innovate-issue-005

I read his obituary in THE TIMES OF INDIA once again, as well as the headlines that mourned thedeath of a talented rock star. His songs were played in the radio. I didn’t like them much; they were toomuch rock for my own taste. But I liked him as a person.I wonder when a person is dead, how people start listening.He was right, we never met again.Act VICarnivore (The lightening thief)The room was packed as it was expected.He stood in front of the mike, the spot lights burning his eyes. He felt nervous.“Today my friends, I am singing you a song that was never heard before nor will be ever heard. This isa song that I wrote in the journey back from India.”An audible grasp went through the crowd. Roul, the drummer looked at me, amazed. Brad smiled atme. He was kind, he understood people.“Brad, please, play the strings. This is a dedication to a wonderful friend whose name I don’t knowand to my band members who have to tolerate my insanity.”Brad started with the strings and melody filled the closed room. It was a simple A major composition.Sometimes, the most beautiful things are simple.A brief silence!He started singing.“Piya toh jetan more, gir gir jayo;laaj jatan mohe na hi chupayu;sirgar karo, intezzar karu;toshe pyaar main lut lut jayu.”(I wait for my lover with my beating heart;I can’t help but blush at the thought of him;I put vermallian in my head and wear good cloths, and wait for him;I can’t wait for him to come back home, I am dying to meet him.)“Piya toh magan more, itni is baat;Laaj nayan more, tham liyo haat;tasbhir toshe, more man ka chan;thame rahu kaye kaye raat.”(Oh my dear lover, understand this little thing,When you hold my hand, I feel shy and I can’t my eyes off you;Your picture in my head is a solace for me,I keep it close to me every night.)