The ShowOffs - Part 40

Everyone from the industry arrived at the party. Everyone wanted to make their presence felt in the industry. His parties were known as ground for networking. New or struggling talents came to his parties to launch or re-launch their careers. Everyone wanted to be on limelight. The paparazzi scavenged for the star's glimpses outside his house like vultures. 

When Simran arrived with Sonia, everyone screamed her name. Sonia felt a bit insecure but she immediately replaced it with  proud feelings for her daughter. Every paparazzi wanted to take her picture to increase their visibility of their magazine or news channel. After letting them take few shots, she rushed inside. There were many people inside. She knew some. She didn't know others. 

Her mind wandered across the room. It was huge hall. But she couldn't sight him anywhere. Sonia was busy boasting about her new accomplishment as a producer with some of her acquaintances. RK was laughing out loud  at renowned producer's lame joke to show that he was enjoying his company. He glanced at her and smiled. She spoke to few people. She avoided few of them. She didn't enjoy these conversation. It was only about movies or help to get roles. She was getting bored. 

She was alone now. She was about to turn back. She had planned to go back home by pretending to get fresh air. "You hate these parties, don't you ?",  a voice said. She was stunned. It was Rajbir. "Hi!", she greeted him nervously. She bit her lip and looked down in embarrassment. "Why do you shy away from the truth ?", he asked. "No! Why would I hate these parties ? I wouldn't be here if I hated them.", she said. "Then why are you leaving?", he asked. "I need fresh air.", she said as she started towards main door. "You are lying.", he shouted.

His voice wasn't too loud for others to stop and glance at him. But it was audible to her. She stopped midway and glared at him. "You are lying like you always do. You lied to me that day. You are lying now.", he said as he got closer to her. She stood still, staring at him with wide eyes. He grabbed her hands. "I know everything. I have been seeing you since last few months. You secretly cry when you are alone. You think deeply about me. You don't hang out with your friends any longer. You have blocked yourself from the whole world. You love me. You wouldn't have listened to our conversation last night if you didn't. Why are you running away from this truth?", he said calmly.

Tears welled up in her eyes. "This is not true.", she cried softly. He wiped her tears as he spoke, "Yes, it's true. If you don't love me, why were you looking out for me? " She thought deeply. It was true. She didn't want to see him but she still longed for a glimpse of him. She was glad for movie to be over but she felt sad that she won't be able to meet him. She had blocked him from her life but she still held special place for him in her heart. "Does this mean I love him?", she wondered. He knelt in front of her with her hands held in his. "Forget the painful relationship your mother has been in. I will make sure I will keep you happy and erase those painful memories. Can we start again? Will you fall in love with me? I promise you it will be a real date and not a show off one.", he asked. She nodded 'yes' with a smile. He lifted her in his arms.

**** The End **** 

The ShowOffs - Part 39

They spoke in hushed voices. Simran tried to make out what they were saying. She walked bit closer until she could make out what they spoke. They didn't realize they had someone hearing their conversation. " Can't we get back together ?", Rita pleaded. "No ! I thought I would get you back in my life after this movie. But I don't think I can do that now. I am in love with someone else.", he said firmly.

"I don't understand you. I have been begging you for weeks for forgiveness and a chance. You still haven't changed your heart. Do I have kneel in front of you for forgiveness ? I said I am sorry. I should have stood by you. I didn't. I was concerned only about my feelings. I have been selfish.", she cried. He sighed. "I feel bad for you. I understand your emotions. But I can't break your heart again. I can't commit to this relation when my heart is with someone else.", he said softly.  He walked closer to hug her. But she backed away.

She saw Simran with disgust. She raced toward the gate. He watched her run and shifted his attention at Simran. He was about to say something. But she too walked away. He felt pained. He wished she talked to him once. She had no courage to face him. She was feeling vulnerable. Her mind was filled with questions like was she being too harsh on him  or did he really love her?

Her head was in splits. She headed back home before other guests left. She took some pills before she slept. It had been good sleep. There were no thoughts. There were no nightmare. It was just sleep. She hadn't realize the morning had arrived. She woke up and hurried to washroom to get fresh. Later, she rushed downstairs to dining hall. Her mother was already done with her breakfast. She was chatting with Gippy.

Both looked at her when she arrived. "Good morning, sweetie. I know you had tough night. So I let you sleep. It's going to be tough day tomorrow. Why don't you relax?", Sonia said. Simran nodded. She had almost forgotten that her movie was releasing tomorrow. She was held up with thoughts of Rajbir. She needed rest to face the day. She had one more day and it would be over from tomorrow. She would no longer have to bear him. But the thought made her feel miserable.

The movie released next day. The public gave mixed response to the movie. Some liked the pairing. Some felt their talent was wasted because of the script. Some felt the movie didn't meet the over hyped expectation. The movie made huge collection at box office overall. After few weeks, a success party was held at RK's place.






(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 38

Few months passed quickly. The movie was completed as per schedule. Everyone got busy with post production activities. Some scenes were re-shot. Some junior actors were miffed with RK for cutting their scene short. They were negatively publicizing the movie in  every news channel. Sonia's tantrums was getting on his nerve. She wanted him to get things sorted. Once he dealt with them, another problem appeared from nowhere.

The trailer was launched. It got lot of positive response. But certain religious groups weren't happy with the way their culture was portrayed in movie. They demanded ban on the movie. They filed a case against him and others. After months of tackling them in the court, the court passed it's decision that movie would be released after special screening was held for the affected religious groups. 

Before he could hold special screening before the religious group, the certification board created a fuss. They wanted certain pivotal scenes to be removed. RK was miffed. He had put lot of effort getting those scenes shot. He didn't want it to get wasted. After heated discussions, he had to remove because Sonia didn't want any problems in releasing the movie. The special screening took place. Fortunately, religious groups were satisfied with the movie.

Amidst these tensions, Rajbir and Simran were distant from each other. News of their apparent breakup was making rounds in the film world. Rajbir hardly spoke to her after their stormy conversation. They maintained their professional relationship. Their personal relationship was affected gravely. She would immediately go home after their shoot. She maintained her cold exterior in front everyone including Rajbir. At home, she would cry her heart out. But her pain never reduced. It got more painful for her.

With post production in the process, they hardly saw each other. They had to dub their dialogues for certain scenes. They would greet each other with fake pleasantries and smiles. No one could see the pain they were going through. Once the production activities were completed, the promotional activities took place. They appeared together at almost all activities. They arrived hand in hand with false smiles pasted on their lips in front of the public. When they were alone, they acted like strangers. They didn't want to see each other. 

A special screening was held for the movie fraternity by Sonia. RK despised her idea. He had subtly informed her about his displeasure. He felt it was waste of time. But Sonia insisted. He had to bend his head and obey her orders. Everyone from the industry arrived to watch the much anticipated movie. Once the movie was over, they gave false appreciation of talents to impress her. No one was impressed by the movie. They found it as waste of money and talents.  Simran was strolling outside the theatre to get away from crowd and noise inside. She didn't understand the need of such screenings. "Mom and her gimmicks!", she rolled her eyes. Something struck her eyes. She saw Rajbir with his ex girlfriend. They were in deep conversation. She walked close out of inquisitiveness.

(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 37

He rushed back home. His mind was preoccupied in many things. "What is she going to say? What is in her mind ? Is she still mad at me ?  Oh God ! What should I wear?", he thought. He took out all the clothes from the cupboard and placed on the bed. He picked each one and checked them out. When he was not happy, he threw them aside. After scavenging for the perfect shirt and trousers, he found one.

He looked at the time. It was getting late. He had to see her. He hurried to bathroom. He quickly brushed his teeth and took bath. He barely checked himself out. He quickly dressed and rushed to the shoot. He checked the time during the journey. He still had few minutes. Once he reached , he haphazardly parked the vehicle and ran towards Simran's green room.

She was on time. Her hair was being curled with the hair curlers. She was busy reading the script while she took a big bite of apple . She hadn't noticed him coming. When he said 'hi', she dropped the apple from her hand in sudden reaction and looked at him. "I didn't see you coming.", she said after taking deep breath. He took the apple fallen on ground and offered her. She took it immediately. "You are okay ?", he asked.


"I am fine. What would happen to me?", she replied casually. He looked around. There were few people busy deciding on the costumes she would wear for the shoot. "Can we talk ?", he asked. "Yeah sure!", she replied. "Alone ! ", he said , pointing at the people. She looked around. "Okay ! ", she replied.  She asked to leave.  Everyone left immediately. Few of them watched them suspiciously and left. It was only both of them in the room.

" What's wrong with you? You are acting strange. You are avoiding me. You are not taking my calls. You are not talking to me. ", he asked. "You know it. Then why ask ?", she replied curtly. " I don't know what's going on in your head. You need to tell me clearly if I have done something wrong. I am not God for heaven's sake.", he said impatiently. She stared at him with gloomy eyes. "If it's about that kiss, I am sorry. I was carried away by emotions.", he continued.

" We are friends. I don't want to go beyond that. I can't mix my personal life with profession. I think you took our pretence seriously. This is just a show off, you know. It is just gimmick to promote our movie. Anyway, you know how our industry works. You will date me. We will become serious and after few months or maybe few years you will lose interest in me. You will find someone better than me.", she said in relaxed tone. He was disheartened with whatever she said. He stormed out of the room with tears in his eyes. As soon as he left, she cried softly.



(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 36

Rajbir banged his fist on the door out of frustration. The guilt within him magnified. He convinced himself to try again next day. He waited for her arrival next day impatiently. He arrived at the shoot early. He rushed to her room and found that she hadn't arrived yet. He looked at the time on his watch. There was still time.

He waited eagerly for her. He would turn behind to see whenever someone appeared in the room. He would ask them when she would arrive. They would reply him that she would arrive shortly. He was getting impatient. Finally she arrived. She didn't look happy when she found him. She whispered something to her manager's ear.

Her manager asked him to leave. He didn't understand. But he left. He didn't want to create more drama. He was already on blacklist of his director. "Why is she avoiding me? Why is she not letting me in ?", he wondered.  The shoot commenced. They finished their scenes in few takes. RK was weirdly quiet after the incident.

When the shoot was completed, he rushed back to her room. Unfortunately she had left again. He was getting more frustrated with each passing day. Finally, he decided to do something different. He rushed towards her place after the shoot. He asked for her and she refused to meet him. He didn't stop. He came daily. He kept asking for her and the servants would say the same thing - she didn't want to meet him. Eventually, she asked her servants to not to entertain his request and restrain him from coming home.

This didn't dampen his hope. He continued to come to her place and wait outside. Simran was irritated. She was slightly relieved that Sonia was not in town. But she knew that her mother would eventually know about this development. She decided to meet him next day and sort this out.

She found him next morning outside her house. Unfortunately the media had surrounded his car. She managed to reach him with great difficulty. Everyone wanted to grab the juicy news first. They bombarded her with questions from all sides. She remained silent and sat inside the car. He woke up in confusion. He noticed many journalists swarming around his car to know what was going inside the car. "What's happening?", he asked. "You should be knowing better. Anyway, meet me before the shoot.", she said. He watched her leave with bewilderment.

(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 35

She withdrew from their embrace. She missed his warmth. But she didn't want to continue this. It would be difficult for her. She had witnessed the end result of such relationships. Her mother suffered a lot from such relationship. It had turned her into coldhearted woman. She didn't want to turn into that. "It's getting late. We need to leave now.", she said.

Rajbir was embarrassed. He shouldn't have gone too far. He constantly thought about what she felt and what she thought. He felt guilty. They hardly spoke during the journey. They were engulfed by silence. They reached her house within minutes. She got out without turning back to say goodbye. He felt more guilty by her response.

He drove the car as soon as she started walking towards house. Her heart ached when she heard his car pass by. " Maybe all men are same.", she thought, thinking about why he kissed her. "Maybe he just wanted to have a fling with me.", she wondered. The thoughts weren't leaving her. She tossed her bag and phone towards the bed when she reached her room.

She was tired by all things that happened today. She wanted rest. She walked towards the bathroom. She filled the tub with hot water and scented bath salts. She mechanically took out her clothes to get ready for the bath. She slowly entered the tub. The hot water was soothing. She slept as soon as she was in the tub. She woke up after an hour with same feelings.

He should have said something. He had almost tried to call her several times. But the fear of facing her emerged whenever he was about to press the dial button on her number. He paced helplessly to and fro in his room. Finally he mustered some courage to speak to her. He called her. The ring was long. No one picked up. He cut the call dishearteningly.

Next day was normal. Simran pretended to stay busy with the script. Rajbir had tried to reach her. But she had made sure with her manager that no one disturbed her. When shoot began, they were busy enacting scenes. He waited impatiently for the shoot to end. As soon as it ended, he rushed to her room. But she had already left home.


(To be continued)

The ShowOffs - Part 34

RK was stunned by her voice. Never did anyone raise their voice against him. It was always him who had control over the people. This lady was different. She could make anyone shiver in their pants.  He tried to open his mouth to say something. But Sonia didn't let him to say anything. She continued to berate him, " I have always taught her to be professional. But that doesn't mean you can have her way with her. She's not any of your flimsy assistant. Don't you dare take your frustration on her.".

He nodded submissively to all her accusation. " I want an answer.  I can't accept your silence for an answer. ", she rebuked him. "Yes, I will not raise my voice on her ever.", he promised. She cut the call without saying goodbye.  He was offended. He threw his phone in anger. This was his fifth phone he had broken since this week.

Simran sat on the bonnet of car. She watched the sunset carelessly without realizing her hand was sticky due to melting of ice cream bar. Rajbir smiled watching her. He secretly took her photo from his phone. Unfortunately he hadn't taken out the flash. The flash sound bought her back to reality. "Why did you take my pic ? I look gross. Why does my hand feel sticky ?", she exclaimed. She noticed her hands in disgust. She got up from the bonnet and skittered towards the front right side outer handle.

She looked for the tissue inside the car. He watched her helplessly searching for the tissue. She got out of the car with no luck. "Will you simply look at me or help me find the damn tissue ?", she asked annoyingly.  He smiled again and took out tissue box that was lying on top of the dashboard.  Later he grabbed a bottle of water.  He signaled her to extend her hands for wash with his eyes. He poured water on her hands that were stained with cream once she extended her hand out.

He later offered her tissues to dry her wet hands. She quickly dried her hands. "My bad ! I didn't see them there.", she said with a smile. " You are a multi-facet person. When you are alone, you are carefree. When you are with me, you are vulnerable. When you are in front of world, you are perfect with no imperfection. What are you ?", he said inquisitively.

They stared at each other for very long time. When Simran came back to senses, she turned back to leave. He pulled her close to him and turned her towards him. He stared at her innocent eyes for sometime. He was searching something in those wide brown eyes. Suddenly he kissed her by surprise.

(To be continued)