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 ****