It's Complicated

Twenty Seven

Ashwin flipped through the script in his hands half-heartedly, scanning the pages as an obligation.

After getting kicked out of the Lotus Studios project, there was a huge hole in his work schedule that no rising actor would want. His manager was  scrambling to find new projects for him but nothing had been appealing so far.

"I can tell by your face that you hate it," Rahul said with a sigh.

"Illa, it's just so... uninspired. Intha maari yethana thriller padam vanthuruku."

"Listen Ash, you have to adjust a little. If you want to start shooting immediately, then this is what's available. Or else you'll have to wait."

Ashwin leant back in his chair.

"Then I'll wait. Nothing new for me."

The two went on to discuss Ashwin's next possibilities and other work matters until their meeting wrapped up.

As they walked out the office together, Rahul suddenly turned to him.

"Hey, how about we officially announce your engagement? It'll keep media and press attention on you and fill in the gap while we find the right film. We could do a photoshoot and-"

"Yeah... I don't think that engagement is going to happen," Ashwin said, cutting in.

Rahul frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean Kavya and I... that's not going to work out."

Rahul blinked, trying to understand what had suddenly shifted. When Ashwin and him discussed the topic two months back he seemed totally into her and the relationship.

"This is a bit of a shock, Ash. You two seemed so perfect for each other."

He shrugged.

"Only on paper I guess."

"Are you sure you're not over-blowing some small differences?"

"I'm sure."

Rahul felt panicked at the revelation, realizing he was put into an uncomfortable position. Everything that was planned tonight...

Ashwin watched as his manager opened his mouth to say something, but decide against it.

"Enna achu Rahul? Ethathu sollanuma?"

"Um... nothing. Just maybe take some time to reconsider, Ashwin. Don't be rash."

Rahul waved goodbye and walked to his car uneasily. He wondered if he should have said something. But it was too late to go back on it.

As Ashwin turned on his car engine, his phone rang out loudly. He quickly picked it up.

"Hello, this is Ashwin."

"Hi partner, eppadi irrikinga?"

He chuckled.

"Sarath? Enna da, pesi romba naal achu?"

"Aama bro, intha puthu comedy show la konjam busy ayuten."

"Busy ah irrunthalum phone ah thana nonditurupe, unna pathi ennaku theriyatha?"

Sarath chuckled.

"Athu seri thaan. Okay ippo free ah irrikingala? Ennaku konjam help thavai."