CHAPTER – 6

2014: Shimla

Reception of Mr. Akash Kumar and Mrs. Nisha Kumar

Loud music played in the background. Akash and Nisha are on the stage receiving greetings from guests. Nisha and Akash are introducing their friends and relatives to each other. After a while Nisha sent for Pallavi who was busy dealing with guests.

“You’re ok?”

“No. It’s so hot here with all the glaring lights and camera flashes. To top it my cheeks are aching from all the smiling”.

Pallavi giggled.

“Don’t you dare laugh at me!”

Just then their mother called out for Pallavi.

“Enjoy sister”

She winked at Nisha and went to her mother who is standing with Viren.

“Pallavi, why aren’t you dealing with your guests properly? Take Viren to buffet area. Make him comfortable”.

“Oh it’s okay Aunty. I am just walking around. After all this is my first time in South India”

“Yes Maa, he must be checking out South Indian girls!”

“Pallavi”, Laxmi reprimanded.

“She is right Aunty. I was checking out the girls here. I had heard that south Indian girls are really beautiful. But after seeing Pallavi, I was not so sure; so just checking out to confirm!”

“How dare you?”

Laxmi laughed with Viren while Pallavi made faces at him.

“Pallavi”

“Yes Papa”

“Pranav Malhotra is outside. But there is huge crowd. Let’s go and help him inside”

“Ok Papa”

She walked with her father towards the entrance. It has been almost a year since they have seen each other. After their first film they had met during few functions related to it, award nights and some common parties but lately they got really busy with their respective careers. But they did talk often. But the thought of seeing him after long did make her feel excited for some reason.

She raised her eyes towards the entrance just in time to clash with Pranav’s eyes. He strode in his stylish grey suit with his aviators on; a tirade of people still hurled around him. But his eyes were only on her. Veer Nanda greeted him and asked his daughter to lead Pranav to the stage to wish the married couple.

She introduced Pranav to Akash. They shake hands passing pleasantries and he acknowledges Nisha with a nod. Nisha smiles and thanks him for making it to the reception. All pose for a photo together.

She walked him down from the stage but just when they were about to talk, one of her relative came asking for something and took her along. Something made her look back at him and she saw his eyes trained on her retreating form. She didn’t feel a good vibe but also couldn’t understand the jittery feeling within her.

What’s happening?

Viren has settled himself two tables left of Jasmine. She is silently sipping a juice, watching the hustle and bustle around her. He took a sip of his drink staring at her. A child stamped her saree pallu accidently; but she gave a cute smile to him and ruffled his hair. Viren smiled.

Pallavi is walking around and talking to the guests;  at the same time stealing glances at Pranav, whose intense eyes did flitter back to her often. He was walking parallel to her at a distance with people around and between them. 

Nisha looks up at Akash when he squeezes her hand. He gives her a warm smile. Nisha forgot her fatigue and smiled. She leaned closer to him while Akash had her hand encased in his.

         

Veer and Laxmi Nanda stood beside each other with a proud, happy feeling embracing them. But when Laxmi whimpered silently thinking about her daughter leaving today, Veer took his wife in a bear hug reassuring her of his presence in her life, always.

Pallavi was talking to someone when Pranav approached her.

“I’m leaving”

“So early, you didn’t have dinner”

“I’m already late for my flight. I have a shoot tomorrow”

“Janaki ma’am?”

“She had a business trip. Conveyed her wishes”

“Oh ok”

“Hey buddy” Viren joined them.

“You’re not coming today?”

“No. I'll be heading back after two days. I'm just fascinated by this place; want to just roam around and find some good locations if possible”

“Not just that, he is busy flirting with my cousins. And half of them were even going gaga over him”

“Oh really, then my stay will be worth. A South Indian bride will be perfect for me”

“I think you didn’t notice my past tense. They ‘were’, but now they are drooling over the Pranav Malhotra!”

She laughed at his expression while Pranav passed him a smirk.

“I think you should leave buddy. Don’t steal my limelight”

Just then Jasmine signalled her that she was leaving and Pallavi strode towards her leaving the two guys together.  

                           

                                                  ***********

She felt a change that day, a change she didn’t want to dwell upon. So did Pranav when he was in the flight back to Mumbai. Thoughts that shouldn’t enter his mind were taking precedence.

It’s just a momentary lapse, he mused.

I’m just over thinking, she mused.

                                                             ***********

2014: Canada

Pranav and Pallavi have come together on-screen once again for Viren’s directorial debut. The film is totally based in Canada and the entire crew has camped there for the coming months. Viren's set presented the same spirit as him – carefree and colourful. But the highlight of the whole scenario was seeing a highly worked up Viren, quite contrary to his cool guy image. The fun bone of any other set is the task master here and made everyone stand on their toes along with him. 

Shooting is progressing and now they were having a confrontation scene between Pranav and Pallavi being shot at a hilltop.

SHOOT.

“Why didn’t you profess your love all those years back? You knew how much you meant to me, you knew.....that I loved you!”

“Yes I knew. But I wasn't sure about my feelings. I wasn't sure if this is an infatuation or more than that. I wasn’t sure if it was just a phase which will fade or evolve. I thought it would wither with time. But it didn't. Hence I'm here”.

She gave a sad smile moving away from him.

“Time never waits Raj. Today.... I can’t be yours”

CUT.

“Pallavi, Pranav, you both were good. So now let's go for a take. Pallavi just apply a little more glycerine”.

“Ok”

“Okay guys, let's go for a take”

Start camera, Action

“Why didn’t you profess your love all those years back? You knew how much you meant to me, you knew.....that I loved you!”

“Yes I knew. But I wasn't sure about my feelings. I wasn't sure if this is an infatuation or more than that. I wasn’t sure if it was just a phase which will fade or evolve. I thought it would wither away with time. But it didn't. Hence I'm here”.

Maya gave a sad smile moving away from him.

“Time never waits Raj. Today.... ”

 Pranav realized she’s standing very close to the edge of the hill and if she takes a step back she might fall. Before he could warn her, she moved behind.

“PALLAVI...”

“Huh.....aaaaaah”

Before anyone could react, she lost her footing.

“Pallavi”

“Pallavi maám”

Viren and other crew members ran to the edge to where Pranav is kneeling. Though she lost her footing and fell, luckily she got hold of a rock; hence she is still hanging in air with a steel grip on the rock.

 For a moment Pranav felt his breath has stopped. Viren is trying to get aids to help her. She is holding onto the rock with difficulty and is petrified of loosing balance any moment. She is trying to hold on while the team ran about to get hold of a rope. Her hands felt slippery and she screamed.  

Pranav lurched forward getting off the shock and bent himself down the edge pushing everyone aside in the process. He offered his hand to Pallavi.

“Pranav, careful”

“Pallavi hold my hand”

“Huh.....what if I ...fall?”

“You won't. I will never leave your hand”

“Pranav it’s risky. You both will lose balance”

“Do you trust me Pallavi?”

She raised her eyes to meet his. It only took her a second to take the risk after looking into his eyes. She raised her left hand a bit forward while holding on to the rock with the other hand. He leaned further to hold her hand. Viren tried to help as he can.

“Now leave the other hand”

“King?!”

“Pallavi, trust me” he nodded reassuringly.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath; the next second she left her other hand. The moment she did, Pranav pulled her up with all his might.

“Aaaahhhh”

THUD!

She was pulled up and she landed upon Pranav who was lying on the ground. Viren yelled to get a vehicle and first aid box. Unit members ran to fulfil the instructions. Pranav breathed slowly with Pallavi's weight on him. He tried to check on her and that’s when he realized she’s unconscious. That sent him into panic mode.

“Pallavi? Pallavi?”

“Pranav, the van is here. Let's take her to hospital”.

“Viren, she...”

“It's just the shock. Let's take her fast. She’s bleeding slightly”.

Only then Pranav saw the cut on her forehead. Immediately he got up with Pallavi in his arms. Viren helped them into the van, Pallavi’s manager and Pranav headed for the hospital while Viren tried to wind up things at the spot.

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

Pallavi has twisted an ankle and a cut on her head; she is advised bed rest for two weeks. Since a head injury is involved hospital authorities decided to keep her there for 48 hours for other checkups.  But when her mother got to know about the accident, she immediately reached Canada. Viren’s assistant picked her up from the airport. She was joined by Viren at the hospital.

“Hello aunty, how was the flight?”

“Hello son, all fine. How is Pallavi?”

“She’s fine now. Pranav stayed at night. Sharanya (Pallavi’s manager) will come in the morning. She was constantly at hospital so we told her to go get fresh and catch some sleep”.

“Oh thank you Karan, I was worried. It has been 2 days since the incident and I couldn't reach near my daughter soon”.

When they entered they saw Pallavi sleeping on the hospital bed and Pranav was checking his phone.

Laxmi reached him and folded her hands before him in a thank you gesture.

“Thank you son, thank you for saving my daughter’s life. Thank you so much”.

Pranav shared an uncomfortable look with Viren who understood his awkwardness. He was never good at small talks, so Viren diverted Laxmi’s attention.

“It is not a serious accident, Pallavi will be fine soon, and you just relax aunty. We are all here for her”.

Pallavi woke up hearing her mother’s whimpers.

“Amma?”

“Pallavi”

Pranav and Viren walked out of the room giving privacy to the mother-daughter duo.

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

Pranav helped Pallavi out of the cab and onto the wheel chair with help from Sharanya. Once inside her suite, he helped her onto the bed to rest with Sharanya’s assistance. He had to leave for the sets since they were completing shots which didn’t require her presence. So he quickly bid a farewell and rushed back to the shoot venue. He had made time out for her discharge.

1 week passed. Pranav used to check on Pallavi whenever he can. Laxmi could see the care and concern he showed towards Pallavi and adored him like a son. What she saw in Pranav, was a caring brother figure for Pallavi. As for Pranav and Pallavi, their relationship was changing levels unbeknownst to them.

The shock that he underwent at her accident made all of Pranav’s protective instincts to rise up. The fear of losing her made him realize her importance in his life. Pallavi didn’t know how to define his concern for her. Another way to put it would be, she feared to define it.

CHAPTER- 5

Pallavi maintained her contacts with Suraj, Pranav and Viren though their careers kept them busy.  She often consulted them if she felt unsure of a project or people around it and took Suraj’s blessings before starting a new film.  Jasmine is the greatest critic of her films; whereas Viren is her morale booster. Movies, promotions, ad shoots, awards, fame, parties fully occupied Pallavi’s life and in no time she became the rising star. But she did take time out for her family and friends whenever she can. All together her life is happening and successful as she always desired.

Her equation with Pranav has seen its changes too. While they both acknowledged an attraction, they never really gave that thought much importance. But their personal comfort with each other grew over time. Despite busy schedules, they remained in touch through messages and calls; most often the topic of conversation would be films but they did have some laid back chit chats too.

 For a man like Pranav, it was a new experience, to discuss funny incidents that happened on sets; no doubt Pallavi had such experiences to discuss and Pranav was always the patient listener. They did talk about her family and Janaki too when required. Pranav wasn’t exactly a friendly guy, but there was this unusual comfort or understanding, some sort of a connection that clicked between them. Both of them enjoyed their conversations and kind of looked forward to it.

                                                         

                                                    **********

“What do you mean by 'it is common’?  So no one reacts to things like this?”

Pallavi is in her kitchen cooking Maggie and talking to Pranav on her cell.

“Look, senior actors, not all but some of them have ego issues and they do such things at times, just to make themselves believe that they still hold importance in the industry”.

“But that is not fair. Just because she is a senior actor how can she order the new actress to touch her feet?”

Pranav was at RVM studios, waiting in his caravan while the set got ready for the next shot. He smiled hearing the anger in her voice.

“When I joined industry as a junior artist, before I did Suraj sir's project, I was slapped by a well-known senior actor just because I corrected him when he made a mistake with his dialogue”.

“WHAT???? And you didn't react?”

“I did. I slapped him back”.

“Serves him right”

“And I was out of that project as well as other two projects which I had in line”.

“Oh!”

“All this is normal in our industry. Don't pay much attention to it and don’t get involved as well. It’s not good for your career. You are lucky to begin with Suraj sir. If the Director is good, he can control half of the things.”

“Yeah you are right, you remember Shyam Nadir?  He was a real pain, never left a chance to flirt with me. It was Suraj sir who kept me safe always.”

“He is the No.1 womanizer of our industry.  Keep away from him as much as you can. If any problem, you can contact me. You get that?”

“Hey, I’m strong enough to handle him on my own. You don’t worry!”

“Pallavi”

“Okay, okay. I'll call you when I need help King!”

Pranav rolled his eyes but there was a tinge of a smile in it.

Pallavi is my fan from her young age, so such fancy names for her idol is ‘quite natural’, in her own words!

“So what happened to this new girl? Did she touch her feet and solve the matter?”

“Whoa! How can that happen when I'm there! I intervened and helped the girl. The lady was really angry with me. She demanded me to apologize or she'll leave the set. To that I declared I'm leaving. The producer and director finally found their voice at that and sorted it out”.

“Wow, now Ms. Nanda has started showing attitude; I’m sure, enough fodder for tomorrow’s headline!”

“This has nothing to do with stardom. I would have apologized if she deserved it. You slapped that actor when your self-respect was questioned.  And being your greatest fan what else do you expect from me????”

“Whatever! But please don't get into any trouble. This is a dangerous world for girls”.

“When we see injustice we must react, that is the only way to eradicate it”.

“Jasmine Elvis is clearly a bad influence on you”

“What??? Are you talking ill about my friend?”

“I'm not talking ill about her. She is capable to practise what she is advocating and to face whatever comes her way. You on the other hand, would definitely land in trouble”.

“Excuse me!” she had her mouth wide open in shock and anger.

He smiled at her anger.

 “Ok look, I’m not asking you to not raise your voice. But be careful too while doing that. It can affect your career. You won't be able to exist here long with many big heads against you”.

“Who told I want to stay for long! Though it is not on my priority list for now, but then one day I will have to get married and leave this industry”.

That statement made Pranav unsettled. He never imagined a day when Pallavi would cease to exist in the industry, though that was only the half truth. He was not ready to voice the other half even to himself. Her presence in his life was something he has started to take for granted. This rude reminder didn’t sit well with him.

“So you won't work after... after marriage?”

“I don't know. Maybe, but I might not continue in this field”.

He remains silent for a moment.

“You know Pallavi; there are many out there who dream of becoming what you are today. Some get to this position because of luck and some because of talent. I won’t say this for people who survive just because of luck and skin show; but to you, talents like you should never waste it over the domesticities of life. You have much more to do in your career. Whether you are married or not, nothing should hinder your talent Pallavi. You must continue your career for sure”.

“But what if my partner doesn’t think so? What if my family wants me to quit? What if it’s necessary for me to leave for a better family life?”

“Then get a man who can approve and appreciate your talent. At least don’t marry until you meet such a guy”.

“Look, this profession and especially actresses are looked down by our society in more than one way.  If it was not for my father's approval, I wouldn't have been here. What if I'm not lucky in the case of my husband?  Men will dream about actresses in their fantasies but would never imagine them as their wives!  If your wife was an actress would you have let her continue when your kids are crying at home???”

“If you were my wife, you will never end your career Pallavi!!!”

He said what came to his mind without a thought and soon regretted it. For sure the statement affected both of them; but Pallavi tried hard to look beyond the awkwardness of the moment.

 “Huh let’s avoid such heavy topics. Oh my God, I almost forgot to tell you an important matter King, a ridiculous scene was shot today on set”.

“Hmm and what is it?”

“There was this scene where Manish sir is jumping from the roof top of a building to a flying Helicopter! I mean seriously?! The audience who watch it, won't they see the incredulity behind it?”

Pranav with a teasing octave to his voice “ Pallavi, once a crazy fan of mine told me that she loved this scene in one of my film where I jump from the roof top of one building to another in order to save the heroine from goons approaching her!!!”

Pallavi visibly cringed.

“King, but that was...”

“Yes, I’m listening??”

“Ok I was a teen and star struck!”

Pranav smirked at her embarrassing admission.  Just then his PA came to inform him the shot was ready.

“Go rock the scene King and let me have my Maggie in peace, bye”.

“Crazy girl!” he smiled.  

                      

                                           

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.