Year 1989
Aarya was filled with anticipation as she hurried towards the gates of the Saraswati Kala Mandir. She had longed to attend the live performance of Karan Mehta, a highly acclaimed singer and composer, for months. However, her excitement turned to disappointment as she reached the ticket counter and saw the words "House Full" written across the board.
Desperately, she pleaded with the ticket clerk, "Please, there must be one ticket left." The clerk remained unmoved, replying, "I'm sorry, but it's completely sold out."
Feeling dejected, Aarya turned to leave, her dreams shattered. Just then, a voice called out, "Miss, wait!" She looked back and saw the ticket clerk holding out a VIP ticket.
Hesitantly, she said, "But I can't afford a VIP ticket." With a smile, the clerk assured her, "It's been taken care of. Someone wanted you to have it."
Aarya scanned the crowd, hoping to find her mysterious benefactor, but no one came forward. Grateful yet puzzled, she entered the hall and found herself seated in the front row. The music that followed was nothing short of magical, and she silently expressed her gratitude to the stranger who had made it all possible.
Year 1995
"Are you ready, Aarya? The baraat has arrived," her mother called, breaking her reverie. Aarya gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her heart heavy. She had always cherished the dream of becoming a singer, but her father had dismissed it as a mere childish whim. Now, with her impending marriage, it felt as though her aspirations were coming to an end.