BIRTHDAY PRESENTS
The audience gave a thunderous applause, girls hooted with joy, some smiled with genuine appreciation while others burned in jealousy as the anchor announced the winners of the Best Jodi award
Anchor - I think there is no need to guess the winners. Yes, it is Mr. Advay Singh Raizada and Miss. Aastha Kapoor for the sitcom 'Aar Ya Paar'
Advay got up from his seat with a smirk on his face as if he already knew that he was the winner. He looked dapper in a black Armani suit looking ravishing as ever and the girls sitting missed their beats as he winked at them. Buttoning up his coat, he pulled out his hand for his co-star who was seated in other row and she smiled at his chivalrous gesture. Together they walked up the dias and reached the podium to accept their awards. After exchanging some pleasant words and kissograms both of them proceeded to give their thankyou speech.
Aastha Kapoor - I want to thank my producer, directors and all the cast and crew who showed faith and gave me a chance. This award is a symbol of their trust and support on a newcomer like me. Last but not the least, (holding Advay's arms) I wish to thank ASR for making me comfortable and spreading so much warmth on the sets.
Advay - First of all, I wish to thank God for being with me always. Secondly, my fans, for always liking and appreciating my work. Trust me this motivates me to give you better everytime you see me on screen. And as always a special mention to my casting director without whom this would not have been possible
After a couple of awards, it was time for the 'Best TV Actor Award' which was again given to none other than Advay Singh Raizada. When the event was over, his rival actor came to congratulate him. Advay knew the person didn't even feel an ounce of happiness at his accomplishment yet was giving him wishes to maintain his good image. Being in this industry, had made him tolerant. He was not the same guy who he used to be 5 years back. A person who couldn't tolerate any buttery and nonsense talks had now unwillingly learnt to be deaf ears to such shit. He hated to be fake but sadly his profession demanded it. Irony was he had chosen a profession which required him to be sweet and diplomatic which was completely opposite to his personality in reality. Hence, he had to bear stupid people and their stupidity all the time.
He was exiting the venue when the media surrounded him. He sighed and smiling at the cameras expressed his happiness on being a winner of 2 awards. No sooner was he about to leave, he saw Aastha slipping her leg. He caught her hand and steadied her. 'Snap' and he was clicked again. He knew she had done it deliberately to catch the attention of shutterbugs. But he couldn't let her fall and be a subject of mockery in public thus helped her. He inquired as to whether she was fine to which she batted her eyelashes in response. He was smart enough to analyze that she wanted to be associated with him even after their series was over. This was not the first time that she or his other co-actresses had attempted something like this. In past too, especially on occasions like promotions, press conferences or at the time of giving bytes they had always tried to stay close to him either to be in limelight or gossips or controversies or at the top of headlines or on Page 3. In no way, he was biased towards women. Hell, even men here use successful woman producers, directors and actors as a ladder to shape up their career. Also, someone had once told him that he had to bear the consequences of being a superstar whether he liked it or not.
But no matter what, he respected and loved his profession and industry with all his heart. It was his bread earner and never in his dreams would he dare to disrespect it. If there were negatives there were positive side as well. It made him realise what life is. It gives you a reality check and shows where you stand in life. It makes you believe that nothing in this world comes for free. You have to slog your asses to carve a niche for yourself. It had taught him never to give up in life. It was only because of struggle, hard work, trust, confidence, passion, support, faith that today he was the biggest name in the TV industry.
His thoughts were disturbed by the flashes of cameras. Since the girl was besides him, Advay knew that he has to stay for some more time to answer their baseless routine question
Guy 1 - In past few weeks, there has been a lot of speculation of you two dating each other? How true is this news?
Advay - You people link me up with every other woman I work with. Seriously, I am actually bored of your repeated question. You just mould it in different ways. Ask me something new, I am all ears
He chuckled at them and grinned inwardly. Like every other time, he could have rubbished such rumors. But today he wished to give them a befitting reply and had purposely done it because he wanted to probe them to ask a different question on similar lines.
Guy 2 - What are your notions of an ideal life partner?
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It was 11:30 at night when he finally reached home. Pushing the door open, he entered to see the face of the woman who was his life. Chandini was looking delectable as she was busy arranging the plates on the dining table. She realised someone's gaze on her and smiled as she knew who it was. Raising her head up, she saw her husband staring at her intensely. In no time, she ran in his arms while he picked her up and twirled around happily.
Advay - I missed you
Chandini (chuckling) - Hubby dear, we were away just for 4 hours.
Advay - Still, I missed you
He pulled her even closer as if it was possible. Hugging her, he inhaled her smell and smiled as he was finally home. His home was her warmth, her embrace, their togetherness.
Chandini - I thought since you were surrounded by so many pretty girls you would have hardly missed me
Advay - No other woman excites me as you do. No other woman arouses me as you do. No other woman attracts me as you do. No other woman is beautiful than you. No other woman has a heart that you possess. You are the only woman to have the power and control to rule my senses. You are the only woman I love
As he finished, Chandini saw him looking at her passionately and both shared a deep eyelock. Her cheeks turned pink while his thumb slightly ran over her right cheek making her shiver. What was in him, that even after 5 years of marriage he still had the same effect on her.
Chandini (breaking the moment) - Where is my award?
Advay shook his head and handed her the 'Best Jodi' award he won. Chandini's eyes twinkled in joy as she was awed at her achievement for 3rd time in a row. Taking the award, she placed it with her other trophies on the stand.
Advay (cheesily) - This is so not fair. I have been winning it since 3 years. I have worked hard on the characters and at the end you are the one who takes the credit
Chandini (rolling her eyes) - Stop whining like a baby. You know that I am the reason behind this achievement. So technically it belongs to me
Advay - Ya Ya...after all...you are the CASTING DIRECTOR...MRS CHANDINI DEV KASHYAP. It has been possible only because of you. You truly prove the idiom that 'Behind every successful man, there is a woman'....and kissed her button like nose
Theirs was a love marriage...a thrilling one rather..they eloped to Mumbai from Delhi and did a court marriage. Chandini's parents didn't agree since Dev didn't have a proper means of earning and supporting a family. He was struggling then but Chandini had full faith in him. He had seen so many downfalls yet she never left his side. It was her trust that had always kept him going. He had to be successful, not for himself but for the woman who was with him when he was alone, for the immense love that the woman had for him. Initially, they both struggled to live in the city. Chandini used to attend college in the morning as she was in the final year of BMM and also worked part time in a call centre whereas Advay tried hard to find a role in a TV show. After appearing in few small roles, he grabbed attention of a famous producer who offered him a negative lead. He was apprehensive about playing a villainous character but atleast it would be able to make a mark for himself. The producer advised him to adopt a different screen name and hence he changed his name to 'Advay Singh Raizada'. The series was an instant hit and he became an overnight star and the media tagged him as 'Handsome Devil'. Meanwhile, Chandini completed her studies and joined a reputed production company as a junior casting director. Once when her boss was in a dilemma about casting a male lead for his serial, she suggested Advay's name. Her boss was unsure of her choice but she assured him that Advay would definitely do justice to the role. The serial was hit among the masses and gave further fame to Advay as 'King of Romance' whereas Chandini was promoted because of her talent for identfying correct pair. It has been four years since then...the 'Casting director - Actor' were a rare pair in the industry as they worked on quite a number of projects. Their relationship was still not disclosed in public. Advay had always pestered her that he had no qualms in declaring his married status but Chandini always said that she didn't like unwanted attention and preferred to keep a low profile and that she was better off as 'Mrs. Chandini Dev Kashyap'.
Advay (grinning cheekily) - I don't think so your job is tough. You just have to cast a pretty female face alongside your handsome husband. You know I can romance anything. Afterall, I am the 'King of Romance'
Chandini (playing along) - Ohhh!!! You think my job is so easy
Advay (shrugging) - Ofcourse
Chandini (in a husky voice) - Let's do a role reversal. What if you are a casting director and I am an actress. Imagine you casting a handsome actor for your wife. A bearded man, tall and sexy with deep baritone voice, giving a knee weakening lopsided smile, chiseled face and 6 pack abs. Grabbing my bare waist at the time of romantic scenes and enacting a love making scene with me...
She wasn't able to continue further as he smooched hard on her lips while she smiled at his possessive streak
Advay - No way in hell will I ever let this happen. Let alone do it myself. You knew I was kidding still you instigated me. I know it is not easy for you too. But I am not strong as you I cannot even imagine you with anyone else except me. You are only mine
Chandini - And you are only mine
The clock ticked 12 and they said in unison
Advay - Happy birthday, Jaan
Chandini - Happy birthday to you too, Jaanu
They leaned in together and kissed softly.
Chandini - Let's have dinner
Advay - I would rather eat you
Picking her up in his arms, he climbed up the stairs while Chandini stared at the unused plates and food on the dining table.
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Next morning, she lazily entered the kitchen wearing just his white shirt. Her stomach was grumbling due to hunger plus Advay had drained all her energy by making love to her all night. She prepared the tea and was about to make pasta when she felt his bare chest against her back. He nuzzled her hair and grazed his nose on her neck. His hands roamed in her front as he grabbed her globes making her gasp. She could feel his hardness on her back but composed herself as she had no energy to continue their act.
Chandini - Stop seducing me. Both of us are hungry, let's eat first and then...
Advay - And then
Chandini - I want my gift
Advay - Then I want my gift as well
Chandini - Done
Grabbing her hands, he brought her to the living room and switched on the TV. Flipping to the news channel, he motioned her to look at the screen. She stood rooted at her place at the view in front of her. Advay slowly moved backwards and tried to gauge the reactions on her face.
Guy 2 - What are your notions of an ideal life partner?
Advay - She has a beautiful heart, she has been with me through my ups and downs, we have literally grown up together, she is my life, every time she comes near me my heart races and skips a beat, everyday is new with her, we explore each other everyday, my heart still does somersault when she comes near me
The paparazzis and the people looked shocked at his answer.
Guy 2 - Sorry for interrupting sir. Does that mean you are already taken?
Advay - I am committed from past 7 years
Guy 2 - But you never disclosed it?
Advay - Just recollect my friend. How many of you have ever asked me about my relationship status all these years. You always linked me up with random girls
Guy 2 - Still, sir why all of a sudden?
Advay - Well, I would have declared it at the start of my career itself. It is my wife who wishes to keep a low profile and hates attention and had always stopped me from saying it in public
Guy 2 - How do you think will she react after seeing your interview today?
Advay - First she will gasp and her mouth will hung open. Then she will clasp her right palm on her mouth and a blush would creep up her cheeks. Suddenly her eyes will become watery and she would look at me lovingly
Chandini mimicked the same actions standing near the sofa and then raised his invisible collar as to how well he knew his Chandini.
Guy 2 - May we get to know her name?
Advay - She would kill me if I disclose her name. By declaring our marriage, I would have already committed a crime according to her. If I say her name, she is definitely throwing me out of the house
Chandini smiled and turned to look at him who gestured her not to cry. Overwhelmed, she ran and hugged him tight
Chandini - You know you didn't had to do it
Advay - I had to, baby. It was high time people know that I am yours. Time for my gift
Chandini blushed again and rose on her tiptoes to reach his ears. Taking his hand she placed it on her stomach and biting his earlobe she said
Chandini - We are soon gonna embrace parenthood, Jaanu
Advay stiffened at the news and his eyes shone with tears too. He stammered as he reconfirmed and reassured himself
Advay - You are pregnant
Chandini - No love, we are pregnant
His happinesd knew no bounds and kissed hard on her lips
Advay - I love you, Jaan
Chandini - I love you too, my Jaanu