The Open Mic That Changed Everything

Starting as a joke—an offhand comment during their weekend hangouts at the local coffee shops—the five of them decided to perform at an open mic that was only meant for them.   

It was Maya, the quiet one with a penchant for writing poetry that no one ever read, who had casually suggested this activity just for fun. “You know, we all have different talents, but what would happen if we got together to perform our open mic at the coffee shop?” 

Bursting into laughter, her friends gazed at one another after Maya suggested this. The group was a mix of five different personalities – Aarav, who was the spontaneous one and was always up for anything; Sanya – the perfectionist who couldn’t even sing in the shower without rehearsing, Arjun – the jokestar who’d never been seen without his guitar; and Shruti, – the performer who always had a bold idea brewing. 

 

“Yeah, sure, let’s all embarrass ourselves publicly”, Aarav teased. However, as they continued to sit around the table, it was this very same idea which took birth and began to grow exponentially in their minds. “What if they really did it and took the plunge into something that was completely out of their comfort zones?”; the thought lingering in each one’s mind.

 

“All the world’s a stage, and we are merely actors”, piped in Shruti, who was quietly lost in thought at the table. “It’s going to take a lot out of me”, Maya added. “I’m not so used to speaking in front of people.” So, although the five of them had decided to have an open mic, there was a hurdle of issues that they had to confront such as shyness, stage fright, nervousness and the like. 

So on a Friday evening two weeks later it was decided that the five of them in front of a small intimate open mic stage at The Laughing Bean- a quirky local café well known for hosting everything from stand-up comedians, open mic poetry, music performances and acoustic sets.

 

“Remember, this is just for fun!” Shruti said, her voice sounding even more confident than she felt.

 

Maya glanced around nervously at her friends. “This is going to make me confront my stage fright and shyness. It will feel like everyone will be monitoring every move that I make and watch me breathe.”

 

“Oh, Maya, it’s not going to be so difficult”, Arjun added. “Just rehearse your work a couple of times, and you will be fine.”  Sanya, who already had been practising a song for weeks, added that she would just be singing a song. “It’s nothing spectacular but something that I have been working on for the past couple of weeks,” she added.

 

Aarav raised an eyebrow, “What’s your idea of nothing crazy?’ You were shaking like a leaf earlier.” 

Arjun slung his guitar over his shoulder and grinned. “Well, I’m just going to make them laugh. Who can resist a good Arjun joke?”

 

Shruti sat confidently and added that she would be doing a rendition of a beautiful song but would only reveal the name of the song on the day of the performance.

 

So, it was all decided by the five of them about who would do what on the day of the performance. The only obstacle was to overcome all the hurdles.

 

The next two weeks flew by with everyone busy in their little bubble for what they were to perform at the open mic night. Maya had one beautiful poem of hers that she had recently written, “Finding Home in You”, which she obediently rehearsed and rehearsed till she knew everything by the day of the performance.  Aarav kept practising his magic tricks over and over again, and the group was, in fact, eager to see his performance. Sanya rehearsed her song, Wake Me Up to Life’ and even had a guitar player who used the instrument in intervals between her stanzas. Arjun had a secret from the group about his performance and just informed the group that it involved that guitar, and he spent countless hours at home practising. Finally, Shruti, who was well known for her powerful performances, rehearsed a song which she had not even disclosed to the group until the day of the performance. Each one of the friends was caught up in a whirlpool of rehearsing for their upcoming performances.

 

On the day of the performance, there was also a host for the show. Benny, who stood by the microphone “Good evening, everyone. Welcome to today’s open mic. We have poetry, music and laughter all coming your way. We have a bunch of brave souls who are ready to entertain us. Let’s give it up for Maya!”

 

Maya froze. “Am I first?”

 

Before she could protest, Benny gestured to her and the spotlight in her direction. With a deep breath, Maya stood up. Although her nerves hit a peak, something clicked within her, and then there was no turning back. She remembered her poem, held the microphone proudly, and cleared her throat. The room fell silent as she began.

 

 At first, her voice was shaky, but the words were simple and heartfelt and began to flow with ease. As she spoke, she noticed Aarav giving her a thumbs-up and Sanya mouthing, “You’ve got this”, Arjun nodding all along. 

 

“Finding Home in You

 

I once wandered through the quiet dark,

Seeking a place to leave my mark

 

Where everything was silent, and the stars burned bright

I couldn’t find my way, I couldn’t find the light

 

I stumbled upon your voice so soft and true

Like an old song- familiar and new

 

 At that moment I knew it was true

I had found a home inside of you.

 

Not in the walls of a roof overhead 

Nor in promises that were softly said

 

It was in the warmth of your quiet gaze

I found comfort in your unspoken ways

 

Your laugh is a melody so sweet

Somehow makes my world feel complete

 

Home is not where the heart beats loud

Where the world wraps you in its shroud

 

It’s in the peace of knowing you're there

Through life itself, whether tough or fair

 

Here I stand knowing you will never roam

For in you, I found a place called home

 

Now I know through every single hue

The place I call home is in you.”

 

 

As soon as Maya stopped speaking, there was thunderous applause in the room. 

 

“Thank you, everyone,” Maya said as she smiled. Her confidence grew, and so did her smile. Her cheeks flushed pink, and she knew she had taken the first step towards overcoming her stage fear. 

 

Aarav was next. “You are about to witness the greatest magic tricks of all time” After having said that, he pulled a scarf from his pocket and waved it dramatically, pretending to transform it into a bird. His comedy was ridiculous but it was enough to get a standing ovation from the crowd. 

 

“Thank you, thank you” he said bowing in front of everyone.

 

Sanya was next with her song Wake Me Up to Life along with her guitar player who used the instrument in intervals between her stanzas.

 

As she sang, they were the most beautiful lyrics that the group heard. She wasn’t as sure of herself as she liked to appear but the crowd’s warm response had given her a boost. As she adjusted the mic she began to sing her song. The guitar boy beside her continuously strummed the guitar in intervals perfectly harmonising with her song. 

It wasn’t perfect but it was real. As the crowd responded with applause a few lines from the songs stuck with them 

“Wake me up to life, let the colours show. I’ve been asleep for far too long and I need to grow." 

Her voice was rich and clear, echoing throughout the café. Her friends sat in awe and their mouths were agape. 

 

Arjun was next. As he came onto the stage, he said “Alright now is the time for the real entertainment”

 

With the guitar in his hand, he launched into a ridiculous improvised song about a potato that wanted to be a rockstar.  While the lyrics were absurd, the tune was offbeat, but the crowd seemed to love this performance. The small crowd laughed and clapped, and even chanted for an encore. Arjun grinned from ear to ear, soaking it all in. 

 

Shruti was next. Standing confidently, she held the microphone like a seasoned performer. After a minute’s pause, she launched into the most beautiful rendition of Stand By Me. Her voice was rich and clear and it was very clear that her performance was good as the people sat with their mouths gaping, in awe. Shruti had a natural charisma as she owned the stage making it clear that these kinds of moments were made for her.  

 

By the time they were all done, they were exhausted but exhilarated and were giggling with laughter. They felt proud of their collective bravery. As they all left the stage, the host clapped his hands. “Everyone give it up for our group. What a performance!”

 

Back at their table, they were buzzing with excitement. “That was amazing” Sanya exclaimed. “I can’t believe I just did that.”

 

“I can’t believe that I too just did that too”, laughing. “I was so scared, but it felt amazing to share that with everyone.

 

Arjun grinned “We need to do this again”. Aarav raised his glass, “To the best impromptu open mic night ever! And us for being brave enough to try.” Sanya added, “Maybe let’s make a band.” 

 

The group laughed together, but they knew that deep down, they bonded over more than just this one night. They bonded over the shared struggles and laughter. They all had stepped out of their comfort zones and shared their talents, supporting one another in ways that were no less than magical.   

 

Who knew, maybe they would be back next month with some more songs, jokes and poetry?