummed in affirmation.

"When will you be leaving?" Father asked.

"Tomorrow evening," I replied.

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I woke up in the morning to the everyday hustle and bustle in the house, but today it seemed more intense than usual.

After washing my face, I went outside to help my mother with the potatoes. However, today I found my father wielding the frying ladle, while my mother was kneading some dough.

"What are you doing? Aren't you going to the bakery?" I asked my father, and he simply smiled.

"No, we won't be opening the shop today. You're leaving home for the first time, so your mother wanted me to make you some Namak para for the trip."

"You didn't need to," I responded, my heart filling with emotion.

"Just be quiet and help your mother," my father retorted.

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It was now evening, and I had already packed my things - not that I had much to begin with. Just some clothes and the Namak Pare.

I'd already received a call from Salim informing me that he had booked a taxi to the station and we were more than welcome to join him.

I was standing in front of my house, my parents at the door. I touched their feet, ready to embark on my journey. But not before my mother stealthily handed me some money and hushed me to keep it a secret.

I picked up my bag and made my way to Salim's house. Seeing Aarohi in front of her house, I went over to greet her parents.

"Namaskar Kaka, Kaaki," I greeted them, to which they responded warmly.

"Ready?" I asked Aarohi, and she nodded.

"You're going to a new city full of strangers, so please take care of each other. Vipin, look out for her, she can be a bit naive at times," Aarohi's mother said.

"Don't worry, Kaaki. I won't let anyone fool her," I replied, laughing. Aarohi slapped my hand, "I'm not stupid, okay?" she retorted.

"Are you sure?" I teased, earning a grumpy huff from her.

With the banter still ongoing, we finally reached Salim's house. He was outside waiting by the taxi, his belongings tied to the roof.

"Let's move fast," Salim said, and we all piled into the taxi.

We arrived at the railway station soon after and boarded our train to Goa. Each of us purchased a ticket and found a spot in the general coach.

The train wasn't overly crowded, and we soon found some seats to settle into. After an eight-hour journey, we finally reached our destination. The train ride wasn't as exhausting as I had anticipated, but I couldn't say the same for the others.

I sported a green t-shirt and blue denim pants, a backpack slung over one shoulder. Donning my retro square sunglasses, I hopped down from the train.

The sun was perfectly positioned, its rays accentuating my physique further. The muscles on my arms were now visible due to the half-sleeved T-shirt.

Salim and Aarohi disembarked after me, and all three of us were off the train.

"Follow me," Salim said, and we complied. All the while, I failed to notice the faint blush on Aarohi's face as she eyed my arms.