Piya felt her jaw would hang to the floor as she saw Abhay put his hand on the beautiful girl's copper hair and smile into her ears.
Misha ( pretends to faint)- Pinch me, pinch me! Godzilla Raichand is hugging a girl and being nice to her!....This is a bigger shock than imagining T playing Dandiya at India Gate.
Kabir ( narrowing his eyebrows)- I think this is the first time that I can see a human trait in Abhay. Hugging a girl?
Piya ( fumes )- He can hug all crocodiles for all I care.Let's go to the rehearsal hall. We have just an hour to rehearse and then, lectures! '.
Pancchi ( seeing Abhay speak affectionately to the stunner)- Ya, let's go. I will just call Abhay.
Kabir puts an arm around Piya's shoulder and as they pass by Abhay , Piya takes a good look at the girl and the girl's eyes meet Piya's. The girl looks at Piya strangely or rather appears scared of Piya and the girl goes behind Abhay. Abhay throws Piya and Kabir a sharp look and holds the girl's hand to reassure her that he is here and everything is fine. Pancchi taps Abhay on the shoulder. Abhay turns to her.
Pancchi ( showing him the watch)- 11.30 Abhay and'
Abhay ( raising a hand )- I will be in the rehearsal hall by 11.35.
Pancchi eyes Abhay and the girl and the gang proceeds towards the rehearsal hall.
Girl ( looking at Piya again)- For a second I was'
Abhay ( kindly)- Scared? Don't be'..she is not 'HER''.and just wait and watch what I do to that.. that desss. Come along. I am not leaving you alone in this jungle. ' with all these men, women and'. Animals'..
Rehearsal Hall.
T was filing her nails and looking at the door again and again. Abhay had told her that he would see her there but he still hadn't shown up. Kabir was helping Piya with her lines while Misha and Pancchi were setting up the stage. Piya was dressed in a Victorian dress now and her hair were all tied up. Piya was also looking at the door over and over.
Kabir (putting a hand on Piya's shoulder )- Piya? What is the matter? You look so disoriented.Is something bothering you? Tell me. Who else will you tell?
Piya ( shaking her head )- Nothing. It's nothing. I am just a little'.
Just then, Abhay walks in with the mystery girl and they spot Maya at a distance who is checking off the props on a list. The three of them exchange glances and nod at each-other. T looks at Abhay who protectively pulls up a chair and settles the mystery girl in there comfortably. She fumes and Abhay walks up to her with a dark smile.
T ( fumes)- What the hell, Abhay? I thought we are dating. Who is that chick?
Abhay slides an arm around T's waist and gently pulls her closer as everyone watches them with a hawk's eye.
Abhay( calmly )- She is not who you think, honey'.(looking pointedly at an inflammable Piya)'.you are the only woman in my life.
T smiles as Abhay lovingly sniffs her hair and makes her sit. The mystery girl is watching all this drama unfold and darting looks at Maya who just rolls her eyes and shrugs her shoulders as if to tell her "I don't know what's up." Abhay removes his jacket and rolling up his sleeves takes the dialogue sheet from Panchhi.
Pancchi ( curiously )- Who is that girl, Abhay?
Abhay ( skimming through pages )- Important.Someone very very important'.( walking to the stage and looking at Piya and Kabir)' so, Jaiswal, ready to rehearse or will you like to take your real Romeo on stage?
Kabir ( smirks)- You really think you are funny , don't you?
Abhay ( smiles)- Funny? No. I am not funny. I am Abhay.
Abhay takes his place on the stage and the spotlight illuminates his persona as all sit back to watch.
Abhay ( turning his face )- Maybe you never loved me enough. Maybe you were never the girl I thought you to be. Let it be a goodbye Juliet.
Piya comes running and holds his hand , making her face him.
Piya ( with a pensive face)- Don't say that Romeo!....Of course , I love you'( Abhay's face softens and tears well up in her eyes)' I have always loved you. And I will always love you. Whatever I did ' whatever am doing is to save your life. You must not mistrust me'.
Abhay (cups her face in his hands)- There is nothing that can be done now. I should leave'..( begins to retreat )'..and am not coming back. But I want you to remember that'that ( he begins to see Maithli in her)'. That what we had between us was real''.
Piya ( holding on to his hands)- No!....Romeo . You cannot go. Please listen to me.
Abhay is amazed when he sees that Piya is not letting go of his hands. He looks into her eyes and she is actually sobbing.Abhay feels moved and grips her hands back . But then, realizing what he is doing , he tries to break away from her - not looking into her eyes.
Everyone is stunned into silence and watching the two actors.
Abhay ( removing her hands )- Peace'.Juliet. It is not to be. You and me are just not to be. Goodbye.....
And Abhay disappears into the dark . Piya is sobbing on the floor and looks even lonelier in the spotlight.The lights come on and everyone gives a thunderous applause. Pancchi, Misha and Kabir run to Piya who is still crying.
Kabir ( hugging her)- Fab job! You really are the best!
Misha( happily)- Juliet wouldn't call herself Juliet if she meets you even once!
Piya comes to her senses and wipes her tears. Her face is swollen red and Pancchi is taken aback.
Pancchi ( patting her head )- Piya? You' you are crying?
Piya ( gets up)- Nothing. The ' the scene was too ' heavy. Excuse me.
Piya runs out of the rehearsal hall. And just then, everyone realizes something.
T ( looks around)- Abhay! Where did Abhay go? '
They all see that Abhay is nowhere to be found . But what they don't realize is that both Maya and the mystery girl are missing as well. Pancchi keeps looking at the door from where Piya had just run out.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Edited by Pocahontas - 14 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
