Chapter 6 Solutions — Twin Melodies

Shruti's father, Nabin Sharma, is a classical violinist who believes that Hindustani classical music 'with its ragas and aalaaps, is the only kind of music that an artist of any worth should play'. Shruti herself says he would 'think it a desecration of the violin to be played to Western tunes'.

His likely reaction: He will disapprove strongly and refuse permission. Because he views fusion music as diluting classical tradition, he may feel hurt or even insulted that his own daughter wishes to participate in an Indo-Western concert.

However, Iqbal's reassurance — 'He is your father, he will understand' — hints that after an initial negative response he might eventually come around, especially if he hears the group perform.

Yes, they are likely to understand one another, for several reasons evident from the text.

First, Shruti deeply respects her father: 'I don't want papa to feel that I don't care about his opinions, because I do.' This shows she is not rebelling but seeking dialogue.

Second, her mother Leela acts as a bridge. When Nabin storms out, Leela gently points out Shruti's mistake but does not take sides completely, and she later opens Nabin's eyes to his own past.

Third, Nabin's anger stems from fear — 'I was afraid you would be lost to us' — not from a lack of love. Once he hears the group perform in Act III, his pride overcomes his prejudice: 'Wah, how soulful!'

Together, the family's capacity for love and honesty makes mutual understanding not just possible but, as the play shows, inevitable.

1. 'drown your individual style' — to suppress or completely overshadow one's unique personal style or identity by letting something else (here, following trends) overwhelm it.

Nabin uses a similar idea in Act II: 'To drown your individual style in the hubbub of an orchestra is hardly a wise choice, Shruti' — warning that joining a large group might erase her distinctive voice as a soloist.

2. 'sense of musicality' — an innate or cultivated feeling for music; the ability to understand, appreciate, and perform music in a way that is expressive and musically correct.

Nabin laments that Shruti seems to have 'lost their sense of musicality' by wanting to play fusion — implying musicality here means adherence to classical aesthetic standards.

3. 'go down the drain' — to be wasted or come to nothing; to fail completely after effort has been invested.

Shruti uses it: 'All our practice will go down the drain' — meaning all their rehearsals will have been for nothing if she cannot perform at the concert.