Siblings-a special bond by A.W.

Pre -performance jitters being quite common is not given much of a thought. But you wish to have someone motivate, encourage and support you during those times. This is a story about two sisters-Their special bonding motivates me to be a better humanbeing.

Like every other siblings Megha and Jessy have disagreements on almost all topics. They are quite opposite in nature. Megha started her hobby of dance at very young age and now at the age of 18 , she seems to be confident. But for Jessy , this was her first stage performance.

A Day Before,

Jessy was packing her bag .As per her sister’s advice she made a checklist and made sure nothing was left out. The scheduled performance was 2hrs drive from their place. Missing out on some costume or jewellery would mean driving all the way back home and countless taunts from her sister Megha....... obviously!

Finally packing was done and they were about to get a good sleep. Megha was superexcited because this was her first time in the audience .All these years she was the one performing on stage and now just to watch and relax meant whole new experience. Meanwhile Jessy was nervous ,anxious, she couldn’t sleep. Jessy told her worries to her sister and got a reply “Just don’t think so much , get good sleep. Everything gonna be fine”.After quite a few attempts, Jessy had a good sleep.

The Day of performance,

As this was Jessy’s first performance and also being the youngest in family ,she was accompanied with her sister and her parents. After 2hrs of long drive they reached their destination. Entrance and the auditorium were wide open and fully decorated. Jessy and Megha went to the backstage while parents took their seats among audience.

Dressing room was allotted for participants. When they reached, almost all the green rooms were occupied. They somehow managed to get a place among the crowd. By just looking at the participants ,Jessy got nervous. She tried to comfort herself thinking that it was just an annual function and not a competition. All efforts went in vain when she saw many of them being new to stage , weren’t nervous like she was.

Megha was amused by the happy crowd and little annoyed by the loud noises. She started unpacking the bag and helping her sister get ready .Jessy was comfortable only with her sister. Yess! they argued most of the times ,but they had a special bond.

Makeup, hair and dressing were done in an hour but still the show didn’t start .Organizers were waiting for the guests to arrive.

 At that very moment there was some power failure. Organizers were on the run to fix things .From managing the audience ,participants to the guests (thankfully guests arrived late).The whole auditorium was chaotic. Everybody was in panic mode. Nonetheless ,The team was able to fix things on time.

At backstage, Jessy was on verge of having panic attack. Firstly tensed about her performance and secondly this power failure. Jessy was afraid of dark. She needed atleast moon light or street light or may be atleast a small bulb in the corner of her room .Megha was quite and still ,not knowing what to do as it was complete dark. In few minutes everything resumed.

Guests arrived ,inauguration with long speeches came to an end. Now it was time to watch the actual show.

Backstage was filled with last minute preparations. All eagerly waiting for their turn. Jessy too was prepping for her solo performance.

First welcome performance culminated by applauds from audience.Then a devotional song and so on.

Waiting for your turn is a tough phase. Lot of things just popup in your head. Jessy too had such random and scary thoughts. Jessy thought- What if I forget my dance moves?, Will I get scared ,if I look at audience? Where should I look then?What if they don’t like my dance?Will the audience applaud for me like they did for others? What if the music get stuck or maybe another power failure ?

With each passing moment she felt more and more nervous .Pre performance jitters made her feel that she should quit. Jessy felt that she was not ready yet. Her hands were cold and legs were shivering .Her face went pale and she started sweating.

Suddenly ,she felt a hand on hers. Megha knew what she was going through. She had it too. Megha came close and embraced her. Jessy gave back a tight hug .She was a bit relieved.

Megha said to Jessy –“ I know what you are going through. I have been there.Yes it will be difficult to face it for the first time but it will be an experience of your lifetime. No matter how you do out there, I love you and I am proud of you. You have put your hardwork and you are looking your best .Now just go there and do your best.

 Dont care what others gonna say or think ,give your best that is important. Its okay even if you do mistake ,nobody was born perfect. Just think that you are at home ,practising and just forget about the world. Enjoy and feel the music , you will just be awesome my girl. Whatever it is I am with you and you could look at me while you perform ,I will be in the front applauding for you!”

‘Next on stage I call upon Ms. Jessy –anchor announced her name.

“Go girl ,you will be awesome.I know it! Megha whispered

Those words of Megha had a great impact on Jessy. She never thought Megha would say such things at that right moment. Jessy performed well that day.

Today Jessy recalls -"I remember many of them saying to my parents 'Jessy performed so well.It never felt like her first performance.She is so well trained'.

My parents were proud obviously.

It might sound silly today but at that time-

If Megha hadn’t said those words to me ,I would have never been able to perform ever again. Those words still resonate in my mind and I still think of it when I face such small jitters in my life.”