The music of the night

Darkness, silence clouds covering the moon,
Something tells me there’s no happiness soon
Until the clouds fade and the night is bright again
Let’s get together; this time should not go vain

The sounds will fade, the world will sleep
Along with us the notes we shall keep
The stars will shine, and keep us company
Until we reach the end of our journey

The trees will watch and protect us
The nightingale will lead the chorus
The bells will ring, the piano will play
The rivers will harmonize when you say

Let me warn you of the miserable plight
That awaits you if you lose sight
Won’t you join me in this journey, in this fight?
Help me make the music of the night

Close your eyes let the dream begin
In this intoxication, let your darker side give in
To the power of the music that I write
The power of the music of the night

You alone can make my song take flight
Help me make the music of the night

As I sat alone in that grand theatre on 44th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, amongst a diverse crowd representing all countries of the world - I saw for myself that music holds no boundaries.

The Phanotom of the Opera is the longest running Broadway musical of all time. It is inspiring. Andrew Lloyd Weber's music is captivating. And the phantom is arguably the most intriguing character ever written. Every song in the musical is powerful. The sound of the church organ infuses your blood with ten emotions at the same time. It energizes your brain and each muscle of your body.
The songs of The Phantom of the Opera must be heard, I bought the CD for $24

Iktara in a New York subway

Last month in Bombay I saw Wake up Sid thrice in 15 days. I still can’t get over it.

I’m in New York now. There is something special about this city. In some very weird way it’s almost like a home away from home. I can relate to its fast pace. I can relate to its diversity. I can relate to its culture.

Anyway...
I was coming home after taking an exam on 32nd street. Yes exams have followed me here too.

If I were in Bombay, I would be celebrating the end of an exam, even though I may not have put in any effort what so ever to prepare for it. Well, this time I had no one to celebrate it with. I could feel my mood swaying towards depression. As this realization struck me, I reached the subway station. Got in. Bought a ticket. Switched on my i-pod thinking, “let’s sink into melancholy with some music”

In shuffle mode, the first song that played started with the most soothing tone the guitar has known, followed by the warmest voice the mic has faced. A voice which combines the comfort of your mother’s lap, the chirp of your best friend, the beauty of Konkona Sen’s character in the movie and the heartiest love you have ever received. I had heard Iktara a hundred times before this, but in a New York subway, the song felt different.

Needless to say, I went from melancholy to joy in 4 minutes and 14 seconds. Soon I saw myself get off the subway, head all the way back to JC Penny. What happened there was self indulgent shopping: Three pairs of shoes, three shirts, two formal trousers, and a pair of jeans. And for the first time in my life I enjoyed shopping for myself.

I slept well that night with Iktara echoing in my ears and Konakana Sen’s innocence in my mind.