CHAPTER – 4

It is Pallavi’s first day of shoot. Suraj Gupta has the habit of going for the toughest scene as the first shot of a movie. The scene they are taking today is Ashok, Pranav’s character, lawyer by profession and Saroja aka Pallavi’s beloved, admitting his defeat in finding her justice through the judiciary system. Saroja is a victim of brutal rape; when she chose the legal route for justice, she is being pulled down by powerful people involved. 

Clap boy hit the clapboard for 11th take.

“I'm sorry Saroja, I failed you. My law which is crippled with corruption has failed us mercilessly”.

“Ashok...I fought back those beasts when they ripped me apart...but...but today...I...”

"CUT".

Producer Shyam Nadir is beyond angry.

“What is this girl doing? This is the eleventh take for God's sake!  We cannot go on like this”.

Suraj Gupta on the other hand was calm and threw an irritating glance at Shyam.

Pallavi looked down with unshed tears. Her mother Laxmi had accompanied her for the shoot and is now feeling extremely nervous for her daughter. 

“I think she is only having beauty to offer. She better make use of it in some other way to earn money than waste our time”.

“Mind your words Shyam.  She is a new face and this is her first scene. It's not a big deal; we are not new to this”.

“I don't care Pranav. I'm the one investing money here; I want its worth. If she can't act, then I know how to handle this”.

He passed a lustful look at Pallavi. Pranav read his expressions and seethed.

“Well to begin with, the ‘money’ you are flaunting is actually your father-in-law’s earning. Talk when you have something of your own Shyam!”

“How dare you?”

“BREAK!”

Suraj’s timely intervention made Pranav and Shyam to back off reluctantly.

                                                  **********

20 minutes later

Pallavi is in Suraj’s caravan, reading her dialogue again. He has asked her to take time and relax before giving the shot again. She is extremely ashamed of disappointing him. She was trying hard to control her tears when she felt someone’s presence inside the caravan. She quickly wiped her tears and looked up. Pranav stood near the open door.

“Suraj sir?”

“He is not here”

Pranav saw Pallavi’s condition and walked into the caravan. He made himself comfortable on the couch opposite to her.

“You don’t need to upset yourself over this. Many go through this on their first day. It’s quite natural. Take some time to relax and when you feel confident come and give the shot”.

She remains silent and the stress doesn’t seem to leave her face.

“Being nervous is not a crime Pallavi. It happens to everyone. Try to calm down and get involved in the character and the moment the character is facing. I know this is a tough shot. But if Suraj sir has given you this as your first scene, it is actually his way of acknowledging your talent. He trusts you to do it. Now it’s your choice if you want to prove him right or not”.

She stared into his eyes to check the honesty of his words.

“You can do it Pallavi”.

His words fill her with a confidence and courage.  

                                                      **********

Clap boy hit the clapboard for 12th take.

“I'm sorry Saroja, I failed you. My law which is crippled with corruption has failed us mercilessly”.

“Ashok, I fought back those beasts when they ripped me apart. I duelled with death on hospital bed. I challenged my fate by standing on my feet again. But your law failed me Ashok! I could fight those beasts, death and even fate; but the deceitful law of my country failed me... and raped me ten times more. It was not those vultures Ashok; it is your law that KILLED ME!”

"CUT".

Suraj smiled at the perfect shot. The set resounded with claps. Viren was the first one to clap moved by her brilliance. Not only did Pallavi get her dialogue correct, her dialogue delivery emphasised the right emotions; in short she delivered more than everyone’s expectations. She didn't act but became ‘Saroja’ in the scene. Pranav glanced at Shyam and was highly satisfied to see his face muscles twitching in annoyance.

Pallavi checked for Suraj’s reactions who nodded at her in appreciation. She is overwhelmed to see the whole set clapping for her. She saw her mother in a corner, who is clapping with vigour, obviously proud of her daughter.  She laughed.

This would not have happened if not for Pranav!

She turned around to thank him but saw he was on the way to his caravan. Sensing her gaze, he turned towards her at the door of his caravan. She gave him a beaming smile to show her gratitude. Pranav could not comprehend the feeling within him, seeing her bright smile...for him!

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

Suraj is happy. He was confident about Pallavi; he knew she just needed time. But with a producer like Shyam it is tough. He needed a producer like him, with the right influences so as to blank out oppositions against the core theme of a real life incident in the film. A controversial rape case was the main referential point for the film. Shyam had strong holds within the industry and on political levels if need be. So having him on board was a must for the film.

 Suraj know very well that Shyam's problem was not the number of takes; but his disappointment in not getting Pallavi on bed like he had demanded to Suraj. Suraj made it crystal clear to Shyam that nothing of that sort is going to happen on his set even if it meant halting the project. He reminded Shyam that if the project gets stopped now Shyam is to face the losses. That shut him up completely.  But he was now trying to take out his frustration by yelling at Pallavi. But she has shut him down completely with her brilliant acting. Suraj couldn’t be more proud of his choice.

                                                  *********

Shoot progressed and Pallavi improved with each day. Suraj was fond of her like a daughter and she always tried to keep up with his expectations. There were mistakes and struggles on her part, but she was a fast learner. A beautiful friendship developed between Viren and Pallavi.

                                                 *********

“Ok Jas.  Yeah I'll take care, love you, bye”.

Viren came and sat beside her.

“Hi Beautiful!”

“Hi flirt”

“Oh you sound like your friend now”.

“Haha, you are obsessed with her”.

“That I am! Hmm here are your dialogues for next scene”.

“Why do you rile her up so much? That’s why she has sour eyes for you”.

“But your friend looks incredibly sexy when she is angry, so I try to make her angry as much as possible!”

“You are impossible”.

“Oh my lady, beauty is always a joy!” he sighed dramatically.

“From when did you start irritating my friend?”

“Why didn’t she tell you?”

“She doesn’t give that much importance to you sadly!” she mocked him.

“Ouch, that hurt”

“No but seriously, I’m curious. That is if you don’t mind sharing”

“That’s actually a secret. You should promise you will never reveal it to Jasmine!”

“Ok agreed”

“Actually your friend had once done family planning for one of my friends who tried to hit on her. He was a No. 1 Casanova, and no girl ever rejected him. Actually I was kind of jealous of this fact”.

Pallavi raised an eyebrow.

“When Jasmine rejected him and to top it even disabled him to go on further for a while, I was curious about her. I researched about her for fun; but soon realised she is more than those arm candy ladies I meet every day. Her struggles to reach where she is now, her achievements, attitude.....everything just drew me more to her”.

“Wow Romeo, you sound like you are in love”.

“ LOVE? Are you kidding me? It’s just a fascination; don’t label it as anything more. Men like me can never get involved in dangerous stuffs like love! Then it means the end of my joyous life” he shuddered in mock horror.

She rolled her eyes at his dramatics. He flicked her nose and both of them burst out laughing. A pair of eyes was watching them intently.

I can clearly see that Viren is not flirting with Pallavi; they have just turned thick friends during the shoot.  But the ease in their friendship is making me uneasy.  Pallavi is always formal with me. She never speaks so freely with me like she does with others.

For some reason this knowledge irked Pranav.

         

                                                ***********

A romantic scene is being shot.  Pranav and Pallavi are seated in a restaurant setup.

Start Camera, Action!

They were having a conversation but suddenly Pranav raised his fingers and touched the corner of her lips. Somehow Pallavi could not do this scene with ease. She felt a bit affected by the chemistry between them. He wipes off the food crumb that was sticking to her lips and then very slowly caressed her cheek. She exhaled nervously.

CUT.

“The shot is okay. But Pallavi you must look into Pranav’s eyes when he caresses your cheek.”

She nods her head but was somehow feeling very uncomfortable. Pranav did notice her unease but said nothing.

Start camera, action!

Pranav slowly raised his hand and touched the tip of her lips, but this time his touch was tender, as if realizing her discomfort. Pallavi raised her eyes to meet his and they locked together. She was touched by his understanding. The shot was perfect.

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

With time the equation between Pranav and Pallavi evolved. She valued his comments and criticism as much she valued Suraj Gupta’s. He made sure she is comfortable before doing intimate scenes and she felt strangely secure. Pranav felt a difference in him while around her. He had definitely acknowledged his attraction for her by then; but he realized there is more to his feelings with each passing day. He is so at ease with and around her and strangely at peace; something which he hadn't been for a while.

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

Shyam continued as creepiness personified. The initial sneer changed and he now approached Pallavi with sugar-coated words. But she ignored him politely each time which enraged Shyam.

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

The shooting got complete in 184 days and after a month of post production works and promotions, the film released by the end of 2012. It was appreciated by public and critics equally. Pallavi’s talent got noticed and soon she was flooded with offers. In no time, Pallavi went on to be one of the most successful actresses of the industry.  

CHAPTER – 3

                                          

Pallavi looked up and was stunned. Pranav Malhotra stood before her eyes. He slowly walked up to her. She had always fantasized this moment, in every possible filmy way a teenage mind could conjure up.  But now when it is happening in reality, she couldn’t react at all. She was looking forward to meet him at today’s event for the first time but this surprise meeting stumped her. She was like any other fan when they meet their idol.

Jasmine joined Pallavi by the time Pranav reached her.

“Hi Sir”

Pranav nodded at her.

“Meet my friend here, Pallavi Nanda; I hope you know she is the leading lady of your new film”

“Yeah...I know. Hi Pallavi”

Pallavi is elated to hear him addressing her by her name. When she didn’t respond for few seconds, Jasmine cleared her throat to get her attention. She gulped down her hyper excitement and addressed him as casually as possible.

“Hi Sir”

Just then his cell rang, it was Janaki’s call.

“We’ll meet in detail at tonight’s event. Bye”

“Bye Sir”

As soon as he left Pallavi swooned and jumped in air going crazy at her fan moment with Pranav. Jasmine couldn’t help but smile.

Who would believe she’s going to be an actress herself?!

                                       

                                          **********

Pranav is unsettled after meeting Pallavi. She stirs something in him. He couldn’t explain the connection, the tug he felt towards her. Now when he met her in real, the tug has intensified. He didn’t want to ponder over such disturbing thoughts but just then he saw her walking graciously on to the stage. They were at the pooja ceremony of Bepannah.

She was an open book. He could read the excitement and nervousness glinting in her eyes. It was then she saw him. She hesitantly smiled at him while she joined Suraj Gupta.

Suraj introduced Pallavi to the audience. She saw her parents in the crowd, beaming with pride and joy at her; she sent them a big smile. She saw Jasmine, who imitated a whistling gesture which slightly soothed her nerves. Pranav was observing her till Viren destroyed his moment.

“Hotness personified right?”

Pranav gave a weird look to Viren who returned an impassive one. Soon the lamp is lit by the guest of honour and prominent team members, thereby completing the official ceremony. Press began their series of questions which Suraj patiently responded to along with Pranav and Pallavi pitching in when addressed.

Pranav and Pallavi are asked to pose for the media together. She felt nervous to stand close to Pranav. He was natural in front of the camera and smiled at the lenses, but he felt more than saw Pallavi’s rigid stance. He tried to ease her by giving a small smile of assurance. She felt stupid of her reactions and soon calmed her nerves and tried to pose well for the flashes.

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

Few hours later, the party was slowly winding up. Jasmine is having her drink and watching Pallavi interact with few potential guests when Viren appeared beside her.

“Hello Sweetie! Nice find!” He gestured his glass towards Pallavi.

“Keep your eyes off her” she responded coldly.

“Don’t worry darling, she is hot but I have my eyes only for you!”

“It’s Ms. Elvis for you”

He just smiled at her.

Oh god! How I love riling her up.

Eyeing her head to toe he continued.

“By the way, you are looking incredibly HOT!”

 “Oh please spare me Sinha boy! Try your luck and charm elsewhere!”  she mocked.

“At least you agreed I am charming” he winked at her.

“But I guess I should follow your advice for now” he said that when he saw a barely dressed girl giving him an inviting smile. Jasmine let out a sarcastic smile.

“Get a life Sinha lad”

“I think 'getting a room' would be better option for now!”

“Jerk!”

“What to do, a man has to work hard for his needs Jas!”

He winked and moved towards the other girl. Jasmine was heading to get another drink when she noticed Pallavi smiling at her. She ignored her cheeky grin and headed for the bar. Pallavi has always seen how a certain Viren Sinha could always get under the skin of Jasmine Elvis, a very rare feat! She has high hopes for them despite their reversed age difference. She was smiling to herself when she heard a deep voice addressing her name.

“Hello Sir”

“Enjoying the party?” Pranav asked sipping his drink.

“Feels surreal, but yes, I am glad to be here today.”

He gave a nod and continued to sip his drink letting his eyes wander across the hall. She took his silence as a cue and turned to leave when she heard his next question.

“Why Cinema; I mean what attracts you to it – the fame, glamour quotient, money, the lifestyle?”

Pallavi’s eyes flashed “My passion!”

When she saw the sarcastic glint in his eyes she knew he has heard such fake declarations a lot to believe her.

“My ambition is to perform some unforgettable characters, do some good movies and act alongside legends if I truly get lucky. Cinema is my life and world. I don’t know anything beyond it. I believe this is the only purpose of my existence and has been waiting for it from God knows how long! I’m sure this is my final destination.”

Pranav liked the spark and fire in her; he understood it since he had felt the same when he was starting out.

 “I am honoured then. I’m looking forward to working with you Pallavi”

The way he said her name brought a smile to her face.

“Thank you. It’s a dream to be working with you”

“I am reputed as a tantrum king and a very hard to work with co-star. So I think you will change your statement after this film” he smiled at her.

She smiled. Just then she saw her mother standing a few feet away.

“Sir, this is my mother. Maa, come and meet Sir”

“Hello Sir”

“Oh please. Pranav is fine”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Maya is one of your crazy fans. I’m sure she might be really happy to work with you in her first film itself.”

Pallavi felt a little embarrassed when she saw Pranav’s smirk.

“Feelings are mutual maám. I was just saying that I am looking forward to work with her. Suraj sir has a lot of faith in her potential and he’s rarely wrong. I guess she is here to stay.”

“That’s a big compliment, coming from you”.

Pallavi felt immense happiness within her at his sincere appreciation.

“It was nice to meet you. Pallavi we need to leave to airport. Your Papa is looking for you”.

“Ok. Bye sir.”

 “Hmm”

All through the party Pranav felt his eyes going back to Pallavi. Though busy with the attention she was getting, Pallavi did notice his frequent glances. But she didn’t know what to make of it.

Maybe he’s drunk or it’s normal and I’m over thinking?!But why am I feeling excited?!

In the next few days she got too busy and had no time to ponder over his glances or the warm feeling it gave her. 

CHAPTER -2

    

A film shoot is happening at Mysore Palace. The lead actress is doing a song shoot in the lawns with backup dancers when a black Mercedes came to a halt before the gates of the Palace. Security opened the gates with much difficulty while trying to control the excited crowd who were here to try and catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. Once before the reception area, the door opened and Pranav Malhotra stepped out.

             

Huge roars are heard.  Fans surrounding the Mysore Palace building waved, clapped and cheered with enthusiasm, while security personnel tried to control them. His bodyguard guarded him towards the shoot area in the lawns; before moving he turns and waves at fans with a practiced smile and eyes covered behind aviators.

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

After taking a shower, he was contemplating what to order for dinner when his personal number rang. Seeing the caller ID, he immediately attends the call.

“Hello Sir”

“How are you doing my boy?”

“I am good; anything serious? How is your health?

“Oh, c'mon Pranav, don’t treat me like an old man just because I had a cardiac arrest! I'm still young and energetic”

A faint smile touched his lips.

“What is the matter sir?”

“Well, do you remember the story I discussed with you two years back, the project Bepannah?

“Yes, you decided to keep it on hold until you get the right talent for the female lead”

“Yes. But now I have got my lead girl! I want to know whether you are still interested to do the male lead”

“You just have to tell me the needed dates’ sir”

“Just following the rules in our industry Pranav; you are no longer that 21 year old boy whom I met 9 years back! You are a superstar now”.

“Nothing has changed between you and me.  I want you to remember that always”.

“Ha-ha, now that really sounds like a star issuing orders to the Director”.

Pranav smiled at his mentor’s jibe.

“Just let me know the dates’ sir.  I'm doing this project”.

“Ok I will ask Mani to contact your manager regarding the dates. Will meet you soon then”

“Sure”

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

Weeks Later

Pranav is always comfortable in Suraj Gupta’s team since it made him feel like coming back home. However, this time there’s an exception in the form of producer Shyam Nadir. Though a generous producer, the man is a reputed womanizer. Dev knew Suraj Gupta required a person like Nadir to finance this project so was tolerating him. However a good thing is Viren, his best friend is working as assistant director for the film.

 “Who is this new face Viren? Seems like Suraj sir is very much taken with her”

“Anyone would be; Pallavi is a natural, both in talent as well as beauty. And she is perfect for the role, came out with flying colours in her audition. That’s why we didn’t wait for a look test with you to ensure chemistry. See these are some shots from her screen test”.

Pallavi is dressed in a traditional look – Kancheevram sari, big red bindi, long luscious hair cascading down her sides and jewelled in just a tentative smile. But what caught Pranav’s attention was the innocence pouring out from her chocolate brown eyes. He couldn’t alter his gaze.

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

Later in night, when he was relaxing on the lounge in his home theatre, a pair of chocolate brown eyes brimming with innocence kept flashing in his mind. He simply couldn’t shake them off. When Janaki came in to check on him she saw that he was lost in thoughts.

“Pranav”

For a moment he looked disoriented.

“Am I disturbing?”

“No. Come in”

“You look worn out, had a hectic day?” Janaki asked as she sat in front of him.

“No just some discussions and final promotions of the upcoming release”

“I had a busy day as well with 5 major project meetings at various stages.”

“You should slow down a bit”

“Look who is saying this”, she laughed. Pranav smiled as well.

“I signed a movie today with Suraj sir”

“That’s great news. When is it starting?”

“Soon”

They conversed a little more unwinding with each other after a busy day. But amidst their talks, Janaki didn’t realise Pranav is getting distracted by a pair of brown eyes.

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

January 2012, Mumbai

The pooja ceremony of Bepannah coincided with Jasmine’s birthday. Even though Pallavi is anxious, thrilled, excited and nervous about her first public event of the film, she kept all those thoughts aside and accompanied Jasmine to church. Today is one of those rare days when Jasmine made an appearance in church; that too only to meet her father. Ever since she reached Mumbai, Pallavi accompanied Jasmine to the church on this special day. Neither did Jasmine request her presence nor did Maya give an explanation for joining her. While Jasmine spent some moments of silence with her Dad in the cemetery, Pallavi knelt down before the altar praying to her Krishna.

Pranav would have forgotten the importance of this day if not for Janaki. She has as usual reminded him amidst breakfast to visit St. Thomas Church; but since she had an urgent meeting she couldn’t accompany him today. Pranav’s father, Kunal Malhotra married Shirley Fernandez, his classmate against his parents’ wishes soon after completing his masters. The most envied love affair of their campus turned sour after 4 years of marriage. Pranav had grown up seeing his parents fighting almost every single day and that had killed his ideas and hopes about love and marriage at a very early age. He visited his mom’s grave every year on this day first on his grandmother’s insistence and after her death because of Janaki. He also paid respect to his father’s memory on his death anniversary, for he could never decline his grandmother’s wish. But other than that there was no connection between him and his parents.

As he was leaving after placing flowers on his mother’s grave he noticed a girl in white coming through the gates of the cemetery. She seems to be lost in her own world. Her loose hair was flying in the breeze and her anklet chimed into the silence around. 

“Pallavi?”

CHAPTER – 1

2010: Shimla

Veer Nanda is lost in thoughts.

My elder daughter Priya never gave me a headache over academic choices, but my younger one is a champion in that matter. Pallavi, just turning eighteen in a month’s time stood firm in her decision to pursue acting and in her ambition to become an actress.

Though I appreciate my daughter’s talent and passion I’m not entirely pleased with her choice to make it a career. My wife is angry with me for giving in to Pallavi’s decision but how can I not when my sunshine turned her trusting eyes onto me, silently pleading to give her the freedom to do something she believed in?

I can’t let my daughter down; all my life I’ve taught them to stand up and fight for what they believed in. I just hope my daughters find the right path always and make right choices and learn from their faltered steps.

Pallavi Nanda is the most beloved member of her family. Cinema is her biggest obsession since childhood and somehow even before she knew it, being an actress became the biggest desire of her life. She daydreams herself as a warrior queen fighting her enemy on battlefields, dancing alluringly to hit music, emoting to intense scenes which move audience to tears; she’s a dreamer and goner. She’s someone who would mimic and dance around house to appease her angry mother when she gets up late or irritate her sister lost in medical books by engaging in dialoguebaazi like a full throated drama queen.

 She is a die-hard fan of Pranav Malhotra and finds his journey to becoming an actor as an inspiration. He reins film industry and he rules Pallavi’s heart too; typical teenage celeb-crush. Her teenage mind sees the world with rose tinted glasses but real life and its harsh side is soon going to beckon her.

                                                       *******

As usual Pallavi was going to surf the entertainment section of the newspaper to learn the new gossips in tinsel town when the bold headline on the front page stopped her heart.

                       PRANAV MALHOTRA, NO MORE A BACHELOR!!!!

Mumbai: Pranav Malhotra, the Raging Star of the cine world, the heart-throb, the most sought after bachelor, broke many hearts yesterday night. He got married to Janaki Kashyap, daughter of Rajender Kashyap, and also the new CEO of Kashyap Industries, yesterday in a strictly private function held at his residence. There were very few members from the film field and media was not allowed. This sudden unannounced marriage has come as a surprise to many and news for heart break for his girl fans. Anyways, we wish Mr. & Mrs. Malhotra a Happy Married Life!!!

Just like many teenage fan girls she mourned the news for a few days until her admission at Pune Institute got her going. She concentrated on her dream and worked hard for it. In a guest lecture session, she met Jasmine Elvis, a well acclaimed Cinematographer.  Jasmine is a strong willed lady who made an identity for herself in the film industry with sheer hard work and passion. She was known for her tough nut image within industry since she climbed the ladders of success at a young age. Her interactive sessions excited Pallavi.

Jasmine noticed the fire in Pallavi Nanda and became the much needed morale booster she needed in this field. Though their ideologies were different about most things, and belonged to two different decades by age, their passion for cinema made them bond well. It was Jasmine who recommended Pallavi for her first break in films.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   **********

December 2011, Mumbai

 Suraj Gupta, the renowned Film Director had a project in mind from a long time. Since he couldn’t find his heroine in any existing actresses or new faces he auditioned over the years he had the project on the backburner. However, when Jasmine handed over Pallavi’s portfolio to him he knew he found his lead heroine.

                                                 **********

When Pallavi opened the door, Jasmine took her in a bear hug. It’s almost eight months to Pallavi coming to Mumbai, after completing her studies and she’s staying with Jasmine. Pallavi is juggling between giving auditions and doing some random modelling and ad jigs to sustain like many other movie aspirants.

“Whoa, what’s up?”

“Catch this. Actually you should be giving the treat, but doesn’t matter.”

“But for what?”

“Your final audition”

“What”

“I am just coming from Suraj Gupta’s studio. He loved your portfolio. Want a screen test tomorrow itself. He was waiting for the right heroine to do Bepanaah; a script which he wrote himself. It’s said to be a great love story”.

Pallavi is too stunned to say anything for a while.

Jasmine grinned.

“I know how it feels. Can’t believe it right?”

 “Yes, I can't believe this. It’s huge. Suraj sir....oh my God! Even to be considered by him is a great thing. Even if I don’t get the audition, no big deal”

“Think positive. You will rock it. And yes, to be launched by Suraj sir is luck! And now before you fly high, you have one more reason to be happy”.

“What”

“There is a chance that Pranav Malhotra might be the male lead of the film. He is Suraj sir’s favourite and seems like he was fixed for the role since long time”.

Pallavi didn’t know how to react.

My first film paired opposite my favourite actor, and a launch under such an acclaimed director...dreams does come true.

PROLOGUE

 

       

“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.

NOTE: 

I don’t want to romanticize extra marital affair, but what if one truly finds love after marriage? Love is a selfless and selfish emotion at the same time. Maybe one can’t choose who to love, it just happens, but pursuing it is definitely a choice. And some relationships are just not meant to be, it’s nobody’s fault. Just that it was simply not meant to be. A realistic take on a triangle love story that deals with the taboo topics of extramarital affair, the other woman, the man responsible and the wife who gets pulled in the mess.