CHAPTER - 26

2024

Two years passed without much change in their lives. Pranav and Janaki focused on making their son comfortable with the changes in his life. Pallavi concentrated on her career which gave her a confidence and enabled her to rebuild her life. But somewhere all three were getting bogged down by the loneliness; which has now become a permanent reality of their lives.

Pallavi did have pressure from her mother to pursue the idea of second marriage. But despite the loneliness she felt at times, with the absence of a companion to share her life with, she is not sure to venture into those lanes again. It has always ended disastrously for her when she pursued those feelings; so she simply didn’t want to shake her calm life as of now.

Pranav didn’t want to rock his son’s life with a new change until he’s settled with his current reality. So he concentrated on being a father in the last two years. It is not easy to handle a divorce, the emotional equation changes within an ex-family and make sure children are not affected by it. But now that things are settling down, he did want to pursue his needs.

Similarly Janaki too felt she needs time for herself. She didn’t want to restrict her to just being a mother and wanted to indulge her own self. She entered into casual dating but it never went beyond the basic needs. She did want to see if she’ll find her happily-ever-after but she is also scared of juxtaposing it with her son’s life. She’s somewhere caught between her own individual self and the mother in her. Also the scars from previous relationship have had a deep impact that she had trust issues and insecurities that didn’t let her ease into a new relationship.

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

 Pranav and Pallavi are once again back in Canada; but this time individually. They are shooting for different films.  

Pallavi has completed her schedule for the day by noon. She decided to grab lunch and roam around for the day instead of huddling herself in the hotel room. She came across the lake side which she had once visited with Pranav. Slowly her feets took her there. She settled on a bench by the lake side and got lost in thoughts.

She tried moving her hair strand that’s disturbing her vision and thoughts; that’s when she realized the presence beside her. Pranav is standing beside the bench with unreadable eyes.

“Sorry, you were lost in some other world; didn’t want to disturb”.

“No it’s ok. I was just…”

“I know”

They stared at each other in silence. When she moved her eyes away he came and sat beside her slowly.

“How are you?”

She bobbed her head in affirmation.

“I’m fine; you?”

“Not worse”

They shared an eye lock. Pallavi again diverted her eyes. After some minutes of silence Pranav spoke.

“Avni takes after Arjun, right?”

Pallavi is surprised by his question but it did bring a smile on her face.

“Yes. She is his carbon copy. Sometimes I feel Arjun is living through her”.

Pranav didn’t miss the light smile on her lips and the pain in her eyes when she said that.

“Ayaan also takes after his mother”.

They smiled talking about their kids.

“Shall we go for a walk Pallavi?”

She hesitated for a second but then nodded in acceptance. After walking in silence for some time she asked the question that’s bothering her from long.

“Why did Janaki and you divorce?”

Pranav sighed.

“Divorce was Janaki’s choice. She wanted out and somewhere I did too. Initially even I thought for Ayaan’s sake we have to remain together. But Janaki and I had drifted apart a lot and staying together for Ayaan’s sake would have only complicated his life more. Right now we at least have an amicable equation. We can be Ayaan’s father and mother now without any pretensions, any awkwardness. So I guess divorce was the best decision for both of us”.

“How is Janaki?”

“She is happy with Ayaan”.

Pallavi nodded understanding the meaning of his sentence. They continued walking in silence; the sunset got their attention. When she stood enjoying the view, she heard his question.

“Were you happy.....with Arjun?”

Pallavi turned to gaze at him.

“He was a wonderful man, great friend and amazing husband. Yes I was happy with him”.

Except for Pranav’s adam’s apple moving up and down there is no expression on him.

“Was it easy to forget everything and move on?”

She stared ahead with a calm face.

“Life was not easy, forgetting was not easy. But I did not want to give up before fate. So I fought my fate”.

Both of them shared an eye lock and in the background the sun went down......

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

Pranav and Pallavi placed their order for dinner. They’ve dined in the past here. Initially they reminisced some of those moments. But soon few people recognized them and asked for selfies; they obliged them separately. Later when the waiter came with the dishes, they started to dig into it.

The conversation remained light between them. They have changed a lot over the years and it definitely showed but they did enjoy each other’s company tonight. Pallavi did understand the undercurrents of the moment but reacting to it is not her priority now. She’ll have to make a lot of decisions before that and she didn’t want to tax herself right now. She decided to enjoy the moment for what it is.

Finishing the deserts and paying their bill separately, Pallavi was ready to retire for the night. But Pranav stopped her.

“Pallavi, can you come with me to a place?”

She looked at him confused.

“I…”

“I’ll leave you at the hotel soon. Just one hour. Please”.

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

They reached the place in a cab. It is the hill point where Pallavi had the accident. She is bewildered and is not really feeling secure of the memories popping in her mind.

“Why are we here?”

A long stretch of silence dragged between them before he voiced his feelings.

“I’m still waiting for you Pallavi”.

She embraced herself against the breeze.

“And this time, I want to do it right. I want to propose you”.

“Please don’t”.

“Pallavi...”

“I’m really not ready for this. My life now is different. I don’t know if I can offer you what you’re looking for”.

“I’m ready to wait Pallavi, as long as it takes for you to be sure. I know after last time, this is the right thing to do. I just want you to know my feelings are still intact. What I want is a family with you. That’s all I’m asking you. I know it won’t be the same as in the past, yet I want it, even if it turns out to be good or bad. When you are sure about this, let me know, I’m ready to wait”.

She took her time to respond.

“How will Janaki and Ayaan handle this? Have you thought about it?”

“To be honest, I don’t know. Janaki is sort of expecting this from the time of our divorce. I think she’s surprised this hasn’t come up yet. But regarding Ayaan, I don’t have any clue. He is young to understand the real dynamics of this situation, so right now, there might not be problems. But in future....I don’t know...” he sighed.

“So even you have things to think about. First let’s do that. Even I have to get my mother’s consent. Last time I didn’t give her that honour, I don’t want to repeat mistakes. I can think about this, only if she has positive feelings about it. Avni is young to realize the implications but I have to think about her too. I can’t keep myself ahead of my daughter; something perhaps even you can’t do with your son. So let’s pause this discussion here. We’ll continue it, if there’s a reason for it”.

“Ok. Let’s gain some clarity over this before continuing. I’ll get back to you soon”.

She nodded plainly.

“Let’s leave, it’s late”.

He nods and they walk back to the cab.

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.