Dear Friends,
Many of you know me, since morning I am noticing some friends from KS forum are posting FFs and short stories, how can I be left behind, while I wrote countless no. of them in KS forum, this is my first of JDJ forum…I hope you will like it…do leave comments....love Tin
Dance with me tonight
Tani, Tani your phone, her mother shouted ….
Tanya or Tani was meditating after her Yoga routine, she frowned, ignored the call.
Tani ….her mother shouted again, 'Tor phone, Saroj Mam is on line'
Grumbling Tani got up, what is wrong with Saroj mam, she knows my routine, abhi phone karne ka keya hai….
Good morning Mam, Tani sounded upset over the phone….
Good morning Tani, now are you showing me your temper because I called you while….ha lets say you were meditating…..
Hmmmm…..Tani replied….
Sometimes learn to accommodate, okay now come to my office immediately….
Immediately? Lekin kyu
Kyu ? Maine kaha isiliye, aur koi bahana math bana, jaldi aja, the phone got disconnected before she could something else….
Her mother was laying the breakfast, breakfast ho gaya hai, have it….
Aapne phone kyu diya, she wants me to be in her office immediately…..I hate this running about and unscheduled meetings…..
Ami jani, her mother replied, I know you do not like your routine to be upset but then in today's time you have to be disciplined as well as flexible, I sometimes blame myself for making you too disciplined…..
++++
Tani stood in front of Sarojji her guruji under whom she has been learning dance for last 10 years…..
Ha Tani, a gaya tu?
Aapko kya meri bhoot dikhai de rahe hai?
Saroj ji ignored her, she knew Tani will be upset for sometime….
Now put your signatures in these places….Sarojji extended a form, which was more or less filled up except for her signatures….
Yeh kya hai? Tani asked….
Tere pass ankhe nehi hai, can't you see it is a consent form that you are going to participate in Jhalak Dikhla Ja, dancing with the stars, as Choreographer….now it was Sarojji's turn to give back….
Of course I can see, andhi nehi hu but what is wrong with you, don't you know I hate all these kind of programmes and how many times I have told you in the past that I will not participate in them….
Mai bhi baheri nehi hu and nor do I have amnesia, I know your thoughts but then you have been working for me for last 2 years, before that you were my student, so I know you in and out….beta it is time to move on, make a name for yourself in the market, I have taught you all I know, now it is your turn to take the legacy forward….
Aap toh aisi keh rahi hai, kal aap marne ko hai….
Sarojji gave a hearty laughter….she liked Tani's blunt statements….
To be serious Tani, that can be the case, see Tani you are 22, may girls are well into their careers by now, you have been working for me, my chief assistant and of course we have enough projects in our hands and you can still be my assistant for sometime but the fact remains I am getting old and you need to carry my legacy forward….every guru lives through their shishyas or student, my not so good ones are doing well in their lives and you are the best, now it is time to move on my dear, spread your wings….
Tani felt a lump in her throat….Saroj amma
Tani now don't get emotional, don't put me through emotional blackmail, I know beta you are very fetish about your routine and you have your own moods but then girl, life is not easy, I have accommodated you and your parents too, now face the world….start with the reality show, it can be very nasty, people can get on to your nerves but then a good platform to start with….
+++++
Tanya sat in Sony India's office, their 'students' will be allotted today…she was feeling nervous, other choreographers, some of whom were veteran in these shows were discussing whom they would like to have, Tani knew most of their names, being with Sarojji, she has directed most of them in various shows, films, fashion shows etc…it seems the girls wanted to have Jai and the boys Heer, Jai was handsome and dashing, with a huge fan following while Heer was a girl from abroad who was absolutely 'bindas'….
Bigger star bigger tantrums, thought Tani….
Bhagwan mujhe koi yuhi de do, the earlier the person goes out the better for me, Sarojji bhi khush aur mai bhi khush, Tani prayed….
+++++
You got Jai, Maria the fellow choreographer asked peeping into Tani's chit….
You want to exchange, Tani whispered quickly…..
No exchanging, The Sony Programming head shouted…now here are the rules for the Choreographers and all the requested to follow the guidelines strictly….
You bet thought Tani, looking up at the presentation that was being given….
++++
Jai Singh Rathore was one of the leading stars of the Television Industry. He commanded a price which many film stars didn't even dream of….lately with his role as a 'kharoos pati' women of all ages were head over heals in love with him. He was the star factor of the show and it was heard that the producers were paying him through the nose to bring him into the programme. Tani was told by the Producers to teach him well atleast he should look justified because unlike Filmstars, TV stars are not required to dance and Jai Singh Rathore has claimed that he has two left feet and very little time since his show is on at the prime time, rehearsals will be limited….
The producer looked at Tani, see some votes he will get because of his fan following but then he should be able to justify those votes, nobody should feel he is being used to get TRPs, he is no doubt but that you and I know, public ko nehi pata lagna chahiye, after we get the TRPs we are looking for, then you know you can take it a bit easy….
Needless to say Tani came out of the Producers office, very upset, mad at Sarojji and angry with herself for agreeing to participate….janta ko ullo banao ge….she gritted her teeth
++++
Kaun mera Choreographer hai asked Jai between his shots as the producer called him to convey….
Tanya….I have never heard the name…..
Well Sir, she is a fresher but well trained and is the chief assistant of Saroj ji…..
A fresher, what happened to the non-freshers….
Well as per the lottery she got you…..
Cut that out, I know it is a gimmick…..
Aap mil toh lijiye…….
OK I will come lets say at 11 0'clock when may shooting wraps up…..
+++++
Tani looked at her watch it was past midnight and still no sign of her student. His shooting was to wrap up at 11, but it is past over an hour and half still no sign…..raat ko kitna time lagte hai ane me, hardly 10 minutes….
She looked at her watch and picked up a scribble pad….
++++
JSR's car came and stood in front of the 'Jhalak House around 1 O'clock in the morning, as he got down from the car, only to be given a note by the security…..
'Sir, due to prior commitments I am leaving now, I hope you will appreciate the same and see you tomorrow', regards Tanya…..
She stood me up, Jai could not believe his eyes…..and what prior commitment, she was committed to me at this hour…..he was furious, after a long day's work he has not come this far to be stood up….
He dialed the producer, did not apologise for calling at this hour instead shouted at him over phone….
Jai I will change her tomorrow I promise, now calm down….
++++
When he got up next morning at 8 in the morning, he was told a lady was waiting for him….obviously in his grouchy self having just got up from his sleep, he did not want to meet anyone….
Didn't you tell her that I meet no one in the morning, especially without appointments? A little later he peeped out of the window to see a girl wearing slim fit jeans and long top, walking out of his housing complex, he gave a smirk, as he turned his servant gave him a cd and a note…..
I had come to give this CD to you, kindly have a look before you come for your practice at 11 p.m. today…..The girl is good in writing notes it seems….
Before he could dial, the producer called, Jai heard that Tani was at your place, you will be happy to work with her….
I thought you said you will replace her….
I would have but we are running in a tight schedule and she is the best….
How do you know, she has not been tried….
Well Sarojji herself said and I have spoken to some stars who have worked with her…..
She seems to be a bigger star between us…Jai spat…..
Well she is a bit fetish about timing, lekin don't worry we will work it out….
++++
In the evening when he reached for practice at 1130 p.m. she was packing her things…..
Hello I am Jai, Jai Singh Rathore…..
I am Tani, did you see the CD I left for you….
I am sorry, I did not get time…..actually he had enough time but he hated the thought about being bullied….
Never mind, she took out another copy and put it on the laptop through the beamer…..switched it on…..
He sipped water as they watched it in silence, while he appreciated the dance she had choreographed for them for their first show in silence, she observed him, he was looking tired, obviously had a long day, being in the business she knew filming of any kind can be boring and tiresome….
Once the cd finished playing, she got up, OK Sir, that is for today, I will see you in morning at 6.a.m. sharp and we will start our practice, in the meantime would advice you to have a good night's rest and see the CD as much as possible during your breaks
I do not take breaks while sleeping
Breaks between the shots during the next few days….
I don't get up at 6 and I have to start my shoot at 11 a.m.
I know, but Sir, you are tired now, you cannot do anything well in a tired body, if not physically mentally you are, as a professional I understand the need of your body, you go home, have a good sleep, come here at 6, we will do some free hand exercise and start working from 6.30 onwards for two hours and then you can take rest and leave for work….I need to make you dance fit before the show starts…..
I do gym regularly and dance fit, what is dance fit, aisa baath toh maine kabhi suna nehi….
Sir you are an actor, maybe you can emote with a click of a finger like I can dance while I am sleeping, to make you familiarize with this form, I need to have a fresh body let us say for about 7 days, after that we will go back to a routine suitable to you…..
Jai wanted to tear his hair, but the girl sounded logical, he wanted to bang the producers' head against the wall, the girl bade him goodbye and left the room calmly, as he got into the car, he played the cd in his portable dvd player….the dance was beautiful, easy and graceful….he bit his lip, he has a name of being professional, he cannot be a cry baby always and go running to the producer, he will deal with her his own way….
++++
Next morning he was present at 6. a.m.
++++
As he got ready wearing his costume for the first episode, he thought how he struggled to please his choreographer, a girl who followed routine like clock work, first she made him follow hers later he made her follow his. Tani did not take his calls if she was busy, did not take his calls if she was sleeping but waited for him for hours instead, if he got held up at times and gave her piece of mind when he showed up….
Here drink this glucon D and lets start dancing, you are already late….
I hate this flavour….
Well nothing can be done before tomorrow but I promise tomorrow you will have other options…..
I need a bath to feel fresh….
I know, here is the towel and here is soap and you have 10 minutes
I cannot promise I will come out in 10 minutes
If you are not coming out in 10 minutes then don't bother to come out at all….
Keya mai puri rath bathroom me baitha rahunga….
Well I will not know, I will not be there to see, as you know I have an appointment….
I fail to understand, how come you have appointments at this hour….
She turned away her face and took out her stop watch, your time starts now…..
Later on he came to know from other choreographers that she hated to remain awake after 11 p.m., she could not wait to go to bed….The girl was too meticulous for his tastes.
+++++
As Tani scrutinized herself in the mirror, one of the girls asked, hey Tani how are you going to Jai's party….
Party? What Party?
Didn't Jai call you, it is birthday today, he is giving a party, invited all of us….see here is the card….
Tani gave a small smile, well they were not best of friends and Jai made his opinion about her clear no. of times….
Who is the star between us I do not know and itna bhao kyu khati ho, I have never seen anyone having such big 'attitude'….why cannot you be flexible….how does your boyfriend put up with you….You are a beauty but then your attitude is a big put off, no girl should be so temperamental…..
++++
They looked at each other after coming out of the dressing room, he dressed as a Spanish matador and she as a flamingo dancer….his dark good looks were making him look absolutely handsome, the girls will go crazy, will scream their lungs out….
Not bad he smiled, she was looking beautiful, tall and doe eyed
Ladies and Gentleman put your hands together for Jai Singh Rathore and Tanya….
He put out his arm, best of luck Sir, she squeezed it briefly before putting hers through….
++++
Everybody was busy getting ready, the episode had been canned and they will now leave for Jai's party. Tany picked up her bag and gave a last look at the room and left quietly….as she walked out, she felt a bit odd, she is going home a lot early today, she stood inhaled deeply and slowly walked towards park, she sat inside next to an old couple who were taking rest after their walk….
They were talking about their younger days and the happy times they had…she too was happy, wanted to share her feelings with somebody….she still could hear Juhi asking are you sure Jai you never danced in your life….
Yes maam never in my life…..
Not even in school
Not even in school, and in the party after a few pegs what I do cannot be called dancing….
I will then thank Tanya, excellent choreography and excellent work, today you are the winner, I will look forward to more such pieces in this programme, my expectations are high from you and Jai please do not let us down….
+++
Kothay chhili etokhon? Her mother wanted to know what kept her all this while when she opened the door….
Well today was the recording….
Yes I know but that is over quite sometime now, look who is waiting for you…..
She walked in to see Jai going through the album featuring her in various stages of life in different functions….
Sir aap?
Hmmm I thought of sending the car but knowing you I had to come myself….thank you for the card and the flower, I got it in the morning itself delivered just as I opened my eyes….
You have come to thank me? You could have done that during the day
Tani Tani, listen I could have done so many things and so many ways but then I preferred to this way, and Tani no starry tantrums as I am the star here which I am not going to handover to you as yet….
Sir
It is Jai Singh Rathore with Tanya and not the other way round so….
Tanya looked at her mother….
Well Tani take the keys, I am planning to have a goodnight sleep after some wakeful nights, today I will not get up to open the door in the early hours….
Jai opened the door of car, she was wearing a black short dress, with her hair in a french roll, speaking on the mobile, people were calling her up to congratulate her on her work, the news is out…..
As she finished….he took the mobile from her hands and switched it off….
Sir?
Tani I like it when you do not want to be disturbed while working, I will like it even more when nobody disturbs us when we are getting to know each other and Tani, the name is Jai, he extended his hand, she looked into his eyes and gave hers…Tani, will you dance with me tonight?'
Dance With Me Tonight
Author: Kristi Day
I want to dance with you for a life time
Hold you close to my heart,
Stop the hands of time
Make the world give us a little more time
To feel our bodies close swaying together
To music that only we can hear,
Letting it sweep us into Heaven
Come, dance with me there
We'll dance forever; never let go
Hearts in tune hand to hand,
Building love between us
That we barely can stand
Candles low no bright lights
Our love will light the way,
Come hold me close; dance with me
Til the night breaks to day
Feel our bodies pressed close
As close as skin to skin,
Open your heart to me baby
Come on, let me in
Fill my senses with your rush
Let me taste your deep kiss,
Hold me tightly to your heart
Never have I felt like this
Never will I feel it again
For within your arms I've died,
I've gone to heaven in your love
These are happy tears I've cried
Never have I been so loved
Or felt so much love for anyone,
Dance with me honey
Until the night is done
Dance with me until the world is done
I can't resist your charms,
Dance with me and hold me close
Let me die within your arms
Don't ever let me go
Dancing with you is so right,
I will never let you go
Come....dance with me tonight.
(Poem courtesy: Khushboo2006)
++++++++++++++++ The End++++++++++++++++
