So there I was this past Friday evening, at the home of a formally-trained, Hindu tabla player, who will insh'allah perform at the single professionals' matrimonial event that I am hosting on Sat., Marh 29, 2008.

I had found him online as, after contacting several tabla players in and around the area, he seemed to be most authentic and one who was formally trained by a classical tabla artist back in Bengal.

I and one of my sisters went to their home to which he and his wife welcomed us very warmly. Then he brought out all of his tablas, handling each intricate piece like fine porcelain, and set up a microphone all in a very professional manner. We were the audience and he the performer.

He played for about 20 minutes non-stop, so lost in the world of rhythm and "saaz"/melody that it seemed like he was in a whole another dimension. He is very skilled indeed and played beautifully!

Now came my next dilemma...

To recruit a dance artist who will give us 1 or 2 dance performances on Mughal-style music/songs!

I had to look no further. The young tabla player's young wife, after seeing my eyes light up-- as I spoke of the event, the setting, the Mughal era (my obsession with it!) and my intent to bring unmarried Muslim professionals together with this theme in mind-- volunteered to practice a dance or two at the event, with her husband's choreography directon (as he choreographs as well).

I struck two birds with one stone Friday evening and I continue to be pleasantly surprised by the kindness of others, kindness that knows no bounds of religion nor ethnicity.

This event is going to rock (on all fronts)!