WILD SUMMER ECHOES

EPISODE THREE

“Dare, dream, dance, sing and smile loudly. And have faith that love is an unstoppable force.” –Suzanne Brockmann

Sahana, Sandip and their friends wandered around the streets of New Delhi to enjoy the Summer Carnival. The city was lit up with lights and music. Every park, every tree and every landmark was decorated. The Chief Minister launched the summer carnival at India Habitat Centre and in his inaugural speech he conveyed hopes that small cooperatives and artists in the nearby towns and villages would come to sell their wares. He requested the city residents to make this festival a huge success. Many locations were earmarked for this fortnight carnival. Dilli Haat where such festival usually takes place in a smaller scale was the hot spot for cultural programs. India Gate, Qutub Minar and other famous landmarks were lit up and music played continuously in these monuments. The city which was generally considered unsafe after dusk was bustling with life through nights during the carnival. The State Government was on an earnest drive to make the capital city friendlier. Since it was the first time that the carnival was held, the residents did not miss a chance to enjoy the summer nights. The stalls and shows opened up after six in the evening and the carnival went on till two in the morning. People had early dinner and strolled on the streets to enjoy the carnival. There were musical shows, dance programs and literary reading sessions. Hindustani classical renditions could be heard all over the city.

Sahana and Sandip went to chaat stalls and gulped down Golgappas. It was the last day of the carnival and they had decided to enjoy themselves till the last stall closed for this season. They took lot of selfies and were proceeding to a dance show when somebody called, “Sahana”, both Sandip and Sahana turned back to see a smart young man waving at them. Sandip looked at Sahana confusingly and she waved back,

The man walked towards them and greeted, “Hi Sahana, What a surprise!”

“Hi…When did you come here?”

“Just a few minutes ago….And guess what?”

“What?” Sahana asked

“Apna Dimple Kapadia is also here….” he revealed and both of them laughed.

“Really? Where?” Sahana asked searching for the most famous woman in their office. She was secretary to the boss and every one called her Dimple Kapadia because she was always telling every Tom, d**k and Harry that when she had attended interview for the first time, their boss mistook her for Dimple Kapadia. No one believed the story but they called her the same behind her back.

Sandip coughed and looked at Sahana,

“May I also share the joke? And thanks for introducing me,” he said sarcastically. Sahana apologised and introduced “Oh yeah! I forgot… my bad. Sandip, this is Arvind Khilani working in our marketing department. And Arvind this is my best friend…” Arvind cut in halting her abruptly, “Sandip….right?”

Sandip was surprised and Arvind continued “Sahana is always talking about only two things, one is music and the other is Sandip.” He said and Sandip was flattered.

“Oh! Shut up Arvind, I don’t talk about him all the time….” Sahana denied

“You do…Ok?” he asserted amusingly that it was the truth. Then they talked about common friends and Sandip didn’t want to intrude into their conversation. He stood watching them both and felt a strange envy at Arvind’s easy camaraderie with Sahana. They looked comfortable with each other and shared many common topics. He wandered away to another stall and leafed through a book.

Sahana noticed him moving away and she hurriedly bid goodbye to her friend and joined Sandip. She laced her hand through his and asked “What are you looking at Sandip?”

Sandip untangled his fingers and shrugged his shoulder “Nothing. Your friend is gone?” he asked

Sahana nodded and noticed that Sandip looked little preoccupied. Together they went to Dilli Haat where a dance competition was taking place. Their friends also joined them and they cheered for their favourite group of dancers. It was the best evening Sahana had and she loved watching the various types of dance forms. They had to change into different costumes to participate in the show. Sahana changed into a pastel floral gown in mauve and purple. Sandip looked dapper in a white trouser and white waistcoat with a purple shirt beneath it. They giggled at each other’s costume. When the judges were deciding on the winners, the anchors announced that audience can come in pairs and dance. Many of her friends participated and some of them asked her but she declined. They asked Sandip and he refused saying he was not in the mood. Both of them stood watching their friends dance and all of a sudden the music shifted and changed to a slow number. One of the latest popular songs was played…

Sandip offered his hand to Sahana and she accepted his offer.

Jebon mein bikhre hai taare

Khaali hua aasmaan………..

Together they walked down to the dance floor and took the first spin to the song. Sandip placed his hand on her waist and brought her closer, inhaling her Issey Miyake perfume. He knew the brand because it had been a gift from him for her birthday last year. He had spent all his savings on the perfume. Sahana loved perfumes and he had researched them for a fortnight on net before buying them. And she loved it…

Hathon mein dhoop hai mere

Barfila baaki jahan………..

Sahana placed her hand on his shoulder and followed his steps. For the first time in her life, she became aware of his strong arms and the soft hair that her hand touched at his nape. He smelt of musk, lemon and sandalwood. She noticed that he had shaved and his jaw was smooth.

Rooh gaaye jhoome jaaye

Dil kahe baar baar

Ishq kar le, ishq jee le

Ishq labon ka karobar

They took a dip and Sandip held Sahana in that posture for a minute. His eyes fell on her lips briefly but pulled her up as the beats of the song changed. Sahana’s pulses raced when her eyes encountered his look. There were brown flecks in them and she would have drowned in them if he had not pulled her up.

Jebon mein bikhre hain taare

Khaali hua aasmaan

Hathon mein dhoop hai mere

Barfeela baaki jahan

The slow and peppy song of Papon came to an end and everyone clapped. Sandip and Sahana became aware of their surroundings and were surprised that they were the only ones who were dancing. Others were standing in a circle and watching them. The judges came forward and gifted a cheque of Rs 5000 to them for the impromptu dance. It was a surprise on the spot dance competition for couples arranged by the organizers.

Their friends were thrilled and ushered them forcefully towards the food court. They demanded a treat and Sandip and Sahana obliged. But their thoughts were consumed by each other. How well they fitted into each other’s arms…

The fun and frolic ended by midnight and all of them walked back home. Sandip and Sahana walked hand in hand lost in their own thoughts….

To be continued.........