Beyond The Golden Skies

♛ 18: Lights, Camera, Love •

Darshak's independent villa overflowed with positive and fun vibes. Minimal furniture, potted indoor plants and flowering creepers, breezy blinds and colourful carpets -it reflected the open-mindedness of its owner.

Facing a three-fold dressing table, Sakshi crinkled her nose when Kanak, the teenage makeup artist, dabbed a powder brush over her face. An intricate burgundy ghagra-choli hugged her curves. Gold foil prints of birds and flowers dotted the flowing brocade. Her fair was fixed into a complex medieval braid affixed with fragrant roses.

"Stretch out your hand, ma'am," Kanak said, drawing out a box with red lac dye. Dipping a brush into the liquid, she traced it on Sakshi's hand. The girl's fingers worked like clockwork as she drew dots and paisleys, covering her palm with fine artwork.

She held her hands up in the light. "Beautiful, Kanak. You should open your parlour soon."

"This beautician work is only a part-time job, Didi. I'm also studying through correspondence."

"That's wonderful. You have a bright future ahead."

"Thank you, Didi. I forgot to mention, this needs to dry. Don't touch anything for a while," she said, pointing to her hands.

"Oh, got it," Sakshi said, although disappointed. Her stomach rumbled. Two hours passed since her light breakfast of toasted bread. The smell of paneer chowmein floated from the dining room.

"I'm excited to see your movie shoot."

She giggled. "Movie? It's a short video, Kanak. Do I look like a movie star?"

"You look beautiful. Not like a film actor, but . . . like a bride! That hero sir also looks superb."

"You mean Ayush?"

"Haan," Kanak said.

A string of jealousy tugged her heart. Everyone in the team had seen Ayush except her. And vice versa. "He does look like a hero."

"You both look perfect for each other, Didi."

Sakshi marvelled at the girl's words. Her deep, flickering eyes spoke the truth.

"I'll be waiting in the minivan outside," Kanak said, packing her bag.

"Alright, Kanak. See you," she said and exited the room.

Sakshi trudged out of the door, careful not to slip and smack her hand on the white walls. Darshak met her in the living room.

"Looking splendid, my girl! You've got into your character already."

"Thank you, sir."

"Join us at the dining table. We've got chowmein, honey chilli potatoes and some oddly named snacks."

"Haha, alright, sir."

She trailed behind him to the spacious dining room facing an open garden and swimming pool. Her heart missed a beat seeing Ayush. Just finishing his food, he looked up. Clad in a sleek black sherwani, messy hair spilling over his forehead. A multi-strand pearl necklace layering his dress, several rings, and gold stud earrings. She wondered if a real prince arrived time-travelled to meet her.

The wan sunlight ignited the strands of his hair, turning them light brown. She wasn't the only one standing wordlessly. His eyes blazed and glowed in wild excitement. His gaze travelled over her face and searched her face.

"Have a seat, my girl," Darshak said, pulling a chair for her beside Ayush.

Sakshi dipped her head and ambled toward him, sitting on the chair gingerly.