Reel To Real

Chapyer 24: Red Carpet

On the day of the premiere, I adorned myself in the most stunning saree, a piece of art that draped gracefully around me. The saree was a rich, deep color with intricate golden embroidery, making me look like a traditional Indian model. My blouse matched the saree, and it was designed to complement the overall look flawlessly. Elaborate jewelry and ornaments adorned my neck, ears, and wrists, each piece adding to the grandeur of the ensemble. My makeup was meticulous, emphasizing my features and enhancing the beauty of the saree. I even had matching nail polish to complete the look, every detail carefully chosen to make me shine on this special night.

To my surprise, Geeta approached me from behind and enveloped me in a warm hug. Without uttering a word, she captured a picture of us together, and then, she revealed two boxes she had been holding. Opening the first one, I saw vibrant red vermillion powder. She gently took some between her fingers and applied it to the parting of my hair, a traditional symbol of a married woman. Next, she opened the second box, revealing a delicate mangalsutra. Placing it around my neck and securing it from behind, she marked our bond in a ceremonial way, signifying our connection. I was taken aback, my heart fluttering with joy and a sense of acceptance as her loving wife. I remained stunned, unable to find words to express my feelings.

Without a word, Geeta extended her arm to me, much like a gentleman would to his lady. In this moment, I accepted her arm, recognizing the roles we were playing. Together, we entered the car and arrived at the premiere's red carpet. The flashing cameras of photographers eagerly captured every detail of my appearance, ensuring that the world would see my stunning look.

As we made our way inside the venue, a group of paparazzi eagerly reported on the spectacle. We were greeted by a gathering of actors, including some of the biggest names and industry legends. They genuinely smiled at me, offering words of comfort and support, expressing their pride in my beautiful art form and self-expression. I greeted as many of them as I could, humbled by their warm reception. Finally, we entered the theater, where I took my seat next to Geeta, ready to witness the premiere of the film.

The premiere was an extraordinary moment in my life, a culmination of my journey that had me fully embracing the role of the most feminine woman I had ever portrayed. Every second of the evening was charged with emotions, and as the film's opening scenes unfolded, my heart was gripped by a tidal wave of feelings.

The cinematography was nothing short of perfection, and the storytelling was so masterful that each scene hit me like a sledgehammer of emotions. My performance had reached new heights, radiating maturity and nearly achieving perfection. At that moment, the outside world faded away, and I was entirely immersed in the captivating world the film had created.

It was a roller coaster ride of emotions, and I felt every peak and valley deeply. What struck me was how the story on screen mirrored the very essence of my own life's journey. It echoed the transformation from a struggling addict and a bankrupt individual to the vibrant, joyful woman I had become as Arya. Zoya and Nami's story was an eerie parallel to my own with Geeta, as both pairs had guided each other through the darkest of times, empowering us to embrace our true selves. They had shown us how to be our best, most authentic selves, rejecting societal norms and judgments, and living life on our terms. The message was as clear as a crystal-clear sky: live life to the fullest, stay true to who you are, and let not the opinions of others steer your course. It was my story, our story, and it was beautifully portrayed on that screen.

As I watched the scenes unfold, tears welled up in my eyes, and my emotions spilled over. The journey of the past two years flashed before me, and the emotional weight was almost too much to bear. I had painstakingly pieced my life together to create a broader, more beautiful picture, revealing the true essence of myself as Arya. And in that moment, I couldn't help but shed tears, feeling a deep connection to every moment, every emotion, and every realization, just as I hope the readers of this story are doing now.

As the final scene struck the audience with its powerful message, I was so deeply engrossed that I didn't even notice the end credits rolling. It was as if I had been transported into the film's world, and I was living every moment alongside the characters. It was only when the thunderous applause erupted around me that I was brought back to reality.

I rose from my seat to look upon the faces of the audience, their eyes glistening with tears yet bearing smiles of joy. What took my breath away was seeing even the legends of our industry, the very heroes I had grown up admiring, standing up for a standing ovation. I felt a profound disconnect with the real world, genuinely moved by the overwhelming response.

Then, to my astonishment, the legendary Mr. Amitav Bhansali, an icon in the world of cinema, took center stage with a microphone in hand. He began to speak, his voice resonating with the weight of decades of experience and wisdom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today we have gathered here for an occasion that was anticipated with excitement, but what we have witnessed tonight was far from ordinary. It was transcendent, an art form that defied our world's boundaries, a performance that none of us in this room could hope to match. Not me, not you, Dharmesh, not any of us. It was perfection.

The fact that every one of us had tears in our eyes speaks volumes. None could look away for even a second; we were all deeply invested. Yes, credit goes to Geeta, a director of remarkable talent, who conveyed a challenging story with a finesse that none could have envisioned. It was truly flawless.

But the true legend among us is the young woman before you, the epitome of elegance, a genuine hero in every sense, Arya. I apologize for my earlier slip; she is Arya now. She displayed the courage that none of us possess, choosing such a demanding script for her comeback film, immersing herself in the role, forging a bond with it that transcended the screen, and showing us the depths of human struggle.

This is her perfection, her masterpiece, the finest offering of her generation. She stands among us with the heart and mind of a true warrior, unafraid of the constraints and norms imposed by our society. She deserves not only our love but also the most thunderous rounds of applause and our utmost respect."

His words reverberated in the room, carrying the weight of a legend's endorsement and admiration. It was a moment of validation, of recognition, and it left a profound impact on me.

Mr. Amitav Bhansali approached me with a warm embrace, his words filled with pride. He handed me a beautiful bouquet and gently placed a golden shawl over my shoulders as a symbol of the utmost respect. It was a moment that touched me deeply, rendering me speechless. My teary eyes expressed what words couldn't convey, and he understood, holding my hands and leading me out of the dark theater.

As we emerged from the theater, a sea of people congratulated me genuinely, but I remained silent, lost in the surreal experience. I hadn't uttered a single word, and I couldn't find my voice, still enveloped in a bewildering haze.

Cameras flashed, and reporters bombarded me with questions, but their voices were distant echoes as I mentally resided in another world. Geeta skillfully guided me through the crowd and into our car, where we embarked on our journey home, though it proved to be a challenging endeavor given my speechless state.