Akash-Vani

Vani could smell the damp soil as it was raining outside. Vani tuned into her favourite station and classic old melodies were playing, “Tum ju mil hate hi, Tu ye lagta hai.” The romantic number was apt for her mood, and her beloved Akash was the host for the night. Vani was a radio buff and Akash was her favorite host.

Every night at 10:15 PM, Vani tuned into her favourite radio station to listen to the melodious voice of Akash. The first time Vani heard Akash’s voice she got hooked to his show. Slowly Akash’s mesmerizing voice became an obsession with her.

The silence of the night and her eyes filled with dreamy colours ,when she listened to his nonstop chatter for an hour. Vani was a regular caller on his show. She often sent her requests for the songs to talk to her idol. Once she shared her verse with him on the radio. It became a hit, and Vani became popular with the listeners. Now Vani often shared her poetry with Akash.

It was the start of a beautiful friendship on air. The poetic chit-chat continued for months, and even Akash started dedicating songs to Vani, when suddenly Vani stopped calling. Akash eagerly waited for her call but was disappointed. He missed Vani and got concerned for her wellbeing. Akash sent many messages to her number but got no response. He appealed to his listeners to share any news if they knew this mysterious Vani. He realized ,he had fallen in love on-air with Vani.

Three months passed.

Vani tuned into her radio and dialled the radio station’s number. Her call connected and a different voice asked for her request. Vani was disappointed not to hear Akash’s voice. She randomly chose a song, told her name and disconnected the call.

Akash was not well that night. But when he tuned into his show and heard Vani’s voice, he felt terrible. But a ray of hope shone in his heart, when she ended her call after a few exchange of words. He felt a deep satisfaction in his heart that she missed him in the same way as he missed her. Something was brewing between both sides.

Akash devised a plan with his colleagues to meet Vani. The next day, Vani received a call from the radio station that her number had been selected. She had to come as a guest on RJ Akash’s show. Vani thought somebody was playing a prank on her and cut short the call. Her phone rang again, and this time Akash was online. He said “Lady, I am not a prankster. I am inviting you to my show as a guest. Come ready with your poetry, we will do a jugalbandi.”

Vani could not control her excitement about getting a personal invite from her idol. She could whisper only a few words, “I will be there.” At the appointed hour, Vani reached the station. Akash saw a beautiful lady in a pink salwar kameez enter his studio, holding a white cane. Akash welcomed Vani and apologised for not standing up and greeting a lady, as he could not walk.

Both Vani and Akash were surprised to know about each other’s shortcomings. As one was visually impaired and the other was unable to walk. They met on equal footing, and greeted each other. Akash and Vani hit it off like old friends, and created magic on air. Listeners got hooked listening to their humour and compatibility.

“Will Cupid strike between Akash and Vani? Tune into your radio sets to know more about the love story of Akash Vani every night at 10:15 PM. This is your host, RJ Shrishti signing off for now.”

Mona