The mushy saga: 'Dreams Do Come True'

We all have our share of dreams and aspirations. Someway or other, the fortunate ones at least, get to realize them in the journey through the long and winding path called life. And that moment is worth cherishing... it's, as MasterCard ads say, priceless! Here's a story which might bring a tear to your eye. And if Yash Raj Films gets hold of this little piece of mush, they might make a movie out of it!

**The following is a real-life story. All the characters in it are non-fictitious and any resemblance to any person(s) is truly intended. Hyperbole has strictly been avoided for the purpose of maintaining reality.**

[20 years back:- A quiet residential neighborhood at Thiruvananthapuram:- Carnatic music was in the air and the vocal master was teaching three young girls lessons in raagas:- One of them is Kris' sister.]

'Come on Kris, you can take classes along with them!'

'No, I'm not interested.'

'You are ruining a golden chance here. Our entire family has a tradition in music. Your father is a mridangam player. You should start the lessons now.'

'No, please. Leave me alone.'

The Master, Kris' uncle says to his wife and Kris' mother
'He's got a good voice and talent. But he's not interested.'

'He's always like this. Disobedient and stubborn.' muttered Kris' mother.

[17 years back:- At a famous temple in the Guruvayoor:- An ambassador car parked outside has a very handsome middle aged man (the driver) and an ugly looking kid (Kris) trying to play the Indian National anthem on his newly purchased flute:- Kris's maternal uncle and aunt are in the backseat.]

Frustrated Aunt shouts 'Stop playing that. I'm getting a headache.'

'Come on, please. See, I'm playing well.'

'Oh, shut up. See, I'm having a terrible headache.'

The handsome man pats the child's back and looks into his eyes and whispers

'Take it easy. Can't help them. We'll do this a little later, okay?.'

[Cut to the 15th of August, 1994]

'Kris, aren't you coming today to play?'

'Nope, I'm not I'd rather stay at home and finish my homework.'

A little bit of lying helps, and young Kris was anxiously waiting for his first glimpse of something he had heard a lot about - MTV. It was late in the afternoon and he was glad that there was none at home other than his granny. As the clock struck 4.30 the visuals aroused him, sparking something inside him which would change him for ever. Madonna's 'Secret', Lucas' 'Lucas with the lid off' were followed by Soundgarden's 'Black Hole Sun' and Live's 'I Alone'. He felt like he belonged there.

[10 years back; the setting is the Anatomy lecture hall, Medical college Thiruvananthapuram, the captial of Kerala]

'Hey, would you want to check out some new stuff? I've albums of Metallica, Deep Purple, Bush and stuff. You may like these, Kris.'

'Yeah, I guess. Can I come home and check your collection out?'

'Sure! You are always welcome.'

[A couple of months later:- Kris' sister's bedroom:- Kris is sitting by his sister on the bed.]

'You know something, you should try and learn an instrument. Try learning guitar. My friends in college say that it's very cool!'

'Come on, I don't want to learn an instrument. I'm happy the way I am.'

'Kris, why don't you give it a try. You might never regret it!'

'Okay, okay. But you'll have to learn the keyboard then. Deal?'

'Deal!'

[Cut to New Year's eve 2000:- Kris's home where a New Year's party is going on:- It's almost 10 pm as 'S'shifts from his chair to a stool behind the new drumset (custom made, cheap shit):- Kris' on the guitar and S.'s brother takes the mic:- The band, then unnamed, were playing for the first time ever in front of a 12 strong audience of mostly neighborhood kids:- As 'Come As You Are' finishes, the crowd start clapping.]

'You guys are great', 'Aweseome!', 'We want more!'s are shouted.

'Yeah, sure! Here ya go!'

'You could improve a lot, you know.' came from R. B., one of Kris's best friends/advisors and an audiophile.

'Yeah, we know! We'll practice and improve. We want to make it big. You know like Nirvana and stuff. Maybe on the Rolling Stone magazine!'

'Yeah, keep on dreaming!'

[Cut to 6 years back:- The college audiorium at the Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram:- The last rites of the the convocation ceremony and celebrations going on:- The final act to perform is announced as 'The Rock band featuring our very own Kris! with Polly on vocals/guitars, Ross on guitars, Xander on vocals and Kris on bass!]

'Sorry guys, we couldn't get our drummer tonite. He couldn't not make it. We'll play 'My Sacrifice' from Creed'.

At the end of the performance, the crowd comprising of about 20 people which included May, her mother, Kris's family etc clapped.

'Wow, it was really good! Xander was amazing!' said Maya

'Son, the music sounded very good!' said Kris's Dad as his Mom smiled childishly.

'Thanks, thank you!'

[Cut to 3 years back:- A Sunday afternoon at Xander's:- Kris is sprawled across the bean bag and Xander is pouring another drink of rum and pepsi:- Kris tries to coaxe Xander to sing a song for which he's been strumming for about half an hour now:- Because of the 56 hour shift that he was just coming out from, Kris is tired and sleepy and he dozes off.]

'Hey you, come on get up! Look at who has commitment now!' the words slurred out of Xander's mouth.

'Look Xander, I just had a very long night and I'm a little tired. If you are singing, I'll play for you.'

'Yeah, you are the one who doesn't want us to make it big. Look at you lying there sleeping. And you accuse me of not practicing? Gimme a break!'

[Cut to a last December:- Kris who is chatting with Vinokur on Skype gets a call.]

'Dude, are you free tonight?
'
'Yeah, for jamming?'

'Yes. We can practice some songs.'

'Is there a show of 'Shoonyas' coming up?'

'No. Just practice. And I need to talk to you about something.'

'Okay. See you by 7.'

[At 7.30 pm the same night.]

'So do you like the songs, Kris?'

'Wow, I'm totally impressed! What singing and songwriting!'

'Would you be our bassist then?'

'Umm... well, I don't know if I can give you the time. But I want to!'

'Is that a yes?'

'I guess it is!'

[Feb 23, 2008:- The finals of a national band competition are taking place in a hall in Mumbai:- 'Noise Market' just finished playing the last song from their set list:- Amidst the raptures from the crowd, the anchor/compare announces.]

'So what do the judges think of them?'

*silence*

The 3 judges get up and bow to the band.

*silence*

'The future of Indian music is safe in your hands!

[Aug 1, 2008:- Kris' apartment:- Late afternoon:- Kris' is calling someone on the phone.]

'Hey R. B., guess what! We got featured in the Rolling Stone magazine!'

'You are kidding me! Really?'

'Yes! Finally, we made it!'

'Wow, that's incredible!'

'You know what, some dreams do come true!'

If you guys are wondering if I made all this up, this might just change your mind. Later on, you may want to congratulate me. And you are always welcome!