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4 those of you who follow Archana's celebrity
THE CELERITY - PART 7 (II)
An original story by Archana Vinod
THE NEXT DAY
Roli comes into their bedroom to find Siddhant in front of the mirror, dressing up in a classy black suit.
"What's this? Where are you going?" she asks curiously.
"Good that you have come, Roli! I just need help with this tie, please?" he hands her a silky black tie. She gives him a cold stare before she pulls up his collar, slips the tie around and begins to knot it. In the meantime, Siddhant buttons up his cuffs.
"Roli, today is a very important day. You see, Afsaana is Anuj Suri's directorial debut and my acting debut... and it was a smashing hit!"
Roli smirks in contempt. All what she can relate to Afsaana is smooching and sizzling! "So what?" she asks, as if there was nothing else in the movie.
"Arrey yaar, what do you mean so what'? It is in line with all the Khans of the industry. Do you know what this means?"
"No," she replies instantly.
Siddhant sighs and holds Roli gently by the shoulders. "Respect, Roli! Respect!"
Roli watches him intently. Another one of his tactics to get me to agree with him, she thinks. Whatever it is, I won't let him sign up for another movie! That's for sure!
"Roli! Just think about it! The Khans and the Kapoors are the ones who rule the film industry. Can you imagine me, Siddhant, a new comer, being at the same level as they are?"
Roli pretends to ponder over his statement. "No," she says simply.
"Exactly Roli!" says Siddhant excited, "because I am at their same level now! Can you imagine the kind of respect that we would get in society? Our family name, the Bharadjwaj family, in line with the Khans and the Kapoors! Think about it Roli!"
"Hmm," she mumbles with the least bit of interest as she concentrates on knotting the tie.
Siddhant feels nervous. Oh no. I think that she's dead serious about not letting me to sign up for another movie. What will I do?
"You still didn't answer my question," she says bluntly as she slowly knots the tie.
BING! Siddhant feels like something heavy just dropped into his gut from this throat. "Ermm... that's what I'm trying to tell you. You see Roli, today is a very important day. You see... Afsaana is Anuj Suri's.."
But she cuts him off. "Actually what are you getting at? Come to the point."
Gulp! Here goes anything. Siddhant rolls his eyes and grins awkwardly. "Roli..."
"Haan ji..."
"Today na..."
"Hmm."
"Roli..."
"Tell me..."
"Anuj Suri na..."
She looks up at him with a strong urge to laugh, but keeps a straight face. It's fun when he's nervous to share something. "Anuj Suri kya? What happened to him?" she asks sternly.
"No-no! Nothing happened to him. I wanted to say that this is his directorial debut," he stammers.
"So what should I do? Stand on my head?" she snaps.
Siddhant bursts out into an obvious fake laughter. "Roli. I always liked your sense of humour!"
"You still haven't answered my question." This time, she is more firm and stern.
"Actually... Afsaana has crossed the 100 crore mark. So there's a special function for the entire cast and crew. You know... like a party. Plus, there will be so many other big guys from the industry. So..." His voice trails away as he notices Roli slowly wrap the tie around her hand. Uh-oh!
She YANKS the tie hard! Hard enough to nearly cut off his air supply! "Roli!" he coughs. He's now in the line of target!
"I thought we had an agreement last night," she says grimly.
"Roli... let go!" he gags.
"... That you would not sign up for another movie. Ever!"
"Arrey! Who told you that I was going to sign up?"
"...That with Afsaana everything was finished."
"Roli... just let go. Please!" he begs.
"And now you come up with another cock and bull story early in the morning?"
"Roli, you don't get it. Let me explain."
She lets go right away. He straightens up and quickly loosens his collar and tie. "These guys are always like this. They never stick to their words!" she mutters to herself
God! I almost got choked a while back, he shudders. "Just get me some water first," he says breathlessly.
"First tell me what you were going to say," she snaps.
Siddhant gapes at her in disbelief. "Roli! You are unbelievable!"
"Siddhantji, I need answers," she says in a strict teacher's' tone.
"Uff! Roli! What's wrong with you? It's just a party yaar! We'll just be talking and meeting each other. That's all!"
But she's not convinced. She eyes him suspiciously. "That's all?"
"Haan baba, that's all!"
"No drinking, dancing and stuff?"
Siddhant laughs. "Yaar, you know that I don't drink. And I won't dance. You know I'm a bit reserved about all this stuff."
"Hmm," she mumbles. "But don't sign up for anything else."
"I won't baba," he assures her.
"Promise?"
"Haan, promise."
A WHILE LATER, IN ROSID'S BEDROOM
Roli helps Siddhant get ready. She fixes his tie, sprays a heavenly cologne over him and hands him a spotless white handkerchief. "Thanks buddy," he smiles.
"All the best!" she says gleefully.
"I'll see you in the evening," he says as he walks out the door.
Roli stands at the doorway with a 100 watt smile and admires her husband as he gets into his car and backs out of the driveway, waving one last time before he drives off. She feels immensely proud of his success. It's how she always wanted him to be. But somewhere, a certain fear lurks at the back of her mind. Are the stories she hear about the industry true? Do men and women go infidel? Do they forget their families? Do they struggle to find time for their families? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Everyone is different. Just because some go astray, doesn't mean that all should. I trust my Siddhantji, she thinks confidently. He would never betray me. Never ever! And he would always find time for me. Always! Because he cares about me!
PARTY HALL - NIGHT
Siddhant enjoys a splendid evening at the Taj, a luxurious 5 star hotel. It's a brilliant star studded evening. Several biggies, whom he has only seen on the screen, are present tonight on special invitation, including some of the Khans and the Kapoors. I must be dreaming, wonders Siddhant with excitement.
"Siddhant Bharadwaj?" a booming voice startles him. He turns around to find a tall, imposing, elegant figure of a fine elderly artist. None other than the one and only Big B. His eyes bulge out in disbelief. "Oh my God! Mr. Bachchan, sir!" Big B smiles warmly and shakes hands. "Splendid performance there young man," he remarks, "it's quite rare for newcomers to achieve something as you have."
"Thank you so much sir," Siddhant trembles in awe and excitement as he shakes hands with him.
"I was fortunate enough to watch your work, and I must say that it is brilliantly executed. Excellent performance!" he praises.
"Thank you sir, thank you!" Siddhant's eyes are watery from all the nervousness now. God! I feel like an idiot, he thinks.
"All the best young man, let's pray we get a chance to work together someday soon," says Big B as he pats Siddhant encouragingly on the shoulder. Oh my God! He touched me! On my shoulder! He patted me! I just want to die now! I can't believe this!
"Definitely, sir," he says with a foolish grin.
Someone calls Big B from the other end of the hall. "I got to make a move now Siddhant. See you soon!" Siddhant nods with a big smile.
He heaves a big sigh of relief. Wow! I don't believe this! Look at him go! Awesome! Just wait till Roli hears about this! She will jump up and hit the ceiling!
"Hey Siddhant!" someone calls him. It's Anuj Suri, the man responsible for his success, the director of his film, Afsaana. Siddhant walks over to Anuj. He is accompanied by Siddhant's co-actress Sanjana and two big guys from the industry, including a top notch director, Mehul Pandey.
"Siddhant," begins Anuj, "I want you to meet producer Sanjeev Kumar and director Mehul Pandey."
Sanjeev, a simple and tall slender man in his 60's smiles warmly at Siddhant. But Mehul, a guy in his 40's and dressed like a don, notorious not only for his excellent work but also his bad attitude doesn't even smile at Siddhant. Instead, he glares at him through his sleepy eyes ... dangerously. His stare sends a chill down Siddhant's spine.
"Hello sir," says Siddhant with a warm smile as he shakes hands with Sanjeev.
"A pleasure Siddhant," remarks Sanjeev.
Siddhant extends a hand to Mehul, but he just glares back. Anuj, Sanjeev and Sanjana can do nothing but watch this uncomfortable scene in silence. Siddhant slowly withdraws his hand as the strong and unbearable sense of humiliation builds up in him. His ears burn red in embarrassment.
Oh no, thinks Anuj. This idiot Mehul is turning this night into a catastrophe!
"Erm, Siddhant," he begins with fake excitement, determined to change the mood of this awkward moment, "you must have heard about Mr. Mehul Pandey. He has directed hits like 15th August' and Run Baby! Run!'"
"Of course," Siddhant starts off as he tries to look excited and becomes increasingly aware of Mehul's cold glare boring through him, "I have seen those at least ten times! Mind blowing! Superb direction!"
A moment of awkward silence follows.
"You're such a bad actor," growls Mehul in a deep resonant voice.
Siddhant is red in the face now. He has never felt so humiliated.
"You can't even fake excitement," he continues, "for a guy like Anuj, a beginner, you were all what he could afford."
Everyone is silent now. In any other situation, Siddhant would have bashed this guy's face in. But it's not the case now. He's almost dying in humiliation.
"Well, I wouldn't blame him," he continues, "the story and direction exceeded expectations, but unfortunately they were short on budget. They had to make do with what was available."
Siddhant looks away in the distance as he struggles to concentrate on something else to help him calm down. Sanjana watches her colleague sadly. He doesn't deserve to be put down like this. He's not a bad actor. Mehul is wrong. So wrong!
Just then, a steward loaded with a platter of drinks stops by. "Anything from the tray, sir?"
"Thank you," grunts Mehul as he helps himself to a glass of whisky on the rocks. Sanjana and Anuj help themselves to cocktails whereas Sanjeev picks up a glass of brandy.
"How about you sir?" he asks Siddhant.
Siddhant tenses up. What will I do, he ponders. He doesn't drink! He rolls his eyes as he wonders what to do. Sanjana watches Siddhant intently. She knows that he doesn't drink. Her eyes rest on Mehul who has his cold stare fixed on Siddhant. She cringes with the discomfort of being around this guy.
"Sir?" coos the steward.
Siddhant darts his glance to the steward and fakes a smile at him. Without second thought, he picks up the first glass he could lay his hands on. "Thanks," he mumbles to the steward as his hand holding the glass trembles slightly. Sanjana's eyes almost bulge out in disbelief. Will he drink it? Mehul smirks in contempt at Siddhant.
The silence is too loud and deafening! The humiliation... unbearable! Siddhant is as nervous as heck. Everything was going so fine until he met this asshole Mehul! He was feeling like an achiever just a while ago. But after meeting Mehul, he felt like a loser. Like a nothing! Like a big zero! He will never forget this night. He never can!
Without another thought, he takes a quick swig from the glass he's holding.
...TO BE CONTINUED
PRECAP:
Siddhant sputters and chokes. Anuj and Sanjeev watch helplessly. Mehul smirks on. "Some people have no idea what they're doing," he comments smugly.
Siddhant is in shock from taking a swig of the drink. He breaks into a hot sweat! I'm burning all over! My stomach hurts! My throat hurts! Everything hurts! And this thing stinks!! And it tastes like Roli's nail polish! What the hell!
Sanjana gets really close to Siddhant and whispers, "Sid, what were you upto?"
Huh? He turns to look at her.
"Don't look at me dumbo!" she hisses as she keeps a straight face. "That was pure, dark rum! Neat!"
Coming soon... THE CELEBRITY Part 8.
An original story by Archana Vinod
THE NEXT DAY
Roli comes into their bedroom to find Siddhant in front of the mirror, dressing up in a classy black suit.
"What's this? Where are you going?" she asks curiously.
"Good that you have come, Roli! I just need help with this tie, please?" he hands her a silky black tie. She gives him a cold stare before she pulls up his collar, slips the tie around and begins to knot it. In the meantime, Siddhant buttons up his cuffs.
"Roli, today is a very important day. You see, Afsaana is Anuj Suri's directorial debut and my acting debut... and it was a smashing hit!"
Roli smirks in contempt. All what she can relate to Afsaana is smooching and sizzling! "So what?" she asks, as if there was nothing else in the movie.
"Arrey yaar, what do you mean so what'? It is in line with all the Khans of the industry. Do you know what this means?"
"No," she replies instantly.
Siddhant sighs and holds Roli gently by the shoulders. "Respect, Roli! Respect!"
Roli watches him intently. Another one of his tactics to get me to agree with him, she thinks. Whatever it is, I won't let him sign up for another movie! That's for sure!
"Roli! Just think about it! The Khans and the Kapoors are the ones who rule the film industry. Can you imagine me, Siddhant, a new comer, being at the same level as they are?"
Roli pretends to ponder over his statement. "No," she says simply.
"Exactly Roli!" says Siddhant excited, "because I am at their same level now! Can you imagine the kind of respect that we would get in society? Our family name, the Bharadjwaj family, in line with the Khans and the Kapoors! Think about it Roli!"
"Hmm," she mumbles with the least bit of interest as she concentrates on knotting the tie.
Siddhant feels nervous. Oh no. I think that she's dead serious about not letting me to sign up for another movie. What will I do?
"You still didn't answer my question," she says bluntly as she slowly knots the tie.
BING! Siddhant feels like something heavy just dropped into his gut from this throat. "Ermm... that's what I'm trying to tell you. You see Roli, today is a very important day. You see... Afsaana is Anuj Suri's.."
But she cuts him off. "Actually what are you getting at? Come to the point."
Gulp! Here goes anything. Siddhant rolls his eyes and grins awkwardly. "Roli..."
"Haan ji..."
"Today na..."
"Hmm."
"Roli..."
"Tell me..."
"Anuj Suri na..."
She looks up at him with a strong urge to laugh, but keeps a straight face. It's fun when he's nervous to share something. "Anuj Suri kya? What happened to him?" she asks sternly.
"No-no! Nothing happened to him. I wanted to say that this is his directorial debut," he stammers.
"So what should I do? Stand on my head?" she snaps.
Siddhant bursts out into an obvious fake laughter. "Roli. I always liked your sense of humour!"
"You still haven't answered my question." This time, she is more firm and stern.
"Actually... Afsaana has crossed the 100 crore mark. So there's a special function for the entire cast and crew. You know... like a party. Plus, there will be so many other big guys from the industry. So..." His voice trails away as he notices Roli slowly wrap the tie around her hand. Uh-oh!
She YANKS the tie hard! Hard enough to nearly cut off his air supply! "Roli!" he coughs. He's now in the line of target!
"I thought we had an agreement last night," she says grimly.
"Roli... let go!" he gags.
"... That you would not sign up for another movie. Ever!"
"Arrey! Who told you that I was going to sign up?"
"...That with Afsaana everything was finished."
"Roli... just let go. Please!" he begs.
"And now you come up with another cock and bull story early in the morning?"
"Roli, you don't get it. Let me explain."
She lets go right away. He straightens up and quickly loosens his collar and tie. "These guys are always like this. They never stick to their words!" she mutters to herself
God! I almost got choked a while back, he shudders. "Just get me some water first," he says breathlessly.
"First tell me what you were going to say," she snaps.
Siddhant gapes at her in disbelief. "Roli! You are unbelievable!"
"Siddhantji, I need answers," she says in a strict teacher's' tone.
"Uff! Roli! What's wrong with you? It's just a party yaar! We'll just be talking and meeting each other. That's all!"
But she's not convinced. She eyes him suspiciously. "That's all?"
"Haan baba, that's all!"
"No drinking, dancing and stuff?"
Siddhant laughs. "Yaar, you know that I don't drink. And I won't dance. You know I'm a bit reserved about all this stuff."
"Hmm," she mumbles. "But don't sign up for anything else."
"I won't baba," he assures her.
"Promise?"
"Haan, promise."
A WHILE LATER, IN ROSID'S BEDROOM
Roli helps Siddhant get ready. She fixes his tie, sprays a heavenly cologne over him and hands him a spotless white handkerchief. "Thanks buddy," he smiles.
"All the best!" she says gleefully.
"I'll see you in the evening," he says as he walks out the door.
Roli stands at the doorway with a 100 watt smile and admires her husband as he gets into his car and backs out of the driveway, waving one last time before he drives off. She feels immensely proud of his success. It's how she always wanted him to be. But somewhere, a certain fear lurks at the back of her mind. Are the stories she hear about the industry true? Do men and women go infidel? Do they forget their families? Do they struggle to find time for their families? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Everyone is different. Just because some go astray, doesn't mean that all should. I trust my Siddhantji, she thinks confidently. He would never betray me. Never ever! And he would always find time for me. Always! Because he cares about me!
PARTY HALL - NIGHT
Siddhant enjoys a splendid evening at the Taj, a luxurious 5 star hotel. It's a brilliant star studded evening. Several biggies, whom he has only seen on the screen, are present tonight on special invitation, including some of the Khans and the Kapoors. I must be dreaming, wonders Siddhant with excitement.
"Siddhant Bharadwaj?" a booming voice startles him. He turns around to find a tall, imposing, elegant figure of a fine elderly artist. None other than the one and only Big B. His eyes bulge out in disbelief. "Oh my God! Mr. Bachchan, sir!" Big B smiles warmly and shakes hands. "Splendid performance there young man," he remarks, "it's quite rare for newcomers to achieve something as you have."
"Thank you so much sir," Siddhant trembles in awe and excitement as he shakes hands with him.
"I was fortunate enough to watch your work, and I must say that it is brilliantly executed. Excellent performance!" he praises.
"Thank you sir, thank you!" Siddhant's eyes are watery from all the nervousness now. God! I feel like an idiot, he thinks.
"All the best young man, let's pray we get a chance to work together someday soon," says Big B as he pats Siddhant encouragingly on the shoulder. Oh my God! He touched me! On my shoulder! He patted me! I just want to die now! I can't believe this!
"Definitely, sir," he says with a foolish grin.
Someone calls Big B from the other end of the hall. "I got to make a move now Siddhant. See you soon!" Siddhant nods with a big smile.
He heaves a big sigh of relief. Wow! I don't believe this! Look at him go! Awesome! Just wait till Roli hears about this! She will jump up and hit the ceiling!
"Hey Siddhant!" someone calls him. It's Anuj Suri, the man responsible for his success, the director of his film, Afsaana. Siddhant walks over to Anuj. He is accompanied by Siddhant's co-actress Sanjana and two big guys from the industry, including a top notch director, Mehul Pandey.
"Siddhant," begins Anuj, "I want you to meet producer Sanjeev Kumar and director Mehul Pandey."
Sanjeev, a simple and tall slender man in his 60's smiles warmly at Siddhant. But Mehul, a guy in his 40's and dressed like a don, notorious not only for his excellent work but also his bad attitude doesn't even smile at Siddhant. Instead, he glares at him through his sleepy eyes ... dangerously. His stare sends a chill down Siddhant's spine.
"Hello sir," says Siddhant with a warm smile as he shakes hands with Sanjeev.
"A pleasure Siddhant," remarks Sanjeev.
Siddhant extends a hand to Mehul, but he just glares back. Anuj, Sanjeev and Sanjana can do nothing but watch this uncomfortable scene in silence. Siddhant slowly withdraws his hand as the strong and unbearable sense of humiliation builds up in him. His ears burn red in embarrassment.
Oh no, thinks Anuj. This idiot Mehul is turning this night into a catastrophe!
"Erm, Siddhant," he begins with fake excitement, determined to change the mood of this awkward moment, "you must have heard about Mr. Mehul Pandey. He has directed hits like 15th August' and Run Baby! Run!'"
"Of course," Siddhant starts off as he tries to look excited and becomes increasingly aware of Mehul's cold glare boring through him, "I have seen those at least ten times! Mind blowing! Superb direction!"
A moment of awkward silence follows.
"You're such a bad actor," growls Mehul in a deep resonant voice.
Siddhant is red in the face now. He has never felt so humiliated.
"You can't even fake excitement," he continues, "for a guy like Anuj, a beginner, you were all what he could afford."
Everyone is silent now. In any other situation, Siddhant would have bashed this guy's face in. But it's not the case now. He's almost dying in humiliation.
"Well, I wouldn't blame him," he continues, "the story and direction exceeded expectations, but unfortunately they were short on budget. They had to make do with what was available."
Siddhant looks away in the distance as he struggles to concentrate on something else to help him calm down. Sanjana watches her colleague sadly. He doesn't deserve to be put down like this. He's not a bad actor. Mehul is wrong. So wrong!
Just then, a steward loaded with a platter of drinks stops by. "Anything from the tray, sir?"
"Thank you," grunts Mehul as he helps himself to a glass of whisky on the rocks. Sanjana and Anuj help themselves to cocktails whereas Sanjeev picks up a glass of brandy.
"How about you sir?" he asks Siddhant.
Siddhant tenses up. What will I do, he ponders. He doesn't drink! He rolls his eyes as he wonders what to do. Sanjana watches Siddhant intently. She knows that he doesn't drink. Her eyes rest on Mehul who has his cold stare fixed on Siddhant. She cringes with the discomfort of being around this guy.
"Sir?" coos the steward.
Siddhant darts his glance to the steward and fakes a smile at him. Without second thought, he picks up the first glass he could lay his hands on. "Thanks," he mumbles to the steward as his hand holding the glass trembles slightly. Sanjana's eyes almost bulge out in disbelief. Will he drink it? Mehul smirks in contempt at Siddhant.
The silence is too loud and deafening! The humiliation... unbearable! Siddhant is as nervous as heck. Everything was going so fine until he met this asshole Mehul! He was feeling like an achiever just a while ago. But after meeting Mehul, he felt like a loser. Like a nothing! Like a big zero! He will never forget this night. He never can!
Without another thought, he takes a quick swig from the glass he's holding.
...TO BE CONTINUED
PRECAP:
Siddhant sputters and chokes. Anuj and Sanjeev watch helplessly. Mehul smirks on. "Some people have no idea what they're doing," he comments smugly.
Siddhant is in shock from taking a swig of the drink. He breaks into a hot sweat! I'm burning all over! My stomach hurts! My throat hurts! Everything hurts! And this thing stinks!! And it tastes like Roli's nail polish! What the hell!
Sanjana gets really close to Siddhant and whispers, "Sid, what were you upto?"
Huh? He turns to look at her.
"Don't look at me dumbo!" she hisses as she keeps a straight face. "That was pure, dark rum! Neat!"
Coming soon... THE CELEBRITY Part 8.
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