Books by lalit navani

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE

Part 2

The languorous day moved. Finally, the sun set and it began to get dark. Gayatri sauntered inside the bedroom. She found him singing a song with his eyes closed. The deep furrows on his forehead spoke volumes of his concentration. Gayatri was impressed with his voice quality and effortless singing. Even without practice / Rihaas, Subu could sing so well, she thought.

“Open your eyes Subu. Time you went for that promised walk.”

“Someone was playing one of my favorite songs. I couldn‘t resist singing along.”

“Subu you are getting obsessive. No one played any song. Take control of your emotions.”

“Gayatri, you really didn’t hear the song. I am sure it was our neighbour.”

“No. Something is wrong with your ears.”

“Then what prompted me to sing.”

“Subu calm down. This music thing this is getting on your nerves.”

“Is it? I think it‘s so weird.”

“Subu, why don’t you start with your Rihaas and begin all over. Music is something which you can never forget. A few weeks of practice, balanced diet… and you should be ready. You can then contact some good music directors.”

“It’s not that easy Gayatri.”

“But at least you can try.”

“Yes, I can. But I am worried about people, my friends, our neighbors. They will laugh at me. They will make fun of you, too.”

“Since when have you started worrying about the world? I am with you. Start with your Rihaas and visit the garden everyday. A healthy body is good for a singer.”

“Gayatri after a long time I am feeling energetic. Suddenly, I have found a meaning to my life. Do you think this thing will work?”

“Yes, I am sure. With the kind of voice you have you can achieve anything. I am already seeing a new Subroto. Remember, it is never too late to achieve something in life.”

Subroto beamed with happiness. He wore his canvas shoes and strolled out of the house. He reached the garden quickly which was just a kilometer away. He was surprised to see so many fitness enthusiasts. What surprised him more was the participation of youngsters. He did not anticipate such a big crowd. Happily he started walking on the track. He was impressed by a group of old people, who were laughing and patting each other in one corner.

Subroto was so overwhelmed that he lost touch with the time. He suddenly realized that he had spent over two hours in the garden. He was sure Gayatri would be worried. He half ran towards his house. And sure enough he saw her at the entrance of his apartment building along with other members. When she saw him she ran in his direction.

“Where have you been? I was about to come to the garden with the neighbours.”

“I am sorry Gayatri. Let us go home, I will tell you.”

Subroto apologized to everyone with folded hands. He headed towards the apartment with Gayatri following him. The moment they entered, Gayatri repeated her question.

“Now tell me. Where did you go?”

“Gayatri, I was in the garden. It is such a beautiful place. There were so many people. I was mesmerized. I lost all contact with the time.”

“Oh. And I thought…”

“Don’t worry Gayatri nothing will happen to me.”

“Why. Are you a superman?”

“No but I am a superb woman’s husband.”

Gayatri smiled at his childish joke.

“I am glad you found the experience interesting. It will motivate you to continue.”

“Of course I will continue.”

“And what about your Rihaas?”

“That too.”

“Good. Come let us have dinner. I have made fish for you.”

Subroto walked inside the kitchen with his wife, his hands around her shoulder.

For the next few weeks Subroto kept his promise. He visited the garden daily and at the same time immersed himself in Riyaas; practicing music notes. Gradually, the promise turned into a habit. Subroto now looked forward to his evening walks and early morning practice sessions. Subroto observed that on every Saturday evening a group of over 100 people organized a singing / shayri event in the garden premises. He was astonished at the number of people who participated in such events.

While walking briskly around the garden periphery Subroto slowed down when he neared the podium erected for the event, to hear some of the participants. He was impressed by many singers. He found them genuine and extremely good. He was tempted to join them but couldn't muster enough courage.

That particular Saturday when he reached his apartment he discussed the issue with his wife.

“Do you think I should submit my name and sing for the small crowd that gathers.”

“I think you should.”

“But it would be unfair on many. I have learnt music and they are just budding singers. Their only purpose is to entertain and have a good time. But my purpose is very different. I want to be a professional singer.”

“Subu, until you get a break you are no better than any of them. So keep your ego aside and join them. At least you will get a positive feedback and at the same time get to practice also.”

“Quite right, who knows me?”

Gayatri noticed the familiar expression of solemnity.

Subroto now waited anxiously for the next weeks‘s event. He continued with his routine. He found out the names of the organizers, the main people involved with the event.

On Saturday evening as he reached the entrance of the garden his heart beats grew faster. He heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the group already on a small dais. He pulled up a chair and sat close to a person who was one of the organizer.

“Hello. I am Bhatia. Welcome to this event."

Subroto smiled and introduced himself.

“Subroto Banerjee. Ex-marine engineer, “ Subroto said, offering his hand.

“Sounds high tech. Hobbies?”

“Singing. I am a professionally trained singer.”

“Then I think you have come to the right place. We are music freaks. A classical singer in our group will motivate others too. I will make the introductions and if you feel our group is worth the effort then please sing something for us.”

“The privilege is all mine. Thank you.”

“I am glad you didn’t refuse.”

Mr. Bhatia strolled towards the mike once the performer on dais finished his stint. Subroto followed him.

"Friends, today we have a new face in our ever growing community of music lovers. Please welcome Subroto Banerjee, a singer and an ex-marine engineer."

Äs Subroto climbed up the dais a huge applause followed him. He was embarrassed at the same time excited at the prospect of performing live in front of the crowd for the first time.

When Subroto reached the dais, Mr. Bhatia asked him to sing a song.

"Well, thank you Mr. Bhatia. I will sing a very popular song from a recent film. I hope you enjoy it."

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