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.

A few seconds after he finished, all of them clapped and cheered. Darshak pounded the table with his palm and Tanuj whistled like a fan. Rishabh and Amar clapped vigorously. The latter was evolving into an ocean of parental pride with a tender gaze fixed at his son.

Darshak escorted Ayush into a glass room with a professional branded microphone. "This is a soundproof room built to prevent echoing. Don't hesitate to sing your heart out. Make sure you retain the notes and don't go off-pitch."

"Done, sir."

"Alright, it's in your hands now," Darshak said and walked out.

He wore the headphones and cleared his throat. His hands trembled and his heart rambled like a fierce thundercloud. Darshak plopped into his chair and flashed a thumbs up.

Ayush nodded and started. "Spring blossoms soaaaaa- ahem-ahem!"

All in the other room started in awkward silence.

"Very sorry, one more try." He held up his index finger.

Darshak replied with a positive nod.

He rubbed his palms and focused on the tune.

"Spring blossoms soar above the hills,

The evening skies hum a . . a . . ."

He took off his headphones and ran his fingers through his hair, embarrassment ratting his body. Shaking his head horizontally, he exited the room.

"I can't do it, sir."

"Are you feeling conscious because of us sitting here? I'll ask the others to move out."

"Are you okay, Ashu?" Amar dashed to him with a concerned frown.

"Papa, I'm okay-Sir, can I call one of my friends? Just five minutes?"

"Go ahead, Ayush."

"Take this, son." Amar handed a little Bisleri bottle.

"Thanks."

He darted into the glass room and closed the door tight, making sure no sound would escape the room. His hands inadvertently clicked on Sakshi's number. She had a study holiday tomorrow and must be free.

"Hello, yaara?"

"Ayush! How are you?"

"I'm good. Studying well or lazing around listening to my songs?"

"Haha, both. So what's the urgent situation?"

"How did you know?"

"We made a deal that we won't call each other except an emergency, right? Tell me."

"I've got a chance to sing for a music label. It's run by one of my favourite composers- Darshak Deewars."

"Congratulations! Can I pinch you to make sure this is true?"

"I wish you're here to do that. The problem is I'm stuck with the vocals. The words are not coming out of my mouth.

"Oh no!"

"Papa and the others are waiting outside. You think I can do it?"

"Do you want to do this?"

"That's not even a question-of course, I do!"

"If you want it, you can do it. Don't think of this as a formal singing session. Drink some water, close your eyes and think of one thing you love."

"Alright, I'll try it."

"Make me proud, mera yaar!"

His cheeks burned from hearing her words. "My five minutes are done. Talk to you later-I mean- after the exam."

"Sure. Fly high!"

New light spread through his bones. He hung up the call. Twisting the bottle cap, he let cold water drench his feverish throat. Glimpsing at Darshak, he gave a refreshed nod. The latter grinned and nodded back. Closing his eyes, he recalled the girl he loved the most on earth-his yaara, his Sakshi. Her serene smile, warm hands, and soothing fragrance.

"Spring blossoms soar above the hills,

The evening skies hum a love song,

Meet me, oh my beloved,

Beyond the golden skies.

My one and only love,

The only name on my lips,

I crave your company.

Even if the entire world hates me,

I know you won't.

Till my last breath,

I'm yours. Only yours.

Run with me, my dear!

Beyond the golden skies.

Like young doves,

Let us build our nest

On the mountain tops,

Far away from

those who hurt us!

Beyond the golden skies,

Oh oh oh . . . !"

When he opened his misty eyes, all four men sprang to their feet and gave a standing ovation. Darshak barged into the room and swooped him in his arms. Amar ruffled his hair and placed a kiss on his cheek. Tanuj and Rishabh shook his hands formally.

"The next superhit is ready!" Tanuj said.

"Was it good?"

"Enough with this false modesty. You're sensational, my boy!" Darshak said.

Amar clutched his hand. "I'm amazed, Ashu! I didn't know my son could sing better than a professional."

Darshak ordered a pizza and added garlic bread after Ayush mentioned his father couldn't eat junk food. They carried out a mini celebration, playing music, hogging food and gulping chilled orange juice.

While Amar conversed with Rishabh, Darshak and Tanuj took Ayush to a corner and placed a hand over his shoulder.

"Who's that girl?" Darshak asked, startling Ayush.

He nearly spat out his juice. "Which girl?"

"The one you spoke to in the recording room."

"How did you know? The place is soundproof."

Darshak burst out laughing. "Poor boy! Didn't you realise the mic was turned on?"

Ayush's heart sank. "Did Papa also hear everything?"

"Of course! He thought it was some boy, but I could clearly see you're talking to a girl."

Ayush bit his tongue and scratched his ear. "That's true."

"Is she the one Tanuj mistook for your wife?"

"Yeah, sir."

"Would you like me to talk to Mr Singh about-?

"Please no!"

Tanuj intervened. "What's the problem?"

"Family rivalry. Her father ruined things for my parents. Papa was mad when I told who she was."

"That's unfortunate, but keep trying. Love is more powerful than you think," Tanuj said.

Ayush started at his boots and nodded.

"What's her name?"

"Sakshi."

Darshak looked at Tanuj and shrugged. "Ayush, Sakshi- their names sound beautiful together. Hey, the song lyrics match their situation!"

"I thought of that the first time I heard your masterpiece, sir," Ayush said.

"If you guys need any help in the future, feel free to ask me," Darshak said.

"Thanks a lot."

"Anytime, my boy. We have another important thing to discuss. I don't know much about the direction and stuff. Tanuj sir will tell you," Darshak said and walked out.

"What is it, sir?" Ayush asked Tanuj.

"We have to shoot a music video. Let me be honest, we don't have the time nor money to make it large. I'm directing the video and I know a female lead who might be willing to act. But . . . "

"But what, sir?"

"There's no male lead. We want you to star in the video."

"Me as the lead?!"

"Don't disappoint us by refusing."

"No one will watch the video after seeing my face."

"You underestimate yourself way too much. Once we style your hair and clothes, you'll be no less than a model," Tanuj said with a wink.

Ayush gazed around, flummoxed by the offer. "What's the script of the video?"

"The usual love story. Boy meets girl. They fall in love during a war."

"War?!"

"We won't be shooting the war scene. We'll just allude to it at the beginning of the video."

"I hope it's a modern story."

"Very modern- set in the fifteenth century."

"No way! Am I supposed to dress up as a medieval prince?"

"That's right, with a long sword."

Ayush felt the lights knocked out of his brain. "This is impossible!"

"Listen to it fully. You're the prince, she's the princess from the enemy kingdom. She is sent to assassinate you, but eventually falls in love with you."

"What happens in the end?"

"We don't show it. It's only a portrayal of how love can blossom and thrive in the midst of turbulent circumstances."

"Sounds very poetic. But I can't act, that too with someone else!"

"If your girlfriend came on board as the female lead?"

"Sakshi? Neither my Papa nor Sakshi's family will agree. Besides, she has her exam."

"Till when?"

"The last exam is on the day after tomorrow."

"The shooting commences next week, so the dates won't be a problem."

"I don't think she will be comfortable appearing on screen."

"Sakshi doesn't have to show her face. Since it's set in ancient times, her costume includes a ghunghat. The only scene where her face will be visible is when the prince, sees her reflection in the water."

"She won't agree."

"How can you decide without talking to her?"

"Her father is an influential man. If he gets to know-I can't even imagine what will happen!"

"No one will know, neither your father nor hers."

"Really, sir?"

"I give you the assurance," Tanuj said with a sober, genuine expression.

Ayush glanced at his father who was busy conversing and then at Tanuj. "Alright, sir. I'll ask her."

"Good! Let me know asap, my boy."

"Definitely," Ayush said.

"See you later." He gave his arm a light punch and joined the rest of the men.

Ayush remained in the corner, ruminating on what serendipity it would be if Sakshi starred as his princess in his first-ever music video. The deeper he thought, the more fantastic the idea seemed. Now everything depended on Sakshi's decision.

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