𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

CHAPTER 1

Kiara and Vijay pictured above.

dèpaysement

(n.) when someone is taken out of their own familiar world into a new one

After years of blood, sweat and tears working her way up through the Indian film industry, Kiara had finally accomplished international recognition. A few months ago, ABC Studios had offered her a role as the female lead in their upcoming TV series, 'Enlightenment'. The show was based on the book, 'Amy Cole Has Lost Her Mind' by Elizabeth McGivern, and told the story of a housewife struggling with the pressures of motherhood, depression and anxiety after an emotional loss. 

Kiara found herself captivated by the story, inspired by the idiosyncratic characters and their relatability. Though she was excited to receive this new opportunity, achieving stardom in the Hollywood film industry was never her end-goal. The Indian film industry, being vibrant in culture and history, was where she felt she belonged. While it was standard practice within Hollywood for the cast of any production to get acquainted with each other before shooting starts, the Indian film industry expected actors to have chemistry regardless of familiarity. As such, it was safe to say she felt incredibly out of depth. Today's meeting would determine whether she worked harmoniously with this cast and thus set the tone for the coming ten months she planned to work on this series.

The car slowed to a stop in front of the restaurant, reminding Kiara of the 'first-day jitters' she attempted to distract herself from. Her headphones blasted 'Everything Black' by Unlike Pluto through her ears as she took a deep breath, bracing herself for the onslaught of anxiety, but the idea of bumping shoulders with Hollywood's elite only served to further exacerbate her worries. Unplugging her headphones, she neatly tucked them into her handbag and glanced up at her agent, Kabir, who gave her a reassuring smile before patting his chest.

In keeping with their tradition, he recited, "We're golden."

She mirrored the action, replying, "We're golden."

Kabir Shergill was considered somewhat of a 'godfather' in the film industry. With his rugged good looks and chiselled jawline, one might assume this reputation attributed his intimidating presence but it actually alluded to his keen eye for talent and ability to create superstars. As such, he was the only agent courageous enough to believe in Kiara and thus she eventually grew to be one of the most influential public figures in India. Most agents had taken one look at her and decided justifying and fighting for her every decision just wasn't worth the effort. Being a woman in the Indian film industry meant any career choices would be second-guessed and subjected to immense scrutiny. Pair that with her commitment to pursue acting after having graduated law school, and she was essentially pariah. But this never deterred him– if anything it motivated him, and she rewarded his support with her loyalty. Their history aside, persistence and determination were traits they shared and likely the reason they worked so well together.

A pair of glossy men's Oxfords appeared in Kiara's field of vision as she slowly lifted her head, trailing her eyes along the dapper navy that barely hid his lean form chorded with muscle and up past the well-groomed beard to meet Kabir's gaze. Deep brown pools of warmth enveloped her in a sense of comfort and safety as she hugged him goodbye, trying to assimilate some of his confidence, and paused before opening the car door to gather her wits. She stepped out of the car and was instantly met with frantic shouts overlapping one another as the paparazzi camera flashes momentarily blinded her. She waved at the swarm of fans circling her car, stopping to autograph posters and take pictures.