“Ladies and gentlemen, guys and girls...presenting before you the first solo
performance of the day by Mannu. A big round of applause for the young boy...”
The announcement was made. Backstage some seniors assisted him in getting on
stage and handling him the guitar and a glass of water. Lights flashed and the
stage was set for Mannu to show his talent. Waving to the crowd he walked near
the mike. The response was not visible in the flash. It came as a jolt to him.
Nothing except some blur and loud sound surrounded him.
“Hi everybody...”Mannu spoke. His voice choked. So he spoke
again.
“Hi everybody...can you hear me?”He spoke aloud and played a
chord. The cheer resonated through his ears. This gave him some confidence.
“I’m here to perform a medley of Bollywood. Just take your
seats...hold a drink and feel the music.” Well these words were coming from
within. He didn’t know what he was saying. He was a different personality, but
confident than usual. And he began his performance after a sound check with
chords and a solo of Slash. Beginning
with Aadat from the band jal, he picked upon a self composed song
teri yaad and ended with a hindi version of bob Dylan’s
Blowing in the Wind. Twice he missed the chords, but it didn’t go so loud. He
choked, but amusingly he managed himself later. What next? He had set the mood
for the party. Claps and claps were heard all around. Raising his guitar high
and straight he waved a hello and
jumped from the front. It was a bave act as the senior faculty and the guests
were sitting just in front. He immediately bowed down, offered a salaam and the old, wrinkled faces were
covered with a smile. Mannu had become famous in four minutes. Backstage
several girls came in to know his name and branch. Shubh stood beside him. A
few seniors also congratulated him for his talent and assured him that if he
has any problem he may approach them directly. This performance came as a boon
as a 4th year senior came along and announced backstage that Mannu
be spared of any file making from that evening itself. A girl leaned upon him
in pretence of slipping due to high heels. Gargi also came to ask him about her
performance. What was happening? The night would be so gifted was unexpected.
The nervousness was laid to rest with the coffee. Shivering had given way to
firm shake hands and Mannu was able to enjoy the performances from that moment.
As was predicted Gargi won the Ms. Fresher award. Nitesh lost. Shubh had
performed a mimicry act and he was called for a special chat with the folk
artist. It seemed a new phase of life would begin again. Back to the rooms,
exhausted, Mannu could find no space to sleep as vipul was being congratulated
by the seniors. Drinks were served in room 510 and he was the hero of the
hostels and among the seniors. Mannu was only spared of the file work. Nitesh,
upset with the results, had locked the room. After several warnings and
knocking he finally opened it up for Mannu and Shubh.
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