"The Missing Recorder: A Backstage Surprise" - Ranjani

The School Annual Day cultural programmes were being planned at Mahadhi’s school. She was not getting selected for any programme for the first two days.

The music teacher entered the class on the third day. “Mahadhi, are you ready to be in the recorder band?” Mahadhi readily accepted. A few more students were also selected.

“Children, please get the permission form signed by your parents.”

Mahadhi was overexcited to learn the notes. She went on playing the instrument throughout the day.

“When you said that you are in the Recorder Band, I wondered how you would be ready within a short time. Great! Your school has given you good practice,” appreciated her father.

Beautiful frocks in pink colour with cutely designed frills, white pearl chains, and ear drops had been bought by the programme-in-charge uniformly for all the kids playing the recorder.

The Annual Day arrived. There was rigorous practice in the morning. After the practice, Mahadhi’s dad picked her up from school. They had to report back to school by four o’clock.

Mahadhi’s mom dressed her up. With a dash of rouge and lipstick, Mahadhi looked gorgeous.

“Look, Mahi, I have kept a water bottle and snacks in this.”

“No need at all; our mam will give snacks to all of us.”

“Let this be a substitute. Well, ready? Where is the recorder?”

Only then, everyone realized that the recorder was missing.

Mahadhi would always be playing the instrument at home on all the other days. That day, after the rigorous practice at school, she was tired and had never played it again. The family searched her bag, her table, the dining table… No, it could not be found anywhere at home.

“Where is the recorder? Have I left it at school? Will it be there in the room we practised?” Quite a lot of questions flashed before Mahadhi. “If I could not find my recorder… oh no… what would mam say? Would I go onto the stage or not?”

Tears welled in the eyes of Mahadhi.

“Oh, my child, wipe out your tears gently. Your dazzling frock and the gentle makeup make you look like an angel. There will be some way out. Don’t cry and spoil your mood,” comforted her mother.

Mahadhi could not find her recorder in the room they had practised in the morning.

The music teacher entered the room. “Hello children. You will all have a touch-up for your faces now. And then, there is a surprise for you.”

The teacher gave each one a new recorder—a beautiful, light brown colour recorder. The previous one was a sort of beige colour. Mahadhi’s face brightened.

“This one will appear well with your dazzling pink dress. Shall we sing the first song alone… for you to have a feel for this new recorder?”

“Merrily let us play… merrily, merrily, merrily…”

The team played melodiously. The surprise element had worked well!