Waiting for one song

Waiting for a song on television.

When a favourite song arrived at its own time, rather than whenever we asked for it.

Chai Ki Gumti · Original editorial · 9 October 2026

Making room for the moment

Before a music programme came on television, the remote might be kept close. You could not always know which song would appear. When a familiar melody began, even the conversation could pause for a while. The waiting was not separate from the song; it was the first part of listening.

One screen, many memories

Watching a song together was easy when it played on the television. One person might remember the film, another the tune, and someone else simply the time they had all sat in the same room. A memory need not always be put into words. Sometimes a smile is enough.

What can we keep today?

Now we can find a song at once. That convenience is welcome, but we can keep one habit from the old wait: once we choose a song, we can give it our full attention. Before the next one begins, take a sip of chai and leave a little quiet. The melody becomes more than background sound.