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)

The Untouchable - Part 1

It was 5 am. The sun had not risen from it's slumber. The weather was cold and misty , just as he wanted the shoot to be. Everything was ready. Everyone were ready except the main lead of his movie - the heroine. All the preparations for the shoot was done as per his plans. But the actress was missing. He had reminded her manager about the timing many times. He had also personally asked her to be on time. And again she was late for the shoot. He waited for another one hour while his assistants called her persistently.

"Varun, the manager said that they will be here any moment.", his assistant said. He flung the script papers in the air. He had too much of this shit. He couldn't take this longer. He had been too sweet with her because of her status. Now he had to show her who the boss is.  

It was his debut movie. With the legendary surname (due to his father being a famous director cum actor) attached to his name, he had got everything to launch his career - finance, producers, distributors, music composers, singers and actors from the first class guild of movie industry. He knew how the industry worked since the time he was a small child. He had seen through the eyes of his father. He was struck by the glamour and magic of making movies. He knew what he wanted to be during the time when kids were not sure what they wanted to be. 

She arrived after four hours. She wore snobbish look. Her sharp grey eyes were covered by the dark black shades.  Her face was clear with no signs of any pimples, acne or zits. Her straight black hair with highlights of brown and red was tied in a ponytail. Not a single strands of hair fell on her face. She wore complete black - black sweatshirt with black track pants. The sweatshirt covered her petite figure while the track pants covered her long toned legs. She was epitome of beauty and was rightly named as Roop.

She headed directly towards her vanity van. Her manager followed her. "You should have at least visited Varun first . He is very angry.", her manager said. She didn't feel any guilt. She was a star. She didn't feel the need to report to anyone. "Why should I meet Varun? Who is he? I am a star. He is just a newbie director of famous star. He thinks that everything will work according to his ways! No way!", she said furiously.

"Varun, she's arrived. Shall we get ready with the shoot?", one of Varun's assistant asked. "Pack up! We will cancel the shoot for today.", he said and stormed towards his makeshift office. 

(To be continued)

A night with the fallen star - Part 7

It was time for him to bid goodbye to his new friend. He wished the time stood still. He had never felt so complete in life. He had never felt that life could be very beautiful. Maya was magical just like her name. It was strange that few hours ago he hated her sight and now he longed for her company.

He had stopped at her place. She got out of the car. She walked few miles , turned and waved him goodbye. He smiled and waved back. He didn't stay for long and continued his journey towards home. He hated goodbyes and couldn't stand the emotions that sprang from it. As he reached home, the silence greeted him. He was tired and walked towards his room. He fell on his bed while his tired body enjoyed the well needed rest.

He woke up to new morning and new self. He freshened himself and headed towards the dinning room. His family were surprised to see him enjoy breakfast with them. They had never seen the happy side of him. He listened to their stories that he missed and spoke about his life which he had not shared with them. After a quick family reunion, he headed back to work.

For the first time, he enjoyed work. For the first time, there were no clashes or starry tantrums. It was like as if new star had risen. While he completed his commitments, he wanted to meet his new friend. He wanted to share his first day achievements with her. He drove past the same place he had dropped her. As he got out of the car, he was surprised. He was standing next to old building bearing name of the hospital. He was engrossed too much with himself that he didn't even bother to ask her where he was supposed to drop her or where she leaved now. He did know that she was in hospital before but he wasn't aware she was never discharged.

He walked toward the reception in the hospital. The receptionist was starstruck at his sight. She took minutes to reply him. He had to repeat many times until she was back to senses. "Sorry sir! I hardly get to see stars coming to this hospital. Give me a moment. Let me check and tell you.", she said. He smiled. She checked her old dust strewn register and got back to him. "Sir, this patient is at room number 12.", she said. He thanked her and rushed towards the room with excitement.

As he walked towards the room, a middle aged man rushed towards him. He caught his collar tightly and asked angrily,"Look, what have you done to my daughter. She is in coma for an year and this is all because of you." The man bent down, releasing his grip from his collar and cried. Vikram bent down to console him. "Sir, I am sorry. But I didn't do anything. I have just met her yesterday.", he said softly. "What do you mean? ", her father asked.  He narrated last night activities with her father.

Her father wasn't convinced. "How do I believe you?", he asked. He took him to the tea stall where they had tea. The tea stall was missing.  He asked a person walking by the same place." There is no tea stall here, sir. Two years back there was an hit and run accident where  the drunken driver ran over the tea stall owner and some men who were sleeping on the pavement. Since then, there is rumour that every night the pavement is haunted by their souls.", the person said.  Vikram understood the eerie feeling he had got when he was there last night. He watched her father holding his palm on his face with shame. "I am sorry , Sir.  I really want to prove that I am telling you the truth. But I don't have any evidence." Her father looked up at him and said, "She wanted to meet you. She said that she wanted to meet you when she was bought to the hospital. Those were her last words before she went to coma." He continued," Take me back to my daughter. That is least thing you can do for me."

After the bitter truth surfaced, Vikram learnt that he was not only responsible for her state but also for the death of the tea stall owner and other men. He wanted to repay all the sins he had done. So he headed towards the police station and confessed his crimes. He also took the responsibility of all the medical expenses of Maya. He was sentenced to four years. Fortunately it was later reduced to three years as soon Maya recovered from coma. A night had changed a fallen star to realize his worth and mistakes.

       ****  The end ****