An Encounter on the Metro - Chapter 9
The Collaboration
“Sure thing! Thanks, guys!” Ari said, her voice filled with gratitude. She was genuinely moved by their support.
“Anyways…” Ravi leaned in, grinning wide. “Is your first song done yet? I’m already dying of curiosity.”
“Yo, dude! Ever learnt the word 'space'?” Tina cut in dryly as she joined the group after hitching an Uber.
Ravi straightened immediately, grumbling under his breath. He never quite got along with Tina — she was too quiet, too detached. You’d only ever find her cooking or scrolling through her phone.
To everyone’s surprise, Tina turned to Ari and said, “Congrats, Ari!... I heard the convo and subscribed.” She held up her phone. “This is your channel, right?” The screen read: ‘Putti Songs – 42 subscribers.’ (most of the subscribers are friends of Mira , forced into subscription by her)
Ari’s eyes widened, then softened. “Yes… that’s the one. Thank you, Tina.” Tina shrugged. “Don’t mention it. It’s the least I could do — I owe you for covering my missed shifts.”
“Excuse you!” Ravi exclaimed. “So you were aware? And where’s my thanks? It’s not just Ari — you dumped your work on me too!”
Tina ignored him entirely. “My ride’s here. Bye.”
“Ravi stomped his foot once on the wooden floor, fuming. “Does she hate me or something? Well, the feeling’s mutual!
Ari smiled softly and patted his shoulder. “Take it easy, Ravi. And to answer your question — no, the song’s not done. I’ve got the lyrics and the tune, but I still need the music. My friend suggested using AI to generate it, but I’m skeptical it can actually capture the emotion.” She sighed.
Maya chimed in, thoughtful. “You’re right. But we can help, can’t we?” Ari blinked, confused.
Maya smiled. “Rams can handle the guitar, and I can do some piano — we’ve got instruments near the stage.”
Ari’s face lit up. “Really?”
“Sure, why not,” Rams added, nodding, his hand resting gently on Maya's shoulder.
Ravi groaned dramatically. “Stop rubbing your love in my face, you two.”
Maya grinned. “But we’ll need proper recording equipment. Quality matters, after all.”
Ari nodded. “Yeah… I was thinking of renting it for now, maybe buying later if things work out.”
Ravi clapped his hands. “Yo! Don’t exclude me! Ari, while you rent the equipment where will you place it? In your room ? Is that even allowed?" , he said ," Well, I can help you sort that out. I’ve got a friend who runs a small studio — he rents out the space for side gigs. I can ask about a fixed slot every week. How about it? Aren’t I amazing?”
Rams turned toward him with mock astonishment. “Wow, I didn’t know you actually use your brain!”
Ravi snorted. “You’re welcome.”
Taking in the scene before her : Ravi and Rams countering , Maya suppressing her laugh, - Ari smiled.
Perhaps, it's not just her dream anymore.
-TBC-
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