N A N D I N I

"Please please please please Abhimanyu, the guards aren't letting me go in without the permit and now you are the only hope, please?" I kept jumping joining my hands in desperation.

"Nandini, he'll pounce upon you like a mad lion if he sees you here instead of office. Both you and me will be dead." He stopped in his track turning around to me. "Like seriously dead."

"See, if you don't sneak me inside the studio then I'll climb up that fence and get inside, I'm telling you." I showed him one sky-high fence that stood guarding the studio. Abhimanyu gawked me then at the fence and then back at me opening up his mouth estimating the depth of my absurdity. I eyed him the fence again indicating that I could actually climb that giant up.

"Even if it breaks your bones?" He raised his eyebrows.

"I can show you how I'll do it. Wait." Rolling up my sleeves, I moved close to the fence until he dragged me back grabbing my forearm. See, the reverse psychology I did here?

"Woah lady, easy!" He scratched his forehead for few seconds while I kept checking my perfectly manicured nails. Before I could switch hands, clutching my hand he shoved me through the backdoor.

"Yay!" I sang jumping with my hand balled in a victory fist.

"Listen you now, don't roam here and there like a foreign particle. If anyone asks you, say that you are in the creative team and don't...don't come before Manik Sir" He warned.

"You make him sound like a monster." I snickered.

"You have no idea." He rolled his eyes.

"Are you threatening me?" I teased him pretending to be all serious.

"I'm begging already." When it came to Manik, Abhimanyu had a fragile heart and I loved counting his pulses.

There was absolute hustle and bustle in the studio. Technicians were busy setting up the light and making other adjustments, the DOP was busy setting the position of the camera, the Script Supervisor busy with the Director and I spotted Manik's personal stylist Mukti Vardhan conversing with the Costume Designer. It felt wonderful when I was literally a step away from touching my dreams. Bumping into a hippie lady who kept rudely staring at me, in order to avoid unnecessary questions I mouthed an quick apology before disappearing.

Soon the people started settling to their places in a hurry to make sure everything was nothing but perfect. In middle of two the bodyguards, walked in my superstar who charmingly waved to the press present in the studio to cover up the stories. I felt the same adrenaline rush I had in the concert except that I was no longer a stranger. The director paced to him discussing the details of the scene and Manik looked around the decoration of the set, admiring the theme. The set was beautifully decorated making it to be perfect for a dream sequence. Manik and dream always sound so synonymous.

"Manik ready?" The director confirmed and Manik nodded placing the guitar on his lap. His eyes were on his fingers teasing strings of the guitar as if he was rehearsing the scene in his mind.

"Roll sound"
- Rolling

"Roll camera"
- Rolling

"Slate"
- Movie Justajoo Scene 15 Take 1. Mark.

For a girl who was seeing shooting for the first time ever noticed how the tiniest of details were given attention to. Each scene needed so much of technicalities and perfection that it escalated my respect for everyone working hard for this.

"Action!" The director mouthed.

Manik closed his eyes teasing the strings of his guitar in some melody and my heart was there becoming one jelly as if he touched the strings of my heart. The dim light, soft breeze and his magical voice - heaven to Nandini Murthy.

Raaste bhaage paaon se aage
Zindagi se chal
Kuch aur bhi maange

Time after time the peace that I was searching in this world was found when being before him. His voice was a breath of fresh life and I sighed thinking all I missed all these years.

Raaste bhaage paaon se aage
Zindagi se chal
Kuch aur bhi maange

Kyun sochna hai jaana kahan
Jaaye wahi le jaaye jahan
Besabriyaan besabriyan..
Besabriyaan besabriyan..

Besabriyaan, one who isn't besabar isn't really in love, at least to me because the impulse inside of you to see that one glance of your love can burn hundreds of heavens and hells.

Two tall insanes stood before me blocking my vision and I toed higher but to no luck so I moved a little towards my left but crap, my leg got stuck amidst the cluster of wires dispersed on the floors. This was some damn annoying interruption and without caring much I kicked those wires concentrating on him.

Kadmo pe tere baadal jhukenge
Jab tak tuj....

I felt my body to be pulled backward as a big flashing light from the false ceiling crashed on the floor with millions of glass pieces shattering everywhere with a world crashing sound. I landed on the floor but there was someone between me and the floor on whom I probably landed. My mouth was in the crook of someone's neck and his arms wrapping my back with my hair strewing all over his face. With my fingers as I quickly settled my strands, my eyes almost popped out of sockets not knowing what could I do next, get up or lie there, shocked. He smirked at me probably having perceived what I was going through then and that snapped me out of my jar of musing. My hands which were lying flat on his chest suddenly were put to some use by me as taking the support of the ground I picked myself up and he stood beside me with his eyes still discovering my cloddishness. There was absolute mayhem in the studio and garnering my nerve, I dared to look straight where stood Manik decimating me through his eyes.

Seconds passed and I realised in between my shivering that it was not me that Manik was glaring at but most definitely the man beside me. My saviour and his brother, Aryaman Malhotra.

"Are you alright?" Aryaman questioned.

"Ye-yes, Sir." I wanted to hide behind the trolley of costumes.

"Sir, I'm so sorry, um there's a miscommunication. Actually, your shoot is not in this floor but on the upper one, sorry." Dhruv came inside rushing until his eyes broadened finding Manik ahead of Aryaman and to be cherry on top of whatever it was, me in between the brothers.

But for reasons unknown, people were shooting daggers at me already scanning me from head to toe. Realisation hit me like a truck that what a mess I created because the wires were still clinging to my toe which caused the entire havoc compelling the shooting to stop. Abhimanyu stood at a little distance covering his mouth with both of his palms.

"From which department are you?" The director gritted his teeth and I could feel my throat already drying up.

"Um I.." I choked.

"You what?" The director's loud voice echoed and I glanced upon Manik who was gathered by people making sure he was unharmed.

"I-I came to see sh..shooting..." Digging nails into my elbows, I knew blood was oozing out with that burn on my skin.

"What? Do you stupid lady even realise what you have done just now? This was imported, you silly! Which moron has let you in?" He roared and I stared blankly at Manik who was untroubled by me getting insulted and more disturbed because the shoot stopped which wasted his precious time. I know I shouldn't have expected Manik to have my back but it ended up jabbing my heart real bad. He was the person I loved, it was he for whom taking the risk I gatecrashed and most importantly, I was his employee.

"Now who the hell is going to compensate for the same? Your father?" I flinched. Tears in my eyes were endless as my dear father shouldn't have been dragged into all these. Manik was all carefree as sitting on the sofa, he kept checking his iPad as I stood there sobbing hearing people around make me the joke.

"Ritesh, I know this isn't my place to say anything but this is no way we speak to our fans ya! They are the people who create us. And, you shouldn't stoop so low by dragging her father into all these, it makes you a cad only." I shifted my head slowly to find Aryaman scowling at the director.

Manik literally jumped from his seat clutching the device tightly just like his hardened jawline. The director couldn't dare to answer backnfor that would also mean putting a full stop to his career and thus stood, irritated. The press was doing its job well by clicking photos and writing their notes and I tried my best to hide my face the most I could.

"It's okay Ritesh, you know there are some people who by birth have the habit of forcibly encroaching into others lives." Manik's remark had Aryaman smirk who quickly turned to me and smiled.

"You know what it is, to know about decency one doesn't need to be a big star rather a big human being. Or, even a human being to say the least." Manik glared at his brother's comment.

Manik advanced a little possibly to rip Aryaman apart but Abhimanyu got hold of him and I was terrified to say the least.

"Sir,please..please." Abhimanyu interposed "The entire media is here and he specifically wants you to take a wrong step in impulsion, he is provoking you, Sir. Sir, please just recall Mr.Malhotra's condition about the will, please sir." Manik's rage came to a halt as Abhimanyu mentioned the word 'will' while the rest of us excluding Aryaman stood there not fathoming what could that mean. Manik jerked away Abhimanyu's hands off his body and straightening his jacket, walked out not before glaring for one final time at me.

❀

I kept walking on the streets not knowing where they were leading me to. It was night, quite late but I was just apathetic about everything. I kept walking and walking with my only companion, my tears. What was my father's fault? Why do I have be to troublesome? Why did my father had to have this treatment because of a silly girl like me? Why my good intentions are never a concern to anybody? It was so embarrassing back then that I actually wanted to dig a hole and jump in it. How could the things go so wrong? Why? Hearing my phone buzz continuously, I finally decided to pick that headache up.

"Yes?" I spoke without seeing the caller.

"Nandini?" Hearing the usual voice I checked my phone and it was Julie, the receptionist of Grey Petals. I mentally prepared myself for being called to the office only to be thrown out of it.

"Boss has called you. Meet him at the office right now." She delivered the information making my pulses go havoc.

"Um Julie, isn't it quite late?" It was 10:30 which meant the office hour was over.

"Yea but it's boss's order. So be there the quickest you can." She hung up.

Even though my soul didn't want to go, I knew I have to because the delay of any more time would highlight my earlier fault all the more. I was prepared to embrace the worst praying for some courage.

❀

My fingers trembled as I pressed the button 5 on the elevator which worked in a supersonic speed. Every other day it felt like it took me ages to reach a floor but today, everything was happening at the speed of lightning. I touched my throat feeling the dryness there but I couldn't afford to be late for a single minute even if it meant quenching my thirst.

As I stepped out of the elevator what I saw was enough to scare the shit out of me. The entire floor was dark because all the employees had already gone home and my loud heartbeats echoed in the voidness as I neared his cabin. The entire office was dim but through the little gap of his door, a yellow gleaming light could be seen. Shit he was there!

Wiping the sweats off my face, I inhaled hard before knocking the door. Actually more than him, the descriptions I had heard about his anger from various individuals made me this fearful. If I loved him, why was I scared?

"Come in" It felt someone punched all the air out of my guts.

Keeping fingers crossed, I stepped inside not wanting him to shred my heart and toss it away like garbage. The lights were off - the yellow study lamp kept on the table being the only lustre casted a gentle and classy look to the room. I studied his face properly and there was no tint of anger, madness, hatred, cruelty or whatever they asked me to run away from. Nothing.

"Oh you've come? Sit." He spoke in a manner as if he hasn't seen me causing the ruckus this morning.

"Si-sir I'm really very sorry. Please sir." Nervously, I was digging nails into the wooden table. He studied my entire body language quickly diverting his attention back to the file he held.

"Sir, I know it was..wrong and I'm ashamed." My eyes were fixed at the scratches on the table caused by me. He slouched his back on the huge swivel chair rotating one paperweight kept on the table.

"Rule No 1, no reference of outside things will be entertained inside the office. If you have anything to talk, it should be related to the work arena of Grey Petals." He swung the paper weight again which daunted an intimidating sound into the hollow air. I nodded, gulping.

"So where are the contract papers of ENB News Channel?" He was being extremely professional which he was, no doubt. To be honest, somewhere I liked that attitude.

"Um sir..." I moistened my lips preparing myself for him to lash out "J-just give me one more day and I assure you, I'll get that done by tomorrow. Since I was there toda-" I pleaded and he rested his head on the chair.

"Rule No 2, everyday finish the work by the end of it. No delay, no excuses." He was cold yet sober. Rude yet gentle.

"Sir, actually it wouldn't have happened had I not-" I couldn't complete.

"See Miss...Miss?" He raised a brow.

"Murthy. Nandini Murthy." I replied instantly.

"Yeah Murthy, that's not my problem what and who were you doing during the office hours. And I won't be mad even till the time you keep your designated works updated. But you have to complete today's work, today itself. There's no tomorrow for me." Wow he was an inspiration.

"But Sir, how can I get the signature of Mr.Sahai at this hour?" I showed a little interest into the work.

"Ah about that... it won't be a problem, I know him personally so I can ask him. You do one thing, you..go to his place and get this signed and I want you to mail me the same tonight itself." He pushed one visiting card on the table which had Mr.Sahai's address.

Hesitant as to visiting someone's house this late, I stared at the card in my hand. I reached the door to leave being content for not having the sack-letter thrown at face but called me back which was enough for me to skip a beat of my heart.

"Um Miss Murthy?" He called back.

"Yes, Sir?" I replied.

"Could you do me a little favour?" A what?

"Sure..sir" I smiled, a little confused.

"Um actually see, I like my office being polished and squeaky clean and there's a little glass which slipped from my hand. Since it's quite late there are no peons or other staffs, so could you clean that and put it in the trash for me, Miss?" I didn't give it much of a thought and readily agreed. He showed me the place beside his table and damn, was it a single glass he said he broke? A little one? It seemed he broke a dozen. Quietly, not finding any cleaning slate nearby I picked up a file to lay the glass pieces on.

Although being careful, one piece pricked into my skin causing it to bleed immediately and a hiss escaped my lips.

"Ouch!" My eyes widened at the sight of blood.

"Nandu! Nandu! What are you doing? How many times do I have to tell you that do not come near the broken glasses, you'll hurt yourself, baby. Till the time your mamma is alive, you don't need to worry about all these. Now go." Mamma's voice gushed tears out of my eyes.

I wiped my tears away but one after another sharpened piece kept perforating my skin and my entire hand was covered with blood, shaking and aching. The poor light was a major drawback and as I looked at Manik, he was busy answering his call.

Narrator:

There are far too many mouths in this industry that carry news. News, some of which are true and the rest that become rumours. Nandini was heavily trying to offer herself to someone who knew little about the values of love. He was called a heartless. A monster and that he was called for a reason. Only thing was, she couldn't discover it until now.

"Yes Cabir?" Manik saw Nandini and the blood on her hand but what was Nandini expecting out of him? To run to her and wrap the bandage around? Nah, she expected him to react like a human but all she got in return was ignorance as he got busy with the call with Cabir on the other side. Cabir, mattered. Nandini? Who the hell was she to him?

"Manik what the hell has happened today? What was Aryaman doing there on your set?" Cabir huffed, severely disturbed.

"Chuck it. He has already had a lot of my attention today." Manik sighed.

"Ow shit.." Nandini's hand was basically so bruised that it was impossible picking up anymore piece for that poor girl and it reminded me of Cinderella for once. But Nandini was no Cinderella. Know why? Because the Prince fought for Cinderella and Manik? He was definitely a prince but with a barely beating, cruel heart. He spared a glance at his employee and continued his telephonic conversation like he saw nothing at all.

"Manik that's not the issue. The thing is, have you checked what articles are being published on the internet about you two? And in any case you haven't, check your emails I have sent you the links there." Manik bit his lower lip. Somebody was going to be in trouble.

"What have they written?" Nandini bit her quivering bottom lip holding the wrist of her bleeding hand tightly to stop the gushing blood. Well, it looked terrible.

"There are so...many. Some say 'Aryaman, the dream man', 'Twisted age-old Malhotra Dramas', 'Manik Malhotra Gone Wrong', 'Decency Disorder', 'Spoilt Rich Actor Manik Malhotra', 'Blood Rivalry', 'Aryaman, the knight' and lots more. This is seriously affecting your image, Manik. I'm worried, you need to buck up and do something." Manik stared at the city lights twinkling the bridge of which he had an enormous view from that top.

"S..sir?" Nandini called out in pain feeling the cramps in her muscles but Manik simply showed her his index finger indicating to not interrupt and continued his conversation. Shocked was an understatement if anybody asks what Nandini went through.

She was fragile and he was not fond of delicate things.

"So as a PRM, what do you suggest?" Manik queried. There a person before his eyes was dying in pain and staining his floor with her blood and he was concerned about something which was not that hurting human being.

"You are smart, Manik." Cabir sternly replied. "Turn the tables."

"That...I have already thought about." Manik slyly smiled looking at the night sky.

As if he had turned off the lights of the room for seeing the bigger picture expanding the horizon. The sky was an inspiration to him. He exhaled his positivity into sky and breathed in negativity which could glorify his demeanour.

"Sir..it's..it's.." Poor Nandini started seeing white dots before her eyes at the loss and sight of blood. The pampered princess was finally facing the demons that ruled the world outside her castle.

"Ms. Murthy, I want it spotless." That's all her boss replied to her pleas of aid. The demon that was sleeping in him just got awakened by the little call Cabir did and so he closed his eyes with his face towards the city view and Nandini on the floor, sobbing.

The simplest touch of those smashed pieces bled her veins out but all that little girl wanted was to prove it to herself that Nandini was no delicate. She kept picking the pieces up making "ouch" "shh" "ahh" and each pain brought a relief to his face when his content eyes opened towards the night sky. As if, he wanted her to cry more to satisfy his inner demons.

Trashing the glass pieces, she stared at her own hands unable to know how many stitches would they be having. Grabbing few tissue papers, she covered her wounds trembling on her feet.

"Sir?" Could he care a little then?

She could see his back as he was facing the glassed wall and with two of his fingers he gestured a 'get out' even without caring to turn back. Not only her hands were burning buy her heart did too.

The silly girl still stood there, rooted hoping he might have a glance at her maybe just for once. Not only the glasses shattered, but also something soft inside her did; the smashing sound of which couldn't be heard or most definitely was unheard by the man who rejected her at every step. Quietly, she picked her bag hissing for few seconds and vaguely reached the door only to turn around for one last time to witness the heartless but when has a demon ever had a thing called emotion?

After she left, opening his eyes Manik swung his chair back to the table and dialled someone.

"She's coming." The unreadable language on his face could terrify the cruelest human being on earth because everything about him was guarded and one could not say if he was going to kiss you next or slit your throat. Scariest thing was, he would do both the things with the same calm expression.