Unspoken Melodies

Episode 3: The First Note

Arjun’s Growing Passion

The weeks following Arjun’s audition at Karan’s family music studio are filled with a mix of excitement and frustration. His voice, raw and powerful, seems to have the potential to take him far, but Arjun knows the reality: he’s still just a college student with no connections, no resources, and no backing. But he refuses to let go of his dream. Every day after classes, he sneaks off to small cafés and events where local artists perform, slowly building a reputation for himself as a talented singer.

Arjun's confidence grows with each performance, though he’s always nervous about being judged. He doesn’t have the polish that most seasoned musicians possess, but his passion and raw talent shine through. He sings with all his heart, using the music to drown out the worries that plague him—worries about his future, about Diya, and about his father’s constant pressure.

But through it all, there’s one thing that never changes—Diya. He still can’t get her out of his mind. Every time he performs, he imagines her in the crowd, listening to him, admiring him. But despite his best efforts, he still hasn’t found a way to catch her attention. She remains as distant as ever, lost in her world of wealth and popularity. He’s not even sure if she knows he sings, though he’s posted a few videos on social media. Still, the chance to impress her feels like a distant dream.

The Struggle with Family Expectations

At home, Arjun’s situation becomes more tense. His father, Raghav, is a man of strict principles—he believes in hard work, discipline, and the idea that a good education is the only path to success. Arjun’s father constantly tells him that music is a hobby at best, and that it can never provide the stability Arjun needs in life.

“You’re wasting your time, Arjun,” his father says one evening after Arjun has returned from another small performance. “You should be studying, focusing on your future, not chasing some foolish dream of being a singer. You’re not a celebrity, and you never will be. There’s no future in music.”

Arjun tries to explain himself, his voice filled with a mixture of frustration and passion. “But Dad, I know I have talent. Music is what makes me feel alive! I can’t just give it up.”

Raghav shakes his head. “This isn’t a world for people like us. We don’t have the luxury of wasting time on pipe dreams. You need to be practical. Focus on your studies, get a degree, and build a real future for yourself.”

Despite his father’s harsh words, Arjun continues performing in secret, sneaking out to gigs whenever he can. But as much as he loves singing, the guilt of lying to his father gnaws at him. Arjun’s internal battle rages on: Should he follow his passion, or should he obey his father’s wishes and focus on his education?

The Heartbreak

The turning point comes one evening after a particularly successful performance at a local café. Arjun’s voice had received nothing but praise from the crowd, and he felt a renewed sense of hope. But as he returns home, he finds his father waiting for him in the living room, a storm brewing in his eyes.

“What is this I hear about you singing again, Arjun?” Raghav’s voice is cold, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the café where Arjun had just performed. “You think you can just go off and sing while ignoring your responsibilities?”

Arjun’s heart races, his mind already panicking. “Dad, I—”

“I’m done with this nonsense!” Raghav interrupts, his face reddening with anger. “You’ve been warned repeatedly about this music nonsense. You need to focus on your studies, Arjun! If you’re not going to listen, then maybe you’ll listen to this.”

With one swift motion, Raghav storms over to where Arjun’s guitar is propped against the wall. Without warning, he picks it up and slams it onto the floor. Arjun gasps, rushing to stop him, but it’s too late. His beloved guitar, the one thing that connected him to his dreams, is shattered—broken beyond repair.

“No, Dad! Please—” Arjun’s voice cracks, his eyes welling up with tears. But his father doesn’t say a word. He walks out of the room, leaving Arjun alone with the wreckage of his hopes.

The Aftermath

For days, Arjun is consumed by grief and anger. The guitar is beyond repair, and without it, he feels lost. His father’s actions have cut deeper than he could ever have imagined. Music was his escape, his passion, and now it feels like it has been stolen from him. He tries to focus on his studies, but it’s impossible. His mind keeps wandering back to the night he lost his guitar.

The college, too, seems like a constant reminder of his failures. Arjun’s friends from the college, who had begun to admire his musical talent, start to distance themselves as he becomes more withdrawn. And worst of all, Diya—he hasn’t seen her in weeks. She hasn’t noticed his absence, hasn’t checked on him. In the back of his mind, Arjun had always hoped that she might eventually see him for who he truly was—a talented, passionate young man with big dreams. But now, with his guitar broken and his heart heavy, he’s not sure he has anything left to offer her.

A Moment of Clarity

But as Arjun sits alone in his room, staring at the shattered pieces of his guitar, something inside him shifts. The pain, the loss, it’s unbearable. But it doesn’t break him—it fuels him. He can’t give up on his dreams. He won’t let this defeat him. His music isn’t just about the guitar, and his passion isn’t confined to one instrument. He’ll find another way. He has to.

With renewed determination, Arjun picks up his phone and calls Karan, his one friend who has always supported him. “Karan, I need help,” he says, his voice steady but urgent. “I’m not giving up on my dream. I want to perform again. Can you help me get another chance?”

Karan’s voice is full of understanding. “Of course, Arjun. You’ve got the talent. Let’s make sure the world hears you.”

End of Episode Twist:

As Arjun prepares for his next opportunity to perform, he receives an unexpected message from Diya. It’s short but direct:

"I heard about what happened with your guitar. I didn’t know how much music meant to you. Maybe you can show me what you’re capable of after all."

Arjun’s heart skips a beat. Could this be the breakthrough he’s been waiting for? It’s not much, but it’s a sign that Diya might finally be noticing him in the way he’s always hoped.