After the success of a series of comedy reality shows, stand up comedy was getting a new recognition in the country. Anybody who was a nobody, but had observed life in all its aspects to represent it in a likable, rib tickling, unique style wanted his fifteen minutes of fame. Rehman was ecstatic about this. He knew he was better than most and was sure that destiny had a plan for him to make it big in the stand up world.
A few rejections at auditions did not deter him and he put relentless efforts for the next ones. But he soon realised that he was never to make it that far. His mediocre family background did not allow him to pursue sky high dreams without leaving ground. Realising that soon enough, he decided to use his talent to earn him a living. He was soon making laughter riots at a local bar. His keen observation of the world around him, his knack to feel the pulse of his city, Mumbai, gave him enough fodder to present acts of the finest quality. The twisted alleys of Mumbai had never seen such a upfront portrayal of their world, but they were loving every minute of it.
And though his fame had not spread beyond those gallis and mohallahs, and the measly income he got for his stand up acts wasn't enough to make his life a tad bit better, he found solace in making people laugh and forget their woes for a moment. The people who cheered for him were boys from local restaurants, the occasional rickshaw wallas and people selling food at small road side shops. Everyone had their struggles in life and their agony found the right antidote while hearing Rehman perform. They would put their troubles behind as they watched him mimic their favorite actors and best loathed politicians. Rehman had a impeccable timing which left the audience asking for more. He was certainly not a jack of his trade, but a master in his own sense. And after making people laugh out loud, till they dropped off their chairs and rolled on the floor, he would make a quiet exit and disappear behind the makeshift stage and into the alleys of his neighborhood.
His humor was the only thing that kept him going. His own life had become nothing more than a foul joke. A joke played by destiny and left alone by fate to bear the consequences. Amidst struggling to make ends meet, Rehman was diagnosed with cancer at a stage where he did not have the luxury to be treated. It wasn't too late, but he just could not afford it. The ongoing medication was diminishing his meagre savings faster than he could replete them again.
He could see it coming . But did not let his plight affect his performance on stage that day. In the true showman spirit, he made a larger than life entry on the stage and started with flair. Occasionally wiping off the beads of sweat from his face, he delivered a very likable caricature of a local goon. People laughed at this portrayal of a man who otherwise could inflict enough terror in their hearts. The act became all the more hilarious when the goon got elected and was storming his way into the assembly. People could not take enough of it. The flawless act, bringing the grays shades of crime, politics and an entire satire on life in a city like Mumbai, was show stealer of the night. People laughed and clapped and hooted for every punch line Rehman had to offer.
Rehman finished with a bang and ran backstage only to break into an uncontrollable fit of convulsive cough. The pain was unbearable, he could feel the walls closing in on him. He wanted to cry for help, but the thunderous clapping muffled his coughs and cries. He fell to the ground, waiting for his last breath to pass, while people shouted out his name for an encore.
They say laughter is the best medicine. But this was one medicine, Rehman knew, could not cure him. Instead he chose to cure worries and frustrations of everyone else in those alleys and make them forget harsh realities of life albeit for just a few minutes. This messenger of laughter had done his job and he looked up to the moonless sky above as he closed his eyes for the last time. He knew he would not be making the encore.
