DELIRIOUS

Swati came back from her coaching classes wishing her mother had not yet returned from her Granny's. The school's annual function was after two days and she still hadn't learnt the lyrics to the group song. Mother was always angry when she found her singing and dancing.

"Study study study..." she would say. "They (the school) will not give you extra marks when you flunk in Physics this time."

Finding the house all to herself, she sunk in her sofa and took out the diary to start practicing the song. After singing and practising the first paragraph, as she moved on to the chorus, she felt she was actually singing in chorus.

Stopping to glance behind her shoulder, she was convinced her younger brother was not yet home from his cricket practice sessions. No way he could be playing a prank on her in his usual manner. She began to sing the chorus again and was interrupted immediately.

'STOP IT Chinku!!" she yelled. "This is not funny anymore okey?" Swati waited for a stifled laugh or a protest, but none came her way. Getting up from the sofa, she tip toed to the front door only to find it locked from the inside. Just as she had, an odd 10 mins ago. Walking back to where her diary was, she decided to stand up and sing. That's how it would be on stage on the Annual Day.

Picking up from where she'd left, she began with the chorus and heard someone say softly,

"Can you please sit down?? I can't see the lyrics from here."

Swati stared blankly at the sofa.