Healing Hearts

10 - Press conference

~ Aditya pov

A week has passed since that incident. Niyati is better now, but I can see in her eyes the loneliness she feels. She smiles most of the time, or better said when she is around people. But one day, when I saw her alone in the building's garden, she was sitting silently, trying to hold back her tears, like she was telling herself that she needed to be strong.

She is indeed a solid girl. I have seen her hiding her emotions and making others happy. Like, the day after that incident, when she called her kids, she had the brightest smile. She forgot about everything and just focused on them. The same I have noticed when she is with Isha. These days, Isha and Niyati have formed a bond. Whenever they meet they have a special greeting gesture. No one apart from them knows what it means. And they deny telling anyone.

Hopefully, now that the film shooting is going to begin soon, I think her mind will divert from that Jahaan and she will again be the Niyati I met.

- Sir, the press conference is about to start - said Suraj coming into my van.

- Has everyone reached? - I asked

- Yes sir. But Arun sir has said you and Niyati should enter separately - he said.

- What? - I was confused. This film is a romantic thriller, a love story of a criminal and a mute girl, so we should make an entry together. I always enter the press conference with the female lead. Especially if it is a romantic film.

- I don't know why. But this is what he said - replied Suraj.

- Fine, let's go - I came out of the van and went inside the hall where the press conference was held.

I see there are reporters from almost all the news channels. Of course, they will be here, after all, they want the spicy news of me and Anamika. If anyone asks any question that is out of line, I will lose my shit.

- Hello everyone - announced Arun - we are here to announce our upcoming film, which will be directed by Nakul Khurrana having Aditya Khurrana as the lead.

The cameras started flashing as he announced. I can predict the questions coming.

- For this film, we are happy to welcome a record-holding actress to our team. She has done multiple theatre plays and is a perfectionist when it comes to dance. - I felt extremely proud of Arun's choice of words- Please welcome, Niyati.

Now I understand why he wanted us to enter separately. He wanted Niyati to make an impression and not get overshadowed by me. I like the importance he is giving her. Though the real reason is his distrust on me, but if this way Niyati is getting attention, I happily accept being sidelined.

We saw Niyati entering the hall in a blue saree. Her hair had soft curls which were touching her cheeks. She wore very light makeup, and her glow cannot be described. She is the most beautiful person I have ever met. And her simplicity makes me repeat my words every now and then.

- This girl doesn't know how to create an impression. This is the first time she is appearing in media but she chose a saree. At least she could have worn it revealingly - whispered Shanaya next to me.

I looked at her giving a warning. Which she understood and kept quiet. Niyati came on the stage. She said hello to everyone and we sat in our seats ready to begin the press conference.

- You can begin with the questions - said Shanaya initiating the conference.

- Sir may I? - said one of the journalist

Arun instructed him to ask.

- Sir, if I am right, there were initial talks about Anamika Advani doing this film. Then why these sudden changes? - he asked as if he didn't know why these sudden changes. Argh I want to leave.