The ShowOffs - Part 15

Soniya was in call. It was call from the news reporters covering entertainment segment. They were asking her about her reaction on growing relationship between her daughter and Rajbir. She had replied,"I have no qualms on whom she dates or not dates. I wish only her happiness."  It was a clear lie. The reporters knew it. Few months back, she had given totally different statement. She had made it clear that she would miffed if her daughter was in relationship with anyone from the movie industry.

The reporters didn't want to argue. They only wanted to increase the rating of their channel. She smiled when she was done with the call. "This news will be sensational.", she thought aloud. "What news?", her daughter asked in confusion. She turned around to see her daughter. She smiled to conceal the shock on her face. "Nothing darling ! When did you arrive?", she asked.

"Now.", Simran replied. She looked down to find courage to tell her mother about today's episode. With great difficulty, she found the voice. It was just a whisper. "I didn't get you. You wanted to say something", Sonia said.  "Mum, I was not in the studio. I was with Rajbir at the cafe. It.. wasn't a ..date . He just wanted to hang out with me. I ... didn't thought.. it would be worse. The paparazzi ....", she stammered.

But Sonia interrupted in between of her daughter's say. "I know that.", she said . Simran was appalled by her mother's knowledge. "How do you know that?", she asked. "I had checked with one of RK's assistant, Neha. She said that she saw you with Rajbir. So I asked her to check upon you. She told me that you were in that cafe. Seriously, you guys could only find that cafe. You could have visited some better place. Anyway, I gave the shutterbugs the information that you were there with him.", her mother said with conviction.

"That scumbag Neha! She always eavesdrops on everyone's life.", Simran thought furiously. Her eyes became smaller. Her nose twitched in anger. "How could you just send paparazzi behind our backs? This is not right, mother!" she asked furiously. She hardly bursts her anger. When she does, it is always dangerous. "I was doing it for your own good.", her mother defended herself.  Simran stomped towards her room. 

Soniya followed her. Before she could reach, Simran had banged the door of her room. She fell on the bed and cried endlessly. Her tears made wet spot on the clean floral white bed sheets. She had worried the whole time about hurting her mother. While her mother was only focused on movie and her career. Her mother didn't even bother to ask her at least once before she took the move while she always consulted with her mother first. She hated her mother for being cold and selfish.

(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 14

The cafe was located on the ground floor of an old Victorian building. It wasn't visible to passerby. A large Gulmohar tree hid this small cafe from public's view. Hence it wasn't crowded. It was popular amongst the stars who flocked in order to avoid the crazy paparazzi. It's interiors was sophisticatedly modern in contrast to the building in which it was located. 

Rajbir and Simran took the corner seat. They ordered one hot chocolate and coffee for themselves. "Don't you want to taste their classic coffee? It's too good.", he asked, trying to start a conversation with her. "No! I am not a coffee person. Hot chocolate is my favorite", she replied nervously. She worried constantly about her mother. She hardly enjoyed the moment.

He was the only one who was talking while she kept quiet. She couldn't get over the worry. She smiled pretentiously to show that she was listening. Unfortunately, he noticed her tensed face in midst of their conversation."It's looks like you don't like the place. If you want, we can go somewhere else.", he said to make her feel at ease.

"No! No! I like this place.", she lied. He noticed that she was fidgeting  around her hands on the table. He placed his hand on her tensed hand. "You didn't even have a sip of your drink. What's worrying you? Are you okay?", he asked. Her face was bend down in embarrassment. "If you want, I can drop you home. You don't have to worry about your mother.", he said.

They  had almost stepped out of the cafe after paying the bill. The paparazzi surrounded them from no where. Both were shocked. Rajbir was certain that he would avoid them as he had thought no one would follow them here. But paparazzi had sniffed them out.

The paparazzi were busy taking their pictures. The couple rushed towards their car. When they were safe inside, Rajbir tried to start the car. But it wasn't possible. The paparazzi had surrounded them. Both of them covered their face. No one wanted to be in limelight.

(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 13

Simran was still. She was in dilemma whether to go or not to go. She was always schooled by her mother with dos and don'ts of life. One of the don'ts was not to share any kind of relationship except professional with the stars in her industry. It was always come to work on time, do your job diligently and go back home. Many had asked her out but she had either ignored them or blankly said no. She was going to do the same - decline his request.

But she said yes. She agreed to go out. When he left after giving her details of the time when he was going to pick up, she sat down on the chair, thinking deeply. "Why did I agree? What will mom say? I should better cancel it now.", she thought as she grabbed her phone lying on the  dressing table. She was about to dial his number. She stopped.

"It is just a small catch up with  a friend. It's not a date. I am simply worried for no reason.", she introspected. She sighed and closed her eyes.  Few hours passed. She got ready and headed out of her vanity van. She was surprised to see him waiting for her. He was never on time on the sets. Here he was in his obnoxious attire, waiting for her. She smiled.

"You are on time for a change!", she said, showing her watch. "I thought you would leave if  I don't come on time. You had left the set when I had come late once, remember?", he said. She remembered that day when they were supposed to shoot their first scene in the movie. It was going to be their first movie together. Unfortunately that didn't happen because of her mother. She had pulled her out on last minute when Rajbir had not arrived.

"Yes! You had taken your sweet three hours to arrive on the set. I hate people making me wait.", she said joyfully, hiding the real truth behind her exit. "So where are we going?", she asked. "The cafe is twenty mins drive from here. It's hardly crowded and they serve best coffee there.", he replied. She was getting nervous. She had never gone out with any of her  colleagues. She was hiding this news from her mother for the first time. She had sent message to her mother that she would be late.

Her mother had asked her time. She had blurted out that she would be back home by ten in night. She had precisely two hours in her hand. She prayed her mother had not called RK's office to check on her. "Hmm! I wanted to let you know I have an appointment at 10 pm.", she lied. "Appointment in the night? ", he asked. "You don't have to lie. I can understand. I will drop you back home at the earliest.", he said with smile. She smiled nervously back at him.


(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 12

Next day shoot was filled with anxiety. The set was set up as usual. The junior actors took their place. The assistant directors were running helter-skelter making tiny adjustments. RK was barking at them, throwing his frustration on everyone.  Rajbir and Simran were ready to shoot.

The shoot began. Everyone took their place. The clapboard was clapped. The background sound was played. Simran emoted her lines effortless. It was Rajbir's turn. Everyone's eyes were on Rajbir. Some hoped the yesterday's drama wouldn't start again. Some wanted the drama to be repeated again. RK stared at him , thinking what next was going to happen.

Rajbir uttered his first line. Everyone sighed except RK. Then he continued his lines with full conviction. The emotions was apt. The tone was right. The words were clearly spoken. There were no mistakes. His performance left the audience speechless. 

RK was satisfied. "At least he is not a bad actor. He does what you ask for. But hope yesterday's drama doesn't start again.", he thought. The shoot ended with positive note. Everyone were contend with today's work. However they were happy that RK's anger had subsided today. They wished miracles happened everyday.

Rajbir headed towards Simran's room. She was resting on a chair with her eyes closed. Light music played. Unlike Simran's courteous manners, Rajbir entered the room. This startled her. She hadn't expected anyone. "Hey!", he said. Simran was still in shock. "Looks like you are back to normal", she said with weak smile. "Yes! Didn't you see today's performance.", he replied. "It was good. Everyone liked it.", she said.

"What about you?", he said, coming close to her. She moved backward. "I don't like people coming that close to me.", she said cautiously. "Sorry!", he said as he smiled. "I should thank you for yesterday's pep talk. I was thinking about treating you at this popular cafe. Will you care to join me?", he tried to imitate her proper manner in jester way.

(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 11

RK contemplated on his decision in his room. He felt as if problems were never seeming to end. One problem was over and other new one cropped up. It was a cycle. He was tired of the cycle. He lit his cigarette - a habit he turns to whenever he gets into a low phase. "What is his problem?", he wondered. He regretted of not throwing Rajbir instantly when he was in double minds. He should have signed Sameer Khan. 

Soniya called him in midst of his deep thinking. When he saw her number, he hit his head. He wanted to cut the call. But he picked it up. After formal greeting, she got to the point,  " I heard Rajbir had caused ruckus in the set. Is everything fine now?" RK sneered and thought, "Why does she put  her nose in every matter?"  

"Yes! Everything will be under control. I will throw him out and replace him with some...", he said but soon he was interrupted by Sonia. "No!", she said firmly. He hated being interrupted like that. He was about to raise his voice. But something stopped him. "Ok! Then what do you want me to do?", he said irritatingly.

"Wait for few days. If the same drama goes on, then we will replace him with some other stars. I have some names in my mind", she said. "I was thinking Sameer would be best choice.", he said like a excited kid. "No! No! No! Sameer is to old for my daughter.. I mean for the role.", she immediately rebuffed his offer. His heart sank. He was displeased by her bossy attitude. 

He secretly wished that he had never thought of this stupid idea of making public believe the reel romance of actors for promotion sake. Now he had to bear Soniya's dominance for the sake of the movie. He threw his phone in fit of anger after the call was over. He screamed to let his frustration out. His assistants rushed inside to see what was happening."Are you fine, sir?", one of assistant asked meekly. "Leave!", RK shouted. Everyone left his room in fear of his anger outburst.  

Rajbir was back to normal. Simran's words bought his lost confidence back. His heart felt less heavy. The pain was almost gone. He got back to work with a bang. He started reading the lines for tomorrow shoot after he planned to gift a token of gratitude to Simran.

(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 10

His hands covered his eyes. His head bent in despair. He was angry at himself as well as at the world. He had loved Rita deeply. Within three years, she had become strong anchor to his life. He was fun and full of energy guy in front of world but he got that energy from Rita. He had thought she understood him well. He was wrong.

There was short knock on the door.  Later a soft feminine voice called his name. He turned behind in shock. He almost thought it was Rita. To his dismay, it was Simran. "Hey!", she said when he opened the door for her. She followed him inside. "Are you okay?", she asked

There was no response. Thy both sat in silence. No words. Awkward silence flowed between them. His face said it all though he tried to hide  his emotions. "I have seen your performances. They are spectacular. What happened today? You look lost.", she said, trying to break the ice between them.

There was no response from him. "It happens. Everyone faces these blues. But since your break up, you are not yourself. You loved Rita deeply, right?" ,she continued, finding the silence strange. "Yes, I do.", he said with almost tears in his eyes.

He tried to cover his eyes. She came closer and held his hands. "Don't hide those tears. Let them fall.", she said softly. "Pour out your pain. When you are done, we can get back to work with calm mind. When this is done, we will get your relationship sorted with Rita.", she consoled him.

"What if she doesn't want me back? What if she finds someone else in her life?", he asked innocently."Why are you pessimistic? She will come back once she knows the truth. I don't think anyone could replace you in her life. So chill. If it does happens, you will find better one.", she said. Finally he smiled and hugged her.

(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 9

The shooting had begun. It was a tragic scene where the hero was breaking up with heroine. The scene was going to be major part of the movie. The actors were given the long pages of dialogues. The background of sea side restaurant was set. The junior actors were given their parts. RK was ready to shoot.

The clapper of movie clapboard was clapped. It was first take. Rajbir and Simran took their positions. The cameramen were ready to shoot. A sad music played in the background. Simran started with her lines. She put in proper emotions on her face. Rajbir was lost. His mind played the memories of his breakup. 

It was his time to say his lines. He didn't realize everyone were waiting for his lines. "Raj, your lines please!", RK shouted from the corner. Rajbir woke up to reality as soon as his name was called. "Sorry!", he apologized.  He tried to remember the lines. He couldn't remember. He stared at her blankly. 

"Cut!", RK shouted. He looked at Rajbir scornfully. His assistants ran towards Rajbir to provide his lines. He read them for some time. When he was confident, the clapper was clapped for take 2. Simran said her lines with some more improvements. It was Rajbir's time again. He tried to say his lines. But he mumbled the wrong lines.

After many takes, he either made mistakes or didn't remember his lines. RK was getting annoyed. The clapper again clapped for fortieth time. Rajbir mumbled the wrong lines. RK shouted, "Cut it! Pack up, guys.". He stomped out of the set.

The day was bad. Rajbir sat in his vanity van. His face lost the shine. He was broken inside. He wanted to cry. But he was taught not to cry when he was a child. 

(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 8

Everything was going as per RK's commands. But he wasn't happy. He wasn't delighted with that fact that he had promised to part away with the profits earned from the movie. He didn't want to give single penny to Sonia. His mind was constantly engrossed about the his defeat with Sonia. He lost the interest in the pre- promotional events of the movie. His subordinates were busy making the event success while  he was busy thinking.

The week passed. There was buzz everywhere already. Everyone wanted to know everything about them. The paparazzi's attention suddenly shifted towards them. They only wanted to capture them in their lens. Suddenly they became the IT couple of the industry. RK decided to have move launch interaction with the media. His only motive was to add more fuel to the fire. He was going to introduce his lead actors as the real life couple. 

On the launch day, all media houses arrived. They didn't want to miss the chance of telecasting news of the couple's first public appearance. When the couple arrived, there was lot of buzz. Everyone wanted to ask them all sorts of questions. But they were silenced. Rajbir hated being in limelight for the first time. He wanted to avoid the interaction with the media for the first time. Ironically, Simran was ever ready to interact with media she always avoided. 

After brief introduction about the movie, RK began the interaction. The first question was about the couple and not about the movie. This annoyed RK slightly though he knew this was bound to happen. "Are you guys dating?", a journalist asked. Rajbir stayed quiet. "Well! I don't know. Are we?", Simran said with a blush. "When are you guying getting engaged?", another asked. "Can everyone direct your question about movie?", RK interrupted. 

The event was successful. The movie was getting enough publicity as envisioned by RK. He pretended to be happy the whole time. Rajbir seemed lost while Simran was extremely delighted. The seemingly odd couple was accepted by all. 

RK was successful in selling the lie to everyone. Sonia was extremely elated with RK's gig. She had sent him token of appreciation gifts and wishes. He threw them all. It angered him. He was furious. He threw all his anger on his subordinates and juniors. He was always screaming at them for their smallest mistakes.

(To be continued)

 

The ShowOffs - Part 7

Rajbir grabbed his manager by his collar. His eyes were burning with fury. His breath smelled of anger. He was in mode of distress. The only thing in his mind was to kill his manager. He wanted to lash out all kind of abuses. But he could only muster out "Why?".

His manager watched him in horror. He tried to release himself from his clutches. But Rajbir's grip was too strong. "Leave me! I can explain.", the manager cried. Rajbir didn't listen to his cries. His anger was strong enough to be melted by pleas. Finally he pushed him. The manager fell down on the floor due to the impact.

His manager trembled in fear. "Please don't hurt me!", he begged.  Rajbir entered inside the apartment and closed the door behind him. "You should have contacted me before spreading lies everywhere. Who gave you authority to meet Rita and fill her ears with lies? ", he asked. The manager composed himself and spoke, "I agree, you didn't give me the permission. But RK was continuously grilling me for update and warning me of dire consequences. You weren't picking my call. I had to do something. I had to do something to retain your stardom position."


Rajbir laughed. "Are you my manager or RK's manager. Position! It seems! I know everything about you. Why don't you cut the crap and tell me straight? Why don't you tell me that your commission will be affected if I don't get the offer? I wish I could fire you.", he said. "Then fire me!", his manager said boldly, knowing that Rajbir couldn't.

"You can't fire me because I have all the connection. If you fire me, you know that you will not get the meaty roles, the endorsements and shows. You have got this role only because of me. Not because of your looks or talents.", his manager said , hitting the soft spot of Rajbir. He had learnt his weakness in his years of service to him. His insecurity was his manager's trump card.

He stomped back towards the door. He banged his fist on door out of frustration. He drove back home. He couldn't do anything. He was under the influence of his manager. Loss of love didn't pain him deeply. What hurt him hard was the picture of him as weak man shown by his manager.

(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 6

He tried his best to make her feel better. He tried to share the truth with her. But she was not ready to listen. His truth seemed lie to her. The lie shown to her by the media seemed truth to her. His flashy image created  in front of the media to influence his work was harming his personal life. He cursed himself for this. For the first time in his life, he wished he wasn't a star.

He begged. He cried. He appealed in front of her. Nothing worked. She was firm. She didn't want to believe his words. And then it happened like as if it was scripted to happen. She uttered those words which he was ask to say. "I am breaking up with you.", she said.  He stared at her blankly. It was like as if a thunder struck him.

"Please don't do this to me. Why don't you trust me?", he pleaded.  She stood there like a stone. She didn't utter a word. "You know media. They are just making up stories to increase their TRP.", he cried. "I wouldn't have believed the media if your manager hadn't visited me.", she said furiously. He was stunned. "Manager! Why did he visit you?", he asked.

"He wanted to share the truth you hid since few weeks. He wanted to save you from the burden of our relationship. Why didn't you tell me that I am an embarrassment in your successful life? Why didn't you tell me that my struggling career was black mark in your life? Why didn't you tell me that you wanted someone successful to complement your life? That's why you have been dating that witch. If you had told me the truth, I would have saved you from this relationship.", she said, weeping her frustration out.

Her words struck him like an arrow. He wanted to murder his manager for jeopardizing his life. He wished he had said no to RK. He wished he was not in double mind of breaking the relationship for career. He wished he was not in this state. She left him. He followed her, begging her to stop. She didn't listen. She was adamant to break the relationship.

When she left, he was burning with fury. He broke the furnitures. He broke anything that came in his hand. His fury was raging every second. He drove his car towards his manager's apartment. He banged the door of his manager's flat. The manager, an average height, plump guy opened the door to see what the commotion was. He grabbed the manager's collar and stared at his eyes with fury.

(To be continued)  

The ShowOffs - Part 5

It had been difficult week for Rajbir. He was on the thin line between love and career. It had almost costed him his career. It was a difficult choice. Losing an offer from RK would shift his spot from number one to number two. He didn't want to give the spot to Sameer Khan. But he loved Rita deeply. 

He sat on the sofa with his legs on the plush ottomans. He flicked the channels from the remote while his mind was occupied in thoughts of Rita. His phone vibrated. It was his manager. He sighed and cut the call fiftieth time. His manager was behind him about the breakup. Obviously, his manager worried about the fat pay he would get if Rajbir did the movie. He tossed it aside.

He spent the rest of the day, thinking and reasoning with himself. He slept in the process. The rays of sun from the window woke him up. He was still sleepy. His head was heavy due to constant thinking. He didn't want to get up from the sofa. The TV was still on. Suddenly door opened. It was Rita. He stared at her with astonishment. It seemed like a dream. He blinked his eyes several times. Rita was still there.

"Rita! ", he cried. She walked over the room towards him. She took the remote from his clutches and switched off the TV. She crossed her arms and looked deep into his eyes. "Why didn't pick up my calls? ", she asked. He didn't understand. He searched for his tossed phone. He didn't find it anywhere. She found it on the floor. She bought it to him. He was shocked to see several miss calls from her. 

"I am sorry! I can explain.", he said as he got up to hold her. "You haven't been picking my calls. You have been ignoring me. There's news of you breaking up with me everywhere.", she shouted. Her anger caused confusion within him. He didn't understand what was going. "What! I ..", he stammered, looking for words. She misinterpreted his confusion for his ego. She played the video from her phone to prove her point.

A news anchor was presenting the entertainment news where she was talking about the movies and finally about him breaking up with his girlfriend in the video. He was surprised. He hadn't sent any news to the anybody. He was supposed to break up with Rita but he wanted her to know it first. He never wanted to do  anything like this. Rita cried uncontrollably while he tried to console her. He was hurt with way the events turned up.

(To be continued)