Tender Storm

Chapter 2

"Art is purely based on imagination...in simple words of a millennial, it's like flirting with your skills..."

The art exhibition had few lookers, most of which were interns who listened to every word that came out of the speaker's mouth.

It wasn't just the screen presence which Aman Shrivastav carried but also the charismatic personality which attracted the audience, mostly the opposite sex.

At twenty eight, Aman was the successful artist in the area, who ran his own art gallery after having worked for the famous painter Sahani. It was a dream come true and as his popularity increased, he parted ways with the old man to make his own destiny.

He wrapped up his speech and after thanking everyone present in the room, walked out of the gallery.

"Excuse me?" A girl who he observed to be a teenager came rushing to him "can I have a word?"

"Sure" he gave a warm smile and she slightly blushed, much to his amusement.

"That was an awesome presentation!" the girl let out in a single breath "and your paintings really touched my heart! They're just so...wow".

"Thanks" he said "I'm glad you were attentive". She brightened at that "oh I was! I hardly took my eyes off you!"

Aman felt a red signal coming on "that was...overwhelming" he blurted and pretended to check his watch "listen, I've got to be somewhere... thanks for your lovely words though".

The girl extended a canvas "okay but please can I have your autograph? I was dying to meet you in person..I've heard a lot about you so..."

Aman scanned the painting and saw that it wasn't bad, it just needed a lot of corrections and the colours were all over the place. But he didn't want to break the poor kid's heart "it's brilliant" he said in a tone of enthusiasm and signed his signature on the bottom with the words 'fly high' written below.

The girl looked at him with awe "oh my God! Thank you so much! I will protect it with my heart".

He raised a suspicious eyebrow "yeah sure...listen I've to go..all the best" he turned to go when he realized she was still following him "I want to work with you...get to know about art better..can we please meet so that..."

"I'm sorry dear" he cut her before she could complete "I've to go".

He took out his car keys and started the ignition when his cellphone buzzed.

"How did it go?" Debu, his assistant and co partner's voice filled his ears.

"Why did you even sign me up for this?" Aman asked in slight irritation as he turned the car out of the parking lot "they were freaking teens...one girl almost asked me out".

There was laughter after which Debu said "sorry about that. I thought such orientations will be good for the publicity".

"I don't need such publicity..I'm happy with my clients" Aman retorted "anyway I'm calling it a day.."

"What? It's just four dude!" Debu yelled, much to Aman's satisfaction "and your recent fan is back again.. and this time she's too persuasive.."

Aman didn't even need to ask who it was. His recent work on 'heavenly body' was a hit and it was too personal as he didn't want to sell it and kept it for the exhibition. But Mrs Piya Shah, wife of an eminent entrepreneur who was present at the time wouldn't relent as she had liked it very much. As much as Debu had convinced her that it wasn't for sale, she was adamant.

"Show her the recent one" Aman said lazily; he didn't have time for tantrums.

"She's too adamant" Debu stressed each word "this is the best opportunity for us...she could be the perfect advertisement..think about it. She's asking for.."