The Great Indian College Romance

14. Rehashed

Here it was, the day of the competition. 

We were sitting in the assigned participant areas waiting for our turn. I had so much nervous energy in me that I was constantly bouncing both my legs up and down. I had barely eaten since morning and had woken up super early. 

Years of performing had dulled my nerves and stage fright but today I was under a fresh onslaught of nervousness and irrational fears. I had carefully done myself up. I was even wearing my nicest LBD with my trusty sneakers, yet I didn't feel as confident as I usually did. 

"Stop," said Angad and placed a hand on my knee to halt my bouncing legs. I quickly drew back my leg so I could escape the tingles that erupted in my skin whenever we made contact. 

Angad had done his best to calm me down. He had sat me down multiple times and had reassured me that I was the best singer he had seen in our college and that we would win. 

I wanted to believe him, I really did. 

It was sort of intimidating seeing the whole setup here in Bhaskara college. I mean they had tents, a huge stage with the lighting and backdrop and everything. It almost looked like a concert. 

Delhi University was not kidding around when it came to fests.

Nobody seemed fazed except the first years. They were all used to the grandiose nature of these competitions. 

"You hungry?" Angad asked me. 

Since the order of the competition was -- Solo, Duet, Group and then Bands, Angad and I were the only ones from Rhapsody in this room. Everyone else was outside somewhere in the audience. 

I shook my head and continued going over the lyrics of the songs in my head. 

Had I bitten off more than I could chew? Two separate categories seemed excessive now. How is Angad so calm? He had to perform thrice. Wouldn't he mix up his sets? What if I mixed up my sets? How embarrassing would that be?

"Meera, Meera? Hey, are you okay?" Angad touched my shoulder gently to get my attention. 

"Yes!" I said, a little high pitched.

"No, you are clearly not," he observed and then turned me around to face him. 

"Are you that nervous about the performance?" he asked and I nodded. 

"You may think this is all some big deal but trust me, fests like this happen fifty times a year. Since this is the first one you might think the stakes are high but they really aren't. Worst case scenario you stumble and fall on the stage mid-song. Nobody is even going to remember that at the next fest. Actually, the audience isn't even here to see us. They are here for Jasleen Kaur, the celebrity performer."

I giggled. I guess he was right in a way, We were all just minor opening acts for the queen of Punjabi pop who was the showstopping performance of this fest. 

 "And you are a phenomenal singer, I don't understand what you are so afraid of. Just go out there and give your best. That is all everybody expects of you. Nothing more, nothing less."

He finished his big speech with utmost sincerity. 

"Now take a few calming breaths and relax."

Which I did. I wasn't the picture of serenity but it was a definite improvement. 

So when they called out my name for the Solo performance I felt calmer and determined as the volunteer led me away. 

I stepped onto the stage and was met with a huge crowd. I saw Siddharth, Yug and Shreyas towards the sides and they were cheering for me the loudest. I inhaled and imagined I was singing for them. They had so much faith in me and I had to give my best.