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Chapter One
Pragya entered her favourite book store and perched herself on one of the many bean bags, scattered throughout the store. She produced a copy of The Hypnotist from her bag and took in the faint smell. She flicked through the pages and was instantly transported to a different world.
A few minutes later, Tanu entered the store; Aliya and Abhi in tow. The Mehra siblings were unsure of the purpose of today's trip but neither dared to voice their opinions. They followed the supermodel till she came to a stop in the biography section. ''Ta da,'' Tanu exclaimed while striking a pose and pointing to a hardback with her picture on it. Aliya was the first to speak, ''Is this your secret project?'' ''Indeed. What do you two think?'' Tanu looked at them, expectantly. Abhi rolled his eyes and picked up a copy, The Dark Side of Modelling. ''Hmph, did you write this yourself?'' ''Don't be silly. The new girl that I appointed as assistant wrote it for me.'' Neither Abhi nor Aliya were surprised. Abhy started towards the door only to be stopped by Aliya. ''Bhai, I know you're stressed about your album but can't you at least be happy for Tanu.'' Abhi softened a bit and gave Tanu a side hug. Tanu and Aliya squealed and started planning how they would celebrate this.
Ever since Pragya moved out of his house (He kicked her out), nothing had went well for Abhi. The media too caught wind of Abhi's infidelity and the rest is history. This followed by his fans deserting him since they no longer believed in his songs. Tanu's career too crashed and burned and this book was her attempt to revive it.
''Jo jahan hai, wahin raho. This is a random search,'' (Stay where you are. This is a random search,) echoed the tannoy. Pragya looked up from her book, annoyed. ''Can't a girl get some peace and quiet,' she thought to herself. Pragya closed her book shut and decided to wait it out.
One by one, a dozen cops entered and dispersed themselves through the store. ''Yeh kya nayi musibat hai,'' (What's happening now?) Abhi said to the girls. ''Bhai, apparently some rockstar is making an appearance here today, so the cops must be searching for booze and drugs.'' Aliya stated. ''What rockstar?'' Abhi asked, his interest piqued. ''Ruu-d-ra,'' Tanu said, looking dreamily at a poster. This action of hers went unnoticed by Abhi who was lost in his own thoughts but not his sister. ''Hato, main dekhta hoon,'' (Move, let me check,) Abhi muttered, to no one in particular.
Abhi walked up to the cop in charge and said, ''Hume der ho rahi hai. Jo karna hai jaldi karo aur hume jaane do.'' (We're getting late. Do what you have to do and let us go.) ''Kaun hai re tu? Kisi minister ka beta hai kya? Hai to bhi hum jaane nahi denge,'' (Who are you? Is your Father the minister? Even if he was, I can't let you go,) the cop retorted. ''Tum jaante nahin ho main kaun hoon. Abhi naam hai mera. I'm a rockstar,'' (You have no idea who I am. Abhi's my name. I'm a rockstar.) Abhi replied with a smirk. ''Rockstar hoga apne ghar pe. Sahab ke strict orders hai sab ko baari baari check karne ke. Ab ja ke line mein lag.'' (You might be one in your house but I have strict orders from my senior to check everyone one by one now go join the queue.)Tanu looked over Abhi's shoulder and smiled seductively at the cop. Aap mujhe to jaante hi hoge. ''Dekhiye agar aap hume jaane denge main aapko apni ek kitaab sign karke dungi aur ek photo bhi,'' (Look, if you get us go, I'll give you an autographed copy of my book and we can have a picture together.) she said in a sickly sweet voice. The cop pretended to think by rubbing his chin. Nahin,'' (No,) he finally replied, ''Ab kalti maaro.'' (Now get lost.)
Pragya, who had witnessed this wondered what would happen if the trio saw her. She wiped her clammy palms against her dress. ''Madam sabse pehle aapki checking hogi. Oh hello, behenji, aapse baat kar raha hoon.'' (Madam you'll be checked first. Hello, sister, I'm talking to you.) At the mention of the word behenji, Pragya's head shot up and she knew he meant her. She quickly packed up her belongings and moved towards him while three other confused faces looked on.
Part Two - Page 2
Part Three - Page 4
Part Four - Page 6
Part Four - Page 6
Anupamaa
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