Off Script Story | ✔

20- Game of Destiny

Maya

I stood bewildered, staring, or probably glaring at the man standing in front of me. How did this happen? 

Why is he standing here? Isn't the hero supposed to be here? Why him? 

My mind was filled with a jar of questions but I doubt myself to be able to utter those. With every second, my heart was crashing down with my hopes dying. The man in front of me was checking me and was constantly rubbing his eyes, making me want to punch his eyes blind. 

I turned towards Ramesh sir who was happily smiling at both of us." Do you guys know each other? Great." 

" You both look amazingly charming together." Samyukta ma'am commented, making me cringe. 

My temper rose with every second with a bunch of confusion piling up but my mind lost my remaining senses when ma'am pushed me to stand beside the man. I gritted, looking at his face when he too made a disapproving expression.

We both started at Ramesh sir and Samyukta ma'am. " A masterpiece on-screen couple— Maya and Ajay as Rani and Vicky." They both smiled at each other and that is when I realized my life is doomed. 

★★★

A few hours back

I took a step into the hefty office with all four walls, attracting every piece of my soul. They were covered with paintings of great artists of the century and had a tree collage with posters of classic films like Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Padosan and others. I took a seat on the couch near the entrance. 

Covering my belly with my bag, I prayed to all the deities, whoever was listening, to guide me and let things happen in the best way. 

The staff were busily moving when I saw a girl approaching me. I stood up as she led me into Ramesh sir's cabin. I took a deep breath and clutched the keyring around my fingers hoping this ring helps me today.

As I stepped in, I saw Ramesh sir and Samyukta ma'am sitting across the table. I took my seat but not before nervously greeting them. I passed my portfolio to them with a smile awkwardly hanging on my face. 

" Maya Padwal… You are one confident girl to speak your thoughts as an aspiring actor. Impressive," Samyukta ma'am said, making me slightly shocked. " I heard the whole thing and I heard how you handled the situation. But one thing to advise, don't be so rash. It is real life; confidence is another thing but you could have lost your chance in that way." 

" Sorry, ma'am, but I think I wasn't completely wrong. Well, of course, I will try to not make rash decisions." 

Ramesh sir laughed out, all of a sudden and I couldn't help but stare at him blankly. Even Samyukta was looking at him, shaking her head as if she is too tired of this daily thing.

" It feels like the 3 idiots job interview scene." I was dumbfounded at his off-topic comment and saw ma'am pressing her right temples. 

As he gestured to me to rate his joke, I felt the sudden urge to appreciate his effort. I immediately broke into maniac laughter which sounded more like a ghost haunting the town.

I could feel both of their gazes, one was extremely happy and the other made her face similar to those popular memes on the internet. 

" Maya, can you give a live audition? And then we can select on the basis?" 

" Sure, sir." 

He led me to another room which had a few cameramen adjusting the camera lens and a few just crunched on their biscuits. I was given a line from the movie to mug up and give a live audition.