CHAPTER - 10

2017

Pallavi Nanda is a superstar today. Name, fame, awards, mind-blowing performances and iconic dance numbers - she walked through all this in her career. She has definitely touched the highest realm of her dreams.

On the other hand, Pranav Malhotra was and is still the most powerful superstar of the industry. Success has become a habit for him, something that never tires him out. But the same cannot be said about his personal life though! There are news about Mr and Mrs Malhotra getting fertility treatments but the result is still negative. But it did boost his family man image and withered down other rumours. His drinking habit though is becoming a headache for people working with him. But his box office success and huge fan following helped him in having the industry at his fingertips.

Viren and Jasmine has successfully scaled new heights in their careers making an individual standing within the industry. Viren with his potential and uniqueness as a director, aided with his easy go nature and diplomatic stands became an industry favourite in no time. Jasmine, owing to her gender, potential, fierce spirit, unquestionable guts and hotheadedness though was beaten down many times. But she rose up again and again proving herself as a fighter, getting admiration even from her enemies. Her hotness and haughtiness made her a prized challenge to others.

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

Pranav is lazily checking instagram feed when he chance upon an interview of Pallavi with her co-star Nikhil Khanna.

Anchor: Your last film together was a great success and we hope this new release will repeat the same success at Box office.

Nikhil: Huh...we would prefer it to make more wonders than last time!

Anchor: Haha sure, before we end this session, all our viewers would like to know, when will we be able to see the most adorable onscreen couple tying the knot? I mean there are strong rumours, so your clarification?

Nikhil: Today 9pm we are getting married, venue not to be disclosed.

Pallavi (laughing): You just gave them a kickass promo for the interview.

Anchor: I’m sorry but many actors who initially tagged themselves as friends, later declared either they are lovers or are getting married. So can we expect such a 'miracle' in your case?

Nikhil: Sure if Pallavi by any chance learns to cook, but that is next to impossible.

Pallavi: And Nikhil stops flirting, which is not going to happen in this life!

All three of them started laughing.

Pranav felt anger taking over him seeing the interview. There are rumours about Maya and Nikhil within industry and he is aware of it. He threw his glass on the floor. His drunken stupor only enhanced his anger, jealousy and hurt.

By then he reached his bedroom and found Janaki sleeping peacefully. She might have slept off while waiting for him.

Why can’t I feel what I feel for Pallavi, for Janaki? She loves me, and somewhere I do too. We have years of togetherness, shared highs and lows in life. But why do I still yearn for someone else? I’m not doing right by her!

He landed on bed and crawled next to her. He spooned her and rested his head on his pillow. Janaki felt a sudden weight on her and stirred in sleep.

“Pranav?”

She turned in his arms and faced him. He just hugged her tighter with tenderness. She deduced he is trying to shower her with support for tomorrow’s test result.

Maybe it’ll be negative again and he knows it. Yet he’s here, with me, loves me as always despite my inability to mother his child. What more do I need?!

She felt her eyes moistening and hugged him back fiercely and within no time started showering his face with wet kisses. Half way through the kisses, she felt him taking control. And that night was one of the most beautiful nights of Mrs. Janaki Kashyap Malhotra’s life. 

                                                **********

FILMFARE AWARDS 2017

Celebrities have started gracing the red carpet and posing for paparazzi. After making grand entries they got busy in socializing. Viren was greeting a senior director when he saw Pallavi entering the venue. After addressing media she walked towards him.

“Hey Viren, long time!” they hugged each other.

“I missed you girlfriend. Have you by any chance become more pretty?”

“Spare me boyfriend”, she laughed.

“I am just giving a compliment. And you know, Viren Sinha doesn't need...”

“.....words to woo a girl”, she completed his line.

“Exactly, but your friend alone is an exception”.

“Haven’t got over your obsession with Jasmine yet?”

“Ah ....Jasmine!” he mimicked a heartache.

Pallavi laughed at his antics.

“Viren, it’s been a long time since I laughed like this”.

“That's the magic of Viren Sinha”

Just then they heard media calling out Pranav’s name. For a moment Pallavi froze but she masked her expressions easily. It’s been long since they faced each other.

Pranav entered as always in a dashing Black suit with Mrs. Janaki Kashyap Malhotra in tow. Janaki wore an electric blue colour velvet gown; she smiled for the paparazzi flashing her sweet dimple. Her partner was in his stylish avatar, oozing arrogance and charm at the same time. If Pallavi felt facing him is difficult, she didn't even know what to say about facing him with Mrs.Malhotra. It did hurt her somewhere to see Janaki hugging on to his arm and entering the hall with grace and dignity. But she brushed that thought aside.

Pranav is seeing her after a long time. His face reflected the indifference mask like hers but the eyes had a different tale to say. He knew it’s awkward to meet again with Janaki beside, but he couldn’t help it.

Janaki approached Viren who stood with Pallavi; media is clicking away and spying on each movement of theirs.

“Hi Viren”

“Hi Jaanu”

Janaki acknowledged Pallavi’s presence too.

“Hello Pallavi, nice to meet you”

Pranav’s eyes rested on Pallavi, but after a brief smile of acknowledging his presence she resolutely moved her eyes away.

“Pleasure is mine”

Janaki was about to continue with pleasantries when Nikhil appeared and held Pallavi’s shoulders in a friendly gesture which bothered Pranav.

“Hi everyone”

“Hi Nikhil, I saw your recent flick. Good job man”

“Thank you Viren”

“Are you performing tonight for the function?”

“Yup as always, but this time it’s a combo performance with Pallavi. Hello Pranav and Mrs. Malhotra”

“Pleased to meet you Nikhil, so when are you and Pallavi making it official?”

Pallavi's eyes drifted to Pranav’s for a second with Janaki’s question. She noticed his fists tightening. She was about to say something when Nikhil intervened.

“Oh no, you got it wrong Mrs. Malhotra. We are just friends”.

“It is always going to be the same dialogue- 'just friends'”.

Nikhil laughed it off while Pallavi and Pranav seemed quite uncomfortable with this turn of conversation. Viren guessed it and diverted Janaki’s attention.

“Function is about to start, why don’t we get seated?”

Event started in all glory and ended in no time. Nikhil and Pallavi did their solo and combined performances and undoubtedly received applauds from the crowd. Pallavi won the Best Actress award and Pranav walked away with the Best Actor award. He went up to honour Suraj Gupta with Lifetime Achievement award. Whenever he went up the dais, Pallavi took a full look at him. She noticed the tiredness, rigidness in his posture and the hollowness in his eyes and voice. She was feeling like a mess the whole night but was cautious of the media glare around. When Pranav is giving his speech, his eyes went in search for those hazel eyes but he saw her leaving the venue with her manager.                             

CHAPTER – 9

                                             Reality hit Pallavi. Being in a different country, away from the media glare gave them time to spend with each other. And after the accident, his care, his full time attention made all her defences weak; all rational thoughts to take a back seat. The softness in his eyes when he gazed at her a while ago made her yearn for more selfishly.

 But once we leave tomorrow, we are going back to the real world, where Pallavi is nothing to Pranav and Pranav ….can be nothing to Pallavi!

Pranav did gauge her expression, he knew had to do some explanation. But once again Janaki’s call got their attention. Without a word, Pallavi walked into the washroom.

How could I!

Suddenly she felt so cheap. She wanted to scream, cry aloud. The guilt enveloping her is suffocating her.

                                                   ***********

She slowly washed her tears away and came out with a straight face. He is waiting for her. She avoided eye contact and started packing. He understood she is trying to act nonchalant about what happened between them.

“Pallavi”

“It's almost 3 am. You should go and pack. We will be leaving in an hour”

She started to move past him to the cupboard but he pulled her back and made her face him.

“Don't try to pretend everything is okay; for your kind information you are failing at it”

The next second, she snatched her hand from his hold.

“Stay away from me Pranav”

Her face reflected anger and disgust. But she is not sure if it’s directed at him or her own self. Pranav gets pissed at her resistance. He lurched forward and held her shoulders in a firm grip. She started squirming in his hold but he didn't budge. When she continued to struggle he tried to get her attention.

“Pallavi....Pallavi listen...”

She continued struggling to get his arms off and that escalated his anger.

“Just listen damn it. We need to talk”

For a second she moved back in fright. But then her anger got the better of her. She pushed him so hard that he was taken aback.

“We need to talk?  About what, the kiss that happened some minutes ago? Then listen, it didn't mean anything to me. It was just a MISTAKE!”

Anger and fear struck his head. He held her again, but this time in a vice-like grip. But she didn't push or pull out. She just stood there facing him with an ice-cold stare.

He asked in a dangerous whisper, “What did you say?”

“You are a married man and what just happened is a mistake; which we both shouldn't hold on to anymore” she concluded in a neutral tone.

He could not handle her indifference and in the urge to hurt her blurted out something which he shouldn’t have.

“Oh yeah? So does it happen often with you? Every other co-star of yours come and kiss you and you take it as a fleeting moment?”

That did it for her.

“Just stop this Pranav. I can’t believe you think so low of me. I hate you. Did you hear me, I HATE YOU”.

He left her arms as if it burned him.

“I feel so cheap now for worshiping you all these years. You are not worth it”

Her words pierced his heart. He moved back and whispered in a hollow voice.

“Do you really mean it Pallavi?”

She felt her eyes sting with tears. But she held onto the last shreds of sanity and whispered in a blank voice.

“What happened before cannot happen again; I’m not like those girls who fall for you at the drop of a hat. Don’t treat me like a piece of meat”

“Is that what you think about me”, his voice came out hard but controlled.

“You have a wife at home and if this is what you are doing behind her back...then I really don’t know what to make of you!”

After that Dev didn’t try to explain. Pallavi saw him transforming into his infamous cold avatar. But she didn’t let her resolve weaken. She had to distance herself from him; and she realized hate is the best emotion for that!  

“It will be better if we don't cross our paths again. I don't wish to see your face ever again.”

She could feel her heart breaking into pieces; she couldn't believe she said all that to him! Neither could he! In that moment, she knew her feelings for him and so did he. But it held no value anymore, it was too late.

 He stared at her for infinity with hurt clearly writ in his eyes. But she did not see it. She was not facing him anymore. A while later when she turned, she was alone in the room surrounded by her half-packed bags. She slid down onto the floor as the tears made its way down once again. She drew her legs close to her chest and buried her face in her lap bursting into sobs.

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

Months later...

Pranav gulped down his 7th peg. He is in his farm house on the outskirts of Mumbai.

The promotions and other events of the film did bring Pranav and Pallavi together but she remained professional all through and when it got too much for her, she adjusted herself out of the schedules citing other film shoot reasons.

 Pranav didn’t pursue her and maintained his distance respecting her wish. But he couldn’t deal with what’s happening in his life. Janaki’s check up reports had come in negative and if they wanted a child together they have to head for treatments which she insists on. But he couldn’t get his thoughts away from Pallavi. He was confused what to do ahead. He even considered talking to Janaki but couldn’t do that without getting a positive sign from Pallavi. It’ll just complicate things, he knew.

Viren found him on the lawn bench lost in thoughts and heavily drunk. Viren came and sat on the same bench. He opened the bottle and made a drink for himself dropping ice cubes in it. Pranav didn't move an inch. He didn't bother him as well. He made the drink and started sipping it slowly.

“It’s Pallavi, isn't it?”

He didn't reply and Viren got his answer.

“You want her”

“I NEED her”

“Just checking if you are in denial mode”

“I don't want to deny it”

“But she wants to and that’s bothering you!”

Anger, hurt, guilt and confusion is gnawing his insides. He let it all out to Viren.

“She said it was a bloody mistake. She considers it a fleeting moment; a fleeting mistake, My Foot. We both know it is more than that.”

“She is being practical and you are not”

He shrugged.

“Have you thought about the consequences?”

Pranav stood up and turned away facing into the dark.

“It’s not like no one has done it. There are people who have seen through this”

“Yes, but they have paid the price too, in one way or the other”

“If one is getting what he wants, then it doesn’t matter”

“You won't be affected much Pranav. But she will have to pay a big price if she goes ahead with this. Already there are talks about your soft corner for her”.

“To hell with gossip Viren; what is between me...and her... is all that matters”

“And what about Janaki?”

Pranav didn’t have a response to that.

“Your one decision can change the lives of two women. Janaki is not at fault but she’ll pay with her life too. She is your wife; she deserves your love and respect Pranav, not anyone else. And Pallavi, she has realized this already. Her personal and professional life and Janaki’s life will be ruined if she acts on whim. If she doesn’t want to make a compromise for your sake, then you should let her be as well. It’s her right”.

Pranav turned away not wishing to hear any further.

“She has a bright future ahead; don't spoil it by your selfishness. Let her go buddy, let her live her dreams and...Janaki needs you”.

He retired to the lawn bench and made his next peg. Pranav closed his eyes and her words came back again.

I HATE YOU.

His face contorted in pain.

STAY AWAY FROM ME

His hand around the glass tightened.

I DON'T WISH TO SEE YOU EVER AGAIN

He threw the glass enraged and it shattered into pieces.

Viren gazed at his stiff back. He knew what his decision is going to be and he also knew what it will do to his friend!

Once broken......!!!!

CHAPTER – 8

          Within a week the shoot got complete and Viren arranged for a wrap up party.

“Attention guys. This party is to celebrate a good news as well as a bad news”.

Pallavi twitched her eyebrows while Pranav looked least bothered.

“Well yes, the good news is the completion of my first film as you all guessed and the bad news is that our Pallavi escaping death, shattering all our hopes of getting away from her constant blabbering forever”.

Pallavi had her mouth wide open in shock while others laughed.

“VIREN!!!!”

“Easy, easy.... girlfriend, jokes apart this party is as much for you as it is for the film. C'mon dear we opted Chinese cuisine just for your sake. So thank you for staying in our lives to torture us and...”

Before he could complete his words, she started whacking his head. Everybody laughed out loud, even Pranav couldn’t help a smirk.

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

The party ended around 11 at night. All are heading back to hotel. Their flight back to India is early morning but Pranav is not in the mood to hit bed; he had plans.  Something made him ask Pallavi if she would like to join him; maybe because he’s aware their moments together are coming to an end.

 Pallavi knew he loved roaming around in foreign countries where he is not easily recognized and even enjoyed shopping. She readily agreed, wanting to spend some more time with him. They visited some night attractions the city offered and indulged in some shopping. Since it’s a short distance back to their hotel and the alley is decorated tastefully for Christmas, they decided to go by foot, enjoying it. They indulged in small talk while walking on the snow covered footpath.

“Why do you love shopping? It isn’t a thing one would associate with you!”

Pranav just shrugged his shoulders.

“What interests you about shopping?”

He did not answer that question immediately but felt like he is collecting his thoughts.

“My mother used to take me whenever she went for shopping. She was a shopaholic”

Pallavi smiled.

“After her death, I used to miss those shopping spree in my life. One day I was walking through some street of New York, I just shopped a little and it felt like she is beside me. Then it became a habit. I can't do this freely in India. So whenever I come abroad I take time for it”.

Pranav did not have many happy memories with his parents but he realized he did cherish the ones he had with them. She saw the stress lines on his face and decided to change the topic.

“King, you know what is coming to my mind when we are walking like this? Your debut movie 'Intezaar'; in it there is a scene where you walk through such a snowy street with Actress Soumya and you just kiss her out of the blue. Haayyee that is the first kiss I ever saw. You know, initially I didn't understand what is happening. Apparently I watched it when I was 11. So naturally I didn't understand. But my sister told me that is a kiss”.

Pranav looked on dumbfounded. But oblivious to his thoughts she continued with her rant. When she saw that he had stopped walking she turned and questioned him naughtily.

“You are too slow. Need help with the bags? Already an old man huh?”

Obviously he got miffed by it.

“What?”

She giggled and took a step towards him. But suddenly she slipped on the snow glazed pavement. But Pranav caught her on time.

Time stood still for them. Pranav had his arms wound around her waist and his eyes were lost in hers. Both didn't know for how long they stood like that. Pallavi's fringe is dancing with the wind on her cheek. He moved his hand to her cheek and pinned it behind her ears. Slowly his eyes moved towards her lips and she felt her breathe hitching. His eyes pierced into hers. A car passed by and the sudden force of the wind that came with it brought them out of their reverie. Immediately she moved out of his arms. She was flustered; he clueless. An awkward silence crept in. Their mind and heart were pulling them into different directions. Just then she realized they were close to their hotel.

“Let's go”

She walked as fast as she can. He followed her silently. They entered the hotel and went straight to the elevator. There were 2 other foreigners in the elevator. The sexual tension between them is taking a toll on her sanity. They got down on their floor and she made way to her suite. She entered, but couldn’t stop herself from turning back. She is taken aback when she found him standing just behind her at the door with a very strange expression writ on his face. She went numb.

He slowly moved towards her and she moved backward. The magical pull they felt towards each other didn’t allow them to hold back. Pallavi hit the wall behind her. He stared at her lips. She feels strange sensations within her. She didn’t want to pull up defences and pretend. She knew it is wrong, but she wanted this moment as badly as him.

He slowly cupped her left cheek and ran his thumb over the blush on her right cheek, Pallavi shivered; they didn't break their eye lock.  Dev inched towards her lips, their breaths mingled and he whispered huskily "Pallavi".

 She saw the desire lazed in his eyes and knew very well the same desire is mirroring in hers. She closed her eyes surrendering herself to him. Getting her approval Pranav covered her mouth with his.

His lips smooched her very gently first. But soon the kiss turned into a sensual one. He ran his tongue along her lower lip and she sighed. He took the opportunity and sucked on her lips greedily. He bit her lip and she gasped in his mouth. He drove his tongue in tasting every inch of her. Their kiss grew more and more hungry. He couldn't get enough of her. Whereas Pallavi is feeling numb; she didn’t know what to feel. It didn’t seem like those kisses she had seen and read of, it felt weird to her. Yet she couldn’t resist the feelings it was rising in her.

The shrill ring of Pranav's cell phone ended their beautiful moment and inevitably brought them to senses. He checked her face to read her thoughts but she is looking anywhere but at him. He wanted to talk to her, so disconnected the call. But when he lifted the phone she saw Janaki’s name on display.

Pallavi froze.                                                      

CHAPTER – 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                              

                                                                                   

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.