Arjuna Draupadi SS: Lights, Camera, Action!!!(Part 12 up!) - Page 15

Originally posted by: Texie-Shady

Update re ! 😆

Part 5 - Memories

Two days. Two days and Arjun's thoughts had been revolving around the same person, and that same conversation that had unsettled him to a large extent. But this particular count was just a sham, because who was he kidding? The same person had been ruling his thoughts since the past three years, and no matter how aloof he tried to act in the situation, it did affect to him. Mattered much more than anything had in the past.

After they had shot their first scene together, Arjun and Diya had been called to RV's room the same evening for the dialogue rehearsal and reading of the Swayamvar scene that was to be done next, over a whole week. Arjun had been reluctant to go, considering their equation or rather the lack of it, but more so because he knew that he wouldn't be able to contain the concern he felt for Diya any longer if he saw her like he had earlier in the day. But to his absolute astonishment, when he had finally entered the room -- after he had recalled how RV had lectured him already, even after him improving his behaviour -- he had found Diya seated comfortably in her chair, chatting happily with RV while a mug of steaming coffee rested on the wooden side-table.

Even when he had tried to maintain his charade, greeting RV and with great effort ignoring his biggest distraction, seated right in front -- not even sending a jibe flying at her, like he had before - she had calmly twisted her two fingers around the handle of the mug, gripping it and had taken a small sip from her coffee, careful not to burn her tongue while fiddling with her phone as he continued glancing at her from his peripheral vision. Yes, he had noticed the minutest details that day, after a very, very long time.

Rather, instead of reacting to his presence, she had asked RV to proceed explaining them the whole sequence, scene by scene, and then go on to the schedule for the entire week. Arjun had at the exact moment, noticed a ghost of a smirk on RV's thin lips, as he went on about what they had to do.

All the while the narration had been going on, Arjun had been restlessly shifting in his chair, getting agitated by the lack of attention that he was getting from Diya, who seemed to be quite at ease throughout. Suddenly the shrill sound of a cell-phone ringing had resonated in his ears, and RV had slightly nodded when she had silently asked for permission. Arjun had scoffed then, an odd mix of something at the tip of his tongue. Finally, taking in a few deep breaths, he had caught some part of the conversation that he had failed to hear before, courtesy his sulking.

"Yes, I know. It is my thing now, the bachelorette party is my pain, and you don't have to bother."

"No, Karan! I already spoke to her."

"Why would I tell you? It is my party this time; she can do it when it is hers, right?"

"Okay, hold on."

By the time he had heard this bit of the conversation, he had been more than just shocked, anger rising in the pit of his stomach, his hands fisted at his sides; knuckles white and jaw clenched. That man's name, even today, made extreme anger shoot through him, and that day a murderous rage swept over him as memories of that fateful night flashed in front of his eyes, Diya's twinkling eyes and bright smile altogether intensifying his feelings.

Bachelorette party? And why is she saying it's hers...and talking to that...that man?

Oblivious to him and his anger, Diya had turned to RV, her phone still pressed to one ear, "When am I going to be free? I just want one night, you know before the wedding."

"Of course, when is it that you want the party to be?"

"Well, since the wedding is a low-key affair, and in about three weeks, I want this to be grand because we'll be busy in shooting some very important sequences then, right?

"Yeah, that's right. You could do it, after the Swayamvar, maybe, a week and a half later", he heard RV say.

Diya spoke into her phone next, "Okay, so I'll text you the details. Just get Dhruv and Rukmani bhabhi. Yeah okay, bye."

Wedding? Was he wrong about her, again? Was that whole article, three years ago just a facade, something for show? Were they planning their marriage all along, or having a secret affair?

Lost in thought, Arjun didn't even realise what was happening as he half listened to the conversation that followed; sitting through the rest of the meeting disinterestedly and finally, even when he entered his own room, he felt nothing. And then finally, rage shot through his entire form as the one-sided telephonic conversation replayed in his mind.

The next moment, the sound of glass shattering reverberated in the silent room, and soon after whatever came into his line of vision, was on the floor, as he slammed his fist into the wall, breathing heavily.

...

An hour later, a half-filled bottle of expensive liquor was rolling on the floor of the balcony, while a glass filled with warm, golden liquid sparkling on ice cubes against the moonlight rested on the flat marble railing of the balcony of the twelfth floor of the building.

Arjun grabbed the glass of alcohol taking another sip, and then his hands were back to their former position, loosely hanging over the railing, one crossed over the other, as he looked straight ahead, at nothing in particular.

A few minutes later, his hand slipped into the back pocket of his jeans, as he took out his wallet and opened it. The blur picture of a girl smiling at him was the first thing he saw. Squinting a little at the picture, he concentrated, and eventually as the haze cleared, Diya smiled her dazzling smile at him.

That picture had been there in his wallet, since the very day it had been clicked. He didn't even have to exert his brain, for the memories of that day were etched permanently in his heart. He gazed fondly at the picture, a pang accompanying each memory, as Diya's laughing face flashed before his eyes. Her eyes were twinkling exactly like they had been earlier in the evening, only then; they had been full of playfulness and mischief. Her hair framed her face, as she held onto the hat she had been wearing, his hat. Arjun distinctly remembered everything about the day, even in his inebriated state, right from the events of the day to her dress, a lovely pink sleeveless chiffon sundress, that he had gifted her just the day before.

"Come on Arjun, get up!"

"No, Diya, please baby let me rest; it isn't everyday that we get a day off unexpectedly."

"Exactly! It isn't everyday that we get a day off from shooting. Even the weather's so pleasant. Come on, let's go out."

"But the hotel is great. Why would you want to go out? We can just relax on the hammock here, maybe go for a swim. It's so private."

"For your information, the entire Island is secluded, so there is loads of privacy everywhere, and we can go relax on the beach, away from the crew even". When he showed no sign of budging, still reading through a magazine, she sighed, imagining his mouth lifted up in a lop-sided, smug grin behind the magazine that was now covering his face. And, she was absolutely right because he really was smirking being the pages, visualising a quiet day with her. But Arjun, surely shouldn't have taken her sigh as a sign of his girlfriend giving up, "Fine, I'll just go alone, maybe go for a swim in the sea. You enjoy here, with your magazine and in your hammock, I'll get changed in my black bikini."

Diya giggled inwardly as she turned around and counted with each step. One, two, three...and sure enough, Arjun had caught up with her in a few quick strides, and twirled her around to face him as he smiled coquettishly against her lips, snaking his arms around her waist, while her palms rested on his shoulders. "What do you think you are doing, Mr. Khurana?I am getting late for my day out, so will you leave me? Why don't you enjoy with that magazine you were reading, the one with me on the cover?" her eyes glinted. Arjun immediately caught the flicker of naughtiness in her eyes, and pulled her even closer, "I changed my mind; maybe I should accompany you, no?"

"And why the sudden change of mind, if I may ask?"

"Because I don't want anyone else seeing you in that bikini and because I want to see you in it. Also, you were right; we'll be alone on this Island."

"Oh, really? And what makes you think I will wear that bikini?"

"You said so yourself."

"I say a lot of things."

"I will make sure you wear it now."

"Dream on."

"You are my dream come true."

"Don't try to act so charming", Diya's cheeks coloured.

"Can't help it, I am born with this charm, baby", Arjun pecked her on her lips, once.

"You know, this place isn't as private as you think it is."

"Well, then let's go where we can be alone from everyone's prying eyes."

"You're right. Fine, let's go change", Diya tried to pull herself away, but Arjun only held her tighter; even closer. She looked up at him, confused and caught a sudden flicker of something in his eyes.

"You haven't promised to wear that bikini yet", Arjun said coyly, biting on his lip to prevent a smirk that threatened to escape.

Diya narrowed her eyes at him, looking thoughtfully, before replying, "I'll see...but you wear the blue shirt, the cyan one."

"Why don't you say it, the one you bought for me, your favourite", he raised his eyebrow playfully to which he hummed in response before saying, "Yeah, that one."

"Then, I get the pink dress, the one I bought for you yesterday."

She smiled at him, nodding, "Nothing under the shirt, except of course the shorts, Oh, stop frowning."

Diya knew how much he disliked wearing shorts, except if required for a film. The casual look though suited him very well, which he refused to accept, sticking to his formal jeans or pants. But they were in the tropics now, on a secluded Island near Thailand to shoot for their film together. The scene was to be shot in sunlight, and that day being cloudy with expected rain shower, the shoot had been stalled till the next day. The whole crew was on the resort's private beach, enjoying the weather, and that had to be the best time to sneak off. She wasn't going to let this opportunity go for nothing.

"You let your hair down today, not that wretched bun."

Diya resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him, considering that he was now well aware of her habit of tying up her hair in a loose bun whenever she was alone, away from the cameras and the public. Even in between shots, she had always liked tying up her hair, but Arjun had always loved her hair down. Many a time, when they were alone together, he would without warning free her hair without, making them fall down her back, even when they were unruly.

"Let's meet outside in fifteen."

"No, ten. I want to be out of here before anyone sees us", Diya crossed her hands in front of her chest.

"You know, you are a good businesswoman", Arjun winked at her.

"All in my genes. You aren't too bad yourself."

"I was at the top of my MBA batch."

"Show off", she said walking away towards her room, making him chuckle behind her.

...

As evening set in, Arjun and Diya sat under a palm tree, locked in each other's embrace, looking on as the huge waves washed the shore, each wave larger than the previous one. Diya's head rested on Arjun's shoulder as she admired the waves, the peculiar blue-green colour of the sea, the white foam on the edge, and the contrast that the golden sand provided against the rich colour of the sea. Her eyes shone as she smiled at the picturesque view nature made in front f her. "It's beautiful, huh?" Diya heard Arjun from besides her, his hot breath falling on her ear.

She inhaled sharply, as he now nuzzled the side of her neck, "Very. I wish we could come here often."

Arjun turned his head towards her, cupping her face, his dark gaze locking with hers, "We will come back though, some day, just the two of us."

He smiled softly at her before they reached for each other at the same time, for a series of scorching kisses. Diya clutched onto Arjun's shoulders, feeling dizzy with the intensity of the first kiss as he pulled her on top of him, sucking on her bottom lip and continued to slowly and sensually move his hands up and down the length of her arms, till he felt her shiver. Their tongues waltzed together, till the two of them were completely out of breath and finally broke apart, gasping for oxygen.

"Care to join me for a swim?"

"Have you seen the size of those waves? It is dangerous out there. You can't possibly go for a swim."

"Is that a challenge?"

"Take it as whatever you want; I am not going right now."

"Suit yourself", Arjun shrugged, and then he was swiftly taking off his shirt, followed by his hat as he strode towards the sea and in a moment, his arms were cutting through the waves, after he dove into the water, swimming effortlessly.

Diya watched him from a distance, moistening her dry lips. Being a swimmer herself, she was well aware that he wouldn't last long in the sea, considering how high the waves were, and as she saw him rising up, in order to come out of the water, a devilish smile emanated from her full lips. Quickly, she got rid of her pink dress and now, dressed only in her skimpy two-piece, she started collecting his shirt and the extra towels that they had carried from the resort. Diya walked towards where the sea met the sand, waiting for Arjun, and as he finally emerged from the water, his hazel orbs turned dark with a maelstrom of barely concealed desire at the first sight of her. Her cheeks turned a deep crimson under his smouldering gaze, but controlling herself, Diya threw a towel in his direction, and his phone went flying along with the towel, "Oops! Manage with this, boyfriend. Hope you had a great swim", she winked brazenly at him, and as she saw him approaching her, she turned around swiftly and ran, laughing.

Diya halted, and looked behind, still guffawing, as she heard the click of what seemed like a camera and in a sudden move, she was wrapped in Arjun's warm embrace. Both of them were breathing erratically, when Arjun whispered into her ear, "Caught you!"

His cold fingers, felt tantalizing on the soft, bare skin of her waist, and she inhaled a sharp breath with the first contact of his lips on her skin. Arjun peppered kisses along her jaw line, making her shut her eyes in pleasure. He paused for a moment, studying her under his hot gaze, before he stepped away abruptly, fearing that he would lose control if he proceeded, but Diya immediately resisted, rubbing her palms along his biceps, her hands moving up to his shoulders next, as she finally wound her arms around his neck. Arjun peered at her in surprise as she rose on her toes, pushing at his chest with her own, and joined their lips together for a searing kiss.

As they broke apart, they mouthed at the same time, "I love you". For the first time, ever.

Tears of frustration stung his eyes, as Arjun reminisced that day, recalling how he had got that picture developed that very day, and put it in his wallet. Even Diya had not known about this. He glanced painfully at her picture, as his mask slipped for once in all these years. 'Had he lost her, again? Could he afford losing her forever?'

...

Dee-Pee is my mega-star: says Vyas.

As promised earlier, your very own Sexy Surili is back with news from the sets of Rajveer Vyas' upcoming mythological Saga!

Diya Panchal, who is currently shooting for her upcoming ancient romance has been repeatedly impressing the makers of the film with her stellar performances and a little birdie from the sets of the film has reported that while shooting for an important scene, she wowed not only the crew but also her cousin, Krish Yadav who was said to be visiting the sets at the time. A source from the sets confirmed the news, "Yes, the way she has gotten into the character is amazing and her demeanour while acting is so eloquent. She carries herself exactly like a princess while enacting each scene."

The film's director, however, has even better words to say about the superstar, "Well, Diya Panchal is my megastar. She is a brilliant actor, and puts in so much of sincerity in her work. Watching her deliver scenes so extraordinarily makes me feel extremely proud of her. I am sure the audience will love her in the film."

We even managed to get a picture of the lead actors of the film, shooting for the same scene. The picture, due to extreme security on the sets although, is not clear, it is definitely something, with the actress dressed in a typical ancient red sari (down).

The film being helmed by Rajveer Vyas, starring Diya Panchal and Arjun Singh Khurana in lead roles, is a film on Arjun and Draupadi, the mythological couple from Mahabharata, and narrates their love story like never before. The sets are reported to be extremely opulent and expensive, and this particular scene cost more than 15Crore rupees.

More news very soon...till then, keep reading Mumbai Express!

Diya folded the newspaper with a sigh, and sat before her vanity table, scrubbing her face off the makeup. That day had been the end of an exhausting six days of shooting Draupadi's Swayamvar. Each shoot had completely drained Diya, both mentally and physically. Throughout the past days, she had felt like Draupadi more than she had in the past few months altogether. She had carried herself with pride, just like a princess, while walking into the set that had been turned into the grand Swayamvar hall. She had felt the anxiety when Krish, as Krishna, had spoken to her about the Brahmin who had not arrived, Arjun. She had felt the rashness of her decision when she had impulsively stood up and called the actor playing Karna, a Sutaputra. She had experienced the joy when the Brahmin had hit his target. She had felt her cheeks becoming hot, the natural blush creeping, as Arjun had looked intently at her, his hazel gaze clashing with hers, when she had put the garland around his neck. She had felt as playful as Draupadi would have in the situation, when Arjun had tried to hide his identity of being the Prince of Hastinapur, feigning tears and finally, getting the answer out of him, that he was a Kshatriya, that he was Arjun, Draupadi's Arjun. Her Arjun. She had felt the calm before the storm. And, she had felt the pain, Draupadi's pain. She had felt her heart shatter. She had heard witnessed her dreams break. She had experienced separation, the end of her innocence, once again. She had shed her own tears.

...

All along, Diya had been trying to avoid making eye-contact with Arjun, except during the scenes, when she knew she wouldn't be herself, when she would turn into Draupadi. She had deliberately chosen to ignore him, trying to remain unaffected by his presence even during the evening they had been in RV's room, to move on from her memories, but it had been increasingly difficult. More so, when for the first time, after RV had declared that they would be shooting the wedding sequence, Arjun had held her gaze, looking intently at her. That was the first time, when Diya had witnessed the agony in his eyes, the first time in three years when she had been felt his eyes mirroring her own feelings, after so much of aloofness and coldness.'Would she ever be able to forget him?'

TBC

Hope you like it!

P.S. - The Cyan shirt has a long way to go😉

Wonderful chapter Navika

Ress!

Loved it yaar...such an amazing update... Thanks for the PM..

you deserve all the praise!! 👏 you are such a wonderful writer! i just love your work!! ⭐️

Mind blowing update. Waiting for the next.