Mahesh
congratulated her afterwards, saying, “You were brilliant Samaira. Must say
that you are very vivacious today! What’s up? Met someone special?” Just when
she was about to retort nastily, as usual, that he was interfering and nosy and
must mind his business; she changed her mind and said extra-sweetly, “Hmm,
maybe!” Before he could continue his inquisitive questioning, she waved at him
and bounded to her van, to change. Mahesh and Samarth Babu exchanged a
meaningful glance and chuckled together.
Samarth Babu hoped that her
wonderful mood lasted throughout that day’s shooting. He had lost several
precious days and a chunk of his budget, after canceling shooting, on several
days, due to her tantrums or late-coming, when Mahesh would walk out in protest
too, after having had to cool his heels for her! Keeping both the stars in good
humor was an important part of his job. After all, he was answerable to his
producer!
In the privacy of her van, Samaira didn’t
change into her other costume immediately. She called up Rohan eagerly. She was
dying to hear his deep voice, with a slight nasal twang. “Hello?” he answered,
after 5 minutes. “Hello, this is Samaira here.” “Oh Samaira, how are you? I’m
sorry that I couldn’t meet you before leaving, as you were fast asleep. I wanted
to call you up after boarding the train, but decided not to disturb you, since
you’d be busy with your shooting.”
She hungrily listened to his voice, not
bothering about what he was saying. She wanted to just keep on listening to
him. He sounded so mature and dependable, just like the person who could be entrusted
with one’s life! After he had thwarted her advances the previous night,
diplomatically, she had started respecting and admiring him more than ever! He
was a thorough gentleman. Refined and cultured! He had passed her test in
flying colors.
“No problem Jiju, please do come and meet me regularly. I enjoyed your company,
last evening. Tell Didi that I always
remember her and give her my love and regards. If you meet Pitaji and Maa, give them
my love and regards and ask them to forgive me if possible,” she said.
Hearing
the catch in her voice, he consoled her, “Of course, I will. Please take care
of yourself Samaira. I hope you stop drinking. If you respect my wishes, you’ll
do that. I’ll come to visit you again only if you promise me accordingly!”
Was giving up liquor so easy? She
thought as she blurted out, “I’ll try Jiju,
I’ll really try, for your sake!”
He disconnected the call. As he
settled in his berth, for a nap, he visualized her. Sparkling eyes and a
beautiful body…. He soon drifted off to sleep amidst her heavenly visions.
Samaira’s day also passed by in a dream-like trance. He did care for her! She was ecstatic.
To be continued...
The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
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