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Writer's picturePradhan Thandra

Brown at Berlin Philharmonie




It was my birthday; I was spending my fifth birthday in a row away from home. 


I had to do something, even if it was by myself. 


I know, a concert. A day well spent would be to watch an excellent western classical show or an opera. I had no money; I needed a miracle - a cheap or a free ticket. 


Earlier that day, Timothy (a close friend and my music mentor) called, and I talked him through my state of mind. He says, “Don’t worry about the money, man; let me send you some. You must act fast; reach the Philharmonie at the earliest to get cheap tickets.” I was also informed that music students stand at the entrance asking for free or cheap tickets, I was not opposed to the idea, but coming from the Indian context, this was begging! It was either that or go back disappointed on my birthday. I was determined to make this fun for my lonely self.


“Did I go from carrying platinum credit cards to this?” I asked myself repeatedly on my way to the Berlin Philharmonie. Earlier that day, I made a sign that read, “Buy a ticket for the Birthday boy?”. Using my birthday for a free ticket wasn’t a bad idea.


Standing in the foyer of the Berlin Philharmonie was quite eventful. I needed that money to survive the rest of my stay in Berlin, so I’m ready to do the impossible and pray for a free ticket.


I reached the venue. I walked back and forth anxiously at the entrance - still trying to decide if I could go through this! A couple of minutes later, I slowly reached into my pocket and unfolded the sign. 


It was my first time trying this, so I am mortified. 


Of all the conversations in my head, I heard, “God’s breaking your self-reliant, stubborn attitude and rebuilding a new, humble being. Go with it!”


I lose my gloves to free my sweaty hands; I’m gathering courage and practising my Thank yous in my head in case I get a “Happy Birthday”. As I wait for my miracle, I see a blue-eyed girl walk toward me. Our eyes met, and we smiled, followed by a soft nod - she looked familiar. Our eyes stay locked, and we are cut off by a hunched old lady slowly walking closer. She comes close, adjusting her glasses she peers into my placard, looks up, and pats my head. I smiled with a nod, thanking her. 


The girl was gone.


The next minute, a tall, heavily built man jumped in front of me. He looked like a character out of Peaky Blinders speaking German. In a deep voice, he asks, “Any luck with the tickets?” I shrugged and said, “nope.”


He points me to the same old lady from earlier and says, “She has an extra ticket; her date didn’t turn up. You have to be patient, don’t give in, and you’ll get your free ticket.”


I quietly said, “ok, thank you”, and asked for his name. He replied, “Alex”, and we shook hands.


A couple of mins pass, and it’s almost showtime, and I’m getting impatient. 


A middle-aged lady, who seemed like a competitor, started walking towards me. She looked like she couldn’t afford a concert at this scale but seemed to love good music. I saw her holding a laminated sign; she’s done this before. Her German accent still rings in my ear as we exchange greetings.


“Have you had any luck?” she asked


I shrugged and said, “nope”.  


“Be patient; it’s the last few mins that people giveaway tickets for AWOL guests.”


I nod in hope.


She laid her hand on my shoulder and said, “Happy birthday; I hope you have a good year!”. This was the most number of strangers ever to wish me; at this time, I’m holding back tears.


They ring the first bell, the first call for people to take their seats. Third bell, and you’ll miss the first piece.


I’m anxious; I run inside to ask the lady at the counter, “Hello, is there a student discount?” 


She says, “Yes, for twenty euros.”


I buy it and walk out to tell Alex; he was rooting for me throughout.


He asks, “How much did you get it for?”


“Twenty euros”, I whisper. 


He knocks on my head and says, “I told you to wait; that old lady is giving her ticket away.”


I hang my head; he proceeds to wish me a pat on my back. “Happy Birthday, son, enjoy the show!”


I run back in; I’m the last person to check my coat and rush to my seat. 


The concert begins, and I’m filled with gratitude.

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