Third person point of view
The next morning, Aravind opened his eyes and they landed on Dev's face which was not too far from his. He was dazed from just waking up. He observed Dev's face for a few seconds till he was fully awake. " He looks good even when sleeping. Must be blessed ". He mumbled and let out a low chuckle.
He sat up and yawned. He ran a hand through his hair and rotated his neck. He slept well. He turned to the clock. He thought he overslept but luckily he did not. There was still time for him to get ready for college in peace. But his parents and Atharva would've probably gone back home already.
He got out of bed and turned to Dev who was still sleeping. He called out to him. " Dev, wake up ". Dev didn't budge. Aravind called a little loudly. " Dev~ wake up ! " This time Dev's eyelids trembled and he slowly opened his eyes. He saw Aravind standing near the bed on the other side. He got up and groaned. " Good morning ".
" Morning. I will get going ". Dev gave a salute and Aravind walked out. He went to his house and went to his room to get ready. He quickly finished everything and went to have breakfast. Once he was done with that, he went back to his room and picked up all the things he needed. He noticed he didn't find his phone.
He looked around but it was nowhere to be seen. He remembered that they were at Dev's house. He thought back and realized he didn't bring it back with him in the morning and just walked out after waking up. He shrugged and walked out of the room. " Bye amma ". " Bye ". His mother said back and he left the house.
He saw Dev waving the phone when he neared him. He smiled and took it. " You seriously don't care about it, leaving it wherever ". Aravind chuckled putting it in his pocket and took the helmet handed to him. " It is not wherever. So I don't mind ". Aravind said with a smile and got on the bike. Dev smiled too and started the bike.
The week went by with Dev being at practice for the whole day. But he would make sure to have lunch with them. Aravind did feel like he missed him but after they go back home Dev would find something or the other to bother him with. So his heart would still be at ease. The fest was the next day so they wanted to do a sound check.
Most of the students left and only a few people helping with the fest were still in the campus. Akshay was busy making arrangements and going around in circles. The stage was also being prepared. Aravind and Dev were currently sitting in chairs in front of the stage. Dev asked if Aravind wanted to go back home first.
But Aravind said he was fine with it and that he would go back home with Dev. Dev smiled and let him be. Not like he minded. " I feel dizzy just looking at him ". Aravind commented as his eyes followed Akshay. Dev laughed at his comment. " He is always like that ". " Right ". Both of them chuckled.
" Hi ". Rashi greeted and the both of them returned it. She sat down beside them. " I never knew why you actually joined the band. Wasn't it like an audition or something ? " Rashi asked and turned to them. Dev turned to Aravind, giving him a meaningful look. Aravind looked away. " I will go help them ". He got up and quickly escaped.
Dev snickered. " So ? " Rashi asked again. " He was the reason I joined ". Dev said and Rashi raised an eyebrow. In their first year, all class representatives took names for students who were interested in singing. Dev was just sitting idly, but Aravind suddenly raised his hand. Dev looked at his own raised hand in confusion.
" What is your name ? " The guy asked. " Devanand ". Dev replied without thinking much. But who knew it was for the audition. He was told the timings and venue for it and he was still confused. He turned to Aravind. " What is that for ? " " Audition ? " " AH ? " " Don't yell. It is for the college band it seems ".
Aravind explained and Dev didn't know what to do. " Then did you give your name ? " Aravind shook his head and stated his reason. " You have a better voice and also sing better than me ". Dev sighed and let it be. He did go for the audition because Aravind convinced him. He was not a bad singer.
In fact, the both of them took Carnatic music lessons for almost five years and the both of them were really good at singing. But for some reason, Aravind was stuck up on the fact that Dev had natural talent for it. And Dev couldn't make him believe otherwise. But who knew he would pass both rounds and get selected. He didn't expect it at all.
" And so I ended up in the band and they didn't let me go for four years ". Rashi laughed. Dev also chuckled. He noticed Akshay gesturing for him to come up on to the stage. He got up and went up there. Aravind was indeed helping them with setting up. Akshay went down and was looking at how everything was from below.
Dev just stood there looking down. Aravind went and stood beside him. " What are you thinking about ? " He asked in a low voice. Dev looked up at him. " Well... there is someone I really like and wouldn't mind spending rest of my life with if they allow me, but they are playing hard to get. I am the only one suffering ". He replied and Aravind chuckled.
He tapped the microphone in his hand. It didn't make any sound. " If you really want them that bad, then I would say you need to suffer a little more ". Dev took a deep breath and exhaled. " Looks like it ". Aravind laughed and tapped it again. He blew on it and the sound resonated. " Here ". He gave it and got down the stage.
Dev turned to Akshay. " One ? " He asked and Akshay nodded. " Let's get it guys ". Dev said in the mic and their band mates cheered. And so they performed one of the songs on their list. There were no particular audience but those who heard it all applauded. " How is it ? " Akshay asked from below.
" For now, I think the sound is fine. But with the crowd we need to increase all of them at once and amplify them well. But since we know how it works, it is all good ". Dev said and Akshay nodded. They were done with their part. " I will be leaving guys. Bye ". Dev waved to his band mates and to Rashi as well. They left and went back home.
-MG