DJ Disaster

"Alas ! Am l doomed to never relish my share of appreciation. " Darpan kept on hitting his left thigh with his clenched fist. 

"Garv , l am proud of you my son . You and Garvit l am sure will take my business to newer heights.My business associates were singing verses of your calibre as future business tycoons.Garv teach Darpan also to take responsibility ,he is your younger brother . And Darpan try to learn something from your younger brother Garvit."

Darpan, who always felt sandwiched between his two brothers wasn't meant for business. He had no aptitude for business. He wanted to study and become an lAS officer. He had no wish to ride his father's Impala or any other luxurious car. He wished to ride a govt. Vehicle. Everyone in his extended family laughed at his this notion as all had flourishing businesses.

"Darpan, finish your supper . Where are you going?" Suniti ,Darpan's mom took hold of his hand. She was the only one who supported him on this earth. While Garv and Garvit also made sure never to depreciate Darpan. They would buy each and every GK book they found on  any book stall for Darpan. All the three brothers enjoyed being around eachother. Since childhood they played, fought, laughed and ate together. Garv and Garvit had the habit of flaunting their father's pelf and used to throw lavish birthday parties. While Darpan since the age of five forced his mom to give party to poor children, he won't enjoy with the rich children .

" Let him go . This is what your this worthless idler has learnt- to always flee away from situations where he is being guided or mentored." 

" Papa, l am not escaping from situation . I know l have disappointed you by not being able to crack lAS exam in first two attempts. But , give me one more year if l would fail you this time l will join your business." Darpan said apparently in a composed manner while burning to the deepest core of his soul . Till he hadn't reached teen age he had never bothered about rebukes and taunts of his Father but now things were different. He felt humiliation.

" If it's so l wish Kanha ji my benefactor ,my lord would make sure you fail again." Darpan's father said while folding his hands in prayer position looking towards the Heaven.

"Dad", Garv and Garvit disapproving their father yelled together when after years they saw tears welled up in Darpan's eyes.

"None of you sees what l can see. Darpan is as dear to me like rest of you. Darpan listen to me carefully my boy, l want to leave this world making sure you all have stood up on your feet, enjoying same status in society, possessing equal luxuries of life. You may not realise at present but when you will become father yourself,and when your children would point accusing fingers towards you after comparing their lifestyle with Garv and Garvit's children what would you do?"Darpan's father patted on his back.

" Dad ,is that the only thing? You can give him a lot in inheritance through your will.We will add a clause that Darpan can not sell or donate anything without consent of his wife and children." Garv smiled and winked towards his brothers.

"Yes, it would be the only way out. Darpan don't step back from your words . You have last attempt. Then you are in for business."Darpan's father left the dining room.

Darpan ,knew that  since childhood while performing a small task or taking the simplest responsibility he would commit a blunder. He would always forget one thing or the other whenever he was asked to do something or did something foolish. Mostly his mother would cover up or his brothers rescued him. Due to being always pampered he would keep his life centred around books and music. Many acquaintances of theirs thought he was the youngest brother.

" Mom, l will not disappoint papa. " Darpan smiled towards his mother who was busy clearing the dining table. 

"Then you have to fail in exam." Garvit hi-fied with Garv.

Darpan's hardwork finally yielded results. He cracked lAS exam . His father also felt proud when people extended their congratulations. Meanwhile Garv's wedding was fixed. There was a season of festivity in their house. Garv's would be wife was a delicate sweet homely girl. The sort of girl he had always dreamt of.

Preparation for a grand wedding was initiated. The heads of both the families were taking extreme pains to turn the merger of two business families in a relation, a talk of the town.

Garv and Garvit were handling a lot of responsibilities from decoration to catering, gifts to invites their suggestions were valued a lot. Darpan also had a desire to share a bit of responsibility . But no-one wanted to risk or take chances. So, deliberately he was kept aside.

A fortnight before wedding Garv's would be wife Jharna visited with her family to Garv's place for dinner and for a few discussions which were left.

She soon became friendly with her both would be brother -in- laws. All appreciated Jharna for her fine mannerism.

Jharna was impressed with Garvit when he showed her the beautiful invite he had designed himself.

"Darpan, what are you doing for our marriage ?" Jharna smiled towards him.

"Me? Oh! That means Garv hasn't told you anything about me being a failure, an irresponsible fellow. I am not doing anything except that l will attend your wedding . Even the clothes l am going to wear will be designed by my brothers. " Darpan's comment made everyone silent for a  couple of minutes. No one knew whether to laugh or to feel pity .

"Jharna bhabhi, don't think much. I was joking. Actually, l am preparing for my interview. And, already there are so many helping hands." Darpan smiled.

" Darpan , it's not fair. If you wouldn't work in my wedding then l won't either do anything in your wedding. Secondly, the person who can clear IAS exam can never be worthless. It's just  you don't take responsibility."

Jharna smiled.

"Bhabhi, what should I do? I really can't sit idle in my brother's wedding. I must do something." Darpan was excited.

"Jharna , wait . You don't know what you are trying to do. List of Darpan's stupidities is very long. To narrate one , at six when once papa was busy and was being repeatedly pestered by him had asked him to sit on his head. You know what he had done. Literally after dragging a chair he had climbed on his head ". Garv made everyone laugh.

" Brother, I was just being obedient. Mom has always taught us to follow unquestioningly whatever elders say." Darpan blushed.

" This was just one incident. Bhabhi, once you will become a part of our family we will narrate you thousands of such incidents." Garvit smiled.

"It's not fair," Jharna intervened," Both of my brother -in-laws have to contribute in our wedding. I want it to be the most memorable wedding." Jharna's words filled Darpan's soul with new confidence.

" Bhabhi, suggest what should l do? Most of work has been accomplished." Darpan was eager to shoulder atleast some responsibility.

"Garv was telling that you are fond of music ."

"Yes bhabhi, l got it l will book the best DJ for your wedding .l will take up this responsibility." Darpan jumped up with joy.

"Done",Jharna was all smiles.

"Jharna , infront of everybody take responsibility. Promise us you won't get annoyed if Darpan messes up even DJ." Garv smiled extending his hand towards Jharna to get a stamp of promise. Jharna blushed and hesitatingly shook hands with Garv.

" Garv, l am sure Darpan won't disappoint us." Darpan's mom smiled.

"I doubt", Garvit mumbled.

" You keep an eye," Garv implored .

"Yes, ofcourse." Garvit smiled towards Jharna who was disapprovingly nodding.

Time as if having wings flew away and day of wedding arrived. Darpan had been successful in booking the best DJ of North lndia. He had discussed everything that both punjabi and bollywood latest party beats were to be played and that when the bride would enter the hall holy sound of cymbals and conches should be played in the background with spotlight falling on the pretty bride marching into the hall surrounded by her near and dear ones.

Garvit had made sure that there should be perfect media coverage of the wedding.A grand barat procession headed towards the banquet hall. Everything was picture perfect . A huge pandal decorated with fresh flowers ,eye blinding lights ,best catering services were mesmerizing all. 

Even DJ was playing the best numbers. All the three siblings were looking no less than the Princes of fairy tales. Garv and Garvit praised Darpan for DJ selection.

Darpan and Garvit were sitting on stage with Garv in centre waiting for Jharna's arrival. Their friends were dancing and thomping on stage like wild elephants. The attention of brothers was diverted when an employee of DJ came to complain about the children who were filling their pockets with crisp currency notes blown on DJ by the wealthy relations of theirs while dancing.

" Darpan, you go and make sure to politely shoo away the children who are taking away the money." Garv instructed Darpan.

" Ok , you don't worry .Concentrate on your wedding."

Darpan rushed down and stood near DJ . He got lost in making sure that not even a single note should slip into pockets of unruly children. He requested them to go and enjoy pizza ,candies and chocolates from a corner in hall dedicated to the taste buds of young little guests.

Suddenly his eyes fell on Garv who was exchanging fiery looks, who was trying to say something through sign language. But, due to loud music he couldn't make head or tail of what was being said.All he could sense was that most of the guests were as if set on mute mode.

"Darpan , listen to the song. See Jharna bhabhi has entered the hall." Garvit rushed towards DJ.

Darpan realised that DJ had forgotten to play conche and cymbals sound rather a cheap bollywood song  'Munni badnam hui darling tere liye ( The girl became defamed in your love sweetheart ) was being played. Jharna had almost paced into the hall and was almost as if glued on tiled floor was standing still. She looked like a beautiful statue. 

Due to embarrassment she could not raise her eyes. Only movement was the shivering of her delicate hands holding a beautiful red rose garland for exchange with Garv.

Soon music was changed and Darpan sprinted towards Jharna begging forgiveness from her.

Most of the guests were suppressing their laughter.

"Jharna , you yourself are responsible for this DJ disaster . I had warned you beforehand."Garv spoke politely.

" I know. Darpan, dear you have really made my wedding unforgettable.l will never forget it. Atleast you have given me a reason which won't let me cry when l will leave my parents because all would be laughing remembering this song."Jharna was all smiles. 

"Darpan hasn't comitted any crime. Do you know what it was my favourite song until it was played now when l came."

"Sorry bhai-bhabhi."

"Don't worry l will take my revenge in your wedding . I am not going to forget this disaster." Garv hugged his dear brother before exchanging the garlands with Jharna...

..his  perfect would be better half ...