Their jinxed love - Part 6

It was audition round. Each participant were called out on the stage  to show their performance. Some were okay while  others were bad. There was no issues when people were being rejected outrightly. They didn’t create any nuisance or drama like last seasons. They accepted their flaws and left the stage. “Dude, this is getting boring.”, Gaurav yawned as he stretched his hands. It almost hit Jenny’s head. She didn’t react. She sat calmly.

“I know. You even tried to nudge a contestant by taunting him mercilessly. He didn’t react. He simply looked down. If it was me, I would have reacted.”, Ruby said. He smiled while looking at Jenny’s calm face. She was engrossed in her own thoughts. When suddenly Gaurav spoke to her. “ You look suspiciously silent. Are you still mad at me?” “No ! Shall we call next contestant ? Let’s not waste time.”, she replied . She didn’t want to delay the shoot time and spend any more minute with her nemesis.

“Why do you want to hurry ? We still have time for the shoot. Let’s enjoy our break. I don’t know about you. I am tired watching the shit.”, he said. She smirked and waited impatiently for time to go fast. She looked at her watch every minute. Not a minute passed by. She was getting irritated. Finally she got up to smoke for few minutes. Gaurav didn’t see her leave. He was busy enlightening Ruby with his light jokes. 

When she found a space where no one was there. She took out one of cigarette from small pack and lit it. She drew some puffs and felt relieved. “You still smoke !”, a voice spoke. Her eyes grew wide. She turned around to see Gaurav. “Yes I do.”, she replied nonchalantly. He remembered the days when he helped her quit smoking. But now all his efforts had gone astray. He had once felt proud of his efforts. Now he stood ashamed. 

He walked towards her and snatched the cigarette from her in anger. She yelled, “What the hell ?” He didn’t care. He took one puff and coughed. Later he handed it to her. Instead of taking a puff, she threw it in ground and stubbed it. Then took it back and discarded in dustbin nearby. “Wow ! What’s with this smoking? I didn’t get any kicks out of it. Why would anyone enjoy something that harms life?”, he said. “ It kills life faster.”, she replied casually. He didn’t end with his questions. “Why do you want to end your life?”, he asked. “You know the answer.”, she replied. He became infuriated and stomped outside. 

She walked slowly towards her seat. He was already seated with his face looking gloomy. She took her seat next to him. Neither he or she spoke to each other. The auditions continued. The next few hours passed by judging talents that were either mediocre or worst. There was no scope for any footage. The shoot ended with  the director and crew members being unhappy as they had nothing special recorded for the first day.

(To be continued)

Their jinxed love - Part 5

Ruby felt bad when Jenny left suddenly. "I think you were too rough on her. I will go and console her.", she said. Gaurav stopped her. "Don't ! You will get hurt if you go and fix her now. She is like a injured lioness when she is hurt. She will speak something and you might not like it. Leave her alone.", he said. Ruby didn't argue. She had heard about rumours of her outburst.

Rohan, Jenny's manager rushed to her vanity room when he received her call. He knew it had to be some argument with Gaurav. But he still asked, "What happened?" Jenny was sitting in front of the dressing table with her head bent down. She immediately looked up. Her mascara was smudged by her tears. "What could possible happen when Gaurav is here? I told you many times about my equation with Gaurav. But still you got me into this stupid show.", she said and immediately threw things on the dressing table to the floor. 

"Not again !", Rohan thought. He stood still as he waited for her to calm down. "You know I remained calm like you advised while he spoke bull shit about me. I didn't overreact. But now I had enough. I am not doing this stupid show. I am leaving.", she cried. Rohan was startled with her statement of leaving. He thought about the repercussion that would happen if she left the show. He had somehow cleared her image when she had stormed out of ad shoot last time. He clearly remembered how he had pacified the ad director not to file the law suit on her. He also had to pay hefty price to shut his mouth.

He didn't want to history to repeat again. He walked towards her and bent down in front of her. "See, don't do anything in haste. Think calmly and then decide. We don't have many offers. If you leave this show also, you won't remain in industry for long. We need to compromise some times to stay in the industry.", he advised her. She understood what he meant. 

"Okay ! I got it ! I will stay calm. But if Gaurav says one word against me, he has to pay the price in front of everyone. He has to say sorry to me.", she said. He agreed. "Now please send me someone to fix my make up. I can't go like this.", she said. He nodded and called the crew member to get make up artist. 

After her make up was fixed, it was time for shoot to begin. She saw Gaurav sit next to Ruby. There was vacant seat next to him. She sighed in disgust and sat next to him. Gaurav turned his face towards her. He stared at her for few minutes and said sorry quickly. She didn't say anything. She pretended as if she didn't hear. But she felt nice that he had apologized. 

(To be continued)

Their jinxed love - Part 4

Ironically, Jenny was first one to get ready for the shoot. She checked her watch. There was still five minutes for the shoot to begin. It was audition round. Long queues of prospective contestants stood outside the set. The show was one of nation's popular dance show. After 12 successful seasons, makers had decided to do something different. They had replaced their usual choreographer judges with controversial ex couple (Jenny and Gaurav) to increase the ratings of the show.

Jenny felt someone place their hand behind her shoulder. She turned around to see who it was. "Hi Jenny !", greeted young woman who could be few years younger than Jenny. "Hi !", she greeted her back with uncertainty in her voice. She couldn't recognize her. She wondered whether she was a fan who managed her way through the crew members to meet her. "I am big fan of you. I have watched all your movies on first day first show basis.", the young woman said not realizing that Jenny wasn't uncomfortable.

Finally Jenny identified a crew member passing by and called him out, "Hey there ! I need your help." The crew member became excited by getting called by famous star. He came to her assistance instantly. "Yes, ma'am.", he said with goofy smile. "I don't understand how can you guys be irresponsible.", she said firmly. His smile vanished as he wondered what wrong he must have done to upset her. "You let a fan surpass such tight security your boss boasts about and meet the stars when they have specifically mentioned that they don't want to meet anyone during the shoot.", she said while pointing at the young girl.

The crew member stared at the girl in confusion. The girl remained calm. "But ma'am...", he started to explain. Jenny didn't let him explain. She began complaining about the lax in the security and other shortcomings of crew members like her coffee wasn't served hot or how her clothes didn't fit right and many other things. 

Gaurav arrived at right time. He hugged the young girl and spoke, "What's this commotion about?". Jenny stopped speaking. "She thinks I am a fan who trespassed into the stage. But I don't think it's her mistake. It was my mistake. I greeted her by introducing myself as her big fan. So that's why all this confusion.", the young girl explained while smiling momentarily. 

"Aww ! Ruby, look at you ! You are still that simple girl , full of humility and kindness. No starry tantrums like others.", he said, taunting Jenny in the end. "Oh stop it , Gaurav ! You are too much.", Ruby said. Jenny was embarrassed. "I am sorry !", she said softly. Ruby smiled at her. "Oh my God! Did someone just say sorry? You know, Ruby, it's difficult to make some people realize their mistake.", he mocked. Jenny couldn't take it any more. She stomped towards her vanity room, in anger. 

(To be continued)

Their jinxed love - Part 3

Jenny watched him leave. She was left feeling empty inside just like the day they broke up. She clearly remembered the day. He wore plain navy blue shirt and white trousers that fit him right. He looked amazing except for that impatient look in his eyes. She had still not got ready for the party they were invited. Gaurav hated being late to any event. He was highly disciplined and organized with everything in his life that made Jenny go crazy. She was used to being slightly disorganized and doing things in own pace.

"You told me you will ready in two minutes when I called you. You still are not ready. Why can't you be on time?", he yelled at her. He had lost his cool. "Come on man, you know I take time to get ready. It's not easy for me to look good quickly.", she argued back. "It looks like you have just started now. If it was going to take time, you should have started early. You know I hate being late.", he rebuked her. She didn't listen to him. She continued to blend foundation into her cheeks using brush. 

Suddenly he grabbed her arm and yanked her to her feet. He dragged her out. She was angry and surprised by his behaviour. Before he pull her towards the main door, she pulled her hand out of his grip. She cried in pain. "What the hell are you doing? How dare you drag me to the party like this? Who does that to his girlfriend? You are monster !", she yelled at him. She looked at the red bruises on her arm. "Look what you did to me ?", she said, showing him the marks he did to her. 

He felt guilty. He got closer to console her. But she pushed him away. "Leave me alone ! After all this, don't show your fake sympathy.", she cried. " I am.. sorry... I didn't mean.. to..hurt you.", he said softly. "I am breaking up with you. I can't take all this.", she said out of nowhere. "Don't do this..Don't leave me like others.", he cried softly,while he tried to hold her hands. She nudged him away. "Don't touch me !", she said firmly. 

"Why are you doing this to me? Even you have hurt me so many times. You injured me too before. I forgave you so many times. Please forgive me. I am sorry. I couldn't control my anger. You know I love you.",he pleaded. She didn't listen to him. Suddenly he felt anger rush inside him. He banged his fist in air and said coldly, "Fine ! Even I am done taking your shit. Let's break up. We are not meant to be with each other." His eyes were red and in verge of crying. He left her feeling empty. When he left ,she cried hard. 

They attended the event separately. Their cold behaviour to each other was reflecting to the whole world. Soon the news of their separation spread like wildfire. They didn't see each other again until today when they almost dashed into each other .

 (To be continued)

Their jinxed love - Part 2

Gaurav Arora watched the night sky from the balcony of his plush apartment. The stars gleamed like little sequins stitched decoratively all over the thin black dupatta. Cool breeze kissed his wheatish skin, forming tiny goosebumps. He was engrossed in bitter sweet memories of past and didn't notice his phone ringing inside.

He remembered how they would enjoy watching beautiful nights together. Her melodious laughter added lighter tone to peaceful nights like this. Now he was alone. She left him like others who had left him alone and miserable. He cried silently thinking about their ugly breakup. He felt guilty as well as angry at Jenny for leaving him broken.

This was his every night ritual. Before going to bed, he would watch the night sky , something he has been doing since child . Suddenly he would think of her and cry softly. No one had witnessed this side of him, not even Jenny. He walked back to his bed. As he sat on the bed, he thought about the next day. It was going to be big day. He was going to meet her after very long time. He had never thought they would ever cross each other's path like this.

Next morning arrived. He woke up before the alarm rang. He quickly brushed his teeth and freshened up. After taking quick shower, he surveyed his wardrobe and selected casual white T shirt and faded jeans without realizing that it was Jenny's favorite. He prepared toast and coffee for breakfast and had quickly. He rushed down to lobby and waited for few minutes before a car arrived to pick him up.

He reached the set on time. While strolling towards his vanity room, he didn't see someone running towards him. Before he could see, she had almost dashed into him. He held her tight and managed not to fall. His eyes darted towards the person whom he had held tight. It was Jenny. She was staring right into his eyes. Everyone who passed them stared at them with awe.

"Are you blind ? Didn't you see me walking ? Who runs across the corridors like a kid?", he scolded her. She turned red with anger. She looked around. Everyone was watching and whispering to each other. "I could ask you same thing. Didn't you see me coming? It's my right. I can run, jump, walk or hop. Who are you to tell me ?", she argued back. He was stunned by her question. He was someone to her once upon a time. He released her in disgust and whispered to himself,"It's no use arguing with you.". He left her without saying anything.


(To be continued)

Their jinxed love - Part 1

Jenny threw her phone at her manager. It missed him as he knelt down on the right time. His beefy appearance hid his talent of being flexible apart from taking care of portfolio of difficult celebrities and one of them was Jenny Gill. She was known for her fiery temper with exception of her brilliant talent. She was every director's dream but working with her was like working with a raging bull.

Jenny was fuming with anger. She wanted to kill her manager for mentioning that name. That name that once made her heart miss a beat. That name which once made her blush. That name that made her tummy flutter now made her face turn red with anger. "How dare you confirm my dates for a show which has GAURAV ARORA in it?", she lashed out in anger without realizing that she had taken his name (the name that made her happy once but now caused pain) after long time.

Her manager didn't say anything. He knew if he opened his mouth now , she would rip him apart. "What made you think I will say yes to be part of this show ? Phone them right now and tell them that I no longer wish to be part of this show.", she ordered him. He stared at her blankly. "I can't call them to replace you,now. An official announcement has been already made and contract has been signed.", he spoke finally sharing her the shocking truth. 

She clasped her fists tightly and stared at  him. "What contract, Rohan? Why was I not told about it,dammit? ", she screamed. Her manager remained calm. At last an idea flashed his mind. He finally found a way to calm her down. "Jenny, calm down ! I know your equation with Gaurav. I thought carefully and said yes to this offer. You need to be in public eye to remain in this industry. What better than to be in a reality show which can give you so much scope?", he spoke calmly. 

"I understand that. But how can I work with Gaurav when I can't stand him? There is this much anticipated movie which I am going to be part of and an ad shoot. I am not in very bad state. I can skip this show.", she said. "That movie you are talking about has been shelved and you have been replaced in that ad shoot you are talking about.", he said. She placed her hand on face with despair. 

"Hmm.. So I have no offers in hand right now. Ok.. Let's do it.", she said and immediately left her manager to himself. He didn't stop her. He was busy planning her day and secretly happy that he had managed to convince Jenny for the shoot.

(To be continued)

The Tenants From Flat No #2 - Part 43

Tai felt lighter after speaking out her feelings. But she was unaware of the mess occurred in Zain and Jasmine's life. "I appreciate you coming here, Tai. Even we were feeling miserable holding the truth from you. Trust me, we never wanted to hurt you in any ways. But things have gone sour between us. We have decided to part ways.", he said sorrowfully.  His eyes turned red with sadness. Tai was shocked. 

"Why ? I didn't expect things would turn so bad between you and her. Every couples face ups and down in their relationship. My husband and I fought so many times over pity issues. The thought of separation would break our hearts. Only because of certain misunderstandings, you cannot throw Jasmine out of your life. I know you love her so much. I have seen you always support her during tough times. Don't leave her like that. Now go to her and convince her to come back.", Tai said. Zain didn't respond. He looked down.

"What happened ?", she asked. "I don't think she will ever come back. Maybe she's gone back to her hometown in Lucknow. She was planning to return to her parents. I was broken so I told her that if she really loved me , she is always welcome into my life.", he said slowly. Tai slapped him gently. Zain stared at her in confusion. " Youngsters these days ! Is that the way you convince your lover? Even if she wants to come back, she will never come back. I have known a lot about her in these few months. Unlike you, she have big ego inside her. She won't come back to you because you didn't tell her directly to come back into your life.", she explained.

"Now I have to sort this mess out. Take me to her place.", she ordered him. "But what if she left?", he asked naively. "You gave up so easily. What if she hasn't left. Only if we go there, we will know. Even if she did, we will go to her hometown and get her. ", she said, grabbing his hand like mother dragging her little son to school.  

Jasmine was all set to leave for tomorrow. She wanted leave today. But train tickets were all booked for a week. She could only manage to get the next morning flight. Zainab and Tina persuaded her many times to not to go back. She didn't listen. She locked herself inside the room to avoid them. Suddenly she heard the bell rang. She could hear voices of Tai and Zain outside. She was surprised. She opened the door out of curiosity. Tai got closer to her. She held her hands. "I am here for two reasons. One is to say sorry for all wrongs things I told you as well as causing mess between you and Zain. I was angry. Second reason is to stop you from making blunder in your life.", she said.

"Tai, why are you apologizing for the mistake we made? We were naive and gullible. We thought we could understand each other if we live in. For that, we lied to our parents and you. We should be asking for forgiveness.", Jasmine spoke at last. "Why are breaking up with him? Don't you love him.", Tai asked. Jasmine felt heavy with emotions. She did love him. "Your face says you do love him. You know what's your mistake. You take things too seriously. Fights happen in every relationship. But that doesn't mean that you let it impact your relationships. When you love a person truly, you should learn to accept their flaws too. Don't break of the relationships for tiny misunderstanding. If it's due to me, you are breaking off the relationship. You are making a blunder. He has supported you in your struggles. He stuck to you through thick and thin. Whenever you were angry, he tried to mend his ways. No one is perfect. He is innocent. He doesn't understand the tricks of world. But you do. You can help him. Let him bring the calmness you lack and you bring in some sense into his brain which he lacks.", Tai advised. Jasmine began to cry.  Without thinking, she ran towards him, hugged him and said, "I am sorry. Can you please let me into your life?". He said yes while everyone cheered.

                                           *****  The End *****