The Voice of the Village

Razia was a 10-year-old girl who lived in a small village near Delhi, India. She loved singing more than anything else in the world. She sang every single day to her heart’s content, whether it was at home, at the temple, or on the streets. She had a beautiful voice that could melt anyone’s heart.

Razia’s family was very poor. Her dad was a cobbler who fixed shoes for a living. Her mom worked as a maid in a nearby town. Her little brother Masthan was 2 years old and she had to take care of him while her parents were away. Razia loved her family very much and wanted to help them.

Razia also loved to study but due to her family circumstances, she couldn’t go to school. She learned how to read and write from an old lady who ran a free library in the village. She also learned some English words from watching TV at her neighbor’s house. She dreamed of becoming a teacher someday.

One day, Razia decided to accompany her dad to his work place outside a temple in Delhi. She wanted to see the city and maybe earn some money by singing for the people passing by. Her dad agreed and they took a bus together.

When they reached Delhi, Razia was amazed by the sights and sounds of the city. She saw tall buildings, colorful shops, busy roads, and people from different cultures and religions. She felt excited and curious about everything.

She followed her dad to his spot near the temple where he set up his tools and shoes on a mat. He told her to stay close by and be careful of strangers. He also gave her some coins for emergencies.

Razia nodded and smiled at him. Then she took out her harmonica that she had borrowed from her friend and started playing some tunes that she knew by heart. She sang along with her harmonica in Hindi, English, and even some Punjabi words that she had picked up from listening to songs on the radio.

Soon enough, people started noticing her sweet voice and stopped to listen to her songs. Some of them clapped their hands or tapped their feet along with the rhythm. Some of them praised her talent or asked her name or where she came from. Some of them even gave her some money or sweets as tips.

Razia felt happy and proud that she could entertain people with her singing. She thanked everyone who gave her something with a smile and a bow.

Among the crowd that gathered around Razia was a man who looked different from everyone else. He wore sunglasses, a hat, and a coat even though it was hot outside. He had headphones around his neck and carried a laptop bag on his shoulder.

He listened intently to Razia’s songs for several minutes without saying anything or giving anything like others did . He seemed fascinated by her voice .

He took out his phone from his pocket and recorded some of Razia’s songs . Then he approached Razia when there was a break between two songs .

"Hello , young lady . My name is Ravi Kumar . I’m a music composer . I work for Bollywood movies , TV shows , ads , etc . " he introduced himself .

“Hello , sir . My name is Razia . I’m from this village near Delhi . I love singing .” Razia replied politely .

“I can tell you love singing . You have an amazing voice , my dear . You are very talented .” Ravi complimented .

“Thank you , sir .” Razia blushed .

"Listen , I have an exciting opportunity for you . I’m working on this new music album that will feature young singers like you from different parts of India . It will be released online soon . Would you like to be part of it ? " Ravi offered .

Razia couldn’t believe what she heard . She felt like she was dreaming .

"Really ? You want me to sing for your album ? " she asked incredulously .

“Yes , really . You have what it takes , trust me . You have potential , originality , charm , charisma … everything .” Ravi assured .

"But … but … how ? When ? Where ? What about my family ? What about school ? " Razia asked nervously .

“Don’t worry about anything . I’ll take care of everything . All you need is your parents’ permission and your willingness.” Ravi said.

He then explained his plan: he would take Razia with him to Mumbai where he had his studio; he would record her songs. Razia's face filled with abundant joy and smiles.

Ravi asked Razia to come to his studio in the city, and she and her father made the long journey. They had never been to the city before, and Razia's eyes widened with wonder at the tall buildings and busy streets.

When they arrived at the studio, Razia was nervous but excited. Ravi the composer greeted them warmly and showed Razia around the studio. He played her some of his songs and asked if she would like to sing one of them. Razia listened carefully and then took a deep breath and began to sing.

As she sang, Razia felt a rush of emotion. She poured her heart and soul into the song, and her voice filled the studio with pure, unadulterated joy. The composer smiled and nodded, impressed with Razia's performance. He told her that he wanted her to sing the lead in his new album, and she could barely contain her excitement.

Over the next few weeks, Razia and her father made the journey to the city every day, and Razia recorded the songs for the album. She was a natural in the studio, taking direction well and bringing her own unique style to each song.

When the album was released, it became an instant hit. Razia's voice was unlike anything people had ever heard before, and they were captivated by her pure, raw talent. People from all over the country started calling her the "voice of the village," and Razia became a celebrity overnight.

Razia was so happy and thrilled that her dream had come true. She couldn't believe that her love of singing had taken her to such heights. She was proud of her family, and they were proud of her. They had always known that Razia had a special gift, but they never imagined that it would take her this far.

Years later, when Razia looked back on her journey, she knew that it was her love of singing that had brought her here.