04 - The Saturday

Next morning, Lia woke up with energy. She had her favorite breakfast and started practicing. She practiced the whole day. She is a solo performer. She sings and plays with her guitar.

For the coming event she planned to perform two songs.

Around 4 pm she got a call from Martha, this call is a confirmation call.

Martha was particular about the event and timings. She is highly smart and punctual lady.

Lia lifted the call and shouted, “Yes, Martha, I am ready for the gig. Are you ready?”

Martha smiled and said, “Be there by 7pm sharp, hope you know the address.”

Lia replied, "Positively".

(Immediately Martha cut the call)

As Lia was keeping her phone. She saw the text message from Josh.

The text displayed:

Hey Lia,

All the best. I can't come my aunt is unwell...

Apologies: /

Lia read and did not reply. As she knows that is a lie. Lia felt nobody cares about her performance and art. She liked Josh but she didn't want to tell as she thought her romantic love might ruin the friendship.

She kept the phone aside and decided to take a nap so she can be fresh for the event.

Sharp 7, Lia reached the venue and started her sound check.

She saw Martha coming and greeted her with a hug

Martha smiled and said, “I know you will rock the show Ms. Rock star! The crowd is amazing and hope you enjoy.”

Lia was ready by 07:50

She started warming up with the crowd and started playing her songs.

The crowd liked her and respond to her well. Few started dancing and this was the inspiration. Lia gave her best. As she was about to start the second song

She saw Josh

With broad smile she announced on the mic, “My pal, Josh is here and this is song is for him.”

Hey Soul Sister………!!

The crowd enjoyed and Josh was happy.

As soon as the performance was done. Lia hugged Josh. She thanked him for coming. As Lia was walking people started approaching her, appreciating her performance. Lia felt amazing. She turned to Josh and asked him what he wants to eat? Josh replied, “I am full, your performance made me happy.” Lia smiled and moved her hand on his hair.

“And the performance was amazing Ms. Lia a.k.a Ms. Rock Star!”

Lia felt she heard this voice somewhere and turned immediately.

She smiled and exclaimed, “Mr. Ratawhile, Wow you made it, thank you.”

Josh smiled and said a subtle Hi!

Mr. Ratawhile said, “Lia, I am glad I could make it to your performance, thank you for inviting.”

Lia smiled and said, “Thank you for coming!”

After a couple of minutes, Mr. Ratawhile said, “Ok guys, you carry on I will see you. Before that let me introduce you to my friends.”

Lia and Josh looked at each other and smiled. Followed Mr. Ratawhile like a puppy.

Mr. Ratawhile’s friends were sitting in the corner of the room. He introduced Lia and Josh to Kate and Amber, Kate and Amber were Mr. Ratawhile’s college friends. They exchanged talks about various topics from football to films, movies to marriages etc.

It was mid night and Lia wanted to leave. She smiled and said, “I guess it is late, I will leave. Josh is giving me a ride.”

“Yes, we lost the track of the time”, Amber replied

Out of nowhere suddenly Kate asked, “Can you share your number?”

Lia was taken a back and looked at her in a puzzled way

Amber saw the discomfort in Lia’s face and immediately added

“Kate has good contacts with events, she can help you through it.”

Lia’s face glowed with happiness

They exchanged the phone numbers and good byes

As Lia left

Kate gave an innocent look to Amber and Mr. Ratawhile.

Meanwhile

Lia and Josh took the road and started discussing about the night. Back in her mind one thought was nagging, how did Mr. Ratawhile knew the address?