CHAPTER - 25

When Janaki turned to take milk from fridge, she saw Pranav coming to stand near the door of the kitchen. The maid walked out giving them privacy. She gave him his black coffee and continued to make Ayaan’s health drink.

“We should tell Ayaan the truth”.

“Isn’t it too early? He’s young”.

“Yes. But now he has started asking questions. Moreover there will be people out there to give information to him which might confuse his little mind. So its better he get to hear from us directly”.

She closing her eyes and nodded.

                                                    ***********

Ayaan is having his milk and biscuits while Pranav sips his black coffee. Janaki sat beside them and shared a glance with Pranav before she cleared her throat.

“Umm....Ayaan”

Ayaan(raised his face with a thin layer of the drink’s froth forming a moustache for him. Janaki smiled and wiped his lips before speaking.

“The question you asked me earlier, don’t you want an answer for it?

Ayaan looked at his mother with full attention. She took his tiny hands into hers before replying.

“Ayaan what you heard is true. Your Dad and I are not husband and wife anymore. But we are your parents and will always be”.

“Why Maa? How is it different?”

Pranav pulled him into his arms slowly.

“Ayaan, we were planning to tell you about this later; when you are old enough to understand. But since you are getting to know it from others.....we thought it is better that you hear the facts from us than anyone else. Are you getting me son?”

Though confused, Ayaan nodded his head.

“I did wrong by your Maa; I did not love her the way she deserved. So that ended us in getting a divorce which means that we are no longer husband and wife. I’m solely responsible for it”.

Janaki looked up at that. Ayaan’s face showed a mixture of curiosity, confusion and anxiety. He did not follow everything they said but the way in which they told him made him relax for now and not get disturbed over it.

“Thus, yes, we are no more husband and wife, but we are and will always be your parents. The differences in our life, is never going to affect you, we won’t let it to affect you. Do you get it son?”

Ayaan nodded seeing his father’s earnest face.

“Ayaan, there will be many people out there to point fingers, or hurt you or us. But we should not let them get to us and make them win in their attempts. If you ever hear anything like this which upsets you, you should discuss it with us and get clarity on it. Never, remember never let anyone or any word get to you. No matter what the world say, me and your Maa love you. Nothing is important than you to us.  Our love will always be there with you. Do you understand?”

Ayaan nodded and hugged his Dad. He is getting emotional. Though he did not understand the entire conversation, he did understand that his life is somehow different from other kids and families. But he also knew that his father and mother loved him. For now he needed only that.

Pranav patted his back soothing him while Janaki stared at the father-son duo. Soon Ayaan raised an arm towards her inviting her into the hug. She is hesitant but Pranav mouths ‘For Ayaan’, encouraging her. She too joined the hug and gave Ayaan his desired family moment.

                                                    ***********

Janaki let the cool night breeze play with her loose tendrils while she sat on the swing in her balcony. Ayaan has left with his father in the evening after their talk. She’s already missing her son and has scheduled work for Sunday as well to keep her busy. Her focus slowly shifts to their conversation before.

Yes, it is true that Ayaan has not yet comprehended the intensity of the facts that is shared to him today. But yet, his mind is put to rest, for now. Pranav did handle it smoothly.

Pranav!!!!!

I don’t know what my feelings for him now are. Did I.....it doesn’t matter though because we’ve crossed that bridge in life. All that matters to me now is my son.

Being a mother changes you in lot of ways. For instance, when your child looks up to you, trusting you to be the answer to all their questions, trusting you to be the solution for everything, trusting you enough to depend on you as they begin their life in this world of complexities – it makes you a new person.

During my pregnancy there were a lot of fears in my mind, if I’ll be a good mother, am I capable to handle such a big responsibility. But Ayaan, my child, helped me rise over every fear and vulnerability I had. His presence alone is enough to make me the happiest person in the world. Ayaan brightened up my world in a way I had expected from my parents, from Pranav.  He gave me the happiness, peace, contentment, love I desired for from all the relations in my life. In other words, Ayaan gives me the life I’ve always desired for. Ayaan has filled up my life, for now.

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

Avni is fast asleep and Pallavi is watching her with a fond smile etched on her face. Laxmi is watching her with an exhausted expression.

 Pallavi is still young; she has a flourishing career once again and is a good mother to Avni. But is this a life? One day Avni will go on to build her own life. Will career alone be enough to sustain for Pallavi then?! Will it last that long as well? She has a long life ahead and she needs a companion to share it with. But how am I going to convince my stubborn daughter?!

CHAPTER - 24

Pallavi didn’t expect a visitor so late in night; and definitely not Janaki. Though surprised she led Janaki in to her suite. They settled on opposite couches.

“We’ve never really interacted properly, despite having strong roles in each other’s lives. So I thought of saying Hi”.

Pallavi did get the hint of sarcasm in her tone but she chose to act nonchalant.

“How is it like to be back to career again?”

Pallavi could sense a double meaning to her words but reacted to the surface level of her question.

                                             

“Good”

“I actually have something for you”.

Janaki pulled out some photos from her bag and placed it on the table. Pallavi’s eyes widened for a second. It was some of the nice moments she spent with Pranav during their courtship.

“I’ve never seen him this happy; he never smiles like this around me, not even when you didn’t exist between us”.

Pallavi stared into Janaki’s eyes.

“I had come across them long ago. He still has it securely placed in his safe”.

Pallavi took her time to respond.

“If you’re here because you are afraid of a repeat of the past, then don’t be. My life doesn’t have space for anyone else but my daughter. I won’t be a threat for you ever again”.

“That’ll make sure of. You are never going to be a threat to me anymore”.

Pallavi stared at her before lowering her eyes and whispering.

“I know this is not going to be enough, and it’s too late, but still…..I’m sorry for everything”.

“Sadly it holds no importance now Pallavi”.

Pallavi nodded pointlessly. They sat in silence unable to frame anymore sentences on their twisted equation.

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

When she reached her suite she saw Pranav has put Ayaan to sleep after playing with him. She told him she has something to discuss. But Pranav was not prepared for what she had to discuss. She gave him a document which has papers for joint divorce petition.

“What’s this nonsense Janaki?”

“I want divorce Pranav”.

He pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation.

“Please give me a break. Don’t let your insecurities screw this up for us and our son. I’ve not betrayed you this time. I’ve no such intentions. I know it might be difficult for you to trust me and perhaps I don’t have the right to ask that of you. But please Janaki, trust me this one time. I just want to help Pallavi to be back on her feet because I feel responsible for her mess”.

“I know Pranav. I’m aware of your reasons and I can believe you when you tell me you’ve no such intentions. But my decision is clear. I want out”.

“Why? Don’t we have a stable relationship now? Our son is happy, we are happy, everything is going fine”.

“Really Pranav, do you think so?”

“What do you mean?”

“Marriage is not just about being parents; it’s also about being partners to each other too”.

He remained silent.

“I decided to put my ego aside in the hope of giving my son a real chance at family. But this is not it Pranav. Sooner or later he’s going to realize it and this thin layered bond won’t last long”.

“What do you want me to do? Tell me, we can work on our marriage”.

She had a wry smile when she spoke next.

“I wish I can fool myself and take this offer Pranav. But the truth is if it had to happen, all these years would’ve been enough time to mend our relationship”.

“Janaki……I…..”

He felt helpless.

“Why all of a sudden. If you wanted out, all these years you could’ve. This is just your insecurities speaking”.

A sad smile etched on her face.

“Because somewhere I had hope Pranav that with time my wounds would heal; that you’ll make an effort someday to heal them. But you chose to overlook all that and just survive together. Perhaps I would’ve lived with it but your sincere efforts to resurrect Pallavi’s life opened my eyes. You’re attuned to her pain, needs even when she’s away from you; but you can’t even read mine despite living under one roof!”

A long silence stretched between them.

“You still carry her memories with you; you are still into her but adjusting with me because of your son. Agreed you are not pursuing your interest in her anymore. But it’s killing me Pranav; not just because you have feelings for another woman when I’m your wife but because I have realized you will never feel for me the same way”.

She couldn’t help her tears. She sat down crying bitterly. Pranav didn’t know how to react. He slowly walked towards Janaki and sat beside her. He held her shoulders.

“I’m sorry for hurting you Janaki. But trust me I tried my best”.

“I know. I don’t want to make it any more difficult for either of us. It’s better to walk parallel than together Pranav. I just took my time to realize and now I can’t go on”.

“Ayaan…”

She wiped her tears.

“He’ll have his parents, even if we’re not together. And its better he has two happy homes than one fake home which will shatter him later on”.

They didn’t utter a word after that and sat in silence, wondering about their lives ahead. Life is once again changing for them.

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

Not just their life but this decision stirred a whirlwind in Pallavi’s life as well. They tried to keep the divorce news under wraps as much as they can but media finally whiffed it out. Soon the media trial began and Pallavi received brickbats once again. But this time around, she faced it boldly. There is no room for guilt in her life because she never had the intention of coming between Pranav and Janaki anymore; yet if they’re parting ways; she is not ready to take the blame. Pallavi has gone past the stage of her feelings for Pranav and wanted nothing from life except her daughter and her safe future. Her focus is on bringing her career back on track for it and Pranav respected that.

Shyam did try to stir drama to end her existence in industry; but after some hiccups the film released and audience who preferred content over the personal drama of stars encouraged it. Her talent is established once again and with slow nudge from the power Pranav holds within industry she finally found her footing. He didn’t get her projects but made sure to counter the efforts of Shyam and Nikhil to force others negatively.

On the other hand, Janaki and Pranav handled their divorce with maturity. They continued being amicable with each other. Though Ayaan did find some changes in his life, like his mother moving out with him to her house and her absence whenever he stayed with his father at their old house, he was too young to realize the implications.

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

2023

Pranav is having a break from his shoot for two weeks and as usual is spending this time with his son. He has already informed Ayaan about his arrival in the evening. Janaki has packed his bags and is now spending time with him before he leaves with his father. But that’s when she noticed her son’s low mood. Come to think of it, Ayaan has been a little low from yesterday evening. She had even asked him what is wrong yesterday but never got a clear reply. She had some issues at work which distracted her yesterday but now when she is focusing on her son, she could see he’s still bothered about something.

“What is bothering you my champ?”

“Nothing Maa”     

“Ayaan Kashyap Malhotra!”

“What?”, he raised his eyebrow irritated just like his father.

“I thought I’m my son’s best friend and he shares everything with me”, she made a puppy face.

Ayaan looked down unsure if he should ask his mother what’s in his mind.

“You can tell me anything champ”, she goaded him pulling him in her arms.

“Rahul told me something yesterday which I didn’t understand actually”.

“What did he say?”

“He said that my Dad and Maa are just my Dad and Maa and not husband and wife like other parents! Why Maa?”

She didn’t know how to respond to her son’s question. She knew there’ll come a time when he’ll raise this question and they’ll have to answer him. But she didn’t expect it so soon. Just then both of them heard Pranav’s voice.

“Ayaan”

Ayaan and Janaki moved their heads in the directon of his voice and saw him standing in the doorway with chocolates in his hand. Ayaan smiled and ran into his Dad’s waiting arms.

“I missed you Dad”

“I missed you too son”.

His attention shifted to Janaki. She realized Pranav has heard Ayaan’s question. His parents stared at each other wondering how to answer their son’s question.

CHAPTER - 23

Avni is present on the set today. She was missing her mother and being cranky so Nisha volunteered to bring her for the shoot. Avni is having a ball roaming around the set, staring wide eyed at the lights and camera, playing with her favourite Viren Uncle and Jasmine aunty instead of waiting in her mother’s caravan while she got ready for the next shot. Jasmine is sitting with Avni on her lap and offering her a sip from her coffee. Viren is watching this scene when Nisha’s snigger got his attention.

“You are being very obvious”.

“Aren’t I? Still she acts blind”.

She laughed.

“Have you proposed her yet?”

“C’mon Nisha, you want me dead?”

Both of them laughed. Just then she got a call from her husband and moved aside leaving Avni with them. But soon Avni wanted to see her mother and she rushed to the caravan without waiting for Jasmine to follow her. But she entered the wrong caravan. She couldn’t find her mother in but she started moving around and gazing and touching different things she can see there, as is children’s nature. While exploring the place she did not realize the bathroom door opening and a man coming out of it. She realized it only when she saw that she had an admirer who is gazing at her with a formidable expression through the mirror. She swiftly turned around dropping something down from the table.

“S...s..sooo..rrryyy”

“Who are you? What are you doing here?”

“Mumma.....Maassii”, she got anxious.

“Hey relax, you are Rupa’s daughter?”

He was referring to his stylist.

“N..no....who are you?”

“What! You are in my caravan and asking me who I am”.

“Where is my Mumma?”

“Who is your Mumma; whats her name?”

“My Mumma’s name is Pallavi”.

Pranav stilled.

Pallavi’s daughter

He didn’t know what to feel. He looked at the child searching for Pallavi’s resemblance. But Avni is totally like Arjun in appearance. Her eyes, skin tone, and hair texture everything is different from Pallavi. Seeing the kid getting scared, he sighed.

“Hmm come, I’ll take you to your Mumma”.

Avni seems hesitant but she still held his stretched out hand but didn’t move.

“But....you didn’t tell me who you are!”

“I’m Pranav; working with your mother”.

“I’m Avni”, she beamed at him.

In that moment Pranav saw Pallavi in her. Her radiant innocent smile reminded him of the first time Pallavi smiled at him when she completed her first shot in her acting career. He had indirectly helped her by giving her moral support on the set then and she had thanked him with a radiant smile and a hand at friendship. Now her daughter is giving him the same.

He cleared his thoughts and shook hands humouring her. Then he led her out of the caravan.

“You are sooooooo tall you know”.

He couldn’t resist a smile.

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

Stability, comfort, commitment – this has been the meaning of love for me. That is, once I started appeasing to that emotion.

Janaki is in her cabin, leaning back on her chair lost in thoughts. She rewinds in mind Pranav informing her about his decision to work with Pallavi again.

“Are you asking for my permission?”

“No. But assuring you, there’s nothing to be afraid of. I need to do this, for my own sanity, but nothing will change in our lives this time”.

Maybe he’s staying true to his words. I’m emotionally tired to go after him with suspicions. I can’t live my life worrying what he’s up to!

I had given him the choice back in time to walk out on me when I couldn’t conceive despite the treatments. But HE stood by me, all through it, earning my respect, won me over for life to lose me totally later on. Because all those cherished moments became polluted when I got to know he had another woman in his mind, while holding my hand!

He lost respect in my eyes and knew better than to hold on to him when he made it vehemently clear where I stand in his life. But again life tied us together with Ayaan’s existence. I tried to chuck it all out of my mind, start over again for my child and for myself too. Maybe things could’ve changed for good if Pranav also worked on our fragile marriage.

I’m not denying his efforts in being a good father, his earnestness to work together as a team for our child’s good future. He is respectful and gave me all the rights as his wife once again; perhaps sincerely this time. But the vacuum in our marriage never ceased to exist. It was never enough and it became clearer when I saw his concern for Pallavi, even years later. Though this time, he didn’t have any intentions to breach our marriage and is only trying to help Pallavi because somewhere he felt responsible, it opened my eyes to the biggest truth of our relationship – he never loved me and probably never will!

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

      

Gujarat

Pallavi and Pranav were shooting for a confrontation scene when they saw Janaki making way through the crowd with Ayaan in her arms and bodyguards on either side. She is let in by the team and she sit by the sidelines with Viren who acknowledges her presence with a smile, watching the shoot. Once the shot is done, Ayaan leapt out of her arms to his father. Pallavi was walking away when Ayaan passed her and stumbled on a stone. She held him quickly and he gave her a smile in return. Pranav is beside him and he takes Ayaan in his arms.

Ayaan is really happy to see his father and immediately demands his attention with his talks and Pranav indulges him. Pallavi couldn’t help a pleasant glance at the father-son duo and Pranav couldn’t resist acknowledging her stare. She quickly averts her eyes and comes face to face with Janaki who has her eyes hid behind aviators and face unreadable. They greet each other with a nod and move in opposite directions. Jasmine and Viren threw a glance at each other before getting busy in their work.

CHAPTER - 22

Jasmine’s call vibrated on Pallavi’s phone. But she didn’t dare to pick it.

A week before, Jasmine and Viren approached Pallavi with Suraj Gupta’s script. They told her his last wish and tried to convince her for the project.

Now how am I supposed to deny or accept this offer! The past is more than enough for a lifetime. I don’t need a retake on that line.

But they had been persistent. What surprised me though is Amma and Nisha’s reaction.

Viren had got in touch with Nisha and explained to her why this project is the only chance for Pallavi to strive ahead. He assured her of taking care of everything else. Nisha knew cinema alone can bring her baby sister back to life; she convinced Laxmi of the same and asked her to not interfere in Pallavi’s professional life.

When the phone rang for the third time, she took the call.

“You know my answer Jas. I don’t want to do this”.

“Don’t be foolish Pallavi. If we had a choice, I wouldn’t have pestered you like Viren. Be professional, you know this is a gold mine opportunity. Also you can pay respect to Suraj sir’s soul by abiding by his wish. And the rest I assure you will be taken care of. You just have to be confident in yourself”

“It’s not that easy. You know how media works. And do you think Shyam, Nikhil etc are going to sit back and enjoy? They are going to mess it up. I don’t want to go down that road again”.

“Pallavi, if you choose to run now, you’ll have to keep running all your life. Instead stay put and face whatever comes your way. Fight for your opportunities. Media, Shyam, Nikhil all are going to pester you if you do this film or not. Past will always come back to bite you. So how long will you run?”

 Pallavi just stared out of the window without answering.

“You’re not facing such situations for the first time. The Pallavi I know, no matter how nervous she is of a situation will let herself go ahead once and see if it will work out for her. You became an actress only because of such a dare on your part”.

Pallavi just kept listening without a reaction.

“You were insulted on your first day of shoot by Shyam. Imagine cowering back then and giving up what you loved? You overcame it and went on to become an undeniable talent. Where’s that spunk gone?”

Jasmine just got silence from the other end.

“This is the best bet you can get as of now. Sure it comes with its own pitfalls. But you’ve to make a choice. Think well before denying. I’ll wait for your call till Monday. Rest is up to you”.

Pallavi threw her phone on the bed and covered her face with her hands. Few minutes later two small chubby hands touched her hands. Avni stood before her grinning. She forgot all her worries and got lost in the innocent smile of her daughter.

                 

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

Pallavi is at Viren’s office. She’s here to reveal her decision. But Viren is getting delayed because of a shoot that ran late. She’s done with her third coffee by now.She tried on Viren’s phone but it is going to voicemail. Finally she decided to leave as it’s getting late. She reached for the door but is surprised to see Pranav on the other side of it. He is also unprepared to face her.

Both pair of eyes stay focused on each other after five long years. But Pallavi moves her eyes away after the initial surprise and that makes Pranav conscious too. Awkwardness descends upon them. He moved inside the room unsure. They stood in the same room, feeling each other’s presence, yet not responding to it. Pallavi decides it’s better to leave and holds the door knob again when his voice arrest her.

“Don’t deny Suraj’s sir’s project because of me. I won’t be of any trouble this time”.

She’s startled for a moment at his directness.

“I just want to help…..I feel responsible”.

“What happened to me is a result of my own choices. I don’t want anyone’s pity”.

“It’s my guilt, not pity”.

She looked him in the eye for a whole minute.

“I’m professional in my work. Who my co-star is, is not a matter of concern as long as I have a good character and film at hand. And with Viren and Jas associating with this project I’ve nothing to fear”.

He bobbed his head in agreement.

“What about Janaki?”

Silence stretched between them.

“Well….I’m professional in my work too. I’ll make sure my family is assured of it”.

Family!

The door automatically closed after Pallavi left the room.

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

Sure enough there is huge buzz and hoopla over the film’s casting. But nothing stopped the team. They began shoot and is progressing well.

They started with Pranav and Pallavi’s separate shots and sequence scenes with other supporting actors. When they began combination scenes Pranav and Pallavi gave it their best and remained strictly professional.

“I know it’s too late. But still...”

Though she remained quiet, her eyes were locked with his…     

              “I’m sorry”

  "CUT".

 For a moment Pranav and Pallavi couldn’t connect with their surroundings but in a flip second they did.

“Are the visuals okay?” 

Jasmine came towards the screen before Viren to check the visuals. 

“Beyond perfect since you are handling the camera”, he winked at her. 

As usual Jasmine ignored his obvious flirting. Pallavi smiled at them and strode towards her vanity van. Pranav hesitated for a moment before walking into his.

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

Later in the evening,

Hotel Trident, Suite: 568

Pallavi walked in and closed the door.  She closed her eyes leaning on the door for a minute.  Images from past flashed across her mind.  When she opened her eyes, it was blank. She stood there for a moment before walking in for a shower. 

Much later, sitting in the balcony watching night settle over the city, she dialled a number.  As soon as the line connected, her face lit up with a smile hearing the voice at the other end. She whispered into the phone “I miss you too".

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

Hotel Trident, Suite: 571

Pranav barged into the room slamming the door behind, and threw his wallet onto the bed. Though he expected things to be hard, he never counted it to be this tortuous. There was no one to blame because it was all his doings.  Suddenly his mobile started to ring.  The caller ID read ‘Janaki’.

“Hello”

“Good evening Pranav...Hope I am not disturbing”

“No, its fine”

“How is the shoot going?”

“Good”

{Silence}

“Actually Ayaan asked for you”.

“I will call him after a shower”.

“Okay.  Bye”

“Bye”

He disconnected the call and moved towards the balcony to open the curtains.  The sky wrapped in a dark robe and the city adorned with lights posed for his view.  Slowly, he let the memories engulf him.

CHAPTER - 21

Pallavi did all the rituals mechanically. But all through the ceremony she felt Arjun’s compassion. She felt it in the way he held her hands for the pheras, the way he smiled at her after making her wear the mangalsutra and the solemn look in his eyes after he filled her maang and he saw her eyes getting moist. He had held her trembling fingers in his hand then and never left it till her bidaai.

After moving to London, it took her time to be his wife in the truest sense. But Arjun showed unconditional patience with her; as promised, he was a good friend to her. In the following years Pallavi slowly settled down with Arjun. The new environment, different lifestyle gave her the much needed respite. Time healed her wounds to an extent and she simply went with the flow with respect to her marriage.

Pallavi was never really interested in anything else than acting. Though Arjun tried to encourage her she never took up a different profession. In the meantime Arjun went through some difficulties in his career and decided to switch to business. Pallavi invested her hard earned money from film world in his event management company.  

They had their share of ups and downs in marital life and didn’t exactly have a dream run. But slowly Pallavi did start feeling for Arjun, in a way she didn’t expect and in a way Arjun always expected. Slowly and steadily their relationship took a shape. It was not an easy road, but they made it.

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

Ayaan Janaki Malhotra marks his birth date as 1^st February, 2018. After a long time, Pranav and Janaki experienced true bliss in their lives with his birth. They effortlessly fell into the patterns of parenthood. They withdrew divorce petition mutually and decided to focus on their son and enjoy the joys of parenthood for now.

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

A year later, Pallavi got pregnant. Since she is asked not to travel, her mother came and stayed with them to take care of her. Her in-laws still despised her though Arjun maintained contact with them. She delivered a baby girl on 10^th July 2019 and named her as Avni Saxena. But a tragedy awaited them in India.

Heavy flood hit their hometown washing away their home and everything they earned over time. Veer Nanda suffered another attack seeing the destruction and passed away. It took them some time to cope with the tragedy. Her mother shifted base with Pallavi and family since her elder daughter couldn’t take up her responsibility. The arrival of new born helped all of them move on with time.

                                                   **********

2021

Life never remains the same. Pallavi’s happily-ever-after found an abrupt end when Arjun died in a car accident leaving behind their two year old daughter. Once again her life went through a rollercoaster. Her in-laws washed their hands off her and Avni completely, when they came to know Arjun’s business is in loss and they’ll become a liability to them. His parents lived with their other son and had to abide by his decision.

 Pallavi sold majority of her remaining assets to settle the debts. She never really took interest in working, since cinema is her only passion; but she had to take up Arjun’s event management company’s responsibility. But her inexperience ultimately took her to a road end. She had no other choice but to wrap up their life abroad and return to Mumbai since that was the only property left in India to their claim.

The financial crunch put her in a spot, to find work. But she knew her lack of degree and inexperience in other lines of work will not get her a good job. Jasmine came to her help though; but a help which Pallavi is not sure if she should accept.

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

 Initially it was difficult with inquiries about my husband’s death and widowhood from seemingly ‘sympathetic’ relatives and acquaintances. But I had Avni; she is the silver lining of my life; the only reason why I am alive. I always wanted to be a mother and was eager for a daughter. I’m glad with my life in that sense.

But now I’m her only parent. Never did I think money will be an issue in my life, since I earned a lot for myself. But that’s how strange fate is. We have enough to survive; but then I do need a job to keep myself going, to be an inspiration to my daughter and for a more secure future for her sake. Life is momentary, who better than me know that.  One can take love, affection, care, concern from someone else but not money; Arjun taught me this. He always used to say we should be independent for our expense.

Jas has been trying to convince me to come back to my career. Yes, she’s right, that’s my world; something that can charge me with life again. But the way I had to leave, I’m not sure if I have the courage to take it up, again. But she’s persistent and it’s not like I have an alternate plan as of now.

My life with Arjun gave me every bit of happiness. The only thing I missed was the drive, ambition, adrenaline rush I feel when I’m in front of camera. Now Jas is giving me a road back to it. Should I…..?

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

2022

Pallavi Nanda once again faced camera. She’s shooting for Mohan Karta’s directorial debut. Jasmine has used her clout within industry to land her this project. She’s doing camera for the film too. But things were not really smooth. Producer Ravi Kapadia was not keen on casting Pallavi since her come back is a gamble. But since the character needed a supreme talented actress, with Jasmine’s persuasions he gave in.

Shooting started with Pallavi and Nikhil as leading pair. Though Nikhil was a good co-star and friend in the past, she found his behavior on this set bit odd. It became clear when he openly asked her out. He wanted more than friendship with her though he’s today a married man. His indecent proposal did put her off, especially since he had been a friend once. She denied him in a polite and firm manner. That gave rise to next problem for her.

Nikhil threatened to walk out of the film, if Pallavi is not removed from it. Jasmine tried to handle the situation but Nikhil stood his ground. Pallavi didn’t want to get a whole unit suffer because of her, so she gracefully opted out of the film.

Shyam Nadir is also pulling strings to ensure Pallavi find it difficult to make a comeback, unless through him. But she didn’t want to compromise. Jasmine tried her best to support her but she couldn’t get through with the likes of Shyam and Nikhil working as a road block. That is when she got a visit from Viren Sinha.

                                                     *******

“What brings you here Mr.Sinha?”

“It’s Viren for you”

He winked at her with his boyish grin and she rolled her eyes not wanting to deal with him. She had her plate full.  

“Listen, if you have any good enough reason for coming here, then spill it. I don’t have time for your flirting”.

“Point noted. But do let me know when you have time for my flirting”.

Before she can jump on him, he revealed the reason for his visit. He handed out a file to her.

“This is the reason I’m here”.

She threw him a suspicious look and took the file and went through some pages.

“This is Suraj sir’s last script which he wanted to do with Pranav and Pallavi. Before he passed away, he had given me this script as I was his favourite disciple you know”.

His smile turned serious soon enough.

“He was sure one day Pallavi will be back to films, since she’s born for this. And then he wanted her to do this film…with Pranav”.

“Are you kidding me? Do you know how much I had to persuade her for Karta’s offer? And you think she’ll agree to act with Pranav?”

“And that is precisely why I’m at your doorstep Jasmine. I want to help Pallavi and I also want to fulfill my guru’s wish. Help me”.

“Pranav send you, right?”

“Whatever I said until now is true, but yes he is also a reason why I’m here to meet you”.

“What does he want now? Please ask him to be satisfied with his wife. He’s done enough damage already”.

“Hmm Jasmine, I’m not here to fight. Pranav just want to help. Shyam and Nikhil are making sure Pallavi doesn’t get a second innings and you know that. If she has to start again, countering their efforts, she needs a strong back up like Pranav. He is the only one who can help her right now”.

She kept looking sternly into his eyes.

“You know the state of my production house after Dad’s death. I can only direct this project for them. Pranav can financially back this project indirectly via my production house. This subject and Pranav-Pallavi coming back together will give Pallavi the sure shot return she needs. No Shyam can stop her after this. You know that”.

“It’s not that easy Viren. Pallavi….she is a different person today. I don’t know if she’ll agree to this”.

“She doesn’t have many options either right?”

“Will Mrs. Malhotra be okay with it?”

“Pranav has promised his commitment”.

“I hope he doesn’t have ulterior motives behind this ‘help’. I don’t want my friend to go through another circus. This project alone is one; I don’t want her to carry extra baggage with it, that is if she agreed to do it”.

“I’ve had this conversation with him already Jasmine. And if I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have gone ahead with this. Pallavi is my friend too”.

“But Pallavi…”

“We will tell her this was Suraj sir’s last wish that both of them do this project. And you and I will be associated with this film. So she can trust on us to handle it all sensitively”.

Jasmine is zooming through the pros and cons of this move while Viren checked out the interiors of her office.