Chapter 5: Unforeseen Melody
This whole ordeal was orchestrated by me as a scheme to create a disruption here and then resolve it. I foresaw that the ensuing chaos would leave Aarohi too terrified to sing that night, allowing me to step in as her replacement.
Additionally, by assisting Shankar with the commotion, I hoped to convince him to hire me as a bouncer or waiter, a role I could fill on days when I was not required to sing.
This was the undercurrent of my guilt and regret. My carefully laid plans had indeed unfolded as expected, but the sight of Aarohi's fear and distress was an unexpected blow. It was a cruel twist to an already twisted plan, an unintended consequence that left me grappling with regret.
Pushing aside my guilty thoughts, I turned my attention back to the bar. The initial chaos had subsided, but whispers still fluttered around the room like restless birds. Seeing an opportunity, I swaggered towards the microphone and cleared my throat, quieting the room further.
"Apologies, ladies and gentlemen, for the unpleasant scene earlier," I began, my voice warm and assuring. "Here at Gaulava Bar, we value respect above all else. We don't tolerate such distasteful behavior. Please, sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of the evening." A pause, a glance towards the empty stage, and then, "I'll be your entertainer for tonight, filling in for our main singer who's feeling a bit under the weather."
Murmurs of approval spread through the crowd. Leaving them in anticipation, I made my way over to Aarohi, who looked like a deer caught in headlights.
"Hey, Aarohi," I said gently. "Why don't you take the rest of the night off? Head to your room, and rest." With a grateful nod, she let Salim lead her away.
Next, I sidled up to Shankar, who was eyeing the crowd with a shrewd gaze. "Shankar Bhai," I started, drawing his attention. "I've got a golden opportunity for Gaulava Bar to rise in reputation."
Skepticism wrinkled his brows. "Oh? Do tell," he retorted, folding his arms across his chest.
Seeing his attention fully on me, I plunged ahead. "Offer everyone a free drink. Show them you care about their comfort and you're sorry for the disturbance. Coupled with my little speech, it's the perfect PR move. We could attract a bigger, and more importantly, respectful crowd."
Shankar was silent, his eyes flitting across the room as he considered my proposal. "Sounds too good to be true," he mumbled. "And expensive."
"Trust me, Shankar Bhai. The returns will be worth it."
To my surprise, Shankar nodded, his mind made up. "Alright. Let's give this a shot."
Much to my surprise, Shankar agreed. Walking up to the stage, he took a deep breath before announcing, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to offer everyone a complimentary drink of their choice on the house." The bar erupted in cheers, people clapping and shouting in appreciation.
I couldn't help but grin at Shankar as he stepped off the stage. "I didn't expect you to let them choose the drink, Shankar Bhai," I said, clapping him on the shoulder.
"Well, if I'm giving something for free, I might as well make a lasting impression," he responded, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Whether they remember it in their drunken state or not, we did the right thing. It's good for our reputation."
I found myself chuckling at his response. "I like the way you execute things, Shankar Bhai," I said. His next words took me by surprise.
"And I like the way you plan things, Vipin. I didn't think this idea of a free drink would get this kind of reception. Now, about your promise of a performance instead of that girl..."
"Ah, yes," I acknowledged, readying myself to fill in for Aarohi. As I turned towards the stage, I corrected him gently, "Her name is Aarohi, Shankar Bhai."
He merely waved me off. "Names, girls, all are secondary," he said dismissively. "Money, that's what's important. Your performance might just fetch us some extra cash tonight, Vipin."
His words gave me pause but I chose not to dwell on it. With a deep breath, I faced the stage, ready to put on the performance of my life.
As I approached the microphone, I cleared my throat, allowing my gaze to sweep across the crowd. A hush fell over the patrons as they watched me, their expressions expectant.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I began, "I'd like to perform an original song for you tonight." The declaration was met with approving murmurs and nodding heads, the promise of something fresh stirring a wave of anticipation in the room.
The moment I strummed the first chords of my song, the room fell into a hushed silence. I cleared my throat, the microphone picking up the slight rustle, and the music came pouring out.
🎵 Yeh meri raahein, tere tak hain
Tujhpe hi to mera haq hai
Ishq mera tu be-shaq hai
Tujhpe hi to mera haq hai 🎵
A young woman held up her phone, capturing the moment, the performance. Her friend leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper, "He's really talented. His voice... it's like he's singing directly to my soul."
🎵 Sath chhodunga na tere pichhe aaunga
Chheen loonga ya Khuda se maang launga
Tere naal taqdeeran likhwaunga main
Main tera ban jaunga
Main tera ban jaunga 🎵
A couple at a corner table exchanged a glance, their hands reaching out to find each other. The woman's eyes welled up with tears as she whispered to her partner, "Why does this song touch my heart so deeply?" The man simply squeezed her hand in response, his own eyes reflecting the same emotion.
🎵 Sonh teri main kasam yehi khaunga
Kitte vaadeyan nu oh main nibhaunga
Tujhe har vaari apna banaunga
Main tera ban jaunga
Main tera ban jaunga 🎵
A group of friends at the bar counter raised their glasses in a toast. "To good music and unforgettable nights!" one of them cheered, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.
🎵 Lakhan to juda main huyi teri khaatir
Tu hi manzil dil tera musafir
Lakhan to juda main huya teri khaatir
Tu hi manzil dil tera musafir
Rab nu bhula baitha tere karke
Main ho gaya kaafir 🎵
A man sitting alone at the back of the bar closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the table, keeping time with the song.
🎵 Tere liye main jahan se takraunga
Sab kuchh kho ke tujhko hi paaunga
Dil banke main dil dhadkaunga
Main tera ban jaunga 🎵
As the song came to an end, the lingering notes of the last chord still resonated in the silent aftermath. Then, as if coming out of a trance, the crowd burst into applause. "This place never disappoints!" An enthusiastic patron nudged his companion, both clapping fervently.
The girl recording the performance lowered her phone, her face lit up with anticipation. "I can't wait to share this with everyone. They need to hear his voice, this song... it's magical."
The girl recording the performance lowered her phone, her face lit up with anticipation. Little did she know that her innocent act of capturing my performance would set off a chain of events leading to a legal battle that would alter my destiny.