What If..

She Was Mad at Him?

Prabhas took a deep breath before knocking on the bedroom door; his calls weren't answered, not that he was surprised. It was the morning after they landed in Dubai to promote their movie. The magnum opus was hitting screens very soon, and the director-producer duo, accompanied by their star cast, Anushka, Prabhas, and Rana, were hours away from interacting with the Gulf media and presenters. The evening was to be followed by an event where fans could catch a glimpse of the majestic actors.

The rebel star everyone knew was a gentle giant, a pookie, a darling, but with his Sweety, he was himself. 

She was obviously the only person he could show any emotion to and not worry about explaining himself. She was his rock—the most understanding partner a man could ask for and much more. He was, however, caught in a fix trying to figure out what was up with her behaviour towards him after breakfast with the team. She was hurrying to get ready for the event. With so much happening and all the people around, he couldn't find time to make it up—actually, to even ask what the issue was. She was the calmest person he knew—what possibly could have upset her? Didn't they just have an amazing night?

With all these thoughts running through his mind, he knocked again but was summoned by the director for a discussion in the lobby. "Sweetu, I can wait if you want me to."

A stern no was all to be heard; he instructed his personal assistant to wait outside and accompany Sweety and her make-up artist downstairs.

Rana and producer Shobu were already with SSR before Prabhas.

"Where's Sweety?" the director immediately asked.

"She's getting ready. Ramesh will get her."

Rajamouli paused for a brief second. "There's not much to remember because we will go by the flow—first a group interview outside on the deck, a recorded interview with the cast, next the press meet, and finally individual/group interviews for local media channels. The sequence might change, but we'll be informed. Again, let's go with the flow."

"Perfect!" Rana exclaimed. "Oh, Sweety's here."

Prabhas turned around and saw her walking with the assistants. She looked like a queen! The celeste blue saree, subtle gloss on her lips, perfect curls, and towering figure all made it difficult to tear his eyes off her. She smiled widely at everyone and noticed the discussion was over. Being the professional she was, her smile almost turned to a frown. "Am I too late?" she asked. 

"It's fine, Sweety. We are going to be early to the venue."

"You know Raj, he needs to get there before the reporters do." Prabhas chuckled, patting the director's shoulder. Everyone laughed except her.

"See, if I was also like you, we would reach there after they all left." SSR amusingly countered.

The celebrities took off to the venue.

Prabhas followed around and sat next to her during the interview on the deck, his knees brushing against the pleats of her saree and her leg. He turned to her, trying to smile time and again. She paid no heed whatsoever. 

It was then time for the press meeting. A group of tall and muscular bouncers were arranged to escort them to the auditorium. The director, producer, and Rana led the way, with the hero and heroine following closely. Anushka tried maintaining a distance and soon started chatting with one of the guards. Her partner, however, refused to let the conversation hold. He smiled while reaching out for her hand and dragged her in front. She reluctantly walked to the room filled with media personnel and freed herself as soon as they heard hoots and cheers. The dignitories invited Prabhas on stage first. He rolled up his sleeves, a frown evident on his face, checking if she would follow. Anushka made sure she ascended later and settled next to Rana on the leftmost seat, averting her gaze from the poor man.