Chapter 2
December 15, 7 p.m.
Kripa emerged from her room dressed in her simple white chiffon printed dress, its halter neck revealing her graceful neck and shoulders! She had on pretty little dangling mother-of-pearl earrings and a thin gold chain with an oval mother-of-pearl locket! Her long hair was left loose curling slightly in waves because of the humid sea-air.
The Sharma family met in the lobby of the Sea Terraces 1 building. Everone was dressed formally for their first dinner. Mishti wore a black sequined top and black gauzy harem pants with crystal earrings and her hair in a French chignon! Naina wore a sequined black sari and light Kundan set and Dilip was in dark dinner jacket.
Naina enquired at the Lobby desk about the shuttle that would take them to the restaurant of their choice. The resort was so huge and sprawling that a 24 hour shuttle service operated carting the guests to the restaurants, beaches, pools, club-houses etc. The shuttles ran smoothly soundless, smokeless on CNG on paved roads behind each building.
As the Sharmas boarded the shuttle, the young Goanese driver asked them: "Good Evening, Ma'am, Sir, What restaurant you want to go?"
Naina studied the list of restaurants in her resort brochure and hesitated, not sure which one to choose……
The list said:
Morisco: For traditional Goa specialties. At Morisco, take your pick from a sumptuous seafood barbecue. There are freshly caught lobsters, prawns, crabs, fish, squid anything you could wish for under the sun. Marinated in fiery Goan spices that'll make your mouth water. Accompanied by the lively beats of traditional Goan music.
Seashell Restaurant: Relish the best of Indian and European gourmet fare amidst the elegance of flowers, wine and serenades. The chef urges you to try the Coastal Catch ocean fresh shrimps in a superbly prepared brandy sauce.
Il Camino: For Italian cuisine.At the Il Camino, we'll take you on a journey to the very heart of Italy. Savor authentic Italian delicacies from the regions of Roma, Milano, Monaco and Mestre. Tuck into hand-tossed pizzas straight from our wood-fired over. Or take your pick from a selection of delectable pastas and freshly baked garlic bread. Top it off by sipping a variety of specialty coffees flavored with vanilla, caramel, hazelnut or Irish cream.
Martini Bar: By the poolside. It is a delightful nook by the poolside overlooking the virgin sands of the Calangute. Where the bartender whips up exotic cocktails, mean martinis and mouth-watering snacks to tempt every palate. Accompanied by the soft notes of the piano.
Poolside BBQ: For seafood grills from 7.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m..
Naina still pondering while Dilip urged her to decide....
The shuttle-driver said:" Ma'am if u don't mind, can I suggest Morisco tonight, Ma'am? Theres live band, Goa Boyz there…..very good they are….Angad is lead singer….very good singer Ma'am"
Mishti jumped up at once: Yes, Mama, lets go there! I love Goan music and dance….so lively!
Naina agreed and asked the driver to take them to Morisco.
About 10 minutes later the shuttle pulled up in front of a sprawling hacienda-style building decorated with bright Christmas lights!
As they walked in, there was a huge Christmas tree in the lobby decorated with colorful balls, tinsel and lights! A big board near the dining-room door announced in BOLD:
TONITE ----LIVE MUSIC WITH THE GOA BOYZ ----FEATURING ANGAD
The dining-room was huge with round white tables spread all over, crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling and a low stage occupying one side of the room with a ramp leading down like a catwalk!
Soft dinner music played in the background, candles lit at tables in silver stands as they sat down to dinner! It was still early for Christmas and the resort wasn't that full so the Sharmas got a table close to the stage as Mishti wanted.
Starting with appetizers of shrimp fritters, they went on to French Onion Soup but Kripa had a salad for starter. For dinner they had Goan delicacies …..spicy coconut shrimp curry with Fried Rice and Stuffed Pomfret (Racheiado) and Lamb Vindaloo. Kripa couldn't have spicy food so she had pasta in white sauce with vegetables.
For dessert, there was chocolate mousse and mango ice-cream!
Just as they were finishing dinner, an older heavy-set couple walked up to their table. Dilip stood up, all smiles: Hello Hello Mr. Mehra, Mrs. Mehra!
Naina and Dilip greeted the Mehras and shook hands with them. Mishti and Kripa greeted them as Uncle and Aunty as they knew them as Papa's business friends.
The Mehras invited the Sharmas for after-dinner drinks and chit-chat (business actually) at the Martini Bar. Dilip happily accepted their invite and Naina instructed the girls:
Naina: Mishti, Kripa….tum dono yahan Live Music enjoy karna, aur theek tarah se suites mein wapas chali jaana, Okay! Zyada der mat karna. " She kissed the girls goodbye and the 4 oldies departed, leaving Kripa and Mishti to enjoy Goa Boyz and Angad!
Exactly at 8:30 P.M., the dining-room lights dimmed and the Goa Boyz came onstage, a group of 7 young men in their 20s, wearing funky T-shirts and jeans and assorted heavy-metal bands logo jewelry!
They had guitars, violins, mandolins, drums, cymbals and a big, professional keyboard!
A plump guy in a purple suit huffed onstage and announced :
Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to Goa! Morisco, Fort Aguada Beach mein aap sabka swaagat hai! And now we bring you the colorful music of Goa……. MANDO by the GOA BOYZ……Give it up for the Goa Boyz!
Everybody applauded as if on cue!
The Goa Boyz started playing foot-tapping music alongwith Konkani vocals, which is called Mando!
Kripa and Mishti didn't understand a single word of the songs but like everybody else there, they enjoyed the lively beats, energetic vocals and guitar riffs and violin and mandolin chords! The 2 girls nodded their heads to the beats, tapping their feet and clapping when necessary with the beats! Mishti did a little jig in her seat as well with the music!
The Goa Boyz played for half-an-hour and then most of them left the stage leaving only the guitarist, the keyboardist and the drummers!
The purple suited guy emerged again and said dramatically:
And NOW------LADIES (stressing) and Gentlemen…….the MAN you all have been waiting for ……the one with THE VOICE…….ANGADDD!!!
Clash of Cymbals and Roll of Drums!
Lights dim further till stage is completely dark!
Then a spotlight falls center-stage……..
A tall, broad-shouldered man in a leather jacket is standing with his back to the audience, ROUTE 66 embossed in gold on the dark leatherback! Dark-Blue jeans tightly encase lean hips and muscular legs, parted slightly as he balances a guitar in his hand! His face is turned to one side, silhouetting a handsome outline with sharp nose and strong chin!
He starts playing the guitar …..then turns slowly around, singing vocals in a deep baritone:
Neeley neeley ambar par….chand jab aaye…..pyar barsaaye, humko tarsaaye
Aisa koi saathi ho, aisa koi premee ho, pyas dil ki bujha jaye….
He starts playing the guitar fast now …..
Kripa's breath gets stuck in her throat as she gazes with wonder at the tall, handsome man on-stage!
He had an amazing personality that seemed to fill the entire room with his presence!
Below his leather jacket, a white Metallica T-shirt stretched tautly across his broad chest!
A large metal cross and thick chain hung over his muscular chest!
His deep, melodious voice filled the room, as Angad continued his song, experttly strumming his guitar to the song's chords!
http://www.raaga.com/channels/hindi/movie/H000667.html (song, movie: Kalaakaar, Kishore Kumar) [listen to the song, plz ignore 1st part of ad jingle>
Neele Neele Ambar Par
Chand Jab Aaye
Pyar Barsaaye
Humko Tarsaaye
Aisa Koi Saathi Ho
Aisa Koi Premi Ho
Pyas Dil Ki Bujha Jaaye
Neele Neele Ambar Par ...
Angad smiled and swayed to the song, stepping left, then right, turning round in a circle and back again in a little dance….he swung his guitar to and fro like a true rock-guitarist as he sung and played it!
Ho, Oonche Oonche Parbat
Jab Choomte Hain Ambar Ko
Pyasa Pyasa Ambar
Jab Choomta Hain Saagar Ko
Pyar Se Kasne Ko
Baahon Mein Basne Ko
Dil Mera Lalchaaye
Koi To Aa Jaaye
Aisa Koi Saathi Ho
Aisa Koi Premi Ho
Pyas Dil Ki Bujha Jaaye
Neele Neele Ambar Par ...
Kripa's , Mishti's and everybody else's eyes were fixed on this musical magician as he hypnotized them with his deep, melodious vocals, expert guitar-playing and his charming personality and charisma!
Ho, Thande Thande Jhaunke
Jab Baalon Ko Sehlaayein
Tapti Tapti Kirane
Jab Gaalon Ko Chhoo Jaayein
Saanson Ki Garmi Ko
Haathon Ki Narmi Ko
Mera Man Tarsaaye
Koi To Chhoo Jaaye
Aisa Koi Saathi Ho
Aisa Koi Premi Ho
Pyas Dil Ki Bujha Jaaye
Neele Neele Ambar Par ...
Hey, Chham Chham Karta Saawan
Boondon Ke Baan Chalaye
Satrangi Barsaaton Mein
Jab Tan Man Bheega Jaaye
Pyar Mein Nahaane Ko
Doob Hi Jaane Ko
Dil Mera Tadpaaye
Khwab Jaga Jaaye
Aisa Koi Saathi Ho
Aisa Koi Premi Ho
Pyas Dil Ki Bujha Jaaye
Neele Neele Ambar Par ...
Kripa snapped out of her enchanted trance at the sound of thunderous applause, accompanied by ceetees, screams (from young girls) and shouts of ENCORE, WE WANT MORE---MORE!
She was suddenly emabrassed for being so awestruck by the singer but she clapped enthusiastically as she loved his performance also!
Mishti clapped madly and leaned to Kripa and shouted in her ears:
"Kitna achha gaata hai na? And hes soooo handsome too….and HOT and Sexy!!
Kripa blushed as same thoughts had appeared in her head but she was too shy to speak them aloud!
Mishti clapped louder and cupping her hands screamed : ANGAD….ANGAD!
Angad, who was bowing to applause looked directly at the table where Kripa and Mishti were sitting……
He signalled the spotlight to shine on their table, he jumped down from the stage and walked to the girl's table!
Kripa almost died of mortification, as all eyes focused on their table.
Kripa: (with teeth clenched) Diiiiii, why did u do that? Woh yahin per aa raha hai…… do something now, stop him…..
Mishti: Shut up, Baby! Don't be such a wimp, aaney do usey, I like it"….she said grinning in delight as Angad coolly sauntered up to their table!
Angad reached them and glanced smilingly at Mishti and then looked sardonically at Kripa where she was sitting in an embarassed huddle!
Angad (amused and mocking)…..Kya aapko mera gaana achha nahin laga? He asked Kripa directly!
For such a direct question, even timid Kripa couldn't lie! She nodded her head silently!
Angad teased : Iska matlab aapko achha nahin laga?
Kripa looked up at the teasing tone in his voice and their eyes met! Time seemed to stop for a few seconds!
Then somehow Kripa squeaked out----Haan laga, bahut achcha laga!
Angad laughed : GREATTT!! I am delighted ke AAPKO pasand aya!
Actually Angad had noticed the girl in white gazing at him dreamily throughout his song, hanging on his every note and chord! She seemed unique….she stood out in the dark room like a gleam of moonlight, chandni jaisi……she was the only one wearing white in a room-full of dark suits and dresses!
Now he checked her out from close quarters………the flush on her cheeks looked adorable,silky dark hair fell in pretty waves on her lovely neck and shoulders, framing a pretty face with perfect features!
But as soon as she looked up at him to answer his question, their eyes met and he was mesmerized…..they were the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen…..holding the deepest mystery waiting to be solved…… He thought with an inexplicable pang in his heart! ANGAD WAS INTRIGUED!
He looked at Mishti and asked " Do you have any special requests for songs u want me to sing? (stealing a glance at kripa again)
Mishti (awfully pleased)……Sing any song Angad….You will be GREAT with anything u do"
Angad saluted jokingly: Okay Ma'am, jaisi aapki marzi…..he smiled, went back on-stage and whispered something to his musician friends;
Then he strummed his guitar again:
Chehra hai ya chand khila
Zulf ghaneri shaam hain kya
Sagar jaisi aankhon wali
Yeh toh bata tera naam hai kya
http://www.raaga.com/channels/hindi/movie/H000667.html (song, movie: Saagar, Kishore Kumar) [plz ignore ad jingle>
Angad came down the ramp as he sang, the spotlight following him, singing…….he approached the girls' table again……..singing…as he circled the table, glancing repeatedly at Kripa …especially when he sang the last 2 lines : Yeh toh bata tera naam hai kya?
Kripa fidgeted in her seat, eyes lowered, blushing furiously, as she realized Angad's song was directed at her!
When their eyes had met, she had felt something……their eyes had exchanged some secret converse which she herself didn't understand but could only feel it in the goosebumps on her flesh and her quickened heartbeat!
Kripa was confused, flustered and totally at a loss!
Tu Kya Jaane Teri Khaatir
Kitna Hai Betaab Ye Dil
Tu Kya Jaane Dekh Raha Hai
Kaise Kaise Khwaab Ye Dil
Dil Kehta Hai Tu Hai Yahaan To
Jaata Lamha Tham Jaaye
Waqt Ka Dariya Behte Behte
Is Manzar Mein Jam Jaaye
Toone Deewana Dil Ko Banaaya
Is Dil Par Ilzaam Hai Kya
Saagar Jaisi Aankhon Vaali
Ye To Bataa Tera Naam Hai Kya...
Ho, Aaj Maein Tujhse Door Sahi
Aur Tu Mujhse Anjaan Sahi
Tera Saath Nahin Paaun To
Khair Tera Armaan Sahi
Ye Armaan Hain Shor Nahin Ho
Khamoshi Ke Mele Hon
Is Duniya Mein Koi Nahin Ho
Hum Dono Hi Akele Hon
Tere Sapne Dekh Raha Hoon
Aur Mera Ab Kaam Hai Kya
Saagar Jaisi Aankhon Vaali
Ye To Bataa Tera Naam Hai Kya...
Angad circled around several tables as he sang, returning every time to sing the last line behind Kripa's back, making the hairs on her nape stand up in awareness of his presence there!
Finally Angad went back on stage and Kripa breathed a sigh of relief! As soon as the song ended, wild applause broke out again!
Pallavi
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