Where the Song Leads Me

Synopsis:  Bollywood royalty Aman Saxena and his wife Aarfa are expecting their first child, Abhay, who is sadly born tone deaf.   He makes up for it in spades with unparalleled moves, looks, talent and heart.  Plus, he is quite the lady-killer.   One of his romantic leads, Maya, falls for him on set and he remains exclusive to her only, marrying her in the process.   His best friend, Meran Rai, wants to be just like him.  Repaying him for singing for him on set, Abhay acts as Meran’s wingman to woo one of the most beautiful, egg headed girls in school, Riya Kapoor. 

~*~CAST~*~

Aman Saxana: (father)

Aarfa Saxana: (mother)

Abhay Saxana: (our hero)

Parvati Saxana: (his grandmother)

Munna Saxana: (his grandfather)

Maya Kumar: (his romantic interest)

Producer Vidal Patel:

Diana Patel: (his wife)

Anjali Kumar: (Maya’s mom)

Madhup Kumar: (Maya’s dad)

Meran Rai:  (Abhay’s bff)

Zaheer Rai: (his big brother)

Rustom Rai: (dad) 

Prisha Rai: (mom) 

Arnav Rai: (his grandfather)

Riya Kapoor: 

Prinay Kapoor: (her dad)

Vritika Kapoor: (her mom)

Tiya Kapoor: (her little sister)

Chavri Roy: (Riya’s bff) 

Rude Waitress, a former friend of Riya’s, Nina:

Scene 1—Born into Greatness

Aarfa:  Look, Aman.   Isn’t he perfect ?   Isn’t it incredible ?  You had been praying for a baby boy, and we finally had our petitions answered. 

Aman:  (getting baby Abhay from the nurses after his umbilical cord is cut.  He had been crying before but is beginning to settle down to Aman’s soothing shushes)  There there, little man.  You’ve been through quite the journey.   And yes, my diamond.  He is perfect.  

Aarfa:  (sitting up in the hospital bed, accommodating the gentle touch of her husband’s hand to her cheek.  She kisses his hand gently, filled with love and rapture) What should we call him ?

Aman:  Aarfa, I don’t rightly know. 

Parvati:   Why don’t we name him after Abhay ? 

Munna:  Say, you might be onto something there, Parvati, dearest !  He looks exactly like Abhay ! Great grandfather would be so euphoric if he were here.  

Parvati:  Maybe he’s come back in this form ?  Wouldn’t that be unbelievable. 

Munna:  Stranger things have happened.  (he chuckles)

Parvati:  (joshes with him, nudging him in the ribcage) Oh, Munna, you are something else ! 

(A slew of activity is shown as our family starts to adjust to life with a new baby to tend to.   Munna teaches Abhay how to play flute and he catches on almost immediately.) 

Munna:  Would you look at that !   He is certainly destined for great things. 

Aman:  (proudly)  I can’t wait to get him on the set and see if he has any singing ability.  So far, even now at the tender age of 7, he’s quite the lady tamer. 

Aarfa:  I wouldn’t state that so proudly, my dear. 

Aman:  What would you want then, sweetness, that he would be so ugly that he’d be left to beg in the streets for money ? 

(Parvati and Aafra shoot him intense, enraged looks.)

Aman:  (hands up)  I kid !  I kid !  

Abhay:  Hi, mom, dad, grandpa, grandpa !   (hugging them all)  Wanna meet my new friend ?

His name’s Meran.   We go to the same school together.  

Meran:  (totally entranced)  Your house is even bigger in person.   Mr. and Mrs. Saxana I’m such a big fan of yours !  (touches their garments simultaneously and squeals excitedly)  I’ve borrowed some of your greatness !   (looks at Abhay)  Ab, you’re the best friend ever, and this day is sensational !

Aman:  Is he always like this ? 

Abhay:  No.   Hey, where are we going ?

Meran:  Yeah, what’s up ? 

Aarfa: We’re heading to the studio.   We’re going to try a bit of an experiment.

Abhay:  I suppose I am the guinea pig.  

Aman:  It’s not a bad thing, Abhay.  You’ve already gotten so much of the Saxana charisma and rhythm, we’re just waiting to see if you’re a born actor like us ! 

Abhay:  (getting a little anxious)  Is it ok to have my tummy tied up in knots ?  I’ve never felt this way before. 

Aarfa: (puts her hand atop his)  Abhay, my brilliant boy, you’re going to be fine.  You’re a shoe in !  After all, you are a Saxana !  

Abhay:   You’re right mom.   Thanks dad.   What about grandma and grandpa ?

Parvati:  Don’t worry about us, we’ll be playing games, dancing, running errands and getting some chores done while you’re gone.  

Munna:  Hey, if you need anything just ring us on the mobile.  

Aman:  Sure thing, pop.  

Munna: (pats his son on the back)   Best of everything.  Break a leg out there, m’boy.  

Scene 2—My Ears Are Bleeding ! 

Abhay:  (narrating)  At first, I was apprehensive, but as soon as the music began playing, I just couldn’t hold back any longer.   (he belts ‘With a Song in My Heart’, rather dramatically)  

Meran:  (covering ears)  Dear God, make it stop.  Sounds like peacocks getting mauled by a panther !  

Abhay:  Come on, it can’t be that bad. 

(His parents look at one another, the producers grimace, wondering what to say to counter his assessment of the situation.) 

Abhay:  (Sings ‘All I Wanna Do Is Sing’) 

Meran:  Ok, Florence Foster Jenkins !  Just…stop…My ears…They bleed !

Abhay:  (getting teary eyed)  You can be really cruel sometimes. 

Meran:  Wait.   Don’t walk away in a huff.  I know what I said was a bit blunt.

Abhay:  (trying to hide his tears but they keep flowing)  You think ?   Well done.  Not only have you cut me to the quick but I think you managed to wound our friendship, too.  

Meran:  (places his hand on his shoulder)  I have a solution.   You’re going to get to be a romantic lead.  I will guarantee it. 

Aarfa:  (raises eyebrow)  Oh, now this should be interesting. 

Meran:  I will sing for you.  

Abhay:  (sigh, a little pouty)  I’ll Milli Vanilli my way through then.   That’s perfectly fine.  At least I will be able to bring people joy, laughter and lessons for living.  

Meran:  I’ll be there, right by your side the whole way.   (hugging him) 

Abhay:  (grinning)  It’ll be less stressful with my best friend by my side.   (narrating)  And even though I had to lip sync I was beginning to make my way in the realm of Bollywood.  

Scene 3—Popular and Stylish

Abhay: (narrating)  Of course, as I aged, I attended classes like everyone else but I had become a sensation in almost no time.   It was a heady experience.   I treated all my friends like anyone else.  I didn’t judge people based on where they came from.  In fact, I used my newfound fame to help the less fortunate.  

Maya:   (sweetly)  I can’t believe we get to work again on another film.   Working with you is so much fun. 

Ab:  It’s much better after the shoot so I can unwind.   Maybe I can make you one of my signature dishes.

Maya:  (infatuated)  Anything you make is heavenly.  (suggestively)  You’ll make someone a fetching husband someday. 

Ab:  Maya (takes her in his arms) I’d be lying if I didn’t say the producers didn’t know what they were doing when they paired us but just being with you makes everything better. 

Maya: (shyly)  You’re just saying that because you’re the most popular boy in school.

Ab:  (looks her deeply in the eyes) No, Maya.  I’m saying it because it’s true.  Popularity is a fleeting notion.   People, alas, they can be fickle. 

Maya:  I will never be fickle.  (leans in to kiss him, tenderly)  I love you.  

Meran:  (walking by, low wolf whistle)  Mr. Lady Killer.   Slaying again. 

Ab:  Dude, hush.   Can you even date your co-star, though ?

Maya:  (clutching Ab’s hand like it’s a precious gem)  We can.  My parents actually consider his parents extended family. 

Meran:  Man, you are one lucky dog.  And she is a stone cold fox, my brother.

Ab:  (through gritted teeth)  Dude, shhhhh !  People are starting to stare. 

Meran:  Alright, I’ve got a problem though.  I was wondering if you could help me. 

Ab:  (furling out his collar as if he is accepting the challenge)  Bring it. 

Meran:  There’s a transfer student that just started attending our school !   She’s the most intelligent pupil here.   Ah, if she were a tree, I’d want to be a bird, just to light in her branches.   I’d forever be comfortable in her shade.  Even if she never acknowledges me, just being near her is enough. 

Ab:  What’s this mystery woman’s name ?

Meran:   (struck dumb momentarily, and feeling inadequate)  I’m not certain, but everyone is trying to copy her test answers.   She has exemplary marks.   Not surprising, either, she’s taking AP classes.  

Ab:  We’ll find out together.   You know that by the end of this school year, Maya and I are going to get married. 

Meran:  So quickly ?  How long have you been an item ?

Maya:  (effervescently)   Since we had our first romantic scene together.   When I saw him across the room getting prepped for our first kiss, my heart literally leapt.   I knew there was something about him.   I honestly don’t care if he can’t carry a tune in a bucket.   His heart was what attracted me, right at first glance. 

Ab:  (pats her hand)  We’ve been steadily dating for 4 years now at least. 

Maya:  And get this, we rarely fight but if we do have a tiff, we shoulder rub it out, or smooch it out. 

Ab:  Maya’s kisses are sweeter than honey. 

Meran:  (getting lost in erotic thoughts)  Oh, I can only imagine.   Duuu-huu-huuuude. 

Ab:  Mind out of the gutter.  Focus.   Mystery woman !

Meran:  Right, mystery woman.  

Maya:  (playfully, kissing him on the cheek)  See you after class, hunk.

Ab:  I’ll see you on the set, my Maya.  (does a bit of a victory dance and she laughs) 

Chavri:  (leaning in)  I overheard your conversation.   Sorry, I’m a bit nosy.  I couldn’t’ help myself.   (bows politely)  Namaste.  I’m Chavri.  Riya’s best friend.   We actually transferred from the same academy.  

Meran:  How fortunate.   So what can you tell me about Riya ?

Chavri:  She’s a genius, but she’s had her heart broken many times. 

Meran:  How tragic.   A pretty lady like that, she shouldn’t have such sad, downcast eyes. 
Chavri:   I’ll introduce you.  

Ab:  You go ahead.  I’ll escort Maya to her next class.

(Other girls are fawning over Ab as he walks beside his lady love.)

Maya:  You can look all you like, ladies, but this debonair gentleman is taken.

(They sigh and moon over him anyway.) 

Chavri:  Boy, they really are crazy over Abhay, aren’t they ? 

Meran:  I’m the one that gives him his voice. 
Chavri:  That angelic, otherworldly timber ?   That’s you ?

Meran:  Yes.  I don’t enjoy boasting of it.  

Chavri:  Still, that’s pretty awesome.  You’ve gotta admit that !  (waving at Riya, who brightens upon seeing her friend and seems intrigued by her entourage) 

Riya:   Who’s this, Chavri ?  

Meran:  I’m Meran Rai, Abhay’s best bud.  

Riya:  I know you !   You’re the one that’s behind the scenes, singing for Abhay. 

Meran:  (impressed)  Wow !  Not many people know that.  

Riya:  I pay special attention to detail.  It’s the one’s peeping behind the curtain that really make the show what it is.  Or at least, that’s how I’ve always felt.  Every part creates a whole !

Meran:  (even more enchanted)  You’re awfully wise. 

Riya:  (bashfully)  Oh, come now.  (notices he’s walking away, backwards)  Hey, where are you going ? 

Meran:  I gotta run !  I’m sorry to be rude  but If I don’t hurry I’ll be late to class. 

Riya:  I understand.   (sings ‘Something About Him’) 

Chavri:  If I didn’t know better, I would say you have the hots for Meran.

Riya:  (nudging her capriciously)   You’d be right on the money there, then.  

Chavri:  Ask him out, Riya.   From what I’ve assessed in this short time, you’d be a perfect match. 

Riya:  (bolstered and reassured)   I’ll do it.  

Chavri:  (hearty slap on the back, nearly knocking her over)  You go, senorita !  

(Scene shift) 

Scene 4—Breaking Down Barriers

(the words ‘After the Shoot’ appear on screen.   Meran is whistling ‘Jag Goomeya’ merrily and dancing about.) 

Abhay:   You’ve got more spring in your step than usual, my friend.

Meran:  Ah, you noticed !   I’m going out on a date with Riya tonight !   (singing)  Lovely Riya, I’ve got it made !

Abhay:  Isn’t it ‘Lovely Rita, meter maid ?’

Meran:  (glowers)  The intention is there.  I can’t help it, dude.  I just want to sing everything. 

Abhay:  (laughs)  I know how you feel.   Isn’t love fantastic ?

Meran:  Yeah, but I’m really nervous.  

Abhay:  You’ll be fine !  Just be yourself, man ! 

Meran:  Alright.  (breathes in slowly and breathes out, feeling cleansed, renewed, and reinvigorated)

Abhay: (pats him on the back)  I know you can do it.   Don’t be shy.  Be bold.  You only get so many opportunities in life.  This is an open door.  Walk through, man !  Walk through ! 

Meran:  (teasingly)  Yes, guru ! 

Abhay:  As for me, I’ve got my own little princess to woo and court.  (winks)  Catch you on the flip, Meran. 

(Scene shift.  He’s driven to her house in his not half shabby car and rung her doorbell.  He’s dressed rather formally and has his hair gelled, looking extremely debonair, dashing, and downright sexy.)

Meran:  (fiddling with his tie) 

Riya:  (answers the door, his mouth nearly drops, she looks positively entrancing)  You really clean up nicely !  

Meran:  (holding his arm out)  Shall we, m’lady ?

Riya:  How gallant !   
Meran: (leading her to his car, opens the door for her and drives her to a very fancy restaurant) 

Riya: (almost bolts when she sees who it is who is serving them)

Nina:  If it isn’t Riya the dweeb.  I don’t know what my ex ever saw in you.  I can’t even believe this schmoe is dating you now.  How much did you pay him ?  

Riya:  It’s not like that, and it never was.   I was only friends with Mohandas. 

Nina:   Maybe you should just stick to life in the temple, it would suit you well.   You’re never getting laid with a face like that.  

Meran:  I don’t know where you get off making hateful and rude remarks like that, young woman but we have had enough…

Nina:  Oh, I’m not done yet.   I don’t understand why Ms. Skinny Ass here was voted Valevictorian…

Riya:  Shut up, Nina !  You think you can ruin everyone else’s life because yours sucks ?  Leave me alone !  

(She walks out, crying her eyes out)

Meran:  I hope you’re happy.   

(walking out to the car, and holding her hand) 

Meran:  Here I am wanting to get you something to eat.  We can still hit the nearest drive through. 

Riya:  (sniveling)  I’m not hungry.

Meran: (makes a dorky face and it makes her laugh and sings and dances with her to ‘Baby, Come On’)   There’s that smile I fell for.  People like that aren’t worth your time.   I don’t understand what her problem was.  Just forget her.  We’ll never see her again. 

Riya:  You’re right.   (stomach growls)  You know, the drive through sounds tremendous. 

Meran:  (squeezes her hand gently)  Done !  

(The two of them drive through, getting a very tasty meal and enjoy dancing to a Hindi song on the radio just out of spontaneity.) 

Riya:  I’m glad I met you. 

Meran:  As am I. 

Riya:  (leaning in to kiss him and his sister is watching him from her window, glowers at her)

Meran:  We have an audience. 

Tiya: (acts like she’s gagging) 

Riya:  Pay no attention to my little bratty sister. 

Meran:  (laughing)  No worries, I think she’s really cute, just like her big sister.  (kisses Riya’s cheek)  One to dream on, sweetness.  

Riya:  (pushes him playfully)  Thank you.  Look forward to seeing you again, lovely one. 

Meran:  It’s a business doing pleasure with you.

Riya:  You rouge.   (laughs) 

(Scene fade) 

Scene 5—Surprising them All

Abhay:   (narrating)  As I had promised when we first met, since Meran had scratched my back, I scratched his, but I pre-empted him when it came to marrying my on screen sweetheart.  

Vidal:  (snapping clapboard)  Wrap !   Everyone break for lunch, I’ve had it custom made for all of us.  

Maya:  You’re so thoughtful, Vidal.   Besides, your food is so delicious, none of us can pass it up !  Did you make some of those sweetmeats you always do ? 

Vidal:   My wife, Diana, wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.  She requested those.  (whispers)  They’re kind of her addiction.   Don’t let anyone else know, she’ll have my you know what in a blender if word gets out ! 

Maya:  (winces, finger to nose)  No one the wiser, boss ! 

Abhay:  (coming up behind her and nearly scaring her to death)  Maya !  Just the woman I wanted to see. 

Maya:  (holding her chest) I swear to Krishna, Abhay.   Do that again…

Abhay:  (wrapping arms around her and lightly kissing her neck)  You like it when I do this though…(giggling) 

Maya:  Yes, oh Lord, I do.   You’re making me melt !  (titters)  So, what have you come to ask me ?

Abhay:  (kneels)  I have been longing to ask this for years.   So many times I got to play the part of your husband, I wanted to make that fantasy a reality.  

Maya:  (hands over her heart, nearly swoons)  Oh, Abhay !   Do you mean it ? 

Abhay:  Please tell me you’re being facetious ! 

(They laugh in unison) 

Maya:  You’re so fun to joke with.    (takes his hands)  My answer is yes though, you know that

Abhay:  Vidal, Diana, everyone !   

Meran:  What’s going on, Ab ?  

Zaheer:  I’m normally not here, but I had the day off so I came by to see what all the hubbub was about.  

Abhay:  Good, more witnesses !    Mark well my friends !  This day is going down in the history books.   I proclaim, now and forever, this beautiful angel and I are engaged ! 

Meran:  Congrats ! 

Aman:  How lovely.  

Abhay:  (narrating)  And like any good Indian wedding, preparations were made immediately and I was brought in to my own celebration in style, riding the back of an elephant !   It was truly something to behold.    My beautiful satin doll, ah, how darling she was. 

(We can hear ‘My Wife’ playing the background as they are wed together.   Riya and Meran give each other knowing looks as if to indicate their wedding may not be far off.) 

Anjali:   (savoring a dance with Abhay)  This is too incredible for words !  I can’t believe my daughter of all people, is going to be marrying into Bollywood royalty.  It’s like something out of a fairy tale ! 

Madhup:  I always told you, Anjali.  From the beginning, I had a feeling the two would click.   My predictions never fail.  

Munna:  And now you’re a part of our family.   How lovely and exciting is that ! 

(Everyone is dancing to a righteously sick SRK tribute music.)  

Ad:   I think I’m the luckiest guy in the world right about now. 

Maya:   (tittering)  You’re just saying that because of the endorphins, oxytocin and pheromones. 

Ad:  (twirls her and dips her low and slow)  No, babe.  It’s true love.   You and I know better than anyone ! 

Maya:  (spinning him in return) 

Ad:  Hey, no fair, I’m supposed to lead.  

Maya:   We can both lead.   (drawing him close and looking into his eyes) You are my shining star.  I’m glad to be in your Universe. 

Ad:  Poetically spoken, immensely true.  

Meran:  Swingin’ party, bud.   Who’s the DJ ? 

Ad:  That’s just Frank from the set.   He does this sort of thing for a living. 

Meran:   Some people, man.  They get all the luck ! 

(they laugh) 

Zaheer:  Whoops, sorry mate.   I swear I have two left feet.  

Meran:  You don’t, it’s just a rather big occasion.   Ad’s really popular.   He’s giving a lot of his funds to help the less fortunate today. 

Zaheer:  That’s mighty big of your friend.

Meran:  Oh, the whole company chipped in, but yes, technically it was Adhay’s idea !  

Zaheer:  (clears throat)  I think if you’re going to make a move on my lovely sister, now’s the best time.   You have my blessing.  

Meran:  What about everyone else though ?

Zaheer:  (nearly bursts a gut laughing)  They love you, dude !   They think you’re perfect, they just wish you wouldn’t stall so long !   Haven’t you kept Maya waiting long enough ?

Meran:  (steeling his courage, grabs him by the shoulders)   Thank you ! 

Abhay:  (Narrating)   Fortune had smiled on Meran that day as well, and he asked Riya to become his fiancée.    Before I knew it, we were all one big happy family.    Granted, our family just kept growing, but we were happier than we had ever wanted to be.   I was still tone deaf, but my family loved me despite it.   I showed my heart in my roles in film, and Meran always received credit for giving my romantic roles a voice.   I would be forever in his debt and I always repaid him with my unconditional love and brotherhood.   Nothing could be better than the simplicity of that.  

(‘Tum Tic’ plays as the scenarios appear on screen in chronical order, including our heroes having families of their own and enjoying their first Holi, complete with colors and fanfare.  Roll credit.   True inspiration comes from watching Florence Foster Jenkins, which my beloved TTR sent me.  Had it not been for that film this one wouldn’t exist.   I owe you.  Thank you for just being !)