Chapter-4

All was going well for them. 8th was over and by the end, Varun and Rishab won the duet singing competition in talent hunt organized by the school. That made them kind of a star in the school. Rishab was enjoying this but Varun wasn't. As time passed, things between Varun and Neha began to deepen. They couldn't their keep eyes away from each other for a single minute.

Well finally 8th was over and finally, it was time to go in 9th. That year, owing to heavy new admission sections were divided. Varun was in 'B' while Neha in 'C'. With a hard fought battle with the principle and his parents, he made sure that he was in 'C' section.

Months passed everything was going well for them but there was something that always made Varun a bit unhappy. Neha always tried to keep this relationship a secret from others. Varun found this a bit awkward but then again it was his first relationship. 'Maybe it is common.'

Somewhere around September came the 'National Singing Competition'. District level round was around the end of the month. Varun saw Neha and other people going to music room every day and returning only in recess for their lunch. One day Varun forgot his Hindi notebook and he need someplace to hide. Neha called him to the music room.

Varun knew the music teacher 'Yogini Mam'. She had asked him to join the group many times but he refused.

He entered the room and touched madam's feet for the blessings. "Why are you here Varun?" asked Mam.

"Mam, I forgot my Hindi notebook and you know her very well. She would call my parents and call them to school." Explained Varun. This was his first time bunking a class.

"Alright just sit beside them and try not to disturb."

Varun sat behind the group quietly. Well, the group was of eight members. Neha, Isha, Dhruv, Surbhi, Prajwal, and Joshi. While they were practicing their song, Varun waited for the bell to ring.

"Varun. Can you sing this?" asked Mam.

"I can try mam but I don't know the correct lyrics."

"We'll help you. Carry on...." Said Surbhi.

Jaag utho! Jaag utho! Ab jag utho kamar kaso manzil ki raah bulati hai! Lalkaar rahi humko duniya.......!

Varun finished and everyone was clapping. "why don't you join us?" said someone from behind.

"I'd like to but my mother won't allow me to. Well, she thinks this will reduce my marks in the exams." Explained Varun.

"I'll take care of that." Said Neha. "but promise us that you would join the group and take part in the competition."

"If you can handle my mother then I'm all in for it."

Neha knew Varun's mother very well. She knew that his mother won't allow him. But she had a way with mothers. That evening:

Ring! Ring!

"Mom, its Neha's call"

"Okay go talk to her. But make it brief."

"I believe it's for you"

"Now that's strange," said Varun's mom with a low tone.

She picks up the call.

"Hello..."

"Hello, aunty it's me Neha. Are you free right now?"

"Yes beta, tell me"

Varun got out catching some fresh air. He didn't have a single clue was going on inside the house. An hour or so later he was back in. Shivering with fear. 'Is it gonna be a yes or a no? Please be a yes.'

"Varun! Neha told me what you have promised to everyone. If you give me your word that it won't affect your marks then I won't tell this to your father."

"I promise mom. So is it a yes?"

"Yes." As soon as he heard those words he was over the top.

Practice continues for the competition. A month later it was the day. Everyone went to the changing rooms to get into the costumes. Soon they were called for their turn on the stage. "Best of luck everyone! Perform well." Said Yogini mam.

They were at their places, heart thumping and ready to sing. Varun glanced a look at Neha. She replied him to stay calm. Music started and now..........

The performance was over and everyone was told to take their seats in the auditorium. Lights were dimmed and focus was on the judges who were standing right at the center of the stage.

"And now begins the Award Ceremony. So the third prize goes to Baroda High School"

BHS group gathered at the stage. Took the trophy.

"Second place goes to Delhi Public School."

DPS people gathered at the stage took the award and the medals."

"And now the most awaited award for today. The first prize, the winning team will go to Ahmedabad for the state level round."

Varun's heart was pumping blood loud. Neha could felt it and held his hand.

"It's gonna be alright Varun. Trust me."

"And the first prize goes to......"

Varun was clenching his palm and Neha felt the pain.

"Gujarat Public School!!!!"

They cheered like wild beasts and ran towards the stage. In the center was Yogini mam receiving the award. It was like a dream for Varun that came true. Now he will carry on this journey with Neha and that as the best part........ for him.