Chapter #12 - TEASER
The shoot had been set up at the closest outside market, for both authenticity as well as expediency of not having to recreate the scene themselves. The P.R. opportunity, augmented by the fees that had been offered, had been enough to convince the business collective to shut down the area for a couple hours in order to quickly film the promo that the station had demanded at the last minute. The stall owners had been asked to do what they do best: to assertively push their wares to the contestants, denoted by the ISC aprons they each wore, who were strategically positioned among the extras. Against this background, the shows judges would weave their way through the crowd offering the scripted commentary on why the public should tune into the new season of India's Super Cook.
In one of his signature bespoke suits, navy blue today, Shaurya went through a few practice-runs, until both he and the crew were satisfied with what was to be filmed. Now approaching the end of the day, he was aiming for one shoot so that they could wrap up for the day. He would quite happily leave the post-production team to their own devices, once he had done his part. Especially today: when he was out of sorts, he would gladly leave this day behind him.
He hadn't heard from MS in the last 36 hours now. Her prior note that she may be offline due to some technical issues she was having, should have satisfied him, but he still hadn't been able to shake the bereft condition, the lack of contact with her had put him in. The panacea that their dialogues had become was undeniable, and he especially wanted to converse with her, and share these new misgivings with her. Perhaps she would be able to lead him to understanding why he felt the way he did. She was good at that. Soon, he thought, as he took his mark and waited for the Director to call action.
Cameras panned the crowd, briefly touching on each of the new contestants, offering the audience a glimpse of the group that would vying for this season's title of the cooking show.
Rajiv Bhai, suddenly entered the set from the left, "You heard right folks, India's Super Cook is back for another season with a new batch of cooks, but this time we've come up with a twist."
"You see this time around, we have decided to mix it up a bit by pitting a couple of professionals against the gifted home-cooks that we've sourced from all corners of the country."
Mentally, Shaurya smiled. Rekha was on point with her monologue, as she entered the scene from the opposite side. All that would be needed, was his entrance: straight down the middle, where the trio of judges would meet. One cue, he smiled his trademark half-smile and began his trek.
As per the script, the crowd parted, very much like the sea, as the host of the show made his theatrical entrance in the natural swaggering way that personified the man, and had the public so enamored of him.
"Professionalism or Passion, which will win out? Is the better cook, one who has studied, or the one with the most passion? And which one has the better temperament to handle all that India's Super Cook has to throw at them?"
As soon as he reached his destination and folded his arms, Shaurya knew they were in for at least one more re-shoot. Of all people, Bhai was not in the correct spot. Somehow, he had missed his mark, and now there was too great of a gap between the two of them.
He didn't even bother to give the last of his script.
A light touch, accompanied by the soft scent of lavender assailing him, proved the only indicator that there was more to meet the eye in this filming. His scripted words were finished for him
"Because, one thing's for sure: when it comes to India's Super Cook, you never know what you are up against. Or, for that matter: just who may show up unexpectedly."
Shaurya's head had swiveled to the speaker: unadorned shock clearly showing on his face.
By contrast, her profile couldn't hide the serene smile on her face.
"And Cut...that's a wrap."
With that indication, Mehek slipped her arm from where she had looped it in Shaurya's and addressed the director who had approached them.
"That was the perfect entrance, Mehek, and the improvisation: just brilliant."
"Thank you."
The man then turned his attention then to the show's creator, pulling him away so that he could view the playback of the ad, that had transformed from adequate to sublime with the unexpected walk-on.
The only thought running through Shaurya's mind, as he was led away, was that she wasn't due on the set for another two days. And yet, not only had she returned early, but Mehek Sharma, in her usual style had done so with a bang, and with a clear intention of tipping his world on its side.
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