1 1. Beginning to End

"Okay, next performance is shekar. Where is he, Ravi?", the show manager raged in anger, due to his absence during the day of shoot.

"He should be here in any minute, madam."

Shekar was at a corner of the hall, with his eyes staring one-more time at a photo for the final blessing. Wish she was alive to see the finals, that would make her happy and proud of her son--were the thoughts he had on his mind. He hadn't shed a tear during her funeral, and he couldn't stop it rolling down over his cheeks this time. He knew he needs to be focussed on the final shoot and his final performance. In the past few months, he had been close his father, who wished his son to continue his business (as a fast-food server) because of his low education. He neither cared about dance nor any other forms of art as he did not expect any value-return in the society as well as one's individual life. And yet he was there at the set, watching his son perform for the first time live.

Shekar was confident in his skill and the gift that the Almighty had given him. He wished that all the trouble he and his family have dealt with, should end from tomorrow. Though faced with many curses and negative vibes from his relatives as well as in the society, his desire to succeed in his talent made him inspired and motivated each and every moment in his journey.

"Shekar, where were you, we have been putting commercials for more than ten minutes."

"Was just praying madam, I think it is time to do it."

"Ravi, I have found Shekar, change the lighting and clear the props on the stage asap," the show manager communicated through the walkie-talkie.

Shekar entered the stage for the final time. The setting was turned to darkness in front of him, with a dim spotlight over his head.

"Okay, music, one-two-three-Go", DOP took charge immediately.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome back to the grand finale of 'The Dance Icon' and let me remind you once again that the winner of this finale will receive $ 1 million and also a chance to choreograph in a film along with the judges. So let's put your hands together for our next contestant, who has been making a steady progress in the competition and also have won several hearts of girls and ladies. So let's put it up for the style that speaks—Shekar."

Shekar took his position and closed his eyes for the music to start. Several thoughts ran over his mind. His entire journey flashed on him, along with the tragedy of his mother. The struggle, the sadness, the emotions, the desire, the frequent accidents, all appeared in a split-second. Then he opened his eyes to begin his first step. As the music slowly became audible, he whispered to himself-'I was Born For It'.

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