SOLACE- Calm and Chaos

13. Stay Focused!

Deciding to keep it simple I changed into a red flannel shirt and skinny jeans, keeping my face bare except for some sunscreen and moisturizer and leaving my hair to flow down in their natural waves.

*****

While weaving my way through the hallway, the melodious tones of the piano stopped me in my tracks.

My feet carried me toward the source of the captivating sound, almost as if an invisible force was guiding me.

The room was just next to the library, a wide-open wooden door leading me in. My eyes widened as I looked in. It was a big room, sorry, a harmonious sanctuary. 

One whole side is architecture of glass stretching from floor to ceiling, allowing the soft glow of morning sunlight to flood the space. But leaving all that my eyes zeroed into the piano.

At the heart of the room sits a magnificent grand piano, awaiting the touch of an artist. The soft, neutral wall colors contrast with its elegance, creating a perfect balance.

My hands were trembling at the side, and I couldn't help but gasp in magnificence. While walking into the room, I almost stumble upon the beige rug because of the scene, or rather the people in front of me.

There sits Papa on the piano bench with Maa beside him. I froze as they both laughed, engaged in their world. 

Not wanting to disturb them, I turned around at a snail's pace, tiptoeing out of the room. But I was known for my bad luck. 

Suddenly a loud sneeze erupted from me, resonating through the silence. My face flushing with the amount of embarrassment I had to endure.

Just one simple task Mansi and you can't even do that without being clumsy.

"Mansi bete," Maa called out from behind me.

Come on, Mansi.

I turned around, clearing my throat awkwardly. Maa stood up, walking over to me with her effortless smile.

"Good morning beta," she wished, hugging me.

"Good morning maa, Good morning papa," I wished them both as Papa trailed over to stand behind Maa.

"Hmm...I just saw a little bird trying to sneak away without being noticed, right Isha?" Papa asked teasingly, feigning nonchalance. Maa giggled as I ducked my head down, cursing my clumsy self.

"Leave her alone Raghav," Maa said, playfully slapping his arm. She turned towards me, "Aao Mansi." She tugged me with her to sit on a side bench beside the piano bench.

(Come, Mansi.)

"Ab dekhte hi rahenge ya kuch karenge bhi," Maa tsked at Papa who was standing there with an amused smile.

(Now will you do anything rather than just staring?)

"So demanding," he said rolling his eyes playfully at her as he came over to sit down. I giggled, loving the way their love was expressed in each of their actions towards each other.

"Maa never told me that you know how to play piano Papa," I said, ecstatic to listen to real-time piano.

"I'm not even surprised beta," Papa replied shrugging.

A hush fell over as his fingers gracefully caressed the ivory keys, initiating a delicate prelude that hung in the air like soft whispers. 

The initial notes resonated, creating a tapestry of sound that echoed through the room.

His fingers, adorned with quiet confidence, dancing across the keys, enveloping the room in a beautiful choreography of 'Lag Ja Gale'. 

As the final notes resonated in the air, the time appeared to stand still as my soul recovered from the enthralling music.