Here and Now
Life couldn’t have blessed her more than now. A great career and enticing relationship, everything one can possibly aim for is bestowed on her, perhaps a bit too much. She has been undoubtedly gifted with the most enchanting voice one can dream of. Mystic and powerful, an epitome of class, she was capable of bewitching her listeners in an exclusive manner through her impeccable persona. However things were not easy as always. She had to cautiously eliminate each stumbling blocks from her way. She refused to allow the hardships to dictate her. Often she dives into her memory lanes to see if they still haunt her. As years past by, she learnt how to remain calm yet to stand up for herself. She was not flawless moreover she was spirited and passionate which society often misperceived as fierce and self centered. She had always believed in process rather than the consequence. Forty springs and she was headed towards making friends with herself. Once she was her own best friend she could sail her life smoothly with strength, grace and assurance.
Chapter 1
On a lazy spring afternoon she sits on the best loved corner of her luxurious villa listening to the mind numbing cuckoo calls. Slowly she runs those fragile fingers on her face as if caressing the fine lines. Time is flying like a jet plane she quivers a bit and relaxes gradually sipping the finest first flush. A pale blue feather lands on her left shoulder in a leisurely pace. She carefully picks it up, looks through her glasses. Little did she knew about the new guest in her garden, a blue throated bee-eater.
She paused a bit before walking towards the garden. A vague memory crossed her mind, a blurry image ran down her memory. She tried to gather up the image however her vision failed completely. She felt uneasiness as she tried to recollect her thoughts. A perplexing sensation grasped her quickly and she was left dazed. Few minutes past and as the cool summer breeze hit her forehead she looked up to the ombre walls of her patio. Remembered she had errands to run before the day ended. Ana could be here any moment. Ana is a bright young woman, efficient and confident. Her agendas are more organized since Ana joined. “Hello madam! Hope I am not knocking at the wrong hours. I am sorry, we had few meeting todays but I can reschedule those if you wish.”Oh how adorable this little charmer is. She smiled at Ana reassuringly. “Lets begin Ana," she calmly said.Music has brought her recognition and now she has to deal with it; plenty of organizations line up to her with countless pleas and demands. They seek her advice on different cultural programs and so on. Thanks to Ana, she already shortlisted these meetings making things easy for her. She also has her own art organization which works towards the well being of young artists. It took her twelve years to set this up. Again a lot of hurdles, but she was determined to fight against all the odds. Today’s last meeting was with a visual artist. While Ana briefed the profile, she added, “There’s not much information about him or his past work. He seems to admire your work and you a lot. Could this be a reason at all to be able to meet you?” She rolled her eyes at Ana, “ Any reference?”. Ana quickly answered no. “Can you go through his letter again please? ” then as if talking to herself she murmured “I wonder what art he practices”. Ana repeated the lines from the letter. “Dear Madam, Greetings ! I would be obliged if you kindly grant me the opportunity to meet you briefly. I am primarily a visual artist and wish to discuss a project with you. Looking forward to meeting you in person at your convenience. BestPablo S. Frost Ana tried hard to hide her restlessness and waited for a response.
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Chapter 2
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The phone was ringing, Meira never responded, She was on her bed, checking the images from her last concert. A preselected copy needs to reach the press at the soonest. Tons of images, but few can be used, she was feeling a slight anger. She is never happy with the stills she receive. She decided to take a break and start afresh. A cup of tea might help or coffee? The window was half open allowing the cold breeze to chill her skin. She almost changed her mind about getting out of her bed. The phone started ringing again. To take the call she must get up. With a bit of disgust, she picked it. “Hello, may I talk to Meira Brown please?” It is not often that Meira comes across such a voice, courteous yet firm.
She took a moment to reply. “Speaking, she said cautiously. May I know your name and the purpose of the call?”
"Oh of-course, I am Neil Hughes, I am seeking an appointment. I shall explain further in person if you have some time. I am in town and willing to meet you at your convenience.”
Meira wondered what he was seeking, an interview? Is he from press? Filmmaker may be or just an ardent fan ? Who knows ? Should she say yes? All these questions were toppling over her head. “Meira… you there?” He said gently.“Oh I am sorry, let me talk to my partner and fix a meeting. I suppose you want to meet us both.” “Of-course, if I may talk to him right now, would be better for me.” He responded with no delay. “Meira raised her voice, Josh can you please take this call? “Busy right now, you can note down the number and I shall get back soon.” Josh threw the words from his studio.Meira slowly picked up the receiver, before she could explain the situation Neil told he will call back. “Hope to see you soon Meira," his last words lingered in her ears until Josh threw his arms around her.“Meira you gotta come listen to this track, it's coming really cool.”“I still need to finish the image selection Josh, remember we have to mail it by the end of the day. I need your help, the images are not up to the mark I feel.
After some coaxing Josh finally agreed to check the images. As always he found little or no fault and accused Meira of being demanding.
“Come on Meira, learn to be happy with what you have. It's so hard to please you. No, it's not, the words almost came out of her mouth but she restricted avoiding further arguments. She smiled at Josh and went to the kitchen. She cannot wait anymore to have her cup or tea or was it coffee, whatever !
What she needs most at the moment is some alone time and a smoke.Josh was taken aback by her attitude. He thought,“she can be truly mean man, whats wrong in those pictures. We look great and its just photos after all. Though its true the frames could have been better, edits are overdone.” Then he mumbled something Meira didn’t catch.“Bring me a cup of what you are having ” Josh yelled.
Slamming the door behind her Meira puts the coffee cup on study table, brings out a cigarette and grabs her earplugs. She plays her favorite playlist on the computer. Her face was turned away from Josh. He couldn’t see the tears rolling down her cheeks. She has mastered the art of silent weeping over the years. Meira gradually melts down with Ms. Simone as she crooned smoky blues.
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