Lights, Camera & Love

Prologue

Jan, 2017.

"Lights, camera and action!"

The distinct sound of the Director's voice was heard and everything on set came to a stand still. A man in his late 20's nervously straightened his Denim jacket, trying to remember his lines. Quickly clearing his mind of all that had happened a day before, he prepared himself for the scene. The lights dimmed down and he positioned himself on the makeshift sofa. The glycerine was starting to have it's effects, as a stream of tears rolled down his cheeks.

"Meera.. Meera how could you? How could you move on? I.. I.. "
He stammered as he tried to recollect the lines. All flustered and out of place, he looked at the Director with a guilty look. It was his 10th attempt and he still couldn't give his best shot. The production team was appalled to see the young actor so lost. He was always ready but, it just wasn't his day. The Director, Sameer sighed and said, "What's up Parth? What has gotten into you today? Dude, you haven't had any retakes in a long time. Are you okay?" Everyone looked at him expectedly but, he just looked away in shame. This isn't me. He kept repeating to himself but, nothing left his mouth.

"Sameer, can I talk to him for a second?" A female voice came from behind, grabbing everyone's attention. A voice, that left a flavour of honey and gun powder on the air. Her beauty was the finest in all of the land and rare gorgeous eyes which held hurt and lies. Parth's demeanor changed completely when, he saw her standing, her head held high.

"Hey Deepika! I'm surprised to see you here. You don't have a scene today, right?"

"Yes, I know. I was just passing by and decided to check up on you all. But, then I saw that my talented co-actor is having some problems." Her gaze fell upon him, for the first time after her arrival. They burnt like fire.

"Yeah.. He's just not himself today. Anyway, you talk to him. Maybe, he will tell you something. Take a break for 5 everyone!" Sameer announced and everyone around scattered away. Within seconds the area got cleared, and Deepika walked towards him cautiously. After contemplating for a second, she placed herself on the sofa, making sure to keep a safe distance.

Parth never met her eyes and it was awkward, would be an understatement. He kept fidgeting with his fingers, a sign that he was disturbed about something.
"Stop doing that. Will you?" He immediately stopped but, continued to act like she didn't exist. Deepika sighed frustratedly and slumped back on the back rest. "Parth, the first rule of Bollywood is that you don't mix your personal and professional life. The media is just waiting for a scoop and being a débutante, you are under their hawk eyes. Whatever happened yesterday, just don't let it affect your performance. It will bring you down."

"Since when do you care?" His rasped voice pricked her heart and the blatant accusation made it worse. All she wanted was to embrace him in her arms and tell him that everything was going to be okay. "Is that what you think about me? I will always care about you. Today, tomorrow and forever. I cannot see you throwing away this opportunity because of us. You will never get a chance like this again, Parth. That's all I wanted to say. I hope you think about it."

Deepika stood up from her place and was about to walk away when she abruptly turned around. Bending down, she kissed his head and let it linger for a while. "Take care of yourself. I will see you soon." She whispered to him, sending shivers down his spine. It took all his power, to not pin her down and kiss the living daylights out of her. Not wanting to see him now she spun around quickly and left him alone. He sat there, and watched her retreating figure fade into oblivion.

~~~~
Here's presenting to you, Lights, Camera & Love.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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~Ashkins