~*A Holiday Fling*~
Well , well , well'..u guys might be thinking " already she has an incomplete FF which is not even successful n now shes starting another one"'but I assure u guys that this one is limited n I have completed this FF'.i hv the complete story '.. n 1 more thing this FF will finish by 25th December i.e. by Christmas cuz its based on Christmas itself'n the last part would b there on the Christmas Day'upd8s will b there in every 2 weeks 'till November then in December every week so as 2 complete my FF 'till 25th'..do comment if u find this worth ur time'.n yes I will not give any intros of the characters '.u will get 2 know them as the story proceeds''
This is basically on my fav couple AR / KaSh'n on another famous couple AK { I really don noe anything about KYPH but will write a bit on them + they r not playing a major role'I just hv pulled them in cuz I thought they were the best 4 this role}''.
My thanks 2 all my inspirations{mentioned n very first FF}, my readers and a very special thanks 2 a marvelous author Mary Jo Putney whos an awesome Christmas love story writer'.u guys must read her books if u find ne'..i got the idea frm one of her contemporary novellas'..do comment if u find it worth ur time'thanks'
Now a summary of my story {I hope I don disappoint u guys}
Ames Clive {Armaan Clive whos half American n half Indian} and Rave Gupta {Riddhima an Indian but every1 calls her Rave as shes in showbiz n needs 2 hv a cool name} are both in show business, and they are both genuinely nice people who love their work. But he's half American n half
Indian and she's Indian , he's behind the camera n she's in front, and when their careers has crossed a dozen years ago, their careers swiftly took them away from each other. Can this time be different?
Should I continue?
I noe u guys might b thinking y Christmas? Y not ne other?...cuz christmas is my fav time'although they don celebrate it much here in India'but still I like it a lot!...n plus I got a story out of it!...so it makes it much more better'.
Tc 2 all
Hugs & luv
Nimisha
PM list
swansea
im_dibest
.:.MONA.:.
prernawaghray
redi50
ArmaansGirl
aishar
cool_pisces
wardahere
missypatel
aarora
vcaobi
cute_unknown_fr
dmgfan19
bimley
Armaan90
Diclaimer : this is a fictitious Fan Fic and is a work of imagination. All characters, places, events in this FF are purely fictitious and any resemblance to any living or dead ; location or event is purely coincidental. I, thereby, do not take the responsibility about any resemblance or any harm caused.
One
The Tithe Barn Community Center
Upper Bassett
Gloucestershire, England
"The Carthage Corporation wants how much ?!?!?" Rave blinked, thinking she must have misheard.
The head of the community center council, who happened 2 b her mother, Smriti Gupta, repeated the figure.
There were far 2 many zeros.
"Property costs the earth here in the Cotswolds, even in an out-of-the-way corner like Upper Bassett. Throw in the barn's age, and the price goes even higher." Kripa Gelf, third member of the council present ' and Rave's big sis ' scribbled figures on a tablet. "Even if we sell every seat to every performance of the Revels, there is no possible way we can raise enough." She pushed the tablet away with a frown. "Resign urself to the fact that some rich English London stockbroker will buy the place and tart it up for use three or four weekends a year."
"No!" Rave said vehemently. "The tithe barn is the heart and soul of Upper Bassett. Without it, our village identity will whither away."
"You're right. Many of my fondest memories occurred here." Her mother sighed. "But the lease is expiring, Carthage is determined to sell, and v simply don't have the money to meet their price."
" Do you think a bank would give us a loan using the property collateral?" Rave suggested without much hope.
" That might buy us some time, but even in a good year, the center only breaks even." Kripa pushed her glasses higher on her nose. She was a schoolteacher, and the gesture was very effective at convincing her classes that she meant business. "We will never b able 2 make enough money 2 pay off a loan, even assuming some bank officer is demented enough to give us one."
Rave rose 4m the battered chair and crossed 2 the door of the small office. The ancient music ensemble was practicing on the stage at the far end of the barn. She had discovered her passion for acting on that stage, and she couldn't bear thinking that soon no more local children would have such an opportunity to perform, play, and build lifelong friendships. "If my career were in better shape, I'd donate the money myself."
"Your career is fine," Kripa said loyally. "You can't expect 2 go 4m one smashing series right to another, but you're still working."
" even if u could afford it, that might bot b the best thing for the village," Smriti added. " This is a community center ' it needs 2 b saved through collective action, not by one successful raiding her retirement savings."
Rave supposed they were right. Her career wuz having a slow spell but it wasn't dead yet, and her mother made a good point that the center belonged 2 all of them and should b saved by joint efforts. That was why Rave had stepped into produce and direct the upcoming Revels, combining local talent with her own skills and connections to create a professional-quality show. She was even performing as Lady Molly, the female lead.
But it wasn't enough. " the Revels are going 2 b marvelous. If only there wuz a way 2 use the production 2 generate more money ' " She stopped as an idea struck.
" you've got that dangerous look in ur eyes, Riddhima," smriti said warily using her real name after a long time. "Care 2 enlighten us?"
Rave turned back 2 the office and leaned against the door frame as 2 pairs of identical black eyes regarded her. The women of the Gupta family looked ridiculously alike, with dark hair, pale, flawless Welsh complexions, and black eyes except 4 Rave who had deep green. She hoped that she and Kripa would age as gracefully as their mother wuz doing. "this isn't dangerous. It juz occurred 2 me that we couls film the Revels and sell videotapes of the performance. Get it reviewed or mentioned in some of the London papers. If v do a really good job, mayb we could sell broadcast rights to the BBC for next Christmas."
There wuz a thoughtful silence while her mother and sis considered the suggestion. "We cold set up a website and link with folklore and performing groups, but we'd have 2 sell a huge no. of tapes 2 raise the kind of money v need, n v only hv a few months," Kripa observed. "selling broadcast rights would give us a larger chunk of money, but the production would hv 2 b high quality, not juz someone's husband with his video camera."
Smriti said, " perhaps Rave has cameraman frnds who could b persuaded 2 contribute their time 2 a good cause."
"it's avery short notice." Rave ran down the list of camera operators she knew well enough to impose on. Kripa wuz right that they needed sum1 wh wuz first rate. Sum1 whose nae would add value to the production.
Ames Clive.
With sum reluctance, she accepted that he wuz far and away the best choice. Winner of the previous year's Oscar for best cinematography, he wuz brilliant director of photography who brough texture and nuance into evry film he shot. "I worked with Ames Clive once. He would b perfect, but he's an American and insanely busy. I doubt I'd b able 2 even locate him, much less persuade him 2 drop everything and cum 2 England on a moment's notice."
"he shot The Centurion didn't he? And that big fantasy movie which wuz such hit last year?...n plz don call him American 'he's half American n half Indian !" with a sis in the film business, Kripa kept up with such things. "his work is wonderful. If he's a friend of urs, its certainly worth asking."
Not a friend ; a former lover. Would that b a plus or a minus? They hadn't seen each other 4 years, but they'd parted amiably and kept in touch, in a casual kind of way.
She pictured Ames, with his rangy American build and a smile that always made her smile in return. He'd helped her through a very bad time. If he could transform the Revels frm fun into Art, and mayb save the community center in the process. "I'll try 2 run him down when I return 2 London, but don't get ur hopes up. He's very much in demand."
But her pulse quickened at the thought of having a reason 2 call him.
~*****************~
I noe guys'.it wuz short but the next part is long and short enough'..n plus this wuz just a short part 2 clarify all ur doubts'..
Thanks 4 reading
My acknowledgement 2 all of u
Do comment/critize
Tc
Hugs & Luv
Nimisha
Two{A}
Los Angeles, California
Ames Clive emerged from his bed yawning. He was too groggy and disoriented to figure out what time it was in Australia, but his body sure thought it should still be there rather than in los angeles.
By the time he'd showered and shaved, a pot of steaming coffee had dripped through. He poured a mug full, sending silent thanks 2 the frnd who had stocked his fridge with perishables the day before. People who made movies did a lot of coming and gong, and he and his buddies took care of each other.
Yawning again, he rubbed the head of the shiny gold Academy Award that sat incongruously b/w the toaster and the drip coffeemaker. He liked keeping old Oscar there in a nice, visible spot. The statuette was his symbol of hving made sumthing f himself, contrary 2 the expectations of people who'd knownhim when he was a kid.
Taking his cell phone in case sum1 called, he stepped through the sliders into the balcony. After swiping at the chair 2 remove the layer of urban dust, he sank into it and propped his feet on the railing. The view over the apartment complex wasn't thrilling, but it wuz home.
For the thousandth time, he told himself that he really needed 2 go house hunting. He could afford a house now, and it would b nice 2 hv a larger place. One with a view. But house hunting took time, and it wuz easier 2 walk away frm an apartment 4 months on end than it would b 2 walk away frm a hme.
Hving reached his usual conclusions, he set the topic aside 4 another day. One when he wasn't so jet-lagged.
He slouched deeper in his chairand sipped @ the scalding coffe, enjoying pleasant coolness of the December air. It had been blazing hot in the Land Down Under, but the filming had gone well. The raw, primitive scenery had been a cameraman's dream. The images he'd captured had made up 4 the spoiled behaviour of the movie's 2 stars. Actors. Couldn't live with 'em , couldn't live without 'em.
In mid-january he would b off 2 Argentine 4 the biggest budget, highest profile film of his career, but he had mothing booked b4 then. Mayb after he finished the coffe he'd call his manager 2 see if ne1 wanted him 2 a commercial or two. Such jobs kept him busy b/w feature films, paid well, and often provided opportunities 2 try new , exciting techniques.
The cell phone played the first few noes of "Fur Elise". Wondering if a commercial had come looking 4 him, he answered suppressing a yawn. "H'lo."
"Ames-is that you?"
Not his manager. The female voice was deliciously British and familiar, but surely it couldn't be. . . "Yep, it's me, srry if um slow, but whos this?" With his luck, she wuz probably a high-class aluminium siding saleswoman.
"Rave ' Rave Gupta"
"Rave!" he came awake fast, amzed that his caller really wuz Rave. As if he could hv forgotten her. Trying not 2 sound like a slavering idiot, he said, "Nice 2 hear 4m u. r u in Los angeles? If u r, let me take u out 2 lunch."
Smart, witty, and down to earth, Jenny was the kind of actor who made up 4 the prima donnas. She was also drop-dead gorgeous ' a brunette stunner who stood out even in business where beautiful women were a dime a dozen.
Strange things could happen on a movie set, and Ames's brief fling with Rave was proof. Ordinarily theie relationship would never hv been gone beyond casual chat, but she had been weeping her heart out over. . . .
Her chuckle interrupted his reverie. "Sorry, no, I'm in London."
Damn. " what can I do 4 u?"
"I have a '.. a proposition 4 u."
He blinked, then ordered his libido 2 quit thinking double meanings. : are u turning director and looking 4 a cinematographer?"
"Not xactly, but sumthing like that."
'Yes?'
She drew a breath that could b heard a third of the way round the globe. "This is a charity project. I grew up in a village in the Cotswold ' that's west of London and very pretty ' I still hv a home ther. The parish tithe barn was turned into a community center just after the war, and it's a wonderful place 4 plays n music practices n yoga classes n pottery and all manner of amusements. It's the heart of Upper Bassett."
"Upper Bassett?" hound visions came to mind.
"to distinguish it 4m Lower Bassett and Bassett on the Wold," she explained with a twinkle in her voice. " to make a long story as short as possible, the village owns the lease on the barn. The actual owner is a big soulless corporation that wants 2 sell the property in six months when the lease expires. Property in Gloucestershire is staggeringly expensive, and the price they're asking is far beyond our means. If the village wants 2 keep it, v hv 2 raise a lot of money fast."
He received more than his share of his requests 4 his hard-earned money, but he was willing 2 oblige Ames.
"Where should I send the check?"
" that's awfully generous of u, Ames, but I'm bot calling 2 ask 4 money." For an actress who made her living playing the sexy, good-hearted girl next-door, Rave sounded shy. "I'm on the community center board, so I decided 2 stage a Christmas mummers' play 2 raise money. I've persuaded sum of my frnds 2 lend a hand, n I think we'll draw a good audience 4 the performances."
"But not good enough?"
"I'm afrais not. We'll never make enough if we rely on ticket sales, so in six months Upper Bassett will hv no community center. This may not sound very important, but community is what makes life worth living, and it can be very fragile. I don't want 2 see fabric of my native village come unraveled."
He backtracked. " whats a mummers' play?'
"Oh, sorry. It's one of those British things although um an Indian, but I wuz born n brought up here. Medieval plays, usually a combination of religious themes grafted onto ancient fertility rites. Groups of mummers used to go around and perform short performances for begging money. That's largely died out, but the plays r still performed on occasion. Its quite a jolly tradition."
A light dawned. " I saw a show like dat in Boston once. Lots of singing & dancing & melodrama. It was a great evening."
" Ours will be, too. A couple od days ago, it occurred to me that the best way to make money from our Revels is to film the show so we can sell videos and if we are lucky, license it to the telly."
" I think I see where you're going with this, but there are plenty of great cameramen in England. Cant you draft one of them?"
" Probably, but you're my first choice. You're known for being able to do marvelous work quickly, and your name will ad value to the project." Her voice turned portentous. "The Upper Bassett Holiday Revels, filmed by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Armaan Clive."
"That's shameless flattery." He grinned. "Keep it up but keep the Armaan part away, Ames is fine."
She had the sexiest chuckle in the Northern Hemisphere. "Very well. This production will be a bit of hodgepodge, so we'll need your talent as well as your reputation. It wont be easy to make Morris dancers and children's choir look dramatic instead of like amateur night. That's why I thought of you."
He toyed with the handle of his mug, thinking that it sounded like a hoot ' the kind of wildly improvised project that he'd love doing in his school days. But he hadn't been a student in almost 2 decades, and he was tired to the bone. "You're talking about this Christmas, aren't you? Like, in the next week or so? I just got back from Australia yesterday and I'm in no mood to climb on another plane and spend the holidays with strangers."
"You only just got home? Sorry ' I thought you'd had more time to recover from the last job." She hesitated. "I know this is a lot to ask, but if you're willing, you could be the making of this project. What would it take to persuade you to come over/"
"Your fair white body," he muttered under his breath as he sipped some coffee.
"That's negotiable," she said.
He swallowed the wrong way and went into a coughing fit. When he could breathe again, he said, "Jeez, Rave, you should not make jokes like that when I'm drinking my first cup of coffee of the day!"
"sorry"
"Sleeping with a cameraman is a sacrifice no one would ask of you," he agreed. " how long do u think this is gonna take? I assume you want the production to be magical and excting and intimate, not just a static record of a stage show."
"Exactly. If you're willing then I will do all the arrangements. You can borrow my family if you want marvelous people who will simultaneously make you feel welcome and drive you mad."
He chuckled. "Sounds just like my family."
Rave's job sounded like fun. How long had it been since he'd done filming purely for the pleasure of it? It would be wonderfully relaxing, too. And plus he loved being around Rave and unless she had changed ' and she din't seem to have ' she dint have a snobbish bone in her.
Unfortunately, he liked her a little too well. Prom queens ' did they have them in English schools? ' dint pair off with oddball technogeeks like him no matter how many years had passed. Hell, she wuz a frnd and a former lover of Kenzie Scott, superstar{he dint knew why} and the not-so-handsome guy. How did he become a superstar while girls drooled over Ames and he was a filmmaker? Anyways, their brief affair had been a fluke. She had made it clear that he was being offered by a guest room, nothing more. If he recalled his trade gossip correctly, she was currently involved with some rich international businessman. Unavailable.
But he was good at what he did, and quite capable of working with a woman he wanted and couldn't have. Shooting Morris dancers ' what were Morris dancers? ' and Christmas in England would be a nice change from his real life. Afterward he could fly home 2 Ohio. There was always leftover turkey when his mother was in charge of a kitchen. "Okay. Rave you've got a deal."
"Wonderful!" The enthusiasm in her voice was enough to banish his regrets over more jet lag. "Do you have personal video equipment you'd like to use, or shall I rent some here? And if so, what would you like?"
"I'll bring my digital camera, but are you sure you want to use video? Film is probably better from a commercial point of view."
"True, but we can't afford the extra time and money film would take."
"If I use 16mm instead of 36mm, the shooting time will be about the same as video. Don't worry about renting anything ' I'll take care of getting the equipment. Its true that postproduction will take longer with film, but you will have a finished product that will be easier to sell to TV, and will look good on DVD as well as video."
"I defer your professional judgment. After all, that's why I wanted you." Her rich voice warmed. "Thank you so much, Ames. You shan't regret this."
He was sure she was right. To have regrets, there had to be a significant stake. This was just a little charity project. No consequences. Right?
Right.
~******************~
So, that was the part'I hope u guys like it'..
I noe its extremely delayed but what t do?...
.exams going on'.
So no choice but my exams are getting over on 29th sept i.e.its my last exam on that dya n also my b'day'
.i will post part 2B only after that'.
hope u guys enjoyed this part and I am only seending PMs to those people who have told me to do so'.
Srry incase u dint like this part or if I delayed the part'.
Tc
Hugs & luv
Nimisha
Two { B }
Rave hung up the phone. "I cant believe he agreed," she said to her companion.
"Mrowrrrr"
"Don't look so smug, Plato. You may be a philosopher who always knows what's going to happen, but I'm not. It's a miracle Ames is even available, and I thought for sure he'd turn me down. He won a n Oscar, for heaven's sake."
Absently she stroked the gray cat's plushy fur. "You think I'm idiotic. Right again. Why else would I be talking to a cat?"
Plato gave a lofty flick of his tail that said clearly that he was in perfect harmony with himself and simply couldn't stand human nerves.
Restlessly Rave began to pace her living room. An actor's life was odd and irregular by normal standards. The good parts were very, very good. The bad parts were horrid. One of the worst bits was having many frnds, yet too often being alone. She had achieved a fair amount of success as a television actress, and was generally considered by the British viewing public to be quite that glamour girl. Her appearance on a man's arm at a public event would enhance his reputation.
But being a famous man's wrist ornament didn't offer much for her. She stared out at the West End Street, where lights were beginning to shine mistily in the dusk. This near the winter solstice, days were short and nights were long. Very long, when one slept alone.
When had she begun to tire of glamour? Not during the first flush of success; she'd been giddily happy and made a fool of herself more than once. She had even believed men who said they loved her when what they really meant was that they wanted to bed her. There had been some good times, but usually she would care too much, and be left weeping.
Critically she studied her reflection in the mirror. For an actress who was past her prime, she still looked rather well. A little rounder than her American counterparts, who tended to look like stick drawings, but few men minded that.
Though she had learned that a pretty girl could usually get what she wanted, her no-nonsense mother made sure little Rave didn't let that go to her head. Her looks were a gift in the genetic lottery for which she was grateful, but couldn't claim credit.
"Do you think Ames and I might end up going to bed together? That would be rather nice."
Plato closed his golden eyes, bored. A bit of routine surgery in his youth had left him uninterested in gender politics.
Rave drew heavy curtains against the encroaching might and crossed to the kitchen to make a pot of tea. She hadn't really been joking when she said that her "fair white body" was negotiable, and Ames' shock at her words was a little unflattering. Most men have bantered with her, testing to see if she was serious, but Ames ' Ames was different.
The American movie they'd worked on had been something of a disaster- her first and last foray into Hollywood. He had been a second assistant camera operator, while she was a nervous ingnue making her first feature film. The script was weak, the director was a bellowing sadist, and the leading lady hated sharing the screen with another female who was younger and prettier.
Rave could have survived that, but she hadn't been able to handle the loss of a boyfrnd she had hoped to marry. She had thought their relationship was rock solid, until the tabloids started running pictures of him and the French actress with whom he was having a torrid affair. The swine had been too much a coward to tell Rave that he was tired of her so he let the journalists do it for him.
The best thing about the movie had been Ames. His sympathy and kindness had been achingly welcome at a time when she had been desperate for comfort.
He'd given her exactly what she wanted, with no strings attached. Just as their movie ended, she had received a heaven-sent BBC offer. Though she and Ames had planned to spend a quiet week at the beach recovering from the filming, instead he had cheerfully taken her to the airport and sent her off with a parting kiss and his best wishes. She flew home swearing never to return to Hollywood and she hadn't. English show business had been much kinder to her.
The Christmas cards they exchanged always contained scrawled personal notes promising to get together when they were both in the same city and not too busy to socialize, but it never happened. Whenever she got his card'always a stunning photograph that he had taken himself'she would smile and wonder what might have happened if they had met when she wasn't suffering frm a broken heart. Ames was smart and funny and nice, with rock solid steadiness that was increasingly attractive as the years'and the unreliable men'came and went.
But they both were on top of their lives. Ames hit the top of his field while Rave found herself as a host on a talk show called Still Talking. But after that she never found any television series as successful as Still Talking.
Plato twined around her ankles insinuatingly. "Are you saying its supper time?" She bent and scratched his head. "If Ames and I decide to have a fling for old times' sake, you wont be able to sleep on the bed for a few nights."
The cat blinked his luminous golden eyes complacently. Even if he was briefly exiled from the bed, he would still be there after Ames left. "Mrrrowr?"
She smiled wryly and scooped him into her arms, carrying him towards the kitchen. He career was in decline and her private life a desert, but feline hunger was eternal.
Hey guys!
How was the part?
I know hopelessly delayed and I am sorry for that'.
Din't get much time'
But I hope u liked this part @B'
And w8 a sec''
Part 3 is rite below'
Which is my apology for posting the part late'
Check it out'
Thanks
And plz do comment/critize!
Nimisha
Three
Ames emerged wearily from customs at Heathrow. Rather then take Rave up on her offer of a ticket, he had used his frequent flyer miles for a business-class seat that made the long flight from Los Angeles almost bearable. Since Rave had said he'd be picked up, he glanced around looking for a driver with a sign that said Clive.
He was dodging around a woman when a familiar husky voice said, "Have I changed that much, Ames?"
Startled, he looked down and saw Rave's deep green eyes under a stylish drooping hat. Her shining dark hair was pulled back and tied with a scarf that had matched her blue and green sweater, and she wore little {if any{ makeup. The effect was casually elegant, in an unobtrusive way that wouldn't draw unwanted attention.
Damn, he'd forgotten the power of those eyes at close range. Just looking at her made his heart accelerate and his palms cramp. Afraid he was staring like an idiot, he said, "You do incognito pretty well."
"I try." She took his arm with easy friendliness and began guiding them through the airport crowds. "When you got your Oscar, I saw that the beard was gone, but you look really good without it. I can see the attractive side of you, which makes sense if your ancestors are Italian."
They had never discussed family backgrounds all those years ago. "Only my great-grandfather was Italian. The rest of me is a mixture. The first Clive married an Irish girl, their son fell for a Lithuanian, my mother is Indian, and there's some Cherokee in there somewhere too."
"Your background is so interesting. I'm boring old Indian."
"No woman who can talk to anyone about anything is ever boring."
She glanced up, pleased and surprised. "That's one of the nicest compliments I've ever received."
"I suppose you are gorgeous must have gotten old."
She shrugged, some of her brightness dimmed. "Looking good is a part of my business. A tool of trade. Now let's escape this hive."
Towing his wheeled suitcase, he followed Rave into a chilly, overcast morning. Yup, he was in England, and Rave's lush hand-knit sweater was not merely for decorative purposes.
Her car turned out to be a sleek, classy S-type Jaguar. He wondered if she'd picked the green colour to enhance her eyes.
After they stowed his luggage, she beeped the doors open. "Mind the dragon."
'I beg your pardon?" He bent to climb into the car, and found a huge, snarling dragon head glaring at him from the passenger seat. "You brought a chaperone?"
Rave laughed as she knelt on the driver's seat and transferred the head to the backseat. "Sorry, I should have moved this earlier, but I was running late. Since, I want costumes of disguise, I drafted my frnd Will, who's a set designer. He found all kinds of splendid costumes in theatrical attics."
Ames settled into the passenger seat, feeling weird to be in the left side of the car and not having a steering wheel in front of him.
She settled into her seat, he legs shapely in well-tailored navy slacks. "I do hope u are not allergic to cats. If you are, I'll have to book you into an inn instead of my cottage."
"I haven't an allergy to my name." For which Ames was grateful; the closer he stayed to Rave, the better. "I love cats. There were more cats than kids in the house where I grew up. I'd have a couple now if I didn't travel so much."
"Oh, good. Since that's the case, would you mind if I let Plato out? He finds his carrier demeaning. He's a good fellow and wont cause much trouble."
"By all means free the philosopher," Ames said cordially.
Rave reached b/w the bucket seats to lift a padded carrier from the floor. When she opened it, a large gray cat oozed onto the console b/w the seats and regarded Ames balefully. He had a massive head and attitude to spare.
Ames held out his hand for the cat to sniff. "Pleased to meet you, Plato. If I'd known, I would have brought a piece of the salmon I had for diner somewhere around Greenland."
Ames began scratching Plato's head, adjusting tempo and pressure until the cat closed his eyes and began to purr. "He rumbles like a lawn mower."
Plato walked into his lap ' heavily ' turned 3 times, then lay down, his chin on Ames' knee. "I seem to have passed inspection."
"I'm impressed." Rave snapped her seat belt shut. "Usually, Plato sneers at passengers and sprawls across the backseat"
Ames smiled deeply flashing his dimples, watching Rave from the corner of his eye as she expertly maneuvered the car out of the airport and onto the motorway. Direct, funny, and intelligent, she would have been irresistible no matter what she looked like.
Resist her. He was here to work and have fun, not to try to seduce his hostess. Her tycoon boyfrnd would probably be underfoot most of the time. Or maybe he was off on some business trip, from which he'd return in a Rolls-Royce filled with roses to shower on Rave's beautiful head.
But a man could dream . . . .
~~****~~
Ames Woke up from his doze to find that the motorway had been replaced by a narrow two-lane road winding through picturesque hills. The landscape was quilted with fields, hedged, and dry stone walls, and veils of mist transformed the scene setting for a sword and sorcery fantasy. It was a perfect backdrop for the world's most beautiful driver and a philosopher cat that had him pinned down as thoroughly as his seat belt.
Moving carefully so as not to disturb Plato, he straightened and rolled kinks out of his shoulders. "Sheep," he said happily. "Plump, photogenic sheep munching their way across the meadows. So much nicer than the freeways and road rage."
Rave smiled. "Whenever I come to the cottage, I can feel the knots unwinding mile by mile. The Cotswolds are far too trendy these days, yet there's still something timeless and authentic about these hills. They're magical. Of course, I'm prejudiced, having grown up here."
He studied her elegant profile. The droopy hat had been tossed into the backseat, where it hung rakishly to one of the dragon's ears. Her sculpted cheekbones might have been designed to make a photographer weep. "Definitely magical."
Rave slowed the Jaguar at a sign declaring that they were entering the village of Upper Bassett. Moving at a sedate pace, they passed cottages and shops of honey-gold stone. At the small town square, they turned right in to Church Street.
"Saint Michael's and All Angels," Rave said as they drove by a beautifully proportioned church that appeared to have been standing there since the beginning of time. A quarter of a mile beyond, she turned into a narrow driveway.
"Home, sweet home. Frightfully twee, isn't it?"
Ames caught his breath. Framed by trees and with the square church tower in the middle distance, the cottage belonged in a calendar of England. Despite the season, pansies and other hardy flowers bloomed lavishly, defying the overcast sky. Warm-toned local stone was roofed with immaculately groomed thatch, and a thatch goose raced whimsically along the ridgepole, just out of reach of pursuing thatch fox. It looked somewhat like this {imagine the rest of the scene plz} :~
"If twee means so lovely its unreal, this is twee. An American's dream of a perfect cottage."
Her voice softened. "Church Cottage is so candy box pretty that some of my over sophisticated frnds tease me about it, but I love the place anyhow. The cottage was practically falling down when I bought it. Years of work were needed to fix everything the way I wanted."
"Beauty should never be sneered at merely because its obvious. How many spectacular sunsets has the world known? They're still beautiful." Ames dropped Plato over his shoulder while he undid the seat belt with one hand and climbed from the car. "Is the inside equal to the outside?"
"Better ' the plumbing and heating actually work. It's the chief advantage of having to do major renovations." Rave swung from the car and collected Plato so Ames could collect his nags from the trunk. 'I imagine you'll want to attend this afternoon's rehearsal, but do you want to rest for a couple of hours first?"
He smothered a yawn. "Good idea. Maybe then I'll be awake enough to figure out what I have to work with."
The front door opened into a large living area with a stone fireplace, a dining table at one end and a staircase behind. Exposed beams and worn, lovingly polished floors gave a sense of gr8 age, while country antiques, mellow oriental rugs, and overstuffed furniture provided a comfort that reflected Rave's own hospitable nature.
Plato came alive and scrambled down from his mistress's arms to head for his food dish after Rave fed the cat, she led Ames up the narrow staircase and along the short upstairs hall to a bedroom decorated in soothing shades of white and wood.
GUEST ROOM :~
LIVING AREA :~
"Here's the guest room. Let me know if you need anything. I'll wake you in time for a bite to eat before the rehearsal." She hesitated, then added, "And Ames ' thanks for coming."
After she left, Ames studied the church tower that rose above the trees. He felt as if he'd fallen into an English movie. Miss Marple would amble by any minute now.
Yawning again, he pulled off his boots, jacket, and sweater, then crawled under the blue duvet, glad he'd agreed to come. The perfect woman, a perfect cottage, and a project that was purely fun. The only shortcoming was that he was in a guest room.
But it was a NICE guest room.
~~****~~
"Ames?" Rave tapped on the door, then called his name again. Still no answer. Cautiously she opened the door and peered into the bedroom. Her guest was sprawled across the bed on his stomach, his dark hair tousled.
She studied him thoughtfully, unprepared for the rush of affection she felt. He was everything she remembered, and more. When they worked together all those years ago, he appearance had been pleasant. Maturity had carved lines of humor and authority in his face. Even asleep, he looked like a man who was good at what he did, and comfortable with that fact.
The duvet had slid to his waist, revealing his T-shirt-clad torso. He filled out nicely over the last dozen years. In his early twenties he'd been gangly, but years of handling heavy equipment had added muscles. Altogether, he was quite delectablr, and very dear.
Get a grip, Rave! She raised her voice. "Ames, it's time to get up. Unless you'd rather sleep all day and stay awake all night, of course."
His eyes opened ' really, it wasn't fair to waste those dark lashes on a man ' and gave her a rueful smile. "Frankly, I'd rather sleep, but I'd better try to adjust to local time." He swung his jeans-clad legs from the bed, looking appealing disheveled. "ill wash up and be right down."
She retreated, a little unnerved by how attractive she found him. Though she had known there was a chance they might fall into bed together for old times' sake, this felt ' different. And she really didn't need a dented heart for Christmas.
~******************~
AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
Finally over with 2 parts!
How was it?
All comments/critisization/ suggestions accepted
PMs going 2 only those who wanted me to do so.
Thanks 4 reading..
Tc
Hugs & luv
Nimisha
Four
Ames took advantage of the compact but admirably modern bathroom to have a quick shower and shave. Then he unearthed his professional-grade digital video camera and went downstairs, where Rave efficiently produced a platter of sliced meats and cheeses along with a salad, warm bread, and a tasty rice pilaf.
Ames was finishing his meal when Plato strolled by with a black rod topper with fluffy red feathers clutched in his mouth. Ames blinked. "did I Imagine that?"
Rave grinned. "That's his buggy whip toy. It turns up all over the house. The red feathers go rather nicely with his gray fur, don't you think?"
"Absolutely. And I think I've fallen through the rabbit hole into Wonderland." He swallowed the last of his coffee with a sigh of pleasure. "With a great cottage and food like this, I don't see how you ever get guests to leave."
"I turn off the heat. That sends them packing." Rave rose to her feet. "Sorry to rush you, but we need to get moving."
Ames stood and put his plate and coffee mug on the counter.
They headed out to the car, leaving Plato to guard the cottage. "You said you grew up here. Was the tithe barn par of your childhood?"
"It was my favorite place in the world. The family homestead is only a five-minute walk away, so I was always at the barn. Its where I learned that I wanted to act. I was five years old and playing an angel in a Christmas pageant. As soon as I set foot on the stage, I knew. At first my parents laughed and said I'd grow out of it." Rave grinned. "Soon they started praying I would. But I acted every chance I could, and after my A levels I won a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art."
Through her comment was offhand, Ames knew that RADA was probably the world's best known theater school, and entrance was fiercely competitive. Rave was as talented as she was beautiful.
She turned down a side street, then into a driveway. "And here we are."
The barn was larger than Ames expected, with stone walls and a slate roof sloping down from a ridgepole that was rather less than straight. Double doors were set in the middle, and a handful of small windows marched along the side. "A nice building. But its seen better days." "If you'd started life in the fourteenth century, you'd be a little shabby too."
Ames examined it with increased interest. "It's seven centuries old?"
"The oldest bit is." She parked the jaguar among trees where scattered gravel produced solid parking without the ugliness of a regular lot. "It has been enlarged several times. There's an addition on the back that holds a pottery studio and a small shop where local craftsmen can sell their work."
As Rave climbed from the car, a shaft of afternoon sunlight broke through the clouds and turned the stone walls of the tithe barn into shades of glowing honey. The sight of Rave silhouetted against the structure went directly into Ames' permanent file.
She leaned into the backseat and removed the dragon head and the rest of the costume. Beauty and the beast, another image to remember. He wanted to engrave every one of her movements, every expression, on his brain forever.
He took the dragon costume from her and carried it towards the barn. "It must be pretty dark inside with those small windows."
"Wait and see." She opened one of the double doors and ushered Ames through.
He paused, surprised. Wide skylights on the opposite side of the roof filled with soft light even on a gray day, while massive wooden pillars and beams arched overhead like trees. "This is terrific. It reeks of authenticity."
To the right was a sizable stage, while the other end of the barn had been subdivided into smaller rooms. The central area was open, suitable for dancing, games, or folding chairs for stage performances. Despite the damp chill, he could feel how this place was used and loved. He set the dragon costume in a safe corner, then laid a hand on the nearest rough-hewn pillar, feeling the silky texture of the ancient wood. "No wonder Upper Bassett is determined to save the place."
"The National Trust, which has the custody of most historic sites, isn't impressed by our barn because so many modifications have been made." Rave's gaze went to the skylights. "They prefer structures that are completely original. But our tithe barn is alive, still part of the world. I'd hate to see it turned into a weekend home for some rich Londoner, which is probably what will happen if it's sold."
The stage contained a rugged, evocatively designed set with several levels. He walked to the edge and squinted up at the rafters. "The lights look pretty primitive."
"They are. That's why we need a lighting genius like you."
He snorted. "Even genius cant get great results with bad equipment. We need to get something that doesn't date back. It should be something'something'something incredible."
"Well, for incredible we need you. Right?"
He simply smiled as if saying a thank you.
Just then a cluster of children rushed towards her. And with her was someone he definitely didn't know.
He glanced towards her. Whoever she was, surely looked like Rave. Probably her sister.
"Hello Rave!" she greeted.
"Hey Kripz! All set? Looks like you handled these children quite fairly again." She replied.
"Yes again. I cant deny the fact!" she said chirpily.
"oh and yah! This is Ames. The oscar-winning cameraperson I was talking about? And Ames this is my sister Kripa Gelf. A teacher by profession." Rave smiled.
Kripa and Ames exchanged smiles pleasantly.
"Excuse me. The kids need attention."
"Kids c'mon! practice time!" Kripa shouted.
Ames looked at her again. She really looked like a teacher. Her glasses, if pulled down and if she looked at kids, everyone knew she wanted business. "The ultimate teacher." Ames thought.
**********
The whole of the practice went well and Ames was busy looking at Rave and adored her all the more. She was not only a good actress but a great director too.
*********
She pulled him to corner as he was passing by.
"Hey!" he said confusedly.
"Um' Ames, I..uh'I wanted to thank you"
"Why?"
"um..cuz'for coming here and helping me out from this mess."
"Hey! No problem at all! After even you are something for me, no? Atleast someone like my ex."
"I wanted to thank you with something."
She smiled and kissed him hastily.
It took a while for him to realize but when realization dawned upon him he knew she was thanking him.
"Rave!!!!" Someone called out loud.
She broke the kiss, astonished at what she just did.
She ran away.
**********
She sat in her Jaguar and relaxed and remembered everything that happened today.
It was good for her that Ames had already gone back and had not waited for her. She truly was relieved.
She closed her eyes and remembered the days when she had the time of her life with Ames.
The dinner. The dance. The walk on the beach.
Those chaste evenings with Ames were the most fun she'd had with a man in months. As she unlocked the cottage, her thoughtful gaze went to Ames again. Perhaps that was about to change.
*******
I am such an idiot no?
A big jerk!
Now I have to upd8 in mornings then in evenings to complete the FF.
Um soo stupid!!
Hate myself.
No Pms
Tc
Hugs & luv
crZy Nimisha
Five
"It's a beautiful tree, if I do say so who shouldn't. " Rave stepped back and regarded their work with satisfaction. The gaily decorated spruce filled on corner of the living room, its gold filigree star touching a weathered ceiling beam.
"It's a fantastic tree." Ames hung a miniature Celtic harp on an upper branch. Rave's ornaments varied from battered, beloved family heirlooms to delicate works of art. Just the way ornaments ought to be ; he'd always hated flawless, overdecorated trees that made him think of department stores rather than homes.
Plato trotted up with his buggy whip and dropped it under the tree, then eyed a swinging angel ornament. "Behave yourself," Rave ordered.
The cat gave her a flat stare to prove that he cared naught for her opinion, then curled up under the tree, an errant strand of silver tinsel accenting his gray fur. Ames smiled as he scratched Plato's neck. "A crackling fire on a cold night, a cat, good company, and decorating a Christmas tree. It doesn't get much better then this."
"I love Christmas." Rave draped more tinsel in an under-sparkled spot. "A time to slow down and be with my family and friends. In busy years, it keeps me sane. In bad years, it makes me feel whole again."
"I've been doing the holidays on the express plan for too long. I am lucky m,y family hasn't changed the locks to keep me out since I fly in a day or two before Christmas, and leave a day or two after." There was a long pause while he studied another ornament, a delicately made ceramic nest containing a pair of tiny bluebirds. He'd sent her the ornament the Christmas after their affair. Had he thought that the bluebirds of happiness nesting in the tree might bring them back together? Hard to remember after all these years. "I've spent so much time building my career that I forgot to build a life," he said quietly. "You seem to have managed it all."
"A rolling stone gathers no tinsel? Americans work too hard I think. I'm lucky to spend half my time outside of London. In Upper Bassett, I'm Alice and the doctor's daughter, Kripa and Keith's sister, and a multiple aunt. The eccentric but amiable Gupta girl who's done rather well for herself. It keeps life in a perspective."
Rave flicked off the light switch so the room was illuminated only by dancing flames and the tiny coloured tree lights. She had taken off her heavy sweater earlier, and the silk shirt she wore underneath skimmed her curves alluringly. The soft light gave her a haunting Renaissance beauty.
Rave's fingers tightened around the birds' nest. Though she had said he didn't have to keep his hands to himself, he still had trouble believing that she might be interested in him. Their romantic history had been a fluke under circumstances.
But maybe he wasn't the only one who found those days magical. It was worth risking rejection, because he would never forgive himself if he didn't atleast try. Carefully he hung the ornament out of Plato's reach. "Earlier today we were interrupted at an interesting moment"
Even though beauty was power, she looked vulnerable, almost fragile. "I didn't think you'd even come to England," she said softly. "I'm glad you did. Even gladder than I thought I would be."
With one provocative motion, she pulled off the scarf that tied back her hair. Luxurious as ermine, the dark waves cascaded over her shoulders, catching auburn highlights from the fire. "I wouldn't mind a holiday fling. Shall we pick up from where we left all those years ago?"
Powerful awareness pulsed between them for the first time he accepted that even though she was a glamorous actress, she was also a friend and a lover he had never forgotten. "I hope we can Rave. The fact that we were together then is the greatest miracle I've ever known."
She came into his arms lightly. His first kiss was tentative, wondering, awed. How he'd longed for this mouth, these lips, the essence of Rave.
Her head tilted back and she melted against him. Warm, curving, irresistible ' and neither of them even tried to resist. He tangled his fingers in her glossy hair to bring her closer, jet lag forgotten as he came alive in every cell. "My God, Rave. . ."
"How could I have forgotten this?" she whispered as she burrowed against him.
Doubts and time dissolved along with words as they tugged at each other's clothing. Rave pulled a folded blanket from the sofa and tossed it in front of the fire. Giving thanks that he'd come prepared in case something wild and wonderful happened, he pulled her down beside him, craving the weight and feel of her intoxicating body.
Even that first time so many years before, they had come together with sweet harmony. Now there was harmony and more, as id they'd been waiting for years to set each other afire. He felt they had known each other forever as they remembered how to kiss, how to touch, how to laugh.
How to be in a perfect moment.
"Rave? Can I call you ridz like in the happier times?"
She smiled approvingly.
Afterward, shaking from reaction, he pulled her close and kissed her damp forehead. He had indeed fallen into Wonderland. In real life, it wasn't possible to be this happy. Perhaps this moment could only be perfect because it was so ephemeral. In less than a month he would be in Argentina.
But as he gazed into the embers of the fire, he mourned the knowledge of how soon such happiness must end.
***********
That's all for today folks!
I am through!
And I am sleepy! 🥱
Man!
Being a FF writer makes u all the more weary!
Tc
Hugs & luv
crzy Nimisha😳
Part 5 contd
Not wanting to move ever again, Rave rested her head on Ames' shoulder pulling the blanket over them as she struggled for breath and composure. Never, even in her most hated dreams, had she imagined such a reunion. "It was good before, but not like this. Not so. . . so intense. Maybe because I was such a mess at the time."
"You were miserable then, but never a mess." He caught her hand and kissed her fingertips. "did I tell you that I was entranced by your collarbones? When I shot that scene where you were half naked, I couldn't believe how lovely and subtle ur shoulders were. At night I dreamed about them, sculpted by light and shadow"
She laughed a lil wryly. "Don't look too closely. These shoulders are now thirty, not twenty three."
"Still beautiful though." He exhaled warmly into the hollow above her collarbone.
Her gaze went to the dancing flames. "You're an artist of light, Ames. You see beauty where others don't, and then you make them see it, too. Its great gift."
"So is making people laugh and cry, the way you do. We're both lucky to be able to do what we love, and share it with others."
Yes, she'd been lucky, but not in all areas. "Have u achieved ur drms? Or hv u reached them and now hv others?"
She admired his face in the firelight while he considered her question. When he'd been twenty-five and bearded, she hadn't realized what a fine strong jaw he had. She liked his mouth too. Not only the feel of his lips, but the humorous little quirk that made him always look on the verge of laughter.
"My greatest dream which seem impossible when I was a kid, was to make movies." He said slowly. "Not the writing or acting or directing ' that was for other people. The essence of movie making is images, and that's what I wanted to do: capture images that would delight and astonish and sometimes even terrify."
"Then you're successful."
"Professionally yes. But maybe I didn't have enough different dreams." For a moment his eyes were shadowed. Shaking off the mood, he propped himself on one elbow and smiled down on her. "Have u achieved your greatest goals?"
"I was like you ' wanting to act, not thinking it was possible to reach such heights, working hard to make it happen. The dream was to make movies ' be an international star, you know." She shrugged philosophically. "I didn't achieve that and its too late now, but television suits me and I have done better than the most. Enough o feel good about my abilities, not so much that success that made my life difficult. Even though I am past my prime, I am lucky to be English. There's more room for aging actresses here. I should grow old gracefully, moving between television and theater, making enugh money to live well and spoil my nieces and nephews with Christmas presents."
He stared at her. "Where do you get this 'aging actress' nonsense? You are beautiful, desirable woman, and you always will be. Like Katherine Hepburn and the other great beauties, you're lovely in your bones and in your spirit."
Her throat tightened at his palpable sincerity. "For a man of images, not words, you say wonderful things."
"Seeing my business, and I see truth, Ridz."
Uncomfortable with the intensity o his eyes, she asked, "You said you need different dreams. What is the biggest thing that you don't have but would like?"
His brows furrowed. "Probably a house. I am still living in that same two-bedroom apartment I had when we made our movie. Remember it?"
"I have fond memories of that apartment. In fact, your key is still around here somewhere, since I forgot to give it back before I left." Actually, she did kept it deliberately as a souvenir of their time together. "It was a nice apartment, but not the same as owning your own home."
"Its ironic. I've finally reached the point where I could afford a decent house, but when I come back from a location shoot, I am too tired to call a real estate agent. The next thing I know, I'm off again." He smiled wryly. "I'm this big success, yet I live like a kid just out of college."
"California has wonderful houses. What would you like? A beach house?"
"I'd rather have a place up in the hills where you can see to forever. I love that kind of spaciousness. And I like modern architecture ' airiness and lots of texture from natural materials."
"It sounds as if you've thought about this." She knew the kind of house he meant ' she had visited one or two of that type when she was in California. "As dreams go, this shouldn't be too hard to achieve. Perhaps you should make a New Year's resolution to call an estate agent."
"Maybe I will." His gaze traveled around her living room. "Being here reminds me of what I am missing."
Hearing more than he was saying, she said hesitantly, "It sounds as if you want not only a house, but a home. Real estate is easy. Homes are harder."
"I think you just put your finger on it." He gave a jaw-cracking yawn."Sorry! jet lag is mugging me again. I'd better go to bed while I can still manage the stairs."
He stood and offered her his hand, raising her easily. She skimmed her palm across his bare chest, thinking again how well he had filled since they first met. He'd been an appealing youth. Now he was a rather splendid man. "My bedroom or yours?"
He gave her a slow smile. "Yours, if you don't mind having me there."
She closed the fireplace doors and turned out the lights, then slid her arm around his waist and they ambles towards the stairs. His height made her feel small and feminine. She tries to remember when she had felt so peaceful, but failed, too long.
Ames hadn't been joking about his fatigue. After washing up and brushing his teeth, he hit her bed like a felled tree. She didn't mind, not when he drew her close against him. She gave a sigh of pure pleasure.
Plato jumped onto the bed, looking for an unoccupied corner. Rave was about to shoo him off when Ames began absently scratching the cat's neck. Not bad for a man more asleep than awake.
As Plato settled down, purring, Ames murmured, "If I had asked you to stay after we finished shooting our movie ' would you have?"
How had she felt the? Conflicted. "I don't think so," she said honestly. "I was desperate to go home. Being offered that role went a long way toward repairing my battered professional pride."
He exhaled, his soft breath stirring the hair at her temple. "That's what I figured."
His breathing became slow and steady, but it was long time until Rave slept. Probably she would have gone home no matter what Ames said then ' but she wished she'd had the choice.
*********
Finally, the reunion's complete.
My thought was to complete this on 25th but that was not destiny I guess.
So lets hope I finish it by the 1st of January.
Hope!
Thanks for reading ppl.
I am sending no PMs as I guess hardly any one is interested.
I only get replies by 1/3rd of the ppl.
This 5th part continuation dedicated to Harika.
I think at least for someone like her I should not give up.
This part was not that interesting than it ought to be but that's how the story will move no?
Nothing much to say.
If you liked it then plz comment or click the 'Thank You'.
Now, thank you 4 reading...
Tc
Hugs & love
Crazy Nimisha
nd yah!
MERRY CHRISTMAS ND A HAPPY NEW YR 2 U GUYS!!!
Arjun
