**Chapter 2: Raj Ka Sapna**

2 0 0
                                    

**Chapter 2: Raj Ka Sapna**

Mumbai ki subah, with its signature mix of chaos and charm, begins to stir as the sun peeks over the horizon. In the heart of the city, in a modest yet cozy apartment, Raj Malhotra wakes up with a determined glint in his eyes. At 28, Raj is an aspiring filmmaker with dreams as vast as the Bollywood industry itself. His room, a reflection of his passion, is adorned with posters of classic films, scripts scattered around, and a prized camera sitting on his desk.

Raj’s family is rooted in traditional values. His mother, Shalini Malhotra, is the epitome of a loving yet firm Indian mother, always concerned about her children’s well-being. His father, Raghav Malhotra, a retired banker, is a man of few words but strong principles. They’ve always been supportive of Raj’s dreams, but their support comes with the hope that he will also uphold family traditions and responsibilities.

Today, Raj is particularly focused. He has a meeting with a potential producer who might be interested in his script. As he gets ready, his mother, Shalini, calls out from the kitchen, “Raj, beta, nashta toh kar lo.”

“Maa, mujhe der ho rahi hai. Baad mein kha loonga,” he replies, grabbing an apple on his way out.

“Apne sapno ke peeche bhaagte bhaagte, khud ko bhool mat jaana,” his father’s voice trails after him, filled with concern.

Raj rushes to meet his best friend and cinematographer, Arjun, at their favorite café. Arjun is already there, sipping on his coffee and reviewing some footage on his laptop.

“Bhai, tu hamesha late kyun hota hai?” Arjun teases as Raj slides into the seat opposite him.

“Traffic yaar, Mumbai ki traffic. Waise, script ready hai na?” Raj asks, a mix of excitement and anxiety in his voice.

“Bilkul. Yeh producer kaafi promising lagta hai. Agar sab theek raha toh humara sapna sach ho sakta hai,” Arjun says, patting Raj on the back.

The meeting with the producer goes better than expected. He’s intrigued by Raj’s story, a compelling drama with a unique twist. They discuss potential changes, funding, and timelines. As Raj leaves the meeting, he can’t help but feel a surge of hope and excitement.

Back home, Raj’s parents wait anxiously for his return. When he walks in, his mother bombards him with questions. “Kaise gaya meeting? Kya kaha unhone?”

Raj, grinning from ear to ear, says, “Maa, they liked it! Lagta hai yeh film ban sakti hai.”

Shalini and Raghav share a proud smile, though Raghav quickly adds, “Sapne dekhna zaroori hai, beta, par zameen se jude rehna usse bhi zaroori hai.”

As Raj heads to his room, his mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and plans. He knows the journey ahead won’t be easy, but he’s ready to face the challenges. His passion for storytelling is his driving force, and with Arjun by his side, he feels unstoppable.

That night, as he lies in bed, Raj thinks about his dream of making a mark in Bollywood. He imagines his name in the credits, the applause of the audience, and the satisfaction of bringing a story to life. But amidst these dreams, there’s a lingering thought – the pressure to fulfill his family’s expectations and the unknown path that lies ahead.

In the silence of his room, Raj vows to himself, “Main apne sapno ko zaroor haqiqat banaunga.” With that resolve, he drifts off to sleep, ready to take on the world one frame at a time.

---

This chapter delves into Raj's aspirations, his supportive yet traditional family, and his steps towards achieving his dreams. Let me know if you need any changes or additional details!

Kismet Ki Kahani Where stories live. Discover now