Down The Memory Lane ~

Chapter 15 ~ The Limelight (Part 1)

~ There are certain Shades of Limelight that can turn around everything. ~

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The next day, I rushed to the studio as I was extremely late. Sneha didn't even bothered informing me and left. This was so not done and to be honest, this was probably the first time she was doing this. As I entered inside, I heard everyone talking about some 'Hot News' Okay, now this was strange. From the spot boy to the make up man, every person was holding a newspaper in their hand. By now, I certainly understood that something has happened but I was completely unaware of it. I looked around in search of Sneha but to My Surprise, She was no where to be seen. I texted her, Where are you? What is happening? And within a minute, My cellohone beeped and It was text Message from Sneha which Said, Come to the Boutique. No shoot today! My eyes widened reading this and the first thing that cane in my mind was, Why didn't Manik tell me? Actually forget telling, Where is he? I went upto the Make-Up Man and inquired about the Actors, trying not be specific about Manik. He told me that Manik came here an hour ago and Immediately left. The next thing he said, scared the hell out of me. "Didn't you read the Newspaper?" I picked up my handbag, rushed out of the Studio and Drove back to the boutique.

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(As Manik.)

My eyes narrowed reading Sneha's text Message which said,

She's coming to the Boutique. I Left everything and Rushed towards the Boutique. I didn't know whether she had read the News or not but In that Particular moment, Nothing mattered. I wanted to meet her, at any cost. Just when I was driving, My Cell phone rang. It was Cabir. I picked up the call and the first thing he said was, Love is in the air for Actor Manik Malhotra and Jia Khan. They were spotted together yesterday at the Parking lot of this famous shopping mall!? Like seriously Manik, what is all this?

"I have no idea man! We went there for a bloody interview which didn't happen. And instead of that, we became the headlines. The so called 'Hot News!" I literally shouted over the Phone.

"Did you speak to Nandini?"

"Yeah, I'm going to do that. Usi se milney ja raha hun."

"Manik, be careful. Just don't let anything come in between you two, again. This limelight can destroy everything, Again." His words were loud and clear. He was right. I just can't afford to lose her again.

"And on that note," I exhaled, clutching the steering wheel firmly, "I shall go talk to her."

"Well, be sure to say a hi for me, seeing as she barely replied to me or Navya these days," He Grumbled, "Oh and Manik, get your life back on track." Saying this, he disconnected the call and I certainly understood what he was trying to say. Cabir! I sighed.

After about half an hour, I reached the boutique but Nandini's car was not parked outside. I went inside the boutique and saw sneha sitting on a chair, busy in her cellphone. "Where is Nandini?" I Asked, breathlessly. She turned and Said, "I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?" I questioned, angrily.

"I mean, I called her before you and she said she's coming but She has not reached yet."

"Did you try calling her?"

"Yes. That's what I'm doing."

"So?"

"Her cellphone is switched off." This was so much unlike Nandini. Her cellphone is switched off? That is so strange. I turned to leave and Sneha immediately questioned, "Where are you going?"

"To the Studio. She must be there only. She must be angry on me. Abtak to, usne news parh he li hogi." Saying that, I left the Boutique and went to the Studio.

As I reached there, I saw that the lights were switched off and gates were also closed. It was about 7:30 in the evening and since, today's shooting was cancelled, I guess they closed the gates. I went to the Security Guard and Inquired about Nandini but he was busy on a call. My heart was thumping a little faster than usual. Nandini's phone was switched off and I had not seen her since the Morning and this Guard, he was busy over the phone like what the hell! I tried to stay calm for about a minute or two but then, I lost my cool, held the Guard by his collar and Questioned in a voice which was enough to scare the shit out of him, "Nandini Kahan hai?" The guard, However had no idea about anyone's name except for the director producer and some other people. He didn't answer and kept looking at me. He was scared as hell. "Costume designer," I spoke, Calming myef a little, "Kahan hai woh?"

"Sir," He began Hesitatingly, "Wo to kaafi der hua chali gayien."

Chali gayi? Kahan chali gai? Kahin wo mujse ..Oh God! An icy ball of fear formed in the pit of my stomach at the mere thought of losing her.

****xxxxx****

Hello. Okay I know this is short. I didn't have much time so this is all I managed to write in about an hour. I'm sorry for the Mistakes, if any. Thr next Part of this update might come today itself. (Depends on your response.) Thank you! ❤

Also, a MaNan TS - A week to forever coming tomorrow. I'm excited about this one because I'm sure it's a new concept. Love you all. :)