The Filmmaker's Dream

Chapter 5 - Perfect for the role

"Wake up! Wake up, you moron." Latha literally shook her son to wake him up. 

"Five minutes, mom." Vikram pulled the comforter over his eyes. 

"You have been saying that since 6 o' clock. It's 7.15 now. You have to reach the studio by 9.30. Get ready."

"Please. I didn't sleep properly last night." 

"Kids these days. Always glued to smartphones. Throw that away. Only then you will get some sleep." She opened his wardrobe and started selecting clothes for him. "You have to watch the performances of the Top 10 today. You have to be there. How else would we know who the best performer is?"

He finally woke up. "Okay. I'll come downstairs within half an hour." He assured her. As promised, he got ready in less than half an hour and went to join his mother for breakfast.

"Ready?" asked Latha.

"I was born ready mom." He said making her chuckle. "Good morning Subbu. How are you?" 

It had been five days since they had their previous conversation. Vikram had to attend a meeting in Mumbai. He was apprehensive to leave his mother alone. He gave a lot of instructions to the maid servants before leaving. He was glad that Shubha was there to keep her company.

"I'm fine sir." Shubha replied. "How are you?" 

"Good. Have your breakfast quickly. Let's go to the studio together."

"Actually, er,..." Shubha didn't know how to tell him.

"Any problem?" 

"I have to go to my lab. I mean, not my lab. The lab I used to work in. I will reach the studio by noon." She didn't tell him the reason. "Please." She added.

"Why do you want to go there?" He asked casually, not noticing the sadness in her face.

"I have some work. So I need to meet my old colleagues to sort things out." She didn't elaborate.

"Vicky. Let her go." Latha knew Shubha had to meet the enquiry committee that day.

"Okay. You will be there by lunch time. Right?" He asked her.

"Yes" She stood up. "I'll go now. Bye." She left.

Vikram had his breakfast slowly, listening to his mother's suggestions. "Don't concentrate on looks. We need a good performer." She said. "By the way, I talked to Dhwani's father yesterday."

Vikram's heart sank. He knew what they must have talked about. "What did he say?" He asked, pretending to be disinterested.

"He agreed to wait for a few months before we talk about the wedding alliance. It has only been one and a half months since your father, er, well, I think we should wait for a few more months before fixing a date for engagement." Latha spoke.

"Engagement?" Vikram was shocked. "Mom, I still haven't given my consent. I need some time."

"Sure. Take your time." She said. She was sure that he would say yes. Dhwani was his classmate in college after all.

"Okay. Bye mom." He ate quickly to escape from the conversation. He sat in his car, thinking about Dhwani. He considered telling the truth to Latha. But he remembered his promise which forbade him from saying anything. 'Need to put an end to this, soon.' He decided.

He used his phone as a mirror to comb his hair. He remembered his previous conversation in the car with Shubha. It brought a smile to his face. He wondered when she would take a picture with him. 

It was only after he reached the studio that he understood, Shubha wasn't entirely honest with him that morning.

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