Chapter 38: Chhoti si Baat
Revathi, the self-appointed leader of the group, mouthed, "One, two, three, four." Manik started on the bass guitar. The audience recognized the prelude to the India waale, a current hit. Diminutive Jasleen, probably the most accomplished player of the group, was next, on the drums, picking up the beat. Revathi and Aayush joined in on keyboard and guitar at the same time. It was amazing to see them responding to each other. Theoretically, autism made it difficult to have group interactions. But melody trumped it. The music they played was seamless.
Aayush's voice filled the hall, seconds later, as the instruments slowed to make space for him, the lead singer of the group. As always, his singing gave Ritu goose bumps. His eyes weren't on the audience, but on the lyrics sheet in front of him, as he swayed on his feet from side to side. Nonetheless the chemistry between the rock group and the audience, a motley group of parents and their friends, was instantaneous.