Behind the Camera (Complete✅)

Chapter 8 - "Reel life or real life?..."

"Pyaar ya Kalank...scene no 55 ....ACTION...."

As Director Tanay Chopra calls, Manik drags Nandini by her wrist and steps on the temple stairs at a quick pace. The scene which is being shot in a temple area situated inside the studio premises is Rajveer the male protagonist has forcefully got his love interest Namrata in the temple to prove his love for her. The scene is emotional and laced with high voltage drama. The Director wants perfect performance from both the lead actors. Manik is dragging Nandini with full force while Nandini is acting as being shocked and frightened. Manik aka Rajveer chides with full emotion,

"You don't trust my love....right? Today I will prove how much I love you and what extent I can go to get you."

He quickly covers the steps and brings Nandini aka Namrata in front of the temple door. Nandini is still trying to free her hand from his clutch. Manik again delivers his dialogue,

"You always kept faith in this stone idol. So, today he will be the witness of my promise....my love for you."

Saying this he again yanks Nandini and with his right hand, he takes a pinch of sindoor (Vermilion) from the Aarti plate and all of a sudden, fills the partition of her hair. Nandini widens her eyes with sheer astonishment and touches the hairline to grok what actually Rajveer, the hero has done. Some sindoor stains her fingertips and she nears them to her dilated eyes. Some tears escape her eyes and she steps back at a staggering pace. Pain, astonishment and love all are emitting from every line of her face. Nandini aka Namrata mutters under her quivering breath,

"What did you do, Raj? Why did you do it?"

Her voice is laced with all emotions. Manik aka Rajveer saunters at her and cups her cheeks. For a moment, both of their eyes remain locked with sheer love, passion and desire.

"I did what I want to do. You are mine and I made you mine with this ritual. Now, God is the witness of my love. Namrata was always Rajveer's and she will always be his."

By saying this Manik snogs her forehead and Nandini closes her eyes with submission.

"CUT.....Awesome guys...it was really something. I am telling you both, this will be the highlight of this movie. Very emotional....perfect. Okay, now you both can take a break. The next scene will be a fight scene of Manik with the villain. So, Nandini if you want you can go for a walk. I know you are tired and this small break will freshen you up. After that, you can get your make up and hair done. No problem."

Director Chopra tries to assure. Nandini nods with a blank face and is about to leave when Manik questions while observing Nandini from the corner of his eyes,

"Be a bit considerate to me, Mr Chopra. As per the script the villain Ajit Thakur will kick me and I have to roll down from the staircase. God knows, how dangerous it would be? Last time, I had to be hospitalized for a week to give a perfect fight shot. Don't let the storyline repeat it again. I know I have no one to cry after me. But still, life is life...ha..ha.."

His lines automatically halt Nandini's step and her jaws become hard. The Director reciprocates with equal jest,

"Don't worry, Mr Malhotra. We can't afford any accident of yours. All safety measures will be taken. So, chill..."

Nandini doesn't stay any longer and comes to her vanity. Arnav was supposed to wait but he called her and left as it was urgent. Nandini closes the vanity door and straight heads to the bathroom. She badly wants a hot bath. After that, she will take a catnap. As she enters the bathroom, the big mirror reflects her image. Suddenly her breath hitches. Nandini ambles to the mirror and stands plumb. Some flashes of past start passing her mind. She touches her hairline. A suppressed lament comes out from her parted lips,

"You forgot, Mamik!"

Flashback:

The priest is chanting the mantra and offering the ghee and other things into the sacred fire. Manik and Nandini's hands are placed one over another and tied with the sacred thread. The priest places a marigold flower on their hands and says,

"Offer this to the fire and get up for Jaimala (Garland exchange).

Manik looks at Nandini's shy yet gleaming face and winks. Both get up and start circling the holy fire of oblation. The priest chants and Manik and Nandini repeat on the first round,

Manik: "Om esha ekapadi bhava iti prathaman....(I will provide welfare and happiness for you and the children that we bear and you shall offer me food and help whenever it is required.)

Nandini: "Dhanam dhanyam pade vadet....( I promise to be responsible for the complete household management.)

They take the fourth round and chant the vows,

Manik: "Om mayo bhavyas jaradastaya ha.....(I vow to make your life complete and promise to respect you)

Nandini: "Lalayami cha pade vadet....(I will shower you with joy and happiness and will do everything to make you happy.)

Then they take the fifth round and oath,

Manik: "Om prajabhyaha santu jaradastayaha...(You are my best friend and well-wisher. May God bless you.)

Nandini: "Arte arba sapade vadet....(I promise to love and cherish you and fulfil all your wishes.)

Now they are taking the last round and the seventh vow,

Manik: "Om sakhi jaradastayahga...(We are now husband and wife and we will stay together for eternity.)

Nandini: "Attranshe sakshino vadet pade...(God being the witness, now, I am your wife and both of us will cherish and honour each other forever.)

Manik takes the sindoor and fills Nandini's hairline. Some particles fall on her nose. She smiles at Manik."

Present time:

Nandini sloshes water on her face. The wet and melting sindoor makes a trail on her forehead.

"Manik...you have forgotten everything..."

She whispers. Suddenly someone knocks at the bathroom door.

"Didi...come out soon. Manik Sir is injured...!"

Author's note: What happened to Manik? Will Nandini forget her pain and go to him again? With some more revelation... the next chapter is coming soon. Stay tuned...❤❤