CHAPTER – 7

               Laxmi had to fly back since Nisha was close to her delivery date. Pallavi is better now but was advised bed rest for two weeks. Laxmi returned to India entrusting her with Sharanya.

Viren made sure Pallavi’s accident didn’t affect the shoot. He convinced the production house and handling matters regarding it and tried to finish the scenes which did not require her presence.

Two weeks passed and she joined back for shoot. Only two scenes and a song were left to be shot. Owing to the delay, shoot was progressing fast. In between this, Sharanya had an emergency at home and had to fly down to India. Pranav made sure he was with Pallavi whenever she needed though she tried to assure him she’s fine.

                                                   *************

After a tiring day of shoot, they were back to hotel. Pranav escorted her to her room. Pallavi offered him dinner and hence they ordered room service and ate from her room. Since she had a slight fever that day, he touched her forehead to assess it. Satisfied that the temperature is reducing, he plans to go back to his room when Pallavi spontaneously asks him to spend some time with her since she feels bored. He agreed and both of them decided to watch a movie together. He was loading a film on his laptop while her eyes were only on him.

Pranav is with her 24x7 these days. She did not know what to make of it. For sure she is enjoying all his pampering and care but she knew it isn’t a right feeling to have. She was having conflicted feelings which she didn’t want to address.

It’s a phase. Once we’re back to India and to other movies and have less time together, it’ll get better.

 He selected a blockbuster hit of his which he knew she loved. Pallavi’s whole attention shifted to the film while he enjoyed her expressions and reactions to his film. They discussed the film in between and had arguments over it. He loved to listen to her passionate arguments when it comes to cinema. They had a good time together. While his phone on the side table continuously rang in silent mode with Janaki’s call.

                                                     *************

Their shoot was almost getting concluded. Only a song is left. They finished dining at a restaurant close by and are walking back to their hotel. When he saw a Starbucks outlet he went to get some coffee for them. That’s when Pallavi saw a walkway beside a lakeshore. There were benches provided on the sides and she settled on one of them taking in the view of the lake. He joined her and hands her the coffee.

They sit in a comfortable silence sipping their coffee and minds reeling in a lot of memories - Their first meeting at the cemetery, Pranav supporting her on her first day of shoot, making her comfortable during intimate scenes, saving her from Shyam Nadir at public events, winning awards together, the blatant eye locks at her sister’s reception, her accident....Both of them stare into each other's eyes.

I don’t know why, the fear of losing you is making me insane.

They continued gazing in each others’ eyes carving this moment into their memory forever.

                                              *****************

Pranav hugs Pallavi from behind, who is dressed in a purple gown and her silky hair flying. The final song shoot is going on.

She moves forward from his hug with a flirty smile while he follows her trail, singing the lyrics. He doesn't allow her to walk a lot. He holds her soon and turns her to him and they face each other. Viren yells a "CUT".

They are sitting with jackets covering them and sipping hot coffee to keep up with the cold atmosphere. Viren is setting up for the next shot. Shooting progresses without any further hitch.

 They enjoyed their time together forgetting everything else for the time being. Pallavi’s accident paved way for them to spend time with each other and also to know each other deeply. Though her leg is now perfectly alright Pranav makes sure she doesn't take strain and demand choreographers for light dance steps .There were few murmurs amidst the set but he couldn’t care less.

 One day he saw Pallavi’s face crunched with pain as she is getting down the stairs and approaches her hastily. But she stops him and jumps down the stairs giggling while he rolls his eyes. She was mocking his pampering but he didn’t mind and smiled at her antics.

Something is brewing between them and they are well aware of it. But they decided to go with the flow without questions because they know all of it is temporary. It’s time to say goodbye.