Behind the Camera (Complete✅)

Chapter 9 -"Page three news..."

As Nandini storms like an insane soul to the location where the fight sequence was supposed to be shot, she sees a small yet dense gathering buzzing about something. An unknown fear numbs her limbs. Still, she propels her stiff legs towards the spot. As she is nearing the throng the unclear words are gradually getting audible.

"No...No..it was not Mr Chopra's fault. He told Manik Sir to use body double but as usual, he denied."....... "It could have been fatal if the cut had been a little deeper."..... "Thank god the sword missed his heart."..... "I am still getting shiver...uff.."

Nandini can't hear more and she invades the crowd and forcefully pushes her way through it to reach her destination. The sight gives her one more jolt. Manik is sitting on a chair. His eyes are closed and his face is distorted in pain. With his right hand, he is pressing the ribcage just below his heart. The white shirt is soaked with blood. Director Tanay Chopra is frantically talking on his phone.

"Yes, immediately! Send the ambulance. I don't want to hear anything. It's an emergency and I need a doctor along with the ambulance. Make it fast...quick."

Nandini approaches Manik's chair with timid steps. Right now, her mind is as blank as space. The surrounding is getting blurred while Manik's pained and winced face is the only thing that is prominent in her eyes. She doesn't know when she reached him and rested her hand on his head. A soft and familiar touch makes Manik open his eyes. The view is unexpected yet wished. His eyes meet Nandini's frightful and worried orbs. Both are looking at each other. One with fear and one with surprise.

"Who told you to risk your life? Can't you keep a single promise? What do you think of yourself? Any superhero? This is enough Manik Malhotra!"

Nandini hisses under her breath which makes Manik widen his eyes. After a long time, he becomes fortunate to see this old Nandini. His tigress. Amusement beams in his eyes. Nandini was about to scold him more when the Director nears them and says in an approving tone,

"Absolutely right, Ms Murthy! He indeed thinks himself a superhero. Otherwise, who takes this kind of risk? Now, only you can make him understand that realistic acting doesn't mean you really have to put your life at stake. It's not at all accepted.."

He wobbles his head with despair and annoyance. During this, Manik is observing Nandini who is still caressing his hair unmindfully. A nonchalant smile peeps on his lips,

"Sometimes risk-taking is worthwhile, Mr Chopra. But forget it. You won't understand."

Both Nandini and Tanay Chopra look at Manik with crunched brows. This man likes creating mystery. Manik chuckles and keeps on looking at Nandini. Suddenly everything becomes clear to her. She looks around and feels that all are observing them minutely. Especially their inquisitive eyes are fixed on her fingers which are still playing through Manik's hair. She inhales sharply and immediately pulls back her hand with hell embarrassment. Only then, someone yells from the crowd,

"THE AMBULANCE IS HERE..."

Nandini looks in that direction and sags in relief. Only then, she hears a husky whisper,

"Henceforth I will keep my promise if you come with me in the ambulance."

...................................................

Two hours pass. Nandini has come to the nursing home with Manik in the same ambulance. It's not an exception. These kinds of situations happened numerous times in their life and most of the time Nandini had to surrender in front of Manik's obstinance. Right now, Nandini is not even thinking of that. The good thing is Manik's injury is not that severe. Though he gets four stitches and advice of two days of bed rest. Like a small kid, Manik was throwing tantrums in front of the doctors about his rest and medicine. Needless to say, Nandini again had to raise her voice and the hero eventually is sitting on the patent bed with a grumpy face. The doctor is ready to discharge him if there is any close one in Manik's house who can take care of him intensively during these two days. Being a rich superstar, Manik has many servants in his bungalow but can they take this responsibility? This question is bothering Nandini. She is sitting on a chair kept in the lobby, ruminating over this matter. Manik is changing his dress inside. After that, she will drop him off at his house and will straight leave for her home. Her duty is over. Tanay Chopra has cancelled the shooting for three days. So, it is a long weekend for her too. Nandini sags in relief. Suddenly the volume of the TV in the reception attracts her attention. Some scattered words invade her alert ears,

"Nandini Murthy.....video clip...Manik Malhotra....old fling...love story...Bollywood couple..."

Nandini gets up and saunters at the reception area. There are very limited people sitting here and there. However, all are engrossed, watching the news flashing on the TV. Nandini doesn't notice that as she enters the reception area, all inquisitive eyes veer to her. Nandini keep on looking at the TV screen where the headlines are flashing,

"Bollywood superstar Manik Malhotra met with an accident today when he was shooting for his upcoming romantic drama Pyaar ya kalank. His fans are shocked and worried and praying for his speedy recovery. However, one more thing has come into the limelight when a video clip gets viral. In this clip, it is shown how Nandini Murthy, his costar of this film was caressing his hair when he was in pain. From this video, it is clear that no matter how much they refuse, Manik Malhotra and Nandini Murthy share a very special bond that is not limited to a professional relationship. Fans are happy as they are hopeful for their reconciliation. It is needed to mention that Manik Malhotra and Nandini Murthy were rumoured couples and both of their fans were too excited to hear the expected news of their marriage. However, last year their break-up news broke their entire fans' hope and heart. It is heard that in a press conference Manik Malhotra himself denied his marriage rumour with Nandini Murthy. He also denied any romantic relationship with her. But today's video clip is saying something else. Can we say that old fling and love story is about to begin?"

Nandini's jaws get hard. She feels like slapping herself right here right now. How could she be so calas? Why can't she control her emotion when it comes to Manik. But enough is enough. She has to leave right now or it will be the next headline for these stupid news channels. She grabs the clutch tightly and was about to head the exit when someone bangs with her.

"Mind your steps honey...what's the rush?"

The voice halts Nandini's steps.

Author's note: Who collided with Nandini? Should Nandini take care of Manik? Why Manik denied their marriage? Will get revealed in the next chapter. So, get hooked..😊❤