Magic

Meghraj adjusted his equipment as his show ended. There was the last hurrah as his week long magic concluded. The audience was enjoying every bit of what Meghraj was dissing out. But his audience strength was dwindling as the years were going by.

Ten years now, Meghraj was entertaining the public with his unique magic shows. He had started just after finishing college. He had begun as an amateur showman. But as his shows were houseful sell out events, he didn't have to think of any other profession. A chance meeting a stranger while commuting had initiated him to the world of magic.

The stranger had been obliged to Meghraj. The stranger had lost all his money to a pickpocket so Meghraj helped him buy a ticket to his destination. From then their friendship began. Later on a six months tenure of training under his master had helped Meghraj learn the tricks of the trade of magic. The master christened him with the name of Meghraj where his earlier name was Rajdeep. This new name would help him market his shows better.

The master introduced Meghraj to the world of show biz. He helped him organise his shows. For the initial couple of years the master was also a part of his troupe. He helped recruit his performers and arranged for the finances. Meghraj quickly picked up the details.

The following five years was scintillating for Meghraj. His performances went from strength to strength. He commanded good monetary value for his shows. His team was young and nimble. The public had made Meghraj into a celebrity. His earnings had multiplied manyfold.

But then the dream honeymoon period was nearing it's end. He had a beautiful assistant named Gouri. She was an excellent performer and a good assistant to Meghraj. As she was taking up more and more of Meghraj 's work, he was becoming more and more dependent on her.

Meghraj and Gouri fell in love. So to take their relationship further, Meghraj proposed to Gouri. But Gouri declined his advance. Meghraj was surprised and wanted to know the reason for refusal. But Gouri evaded the question. However she was not cold in her relationship with Meghraj. The refusal didn't deter Meghraj from losing hope of winning the confidence of Gouri. 

In the subsequent periods, Meghraj made more offers to Gouri for marriage. But always Gouri refused politely. However, she ensured not to be rude or impolite to Meghraj. This behavior irked Meghraj. 

This continuous rejections was taking the mental toll of Meghraj. He was becoming more and more lonely and depressed. Most of the time his assistants were facing the question from him about his acceptability. But Gouri knowing all this was maintaining stone silence. 

Then all of a sudden Gouri vanished leaving behind Meghraj and his troupe in a lurch. All these cumulative happenings were emanating a negative signal for their troupe. The performance was becoming lackluster. Crowds and footfall was depleting affecting revenues. Meghraj was compelled to reduce his numbers. 

Then when all of the magic business was coming to an end and Meghraj was ready to move on in life by abdicating his legacy to a trusted assistant, then Gouri made a dramatic entry. She had brought in tow with her a man who was none other than the master magician fom whom Meghraj had learnt the tricks. 

Seeing his master, Meghraj was surprised as well as happy. But his master was not pleased with the way Meghraj was conducting his shows. He mildly reprimanded Meghraj for losing his professionalism. Meghraj was silent and unable to answer. 

His master said that he knew what was keeping Meghraj from performing guilt free and with open mind. He then called upon him and asked, ' Do you truly love Gouri and want to marry her?'. Then he further said that if he truly wanted to marry her then they together must take a vow that come what may they will never stop performing their trade in front of the people. Because the show must go on. This vow was keeping Gouri from accepting Meghraj 's proposal and she didn't have the courage to dictate this condition to him for fear of his refusal and she didn't want to lose him. 

' This compelled Gouri to take my refuge ', explained the master. He further said that he himself had to opt out because as he could not keep the condition of the show must go on.