I am trying something very different with this story. Please keep an open mind and please leave your comments!!
Chapter 2:
That night after Khushi's Auditon.
Arnav went back to his Penhouse, lost in thoughts..his thoughts drifting to Khushi.. While he made a drink and stretched out it was nearly twelve in the night when Ria came home. Without looking she rushed to the Kitchen. Arnav seeing her hurrying gave a small laugh. "Busy day Baby?". She did not immediately answer but came back with a apple and sat close to him..leaning on his shoulder with tiredness. Arnav looking sideways at her. She looked all worn out as she kicked her heels away. She started speaking with a groan.."You cannot believe how difficult today was!. I even called you a Million times !. And I swear the set designers are charging more per day..I saw their expense sheet and my eyes nearly popped out! The negotiations took till afternoon"..She continued venting as they cuddled together on the cushions.." ..and on top of that your Superstar Sahil Khan has even invited me for a frikking date! Arnav grew frustrated..Damn him.."What was his excuse this time?" "Oh nothing..Set visit to Jaipur..Wants me to accompany him. He says he has found the perfect location for our third schedule...Kya bakwaas.". Arnav was shocked..Sahil had gone too far this time. He tolerated him flirting with his wife. Even he flirted with other women..but actually inviting her to Jaipur."God..this is pathetic..you have a Husband..and that Husband is supposed to be his friend..!". She gave him a tensed look."I had to agree..". "What?!" . Arnav stood up in Anger. "Listen to me. Think logically. 250 crores are riding on him..You know how difficult it was to make him agree to do this film.What if he quits. You know how pathetic and childish he is right!"..Arnav was still seething "Baby..look at me., you were the one who taught me these rules..He has this animosity with you..you know that..and if just one stupid date with him will make him agree and make him think he is a better man, then why not!". "But..this is wrong. On every damn level.Don't you realise that. Its not worth this.I don't want to bloody sell you..!". Ria grew impatient." Look I appreciate what you are saying. But,as a producer and co-owner of Raizada production house, I have to look at every aspect. Right now, more than sentiments or emotions, this is important. Money is important. Don't you think how I am feeling right now. I am literally making some guy use me just for the sake of our film..and the least you can do right now is stop acting as a typical jealous husband!".
Arnav felt utterly trapped. His wife was somehow right. She did possesses a better business acumen than him. But it was wrong. Finally Arnav agreed. And he had a plan. "But I am coming with you" when she started to protest he quickly said.."Don't worry , He won't notice me. I'll fly on a different flight and stay in a different hotel..and maybe I'll bump 'accidentally' into him , then make him guilty or better blackmail him to make him stay on the film'". Ria was pleased and pecked him on the cheek. "I knew I had a reason to marry you. Tum bhi dimag se sochte ho!"
After a while Arnav slowly brought up Khushi.."Oh by the way..get ready to meet your new Heroine tomorrow!". Ria looked up.."I thought we were supposed to finalise together?".."Yes we did agree , but you should see her Ria. She is perfect. She has this amazing raw talent. I could not even think of any other girl fitting this role. And woh bhi Lukhnow se hain..Pefect features I might add!" Ria was quiet for a while and said. "Ok". She got up quickly from his side and went towards their bedroom. Arnav was confused by her abrupt mood change. But he did not know that while he was speaking about Khushi, his eyes had softened and a smile had crept up on his face. An honest earnestness and awe and something else had filled his voice..
As they slept that night, each lost in their thoughts, Arnav thought of Ria and wondered why it did not hurt as much as he expected. Ria was his wife. She was going with some other man for god's sake. Sure he had felt the righteous anger. But was that anger because he actually felt it or just because he was supposed to feel it.
Ria thought of Arnav and watched him sleep with some mixed emotions.
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Khushi did not sleep whole night. Her small apartment was filled with Jalebi smell and her excited voice. She had bagged the lead role. She could not believe it. Her Amma Babuji would be so happy.! Payal tried to calm her down and gave up. Khushi was practically bouncing and had even called her neighbors over. All of them chattering in excitement and asking when they can visit the set and meet everyone. Khushi thought amused that they were more interested to meet Arnavji rather than Sahil Khan. Ah..Arnav ji..why did he have to be so handsome. She sighed. Her innocent heart berated her to be thinking of a married man in that way..but god damn it.
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Edited by apoorvaarnav - 9 years ago
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