Ahan's father tells us about his son's first stage performance. It was an unforgettable moment.
Ahan has been in his play-school for over seven months now. But last Saturday, he proved in front of a large audience that he had learnt a huge number of things in life, when he performed on stage, in front of over 150 people, on his school's annual day function.
Before the function, both Tuhina and I had noticed his steps tuned to music. We knew for sure, that he has been picking up dancing at school. He would jump to certain beats, swing his hip in a certain manner, nod his head left and right… Both of us were eagerly waiting to see him perform. Little did we realise it would be such a grand show!!!
I had been away on business for a large part of the week before his Annual Day. But I had planned to return the night before, so that I could catch every glimpse of the action unfold - right from the beginning. Fathers secretly plan their lives around their children, and I am no different!
The morning of Saturday was like any other. Tuhina decided not to go to work. It was a big day for us after all. Ahan was to leave for school in the afternoon, all dressed up in his DUCK costume. The school had issued a long instruction letter detailing his dress code, make-up, concert rules and so on.
Both of us got him ready, and forced him into his duck costume much against his wishes - but he just wouldn't wear any make-up!
The school was abuzz with excitement: children looking pretty in their costumes, teachers trying to control excited children, staff off-loading equipment, and parents like us, looking around anxiously.
We reached the Sai Auditorium just in time for the function to begin.
As we setteled in our seats, the first performance began. Ahan and his class were to perform third.
I noticed my heart beginning to race at the thought of Ahan coming on stage. I was on my seat's edge. It was a big moment for me. My boy would go up with his mates to dance on the tune of Old Mac Donald....
Old Mac Donald has a long history between us (Ahan & I). I have hummed this song to Ahan ever since he was 3 months old. He would quickly keep his head on my shoulder, smile, listen intensely and go to sleep. Today, he would give me a big return gift, by dancing to its tune.
The curtains were drawn. I bent to get an early glimpse of Ahan, and there he was. Dressed in his white costume, with a duck-like hat, standing with his mates. Tuhina and I cheered. Within my heart, I shouted for my boy, and my body shivered in excitement.
The song was all of four minutes. They all performed brilliantly! Ahan was the best (I always say there is only one best child, and every father has him!) And just as I wiped my eyes, the curtains fell, the song faded and a huge round of applause engulfed the auditorium. It was a momentous occasion. My son, at the age of two-and-a-half, had just given his first stage performance (it had taken all of 17 years for me to muster that courage!).
