*A Beautiful Nightmare*

'A castle deep in the meadows, way too free from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Big, charming, posh and grand. To everyone's eyes, the place seemed just so perfect. No one could ever imagine the void I experienced inside it. A black hole it was. Eerie and lonely...'

'Cut! Perfect shot! Now you can go to your vanity and prepare for the next shot.'

'I am already prepared sir! Call me when my shot is ready.'

She was one the most successful and hardworking heroines then. She was the queen of Bollywood. The most extravagant, glamorous, intelligent and respectful of all. But this never led her to a headstrong Chahat Malik. She was always 'The cupcake Chahat', everyone's sweetheart.

She had completed her shot and decided to relax for some time. She walked to the garden and sat on the bench when she saw a poor old man sitting near the bushes alone. She had never seen him before. He was in a ragged condition. She could guess that he was not someone from the crew.

'Excuse me! Who are you?'

'Leave me alone! I am not useful to you. Do your work.'

'I am sorry, but I have never seen you here before. You look hungry. Would you like to eat something.'

Chahat felt sympathised for him. She could sense a lot of pain in his eyes. She called the spot boy and asked for some water and food.

'I intend not to bother you, but can you please tell me who you are? Where have you come from? Where's your house and your family.'

'I have lost everything.'

The man began to tell about himself. He started to narrate his story to Chahat. Both of them did not know each other, but felt an unusual attachment. Chahat wanted to help the poor man. And all the poor man wanted was to share his feelings with someone. He had not talked to anyone since years. It was almost a lifetime that he had uttered a single word to anyone.

"It was the tenth day of May in 1999, when we had got the news of five army soldiers being captured by Pakistani people and being tortured. The whole India was shedding tears of blood. It was pretty sure that war could befall anytime and people from Army and IAF would be soon sent for rescue. I had just come back from work and changed my uniform. My wife was enraged because she wanted a pair of gold bangle for her sister's wedding and I couldn't get them for her.

'Did you get them?'

'Look Maya, the designs you asked for are very unique and needs proper skills. It takes time.'

'Forget your dinner then.'

Maya was adamant. She had refused to give food to the poor IAF soldier who had worked hard all day and returned home to seek love from his family. Not getting food was barely a problem for me, what I worried more, was about the war. I was worried for my five months old daughter, who did not even get the love of her mother. My daughter was not a big issue for Maya. But, my prior concern was my daughter. I was lost deep in thoughts.

'What if I have to go for the war? Who will take care of my angel?'

'What are you doing here? Speaking to the wall eh? Mad man! Worthless'

'Stop it Maya! Enough now. Did you care about this little girl even once? She is hungry.'

'Did I stop you? Go and feed her.'

I was distraught. How could a mother be so ruthless? My love and respect for Maya was no more alive. I was like a body who was supposed to work day and night just to get Maya some money to fulfil her greed.