#1 in cinema (31/8/2021)
People change. Feeling change. It doesn't mean that the love once shared wasn't true and real. Sometimes the silver screen makes us fall for the characters' ideal fairytale love. However, there are more things behind the cam...
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"Do you have any idea how rubbish you all are sounding? Can't you see he needs medical help? Are these gossips and yellow journalism bigger than a person's health and life? Shame on you guys. Be a human first before doing your fucking jobs."
Nandini sounds hysteric. She instructs the men who are helping Manik to walk. She wants him to get into her flat as soon as possible. After that, she needs a face-off with this drama king. Enough is enough. Now, he has to be paid with his own coin. Nandini tries to pass through the crowd but as usual, sometimes the clingy reporters and photographers don't even spare a dead body from their ridiculous interview.
"Ma'am, one minute, is it true that Manik Malhotra and you are married? Then why don't you both admit it? What is the reason behind this secrecy?"
A female journalist asks with enthusiasm. She looks like an intern but did her homework quite well. Nandini pasts her and replies,
"No comments..."
A rigid veteran reporter doesn't want to spare her so easily,
"You can't avoid our questions Ma'am. It's our right to know all this. Don't forget that we can make stars with our publicity."
Nandini flips at that guy with a vehement look and sarcastic smile.
"Really? You think so? We are stars because of your benevolence! Thank you so much. I didn't know that you are Gods. You can make someone's career and even can destroy it with the power of your pen! Listen...we are actors. Whatever we have achieved is because of our hard work. We owe the silver screen but we have our lives too. Because before an actor we are human beings and nobody...I mean nobody is allowed to question our private lives. But as you said you have a right to know, I just want to change it a bit. You are bound to your job and unfortunately, mudslinging and gossiping is a part of this profession. You earn bread and butter at the cost of our life stories. So, I won't disappoint you all. Manik Malhotra is living in my flat for the past 2 days because, during our film shooting, he got injured. I know you all are aware of this news. Doctors suggested proper rest and care for him. As a well-wisher, I got him in my place because he doesn't have any family member or close friend who can take care of him. Now, you all can have a conjecture about this helping gesture of mine. I really don't care. I know I am doing right and for that, I don't need to give any explanation to anyone. Now, please excuse us. I need to call the doctor. PLEASE.!"
She stresses the last word and it works. The crowd, at last, give them a way out. Nandini scrolls the contact list and finds out the doctor's number. She taps the call button and heads to her flat building. Manik is still in his dizzy stage. 2-3 men support him to enter the lift and finally get into the flat.
.............................................
Two hours have been passed. The doctor came and freshly dressed Manik's wound. It is not that serious. Because of the exercise, the muscles near the wound contracted and the blood oozed out. Manik took the medicine and like an obedient boy is now lying on the bed. Nandini makes some soup and comes to the guest room. She places the steamy bowl on the table and nears the bed.
"I know that you are not sleeping. Nor you were unconscious in the gym. You were acting but unfortunately, I am also an actress. I know all these tricks. So, tell me the truth. Why these dramas?"
Her flat tone pours into Manik's ears. He slowly opens his eyes and meets her solemn face.
"You know the truth. I just want to make it tough for you."
His impassive words bring a frown to her face.
"At the cost of your health?"
She again asks. Manik smirks and retorts,
"Even at the cost of my life."
Nandini exhales sharply and again enquires,
"You hate me so much that you can even bet your life and career!"
In reply to her words, Manik snickers.
"This time I bet your career and reputation."
He says confidently which brings an insolent smile to her face. She asks quizzically,
"Are you sure? I think you should check on the headlines."
She chuckles mischievously and lifts the remote control to switch on the TV. Manik's brows form a deep 'V' on his forehead. He rises and sits reclining on the bed rest. 'BREAKING NEWS' the lines are continuously flashing on the TV screen.
"Today morning superstar Manik Malhotra has been found unconscious inside a gym. It was said that he was exercising despite being injured on his set. The most shocking thing is that the gym is a part of the 'Sweven' complex where Bollywood actress Nandini Murthy resides. When our reporters asked her about this, she informed us that Manik Malhotra is staying with her for the last 2 days. She also said that she is taking care of him as a true friend and well-wisher. Now, this is something really appreciable when most of the people of film fraternity always escape from their human duty, Nandini Murthy came forward and showed her courage. Maybe some news channels will speculate negatively about this good gesture but we praise her emotional side. She proved that she is not only a brilliant actress but a good-hearted lady. Our sources tried to talk to Manik Malhotra too but unfortunately, he is under medical guidelines. Hope we will take his point of view on this matter very soon. Nandini Murthy further said...."
Nandini switches off the TV and turns at Manik.
"Sometimes our plan backfires Mr Malhotra. I didn't plan anything to portray myself as a good-hearted woman. My truth proved itself. You wanted to ruin my reputation but alas! It came cleaner and stronger. Bad luck my superstar."
She utters sardonically and continues,
"Have the soup, so that, you get well soon to leave this place as soon. Your manager Rose must have been waiting for your bath session."
She scoffs and turns on her heels to exit. In the blink of an eye, Manik springs up from the bed and grabs her forearm. He yanks her viciously and catapults her towards the bed. Nandini plummets on the mattress with a suppressed wail. Manik leans over her and hisses out,
"Before that bath session, I want a bed session right now. You want me to be fit and fine, right and for that medicine is required. Sex also works as a medicine for me. Serve me, Ms Nandini Murthy. Be a benevolent host, a good-hearted lady."
He kneels on the bed and comes closer. Nandini's scared eyes meet his burning brown orbs.
Author's note: Is it Manik's new step to weaken Nandini's willpower or he truly wants to ruin her dignity? Some more exciting revelation will come out. Stay tuned.👍❤
