Amudha had trained in flute since she was very young, and she had finally earned the honor of playing while sitting behind her teacher. But today, on the morning of a live television performance, he had fallen ill, and expected her to take his place. She fidgeted on stage while the curtains were closed. The violinist, Mani, was also a young man, likely her age, but much more experienced. As they reviewed the ragas they would play, he nodded knowingly, almost bored by her choices. She worried if they were the right songs, the right composers, the right ragas. When the curtain went up, she froze. The bright lights were blinding, the audience staring, expectant, and the other artists were looking at her. She felt a hand on her shoulder, shaking her out of her stupor. Mani was smiling kindly, and then began to play the raga. Reassured, she went on, to great success. From then on, she and Mani performed every one of their concerts together - until their children replaced them on stage.

Music is Forever | Next Story

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