The VIP

After attending two or three cultural programs in connection with school/college annual days, Naradaa had basically decided to avoid functions other than of small children. It was difficult to come to terms with the catcalls, whistles etc. during the performance and Naradaa could never appreciate that these shouts are encouraging noices for the performers.

Yet, Naradaa had to attend a function recently and this time, the experience was totally different.

The program was to be inaugurated by a VIP and it was written in the invitation sternly that the program has to start at 6.30 and the audience should be seated in their respective seats by 6 sharp. If anyone reached after 6, they would not be allowed inside.

Immediately after the VIP’s speech, there would be a classical dance – so the program notice said. So, we reached the hall duly before 6 and got ourselves seated. On the stage were the musicians tuning their instruments and adjusting the audio systems. The artist was all made up and dressed up ready for the show.

The time was moving slowly, so Naradaa felt. At about 6.25, there was an announcement that there will be a slight delay in the proceedings as the VIP is going to be a bit late; please bear with us. So we bore with them and sat patiently. Another fifteen minutes passed and there was another announcement. The VIP will be soon on his way and he is definitely coming, so please bear with us some more. We bore with them some more for want of an alternative, but it was getting a bit boring. Even the tuning activity by the musicians on the stage had been abandoned and they had gone backstage.

After another fifteen minutes, when there was no sign of VIP, Naradaa started wishing that someone would start those catcalls. At least it will provide some diversions.

 Yet, Naradaa considered and felt that his problem is very insignificant compared to the artist who was waiting with her heavy make-up etc. – waiting for the VIP to come and finish his speech.

Finally after another ten minutes or so, Naradaa decided that he had had enough and the VIP was not going to have the pleasure of Naradaa’s presence in the audience to hear his speech. Naradaa left the hall with his companion who was equally bored.

It would have been very simple for the organizers to start the show on time and have the VIP to rearrange the speech whenever he arrived. All right, probably they didn’t want to offend the VIP, but at least the VIP could have instructed them to start the program on time…..