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‘What?’ Ananya’s father stood up as well.
Ananya looked at the stage and then me in quick succession. ‘Krish, what
is....’
‘Shsh, pay attention,’ I placed a finger on my lips.
Radha took the mike.
‘Mom!’ Manju screamed.
Ananya’s mother looked towards us and smiled.
‘What are you going to sing for us first, Radha?’ Smitha asked coyly.
‘Ek pal ka jeena from Kaho Na Pyaar Hai,’ Ananya’s mother answered shyly.
The crowd roared and clapped as introductory music began for the song.
Radha aunty sang well; I noticed several clients tap their feet or nod their
heads to the music. Tamilians can tell good singers from bad, like Punjabis can
judge butter chicken in a jiffy. Nobody in the audience looked disapproving.
‘How did Radha come here?’ Ananya’s father spoke after recovering from the
shock.
‘Obviously, Krish arranged it, dad. Can’t you guess?’ Ananya said.
‘She never told me,’ uncle said. But his eyes glinted with pride.
‘Mom is singing so well,’ Ananya said to Manju, who nodded and reached out
for the various snacks ferried by waiters.
Ananya bent forward and kissed me on my cheek. Her father didn’t notice, as
his eyes were transfixed on stage. A few agents did, and I smiled in
embarrassment.
‘Ananya, this is an office event,’ I whispered.
‘Of course, that’s why my mother is on stage,’ she said as she played footsie
with me.