Behind the Camera (Complete✅)

Chapter 17 - "Cinematic approach..."

It's been half an hour since Nandini has left for Arnav's office. The emotional tiff between Manik and Nandini before her leaving is bothering Manik a lot. Especially her last line after Manik spat those hurtful words, are hammering in his head like a never-ending impression.

"I care for you Manik. Despite being hurt by you numerous times, I can't ignore your presence in my life. But that doesn't mean I don't care about my dignity. I am going to Arnav's office not because I want to challenge your allegations but I know I am doing right. If I distrusted you then you didn't do any different. Think Manik! Komolika is your sister. So, Arnav is my....leave it. I know that you know it very well. It's just a matter of proving yourself right and how. Bye. Take rest. I will be back in an hour."

She left after that leaving a fuming tiger behind. Manik is pacing in the guest room like a caged beast. He is perspiring like hell. His tee-shirt is wet and stuck with his body making his every muscle visible. Manik looks at his wristwatch. This society where Nandini lives has a gym inside the premises. The residents avail free membership while the guests or some outsiders can use it by paying money for every hour. A mischievous smile creeps on his lips. He pulls out the sweaty tee-shirt and lower and changes to a gym outfit. He keeps the wallet inside his pocket and comes out clicking the automatic lock. Nandini has the key. She didn't give the duplicate key to him. Of course, she didn't expect him to go outside while she is not at home. Manik pulls down the hoody a bit more so that fewer people can recognize him. Although he hardly cares. Very soon he gets down to the parking area. He observes one of the guards is sitting on a chair, writing something on the entry book. He nears him and clears his throat,

"Ahem...listen, I am staying in Nandini Murthy's flat. She has gone outside but probably will come back after half an hour. If she asks about me, tell her that I am in the society gym."

Manik informs casually and turns on his heels to leave when the guard halts him with his over-enthusiastic voice,

"Manik Sir! Who doesn't know you? You are our idol. Please, Sir. One autograph. My kids are huge fans of yours. They will be super happy. Please, Sir."

Manik chuckles at him. A star never gets bored with praise and fans. He picks the pen up and signs his name on the diary that the guard forwards to him.

"You don't worry, Sir. Nobody will come to know that you are here. I even took Ma'am Nandini's autograph. She is so nice and humble. Nobody can say that she is such a big heroine. She doesn't have any tantrums or arrogance. Every day so many reporters come to gather news about her. They ask me so many questions. Sometimes I do want them to throw away from this area. They are so mean, Sir. They only want gossip about the movie stars, whether those are true or not. But I never say a word about Ma'am."

He perhaps will continue with his praise and self-control but Manik intervenes,

"But this time if any journalist comes and asks about me or her, say that I am staying here with her. Don't worry, it's a part of publicity. After all, more they will write about the stars like us more we will be famous. Right?"

He cocks his head with his killer style and winks at the guard. The poor guard nods with sheer confusion and admiration.

"Good, see you, dude. And yes, don't forget to tell her where I am."

Saying this Manik heads to the gym area, whistling nonchalantly.

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

"No...Nandu. I am serious. You didn't do right by keeping him in your flat. You know how the media and the netizen are. All keep their eagle eyes to silver screen stars' private lives. A single wrong step and they start their gossips and dirty mudslinging."

Arnav mouths obstinately. Nandini is skimming her inquisitive eyes on the script. Arnav's words make her lift his eyes to meet his eager ones.

"But I haven't taken any wrong step. He is injured, he needs proper care. So, I got him in my place. What is wrong with this?"

Her voice is laced with determination. Arnav gets up from his chair and comes to the opposite side of the table.

"The wrong is; the world doesn't know that you are husband and wife. Your Manik already cleared that question with a negative approach. In that case, why is he staying at your place? With what identity? With what relationship? Have you ever thought what will be the reaction of the media, film fraternity and your fans when they will come to know about this matter? What will be your position? Forget about Manik. I know he doesn't care about his image. In fact, he enjoys his bad and playboy image. But you don't deserve this."

Arnav shows his genuine concern. He can't see his best friend suffer more because of her so-called lover and husband. Nandini closes the script file and keeps it on the table. With a relaxed smile, he reclines behind.

"Then what do I deserve? A loveless life? A tangled and incomplete relationship? This ego clash is destroying both of our lives. Arnav, today I came over here not only to discuss this script but to let you know where was my mistake. I know you care about me like a real brother and sometimes even like a father but before concluding that your friend is always right and that man is always wrong, please listen to me. After that, decide whether it was my wrong step or a right step to get all the wrong things in the right place."

Nandini's words make Arnav keep quiet for a while. Both are staring at each other with determined eyes. Only then, Arnav breaks the silence and asks,

"Okay, go ahead. I don't want to be judgmental and I trust your intelligence too."

Nandini smiles at him and starts to narrate all the things that happened after Manik forcefully intruded into her flat. She told everything about Komolika, the fight club incident, Manik's injury and even about his intention to make her jealous of other girls like Aliya and his manager Rose. Arnav listens to every word without interrupting her at any point. After 10-15 minutes Nandini finishes her explanation and the whole story. She looks at him in demand of a positive response. However, Arnav further asks,

"So, he is now on a mission of punishing you. Punishing for not trusting him. Nandini, as I know him, he is a very stubborn and rude person when it comes to proving his point. He can go to any extent to hurt a person even if she is the most loved one of his. The fight club incident was an example of his obstinance and insanity. Are you sure you are ready to face his way beyond anger?"

Nandini bobs her head, biting her lower lip with determination.

"Yes, I am ready. I am ready to give any test to get him back."

Arnav's eyes beam with affection. He sighs and utters,

"I wish I could make him realise what gem he has gotten and how he is ignoring this treasure."

Nandini stares down with a shy smile.

"I will make him realise. It's not easy to ignore my love."

She was about to say more when her mobile rings. Her forehead furrows with confusion. She mumbles,

"Security guard!"

Author's note: Now, what is Manik up to? Will Nandini be successful to achieve her goal? Is something really big is going to happen in her life? To know all these, stay tuned.🙏❤ The lines in Italic are the flashback dialogues.