The Untouchable - Part 8

His surprised reaction turned into smile. "Has anyone ever called you mischievous?", he asked jokingly. He gently squeezed her cheeks. She wasn't annoyed. Moreover she was surprised why she didn't react. She hated when anyone squeezed her cheeks. But today she liked it. It bought in tingling feeling to her heart. She smiled and replied," Nope. Except mom, you are the only one who has called me mischievous."

 During her ride to home, her manager noticed her smiling and asked, "I have never seen you so cheerful and happy. Are you enjoying the work?" " What do you mean? I have always enjoyed work,", she said. "I didn't mean anything. You were always tired and aloof. You would do your work and come back home. You wouldn't even speak to your co- stars. But now it seems like you have changed for better. Everyone is noticing that. This is good opportunity to get more work by networking.", her manager said. She didn't say anything. She pretended to be busy with her thoughts.

She was engrossed in thoughts, events and remarks her manager made today. She hadn't noticed these changes. It was true that she was cold person and never mixed with people. Working with Varun had slowly changed her. She was diligent at work. She was mingling with people. She was becoming warm and friendly person. The cold snob mask she wore had come out. It was good change. But she was getting close to Varun. She had never shown too much concern for anyone. She had never played a prank on anyone. She had never advised anyone. Moreover, she had never allowed anyone to be extremely close to her.

Today's gentle squeeze on her cheek raised her heartbeat. "Why am I overreacting? He squeezed my cheek like a friend does.", she wondered and dismissed any such feelings. She made mental note to be careful with her feelings. She didn't want any such feelings to rise and take charge of her. She had more important things to concentrate.

                        ********  Few months later  *******

It was Varun's birthday as well as her birthday.  He had invited whole crew for his birthday party.  His birthdays were known for wild parties while her birthday was something that only her mom and manager knew. Her mom celebrated her birthday usual way. She bought a cake and gift before Roop could leave for the promotional event. She cut the cake and opened her present excitedly. It was glittering Swaroski bracelet. She loved Swaroski accessories and the bracelet was her favorite. Roop hugged her mom and rushed towards the party when she realized that she was getting late.

The party was huge affair, All the big stars were present in his party. The paparazzi waited at the front of his bungalow like hungry dogs for glimpse of the stars while the music blared out inside his bungalow. Roop felt like a misfit in the party. She wasn't used to loud blaring noise or half drunk crowd getting close to her. She decided to head back home when she felt someone drag her outside. It was Varun. They reached the backyard of his bungalow. She was stunned to find herself alone with him. "Finally! Come with me. I have something for you.", he dragged her hand.


(To be continued)

The Untouchable - Part 7

 He closed the drawer with the bang when he came back to his senses. "What was I thinking? She is a star and it isn't ethical. I am no longer a fan. I am her director.", he scolded himself. He tried to push those thoughts away. But they came back whenever he tried harder. He lay on the bed and tried to close his eyes. He wasn't able to sleep.

The night wasn't too long. When the drowsiness led him to close his eyes, the alarm rang. It was already morning. He hadn't slept the whole night. He reached the film studio with red eyes and drowsy face. He had taken cold water bath and drank hot coffee. But drowsiness didn't shy off. Every few minutes when he found time alone, he would close his eyes.

Everyone asked him to sleep. He was stubborn. He didn't listen and continue to work. When everyone were done with advising him, Roop spoke, "Why don't you take rest?" "I am fine.", he said. "Have you seen yourself? You were not feeling well yesterday. Today you are not even in good shape to work.", she said. "Are you a doctor? I am fine.", he snapped. "Fine! Whatever!", she said and walked away.

During lunch, Roop was chatting with her co-stars, "He is stubborn! I only advised him for his good and he snapped at me just like that.""He is not listening to anyone. Everyone tried to persuade him. Anyone leave him.", one of them said.

It was drama scene. Varun was watching the screen to check if the characters were on positions. He was having his sixteenth coffee and rubbed his eyes infinite times. He cursed love. It had taken his sleep and peace of mind. He couldn't concentrate on work and felt bad for snapping at Roop. He wanted to apologize.

It was Roop's turn to say the dialogues. She started with the first line. Before she could complete her lines, she fainted. "Cut it!", he yelled and rushed towards her. He sprinkled few drops of water on the face. She regained her consciousness and slowly opened her eyes. "How are you feeling?", he asked. "I am fine.", she replied. "I will call your driver. You can go home and take rest.", he said. "I don't need rest. You need. So you go home and take rest.", she said. "Are you joking?", he asked. She smiled and replied,"I was joking. I am fit and fine."

(To be continued)

The Untouchable - Part 6

The music ended. She finished her dance with a signature move. She and the background dancers waited for his instruction. He was spellbound. He had never found her so beautiful until today. He could imagine the feel of her soft delicate skin, her almond gaze and luscious red lips. Every time he imagined, his heart missed a beat. 

Suddenly he came back to senses and said, "Cut! Let's pack up!" The crew was startled. They had a midnight shoot to complete. They weren't able to comprehend why Varun called off the shoot. "Maybe I did something wrong?", Roop doubted.

She left the studio with mind full of thoughts and concern. "What did I do wrong, again?", she questioned herself. She recalled all the things that happened over the day. She had practiced the steps diligently. She was on time for the shoot. She had also rehearsed her lines for the midnight shoot. The song sequence turned out perfect.Everyone had praised her. Then what had gone wrong? Why did he call of the shoot. "I don't understand this guy.", she thought angrily when she didn't find any mistakes in her. Later she again condemned herself for assuming that everything went perfectly. "Maybe he didn't find it perfect.", she thought.

Varun lay quietly on the couch in his room. He had declined to have dinner with his dad. He wanted to be in recluse. He tried to clear his mind. While he was still thinking about his day, his cellphone rang.  It was her call. He didn't want to talk. He picked it up immediately without seeing the caller name. "How many times do I need to remind you that I don't want to talk to anyone?", he yelled. 

It was Roop. "I am sorry.. I..will .. call you back later.", she stammered. He felt guilt as soon as he realized it was Roop. "Wait! I am sorry. I didn't realize it was you. I thought it was one of my assistant.", he said apologetically. "Are you fine? You seemed disturbed and call off the shoot suddenly. I was wondering whether we could re-shoot the song again if you want. I know you didn't like it.", she asked. "No, it was perfect. I wasn't feeling well. These shoots and planning over last few weeks were hectic. So I was feeling tired.", he lied. "Oh! I understand. You work so hard. Why don't you take off tomorrow. I mean if you want to. Health is important.", she said. "I will see.", he smiled. "Ok!Take rest. I will see you tomorrow.", she said and hung up.

As soon as the call ended, he smiled like teenager who has fallen in love for the first time. He walked towards his work desk and opened one of drawers. There were magazines with pictures of Roop. He looked at them. The hidden feeling called crush resurfaced again. That feeling was strong when he had first seen her dance in one of teenage movies. He had become one of her crazy devoted fan. He would collect all the magazines that contained her pictures or interviews. He would save the videos of award shows where she danced. He would watch her movies numerous times until he had memorized all the lines of the heroes. However as soon as he assisted his father with his work and worked towards his dream, he locked all those feeling deep inside where he would never find. However today's event had brought back that feeling again. This time it was stronger than the last time.

(To be continued)

The Untouchable - Part 5

The next morning she received unexpected surprise. She received bouquet of roses and box of her favorite chocolate muffins. She smiled as she read the name of sender and the message . It read - ' I am sorry. - Varun'. She was surprised at this gesture. She never expected him to be warm. 

She was punctual for the shoot this time. Before she started with the shoot, she proceeded towards his office. He was busy discussing with one of his assistant. "Hi! I need to talk to you.", she said. He nodded and asked the assistant to leave them alone. When they were alone, she spoke, "Thanks. But you didn't have to do that." "I thought you were still angry with me. Are you angry with me?", he said softly. "No, I am not. By the way, how did you know chocolate muffins are my favorite.", she asked.

"You are public figure. Your likes and dislikes are always the selling material of the movie magazines.", he replied. 

She smiled. "How come you are on time?", he asked. "I promised you yesterday that I would cooperate with you. Let's start shooting. I don't want us to delay the schedule.", she said while heading back to the studio. He smiled while patting her back. 

The shooting was getting more easier day by day. As promised by her, she was on time for all the shoots, took few retakes and hardly threw any tantrums. Everyone was amazed. She was learning to smile. She was learning to respect. She was slowly opening up. The rude obnoxious star was turning into new leaf due to company of new friendship. 

It was dance sequence which would be used for the promotion of movie. She wore golden mini dress that displayed her curves. Her eyes were made smoky. The make up wasn't too much or too less. It didn't overshadow her real beauty. She looked like goddess. 

When the music started, everything stood still. She danced like nymphs - delicate and elegant. The song was soft love song depicting the one sided love of the woman.The dance was contemporary and her moves expressed the lyrics of song perfectly.  Everyone was awe of her beauty and dance including Varun.

(To be continued)

The Untouchable - Part 4

It was indoor shoot. A very important sequence of the movie was being shot. The set was perfectly designed as per Varun's idea. The chandeliers, the curved stairway and the furniture gave the eerie effect. It looked more real than a movie set. This is what Varun wanted. Everything was perfect except Roop. She was giving him hard time. After all what happened, he expected her to change her working style. She was still the same.

It was 50th take. She wasn't able to give the particular expression he wanted. "Cut it! Cut it! What are you doing, Roop? How many times should I explain you the scenario? It is easy direct two year old kid than directing you. Even two year old kid can act this scene better than you. The jury must be crazy to give you award every year or maybe you must have bribed them. ", he said furiously.

She yanked the microphone attached to her body and threw it across him. She barged out of the studio while Varun continued to insult her, "There she goes again. Those rumours about you are right. You are tantrum star." The assistant followed her quickly. The crew began to gossip again. A senior co star, Dev, who was also working on same scene , approached Varun,"That wasn't right. You scolded her. Fine. We have director who loose cool.But you don't have right to tarnish her image in front of everyone. She's been working in this industry for years. She worked hard to build that image. Those awards she received are the recognition of that image. She is fine actress. Every actor has a bad day. Even she is having one."

"Leave me alone", she yelled at the assistant who tried to console her.  She banged the door and locked herself inside. She sat down on the floor while her white long dress spilled across the floor. Tears welled up in her almond shaped eyes. She cried hard. Suddenly she heard light knocks on the door. "I told you to leave me alone.", she yelled until her mouth was dry. The knock continued. After few minutes, she opened the door. It was Varun.

"I don't want to talk to anyone.", she said. She tried to close the door, but Varun pushed himself in.
"What do you want?", she screamed. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.", he apologized. "Everyone says that after hurting others.", she said sarcastically. "Listen, I am frustrated. The schedules are not going as per planned. We are already delaying. And you are being difficult to me. How am I supposed to complete my shoot if you don't cooperate?", he said.

She didn't respond and turned her back towards him. He was about to head back when she finally spoke up, "I am sorry too. I have been too hard on you. I will cooperate from now on." He gave a reassuring smile and headed back to studio.


(To be continued)

The Untouchable - Part 3

Roop sulked. She didn't want to go back. Her ego was bruised and it would break if she would go there. The 'tough girl' image would break. Unfortunately convincing her mom was also not a cake walk. "Asking forgiveness is easy than convincing mom to change her decision.", she thought. She did as she was asked.

She reached the office after painful journey. Her mind contemplated about whether to go or not. She didn't want to upset her mom. Her mom was the pillar stone in her life. She had never seen her father. The only thing her mom said about her father was that he had succumbed to wishes of his dominating mother by marrying his mother's choice and leaving her mom when Roop was infant. After that episode, there was never looking back. Roop was spotted by ad director when she was in market with her mom . She was only five when she bagged her first ad. After modelling and appearing in many ads, she got her first movie when she was ten. Her mom became her unofficial manager and mentor.

"Why didn't you stop her?", his producer asked. His producer. Anant was middle aged man with pot bellied stomach. He wore plain white shirt and trousers all days as he believed wearing white bought him luck. He stared at Varun with big eyes for answer. He didn't want to lose her. She was lucky mascot for his movie. Varun pretended to be busy with his phone. "I am asking you something. She is amazing actress. She has huge fan following. This movie will be huge hit if she is there. You don't know how the industry works.", Anant said.

Varun couldn't digest this. He finally spoke, "What! But few days back, you had said that movie will work because of my script. Now you are giving all the credit to her. What are you saying, uncle!" Anant was his youngest uncle and adored Varun as he had no children. When he had learnt that Varun wanted to direct a movie, he had offered to produce the movie. "No son, I didn't mean that. For a movie to work, you need good script as well as good actors. Roop is perfect for that role.", Anant coaxed. Varun didn't agree.

Suddenly their argument was cut short. His assistant opened the door and said, "Sorry to disturb you, Varun. Roop is here to meet you. She says it's urgent."  Before Varun could refuse, Anant asked her to send Roop. The tantrum actress arrived like a tamed bull. "What is it you want?", Varun asked rudely. Roop stared at him with disgust. Anant nudged him and spoke, "Sorry Roop for Varun's behaviour. We were talking about you few minutes back.What would you like? Tea or soft drink?"

"No, I don't need anything. I came here to say sorry and ask whether the role is still vacant.", she asked softly. "I am sorry, Varun. I am really very sorry.", she continued. Varun wanted to play more difficult with her. "I didn't hear you. Can you repeat what you said.", Varun said. Roop was furious. Before things could go worse, Anant spoke," Why are you saying sorry, Roop. You are still a part of the movie. Varun was playing with you. He wants you to be the part of the movie." Varun looked at his uncle with disbelief. "Come on, son. It's too much of you. Shake hands with her and make up.", Anant said. Varun nodded and shook hands with her. He had formally forgiven her but not from his heart.


(To be continued)

The Untouchable - Part 2

Everyone were surprised. Varun was known for his calm and patience. He never broke down in pressured situation. But today even 'the cool cucumber' boy broke down. The faint whispers of the people reached the vanity van where Roop was waiting. Everyone blamed Roop for her starry tantrums and irresponsible behaviour.

Roop was annoyed. She barged into Varun's make shift office while her manager ran behind her to stop. It was too late. The storm broke loose. "Who do you think you are? How dare you cancel the shoot? You think I have all the time for your scumbag project.", she screamed. He got up and stood close to her. She was intimidated but she didn't back down.  She held herself though her heart beat faster. "I am the director and you are the actress. We both knew that it was early morning shoot. We both agreed to come early for the shoot unless you inform me about your prior engagements. But you didn't. And let me correct you, we .. I mean , my crew and I don't have time for your careless attitude. We don't work for you. You and I are also part of the crew. We work as a team. You got that!", he said firmly.

She sighed a relief when he turned his back towards her. "No one spoke to me like that. I am not working for your film. I am leaving.", she fumed and walked out towards her vehicle. He didn't turn back to stop her.

*****

She relaxed on the couch. She blew cool air on her freshly painted fingernails. Everything was pleasant at last. The morning episode had taken toll on her. Her mind froze. She never had anyone treat her this way .  She was child star. Fortune and fame smiled at her quite early. Her beauty and innocence captivated everyone and acting came naturally to her. It was something she knew since she was born. Work didn't stop coming even as she grew up.

However with the new arrivals of debutante stars and star kids, she was losing some quite lucrative offers. Her attitude towards work was also getting worse from  day to day. Her tantrums made her difficult to work with. Those who knew her ignored those tantrums while others ignored her.

"How the hell can you sit so calmly? Who asked you to quit the movie?", a feminine voice spoke aloud. She got up from couch quickly and turned back to see her mom. Her mom bore same similarities as her except for the wrinkles and few strands of grey hair. "Go back now and compromise with the director before it is too late. Ask for forgiveness. Even if you have to beg, beg for it. I don't want you to loose this offer.", her mom said.

(To be continued)