play

as i sit on one end of the room, i see a huge crowd trying to adjust in a miniature apartment. Each of them knowing their role and the theme. Far but visible is the host, he is not the reason for the gathering or the celebration, but is nevertheless happy. As i look for some time, he smiles at a pretty girl who plays the lead. its her day. she is aware of this fact as you can see her smile at even the chairs and the tables. She has revised her role very well and is delighted with the importance poured on her. I am trying to look nearby for a while. i am surrounded by a group of 3 boys each having a part. they are suppose to be host's friends. each one is impressed with the surrounding. they have worked for their characters for days and though not convincingly but are playing their role with full enthusiasm. they know just the right words and are using their grammar aptly. Then, there are side actors. they don't have a significant part but each of them have been explained their characters well and are giving their best to the little they have. Someone switched on some music, everyone is moving to the beats. the song sequence is very well choreographed so every one has a flair.

i look back at the girl, she now has a glass of wine and a huge smile, which she has been wearing for a long time. Diverging from the crowd i think about the phrase 'wearing a smile'. the girl on the other end to me is actually just wearing her smile, like the pearl necklace on her neck. She surely knows how to carry herself with the glass, the dress and the much discussed smile. after the play ends she might go to her dressing and take off the smile, but for now she wears it.

Felling claustrophobic and bored with the repeating dialogues and slow pace of the play, i look outside the window. Just like all other nights, the sky is black, the moon is white and stars, insignificant. the people on the streets don't know about the play they are part of some other acting group and are keeping to themselves. just across the window, there is another stage with a different play going on, I've missed the beginning i suppose. there is a princess standing on her balcony, blowing bubbles to call her prince. i was trying to remember the fairytale i had read this story in, when one of the extras starts practicing his dialogues with me. At first i just stare at him as i bring myself back to the play but slowly i catch up with him. I suppose he has ended his conversation and is now waiting for my comment. With a sympathetic look, i ask him to work harder. he looks disappointed, i suppose he has practiced the lines many times and is unsatisfied with the reactions.

I think of walking away from the set, when the protagonist holds my hand and gives me the smile she now seems to be tired of. I don't know what to say so i repeat the lines every other extra artist was asked to say. she didn't catch me but sat beside me for a while. she is best among her peer, one of the reason for her to be playing the lead, i suppose.

Although coming to this play was my decision, but i seem to regret it. i guess i should have gone to that other place showing Sherlock Holmes instead of attending A Birthday Party!