INNER VOICE - SEASON - 2 STORY#1 - 'BACHCHE'

TITLE CREDIT - JJ

“BACHCHE”

So, you think that all our past alumni students will join on the 16^th December, just for a reunion; it’s been 10 years, everybody is busy now days in their respective worlds, a trailing voice was heard from the other side of the phone. Everyone shall be present aaji Saheb (grandmother), be rest assured. “Main sab bandaro ko har ped se pakad kar lekar aunga don’t worry, akhir Shashtri sir sahi kehte the, main madaari hu” and they both laughed. The tensed atmosphere became light. I have talked to everyone and they have confirmed, assured Kabir. ‘Bas aaji apni make-up artist Monika nahi aa payegi us din, usdin shaadi hain uski, so woh khud ka make up karne main busy rahegi...’ Aaji laughed shyly and hung the phone.

Kabir Mehta (Batch – 2007) was the favourite ‘natkhat’  bachcha of the Vidyamandir Natya Niketan. Shashtri sir used to love him for his sense of humour and instant improvisations on the stage. He was excellent actor for comic roles, but the tragic part of his student life was, that Shashtri sir never offered him any comical role to play. Sir always said, “Jo aata hain, bas wohi karte rahoge, toh naya kab sikhoge, ek chiz main mastery beshak rakho lekin baaki sab chizo ki bhi jaankari rakho, tabhi aap ek all rounder performer banoge”  He truly believed in what he said, and this is how all his students learnt not only the acting, but also the other major parts of dramatics – that is direction, writing, make-up, handling lighting on stage, handling music, backstage management, costume designing, set designing, camera recording, anchoring and what not. This philosophy of his life was very motivating and kept us on our toes even today!

Yes, that was Late Dr. Divakar Shashtri - a strict and disciplined teacher, a courageous orator and an independent personality who led his life setting examples for all his students. He was a man of his principles and always spoke truth. He was a well-known name in the field of theatre and performing arts.

But above all these accolades, he was a very loving and caring teacher. He was like a father to all of us. He loved all his students as his own children. He never had any children of his own, but he used to profoundly say, “mere students hi mere bachche hain, mera guroor hain”. He was indeed a best teacher, a mentor, a guide and a best friend to his every student.

Everyone was set to arrive on the decided date that is 16^th Dec. But Kabir Mehta and Keshav Adhikaari (Batch – 2001) that is me, we have decided to turn up two days ahead just to make the necessary arrangements for a smooth event. Keshav gets a call from Jazz (Batch – 2009). Jazz was the one who played ‘Naarada’s role’ in one of the most prominent plays during his batch time.

Jazz – “Haan Keshav dada, aapse ek jaruri baat karni thi”.

Keshav – “Aree Jagjit.. “Narayan! Narayan” kaise ho? Dekho Naarad ji, ab baatein toh hongi hi na jagjit...once you reach here, now let me get back to arrangements, aap sabka swaagat bhi toh karna hain buddy!”

Jazz – “Offo! Dada – Jagjit is too old fashioned – “call me Jazz na...”(childishly he requested)

Keshav – Hmmm...Jag...mera matlab hain Jazz, see you tomorrow, Jazz interrupted and said, “apko Kabir bhaiyaa ne mail bheja tha kya?”

Keshav – Mail? Kaisa mail?

Jazz – Wohi toh dada, yeh Kabir bhaiyya dikhte hain utne simple nahi hain, kuch toh chal raha hain unke dimaag main, I am telling you, dada – something is fishy! Jazz said in one go.

Keshav – Dekho Jagjit, I mean Jazz (correcting himself he said), I think the problem with you is that, you have started treating the people of your real life as if they are your routine detective story characters, mockingly he commented.

In addition, he said, well, I know Kabir since last 10 years, ‘inch bhar bhi woh nahi badla hain, haan bas thoda sa health conscious zarur hogaya hain pehle se woh, baki waisa hain, ‘apna ziddi Ashwatthama! ‘Ashwatthama’ was a famous character that Kabir played on stage in one of the inter-state competition). He was offered this role by Shashtri Sir as a challenge. And none other than Shashtri sir himself directed this play then. Kabir not only played this role but also won the competition and since then, he was fondly called as ‘Ziddi Ashwatthama’ by his class mates’.

Jazz – “Haan dada, (again cutting Keshav, Jazz speaks), abhi tak woh uss character main se bahar nahi ayaa hain.” Ab aap hi bataao kya zarurat thi unhe Maj. Rao ko bulane ki? Unka kya kaam iss reunion main? Dada, “ek baat aap samjho, agar Dronacharya ji ne Arjun ko apna chahita shishya naa banaya hota, toh Ashwatthama ko Kauravo se dosti kyu karni padti bhala? Isshara samajh rahe ho bhaiyya aap?”

Keshav – “Laughs...tu bhi naa Jazz..abhi tak apne character main hi hain, dekho kaise baatein idhar se udhar kar rahe ho! chal abhi rakh phone”, a lot of work needs to be done the event is just one day away (disconnects the call).

Kabir is busy on a call, when Keshav sees a taxi being stopped at the gate of Vidyamandir. Aaji steps out of the taxi. Keshav walks towards the gate, makes the payment, bends and touches aaji’s feet and hugs her. Aaji hugs him warmly and says, “aree mera sabse honhaar bachcha”  mera “Dharmaraj Yudhishtir” and plants a gentle kiss on his palm. Both of them walk inside, “mera shaitan bachcha kaha hain?” she looks at Keshav and inquires about Kabir. Keshav points out at Kabir, who is still talking with someone over call. Keshav calls Kabir and indicates about the arrival of aaji. Kabir moves a little away from the vision of both of them, as if something talking something secretly with someone. For the first time, Keshav experiences such annoying gesture from Kabir, but he nods his head in a ‘no’ and moves towards aaji with a glass of water. After a while, Kabir comes running to aaji and hugs her tight and kisses her forehead. As usual the ‘natkhat bachcha’- the most mischievous child of the institute forgets everything for a while and starts a never ending conversation about with his guru ma – aaji.

Keshav looks their conversation from a distant and smiles. He then takes a few steps towards the passage that connects to the main auditorium. The wooden staircase leads him towards the passage area where a big wooden board is planted on the main wall – it’s called the ‘Hall of Fame’ – wherein the list of student names who have topped from the Vidyamandir Natya Niketan has been embossed in bold fonts along with their respective batch year. Keshav Adhikaari is a tall man – so his fingers could reach to the topmost name – ‘Keshav Adhikari’ (Batch – 2001) that was embossed in the first row. He touched each alphabet of his name slowly and was lost in the memory lane. He remembers, his first role – ‘Dharamraj Yudhistir’ the role that matched with his own personality. 

He remembered the first day of his college and then the day when he specially came to meet Shashtri sir in the year 2017, when Shashtri sir had addressed in an international theatre festival about his journey. He still remembers how Shashtri sir took interest in making the Hall of Fame board, just to see it during his last days. Tears rolled down his cheeks when he remembered the last words of Shashtri sir – ‘Keshava’ promise me that you would always visit this place with all my other 7 bachchas at least once in a year to meet me here at this place – he said pointing at the vacant auditorium then. Keshav got completely emotional while remembering his last meeting with Shashtri sir. ‘Keshav’ was the most obedient and most talented student of the entire department, and he was too close to Shashtri sir, as he was the student from the first batch. Shashtri sir used to call him – “mera bada beta” in front of all his students. A confident smile floated on his face as he remembered those words. 

His eyeballs moved to the 2^nd name in the list – ‘Kavery Krishnan’ (Batch – 2003) – A girl who came from a conservative south Indian family, who had oiled hair and a little dark complexion, she was very shy initially, but later she went on to become the most confident student. Shashtri sir offered her the role of ‘Draupadi’ – a role exactly opposite to her nature. And she nailed it! Brilliantly she portrayed the character and won the trophy at the National level, and made the entire department proud. 

Keshav scrolls down his gaze further – the third name in the list was – Noori Ahmed (Batch – 2005). The girl who was born and brought up at an orphanage, the owner of that orphanage brought her here so that she could be trained in dance and acting. Shashtri sir thought she would justify the character of ‘Meera’ and yes, he was true - the benchmark she set as ‘Meera’ was so high that her act mesmerised one of the owners of a leading production houses from Mumbai, and this is how she got her first chance to work as a female lead for their new film. Keshav feels the thrill in his spine as he remembers ‘Meera’. 

The next name on the list was ‘Kabir Mehta’ (Batch – 2007). Keshav moves his fingers on this name and takes a deep breath when suddenly; Kabir’s loud voice falls on his ears and breaks his memory trance. He looks around in the direction from where the voice was coming. He takes a few steps towards a corner of the passage – Kabir was instructing someone. “Tumhe alag se batana padega, kal samjhaya tha na tumhe, kisiko kaano kaan khabar nahi honi chahiye, tumhe tumhara hissa mil jayega aadinath!” Keshav frozed in his place when he ovderheard the name - ‘Aadinath’.  He remembered that once Shashtri sir had mentioned in his personal conversation, about ‘Aadinath’. He was Shashtri sir’s nephew, his brother’s son. Who never loved his uncle and was always after his property and this institute. Keshav nodded his head in a no. He can’t believe his ears, it was ‘Kabir’ who was talking to ‘Aadinath’ and the most disheartening part was to learn about the ‘Hissa’ – what was it all about? 

I must go and talk regarding this with Kabir as soon as possible (he thought to himself). As he progressed ahead towards the auditorium – a few more voices fell on his ears of which the first voice was a familiar one, it was Jazz – who was standing near the door of the auditorium. He was wearing a half pant and a white shirt half tucked. He was wearing a black leather jacket that was gifted by Shashtri sir to him as a token of appreciation when he played the role of ‘Shakuni’.  Jazzz... he whispered, when suddenly Jazz turned around and with a broad smile came running to Keshav and hugged him. Dada!!! He said with joy. Good to see you jagjit...oop! Jazz... he said correcting instantly, and they both started laughing aloud. By the way – Jazz is now a well-known writer. He runs his own show that features the thrilling mysteries and detective stories. 

They both sat on the chairs that faced the stage of the auditorium when suddenly a focus light fell on the main stage. Both of them looked up! A boy wearing denim jeans with a red t-shirt and a hat stood leaning on the wall. “Dada lighting theeka che?” he inquired waving at Keshav. “Hein...daarun!” came the reply from Keshav. The boy in the red t-shirt jumped and hurriedly ran towards Keshav and hugged him and Jazz one by one. 

He was ‘Raghav Banerjee’ (Batch – 2013). Proud of you young man, Jazz said patting on his shoulder. Suna hain tum sabse bada light man bangaya hain – “Sabko ujjala dete firte ho!”  I mean you run a famous company that produces the flood lights for the stadiums, not bad haan! He played the role of ‘Karna’ aur aaj tak usko puri batch – Surya putra ke naam se address karti hain. That’s indeed an achievement.  

As the three walked towards the front row of the auditorium, they heard a tapping sound of high heels that grew loud as if someone is walking towards them. Soon they saw a slim and trip girl who appeared from the right wing of the stage. She was holding a script in her hand. Instantly as she looked up, the spot light fell on her finely highlighted red coloured hair flicks, she had a pierced eyebrow too. She was wearing a micro skirt with an off shoulder black crop top. Her face glowed and made a golden outline near her ears, where the silver danglers were glittering and suspended on her bare shoulder surface. She wore a dark maroon lipstick, a proper blend of make-up and eye shadow that complimented her clothes and hair colour talked more about her personality. She was none other than ‘Ananya Gujral’ (Batch – 2015). The last and the latest of the 8 bachcha log that Shashtri sir had. She was an excellent anchor. It came naturally to her from her parents who are both national journalists. She never had stage fear. She was a fighter. Shashtri sir was proud of her. Once during her college days, she played the role of a ‘seeta’ she was so convincing in her character that each one of us used to forget who she really was? 

The image of a modern girl and a fashion model used to be overshadowed with the simplicity and elegance of the character she portrayed. Such was her grace and beauty when she performed. “Keshav dada” she addressed and moved towards Keshav. Keshav hugged her and soon all of them start walking towards the passage area. While Keshav and Ananya walked ahead, Jazz and Raghav followed them. Jazz was awestruck and mesmerised with her beauty when, suddenly Raghav puts his hand around Jazz’s shoulder and mockingly commented – “rehne do Jazz – tum nahi sambhal paoge issko! And with this, both of them laughed aloud.  

All four of them cross the area where the hall of fame board was placed. Keshav glances at the board and the name that he see is ‘Kabir Mehta’ (Batch – 2007) – he instantly remembers about ‘Aadinath’... Keshav now is looking around for Kabir, but Kabir is seen nowhere. He asks Ananya, Jazz and Raghav to walk towards the kitchen area to meet aaji and he walks towards the gate #2 of the institute. 

'The 2^nd gate was a new gate made recently two years ago. This gate allowed the actors to directly walk towards the green room after their performances, just to avoid the unnecessary crowding of the audience that followed them after their performances. Kabir was standing there talking to someone. His angry gestures were so visible and loud that forced Keshav to re-think about the advice given by Jazz to him a day before. Kabir looked tensed and restless from a distance. Keshav thought not to discuss anything and wait for the next day when the reunion was organised.

16^th Dec, 2019 – the day arrives!

The entire institute was illuminated with lights as if it was Diwali. The gates and the wooden furniture was decorated with yellow ‘gende ke phool’.  The entire institute was decorated as if it was some festival or a grand carnival that was happening. The stage was properly set with a podium on its extreme right wing. Five chairs were properly placed in the centre of the stage. On the other side, a lamp with the wicks was properly placed and nearby ‘maa saraswati’s’ idol was placed with a floral garland suspended over it.  Another light was illuminated from the centre stage from beneath the stage – it exactly fell on the banner that was pinned properly in the centre of the large curtain. Just near to the last chair, a wooden table was placed on which a photo frame of Shashtri sir was placed with a fresh floral garland resting over its edges. Just adjacent to the stage was a music system box that had the audio speakers connected. Saraswati vandana and Vishnu sahasranaamavali chants were audible at a very lower volume. The dim lights looked beautiful when it fell on the smoke that rose from incense sticks that are now ignited. The entire atmosphere was pleasant and soothing. Keshav looked at the auditorium. The audience started walking in. Students from various batches started flooding inside the auditorium and within 15 mins the entire auditorium was houseful. The front rows had all the dignitaries and legendary teachers and a few close friends of Shashtri sir. After a while the programme started with the felicitation of Aaji Saheb (Shashtri sir’s mother) and light lamping ritual. Ananya entered the stage confidently and set the show started by her welcome speech in a most stunning way.

Just when the programme was about to begin with a Ganesh Vandana by a few small children, Kabir entered the stage and walked towards the podium. Everyone was surprised at this interruption. The next few moments were very disturbing for all of us. Kabir started talking. “I welcome you all on behalf of the Vidyamandir Natya Niketan on its successful completion of 10 years” after a brief pause he says, this programme is not a reunion actually! The moment he announced this, everyone around started murmuring. What is happening here? As I was above to move a little near the podium, he looked at me and continued speaking holding the mic. He said, “TODAY WE ALL ARE GATHERED HERE ON THE OCCASION OF ‘NILAMMI’ (AUCTION)” – the auction of this institute. The very place that imparted training in theatre and drama, is now on a SALE – so I welcome you all to come forward and quote your prices. Keshav was broken. Everybody around looked shaken and disheartened. People started discussing amongst themselves. The entire auditorium was wrapped in an unusual silence.

Keshav looked angrily at Kabir. When suddenly a small light fell on the floor from a half opened door crevice. The door widened. A tall figure was seen standing blocking the light. The figure started walking towards the stage passing through the aisle seats of the auditorium. Everyone turned around to see who it was. Raghav quickly illuminated the spot light on the image that walked through the auditorium middle passage. As the light fell on the figure, everyone was frozen including me. Shashtri sir!!! The same white kurta pajama with a brown khadi waistcoat over it, and an orange Maratha sahi paghri. I could not believe my eyes! How can a dead man walk in alive? Silence was evident now in the entire auditorium. I was shocked and so was everyone around. I walked towards the man who looked alike Shashtri sir...in disbelief. I approached him. For a moment I lost all my senses and became blank. How is this possible? My heart skipped a heartbeat. As I was about to touch the hand of that man, he shifted his gaze at me and said, Keshava!!! How are you my boy?

I was frozen. Even the voice was same. But I couldn’t believe that moment and was still in a shock. I was so much disturbed at this incidence, that I couldn’t decide whether to cry or be happy. For a moment, darkness came in between my vision, I was about to fall, when suddenly a pair of hands held me tight and supported me.  I was breathing heavy. Tiny droplets of sweat popped up from my forehead, even the AC in the auditorium failed to keep my emotions at ease. I turned around to see who held me. Another shock! It was ‘Monika Seghal’ who was smiling at me. I uttered...Monn, monn, she interrupted me and said – yes dada – I am Monika Sehgal, Batch – 2011. Aree dada, wohi Monika who played ‘Shikhandini and Amba’ in our cultural event.

Keshav now stood looking at both, Monika and the person who dressed up like Shashtri sir. He was clueless. “Lekin aaj toh tumhari shaadi thi naa?” he inquired in disbelief.

“Yes dada”; came the answer from the podium. Kabir it was. He was miserably laughing holding his stomach. Suddenly everyone came around and surrounded me. Kabir stepped near me and couldn’t hold his laughter still. “Aree dada, aap bhi naa! “Sach main Bhole Bhaale Yudhishtir nikle!” Gaur se dekho – Monika apne dulhe ke saath hi aayi hai yaha!, he said pointing at the male standing in front of him dressed up as Shashri sir. Badi hi ziddi hain ye, she wants to have her marriage feras here in this auditorium itself, jaha se usne shuruvaat ki thi “Dada aap kaise dhoka khaa gaye pehchaan ne main inhe? He went near that person and pulled off his moustache. It was ‘Aadinath’ who stood there laughing holding his breath. Everyone laughed aloud holding their stomach. When aaji saheb walks near Keshav and clarifies, “Keshava – it was all Kabir’s idea! Finally uske comical improvisations kaam kargaye! After all his is known for his pranks and jokes. How come you failed to guess this. Woh sab to theek hain aaji, lekin iss Monika ka kya karu main? Keshav commented. She is still weak in one area! Monika comes around and asks in curiosity – which area dada? – “detailing beta detailing”.  He said pointing out at Aadinath – you have smartly done the make-up and made him look alike Shashtri sir – lekin mere bachche – you forgot to take a note of the important detail, that Shashtri sir had a black mole near the left earlobe and see what you have done?

Everyone looks at Aadinaath closely now.  A black mole was painted artificially near his right earlobe. Everyone present in the auditorium started laughing aloud. ‘Jhalli kahi ki!, screamed Kabir aloud.

After a brief break, once everyone was settled and the silence prevailed again within the auditorium, Keshav asked Kabir – “Tum, abhi do din pehle aadinaath se konse hisse ki baat kar rahe the Kabir” Aur ye Nilaami ki baat? Ye sab kyat ha? Aadinath comes near Keshav hugs him and confesses, dada I am so sorry, I had grudges for Shashtri uncle, but later I realised, I was wrong. Now I don’t have any grudges for him. You all are lucky to have him as your ‘guru’, I am so unlucky that I belong to his family and still I failed to understand him.

Kabir climbs up the stairs and walks towards the podium, holds the mic and speaks. “Dada Nilaami yeh hain – Kabir indicates Raghav to switch off all the lights of the auditorium and starts a short film as a documentary – called ‘NILAAMI’.  Everyone watches the documentary. In the last part of the documentary, there was brief coverage of Shashtri sir’s interview. Keshav watched attentively. Shashtri sir mentioned in that interview that it was his dream project to see all his 8 bachchas to perform live on his written script – ‘NILAAMI’ which he would like to direct.” As this message ended, everyone had tears in their eyes. It was a nostalgic moment for all of them. 

Kabir came near Keshav and hugged him. Dada, two days before – I was instructing or rather begging to Aadinaath to come to India and play this role – “aajke show main usko uska hissa dene ki baat bata raha tha main!” Because no one from us resembled so much like Shashri sir as he does, I had to convince Monika to join him too – as she was supposed to do the make-up and the entire transformation in his personality.

Keshav took a deep breath and opened his arms widely to embrace all these students. “Bachcho tum sab kyu khaas ho – ab samjh main aaya – aur ye madari toh jaadugar nikla” – he taunted looking at Kabir! Aaji saheb too smiled and nodded at Keshav.

Everyone was happy and finally the much awaited reunion happened in an interesting manner. The audience enjoyed the various performances and the evening was one of its kind – worth remembering for a lifetime!

A special surprise too was organised that evening – a dramatic monologue being presented by the two most talented actresses – Kaveri Krishnan and Noori Ahmed. Of course they joined late but they were family too were an inseparable part of this family – they too belong to the clan of ‘Shashtri sir ke bachche’

Present Day!

Everyone is back to work now. As promised to Shashtri sir, Keshav organises a get together with all these 8 bacchalog at least once in a year. Shashtri sir must be really proud of all his masterpiece and unique bachche.  And now each one of them continues to come and take a workshop and train the current batch students. They have made me – the general secretary of the students association and so I take keen interest in arranging for the students all the activities along with Aaji saheb and yes – with the blessings of our beloved father like figure – ours truly Shashtri sir!