When Samaira
woke up, it was 10 a.m. The first thing that crossed her mind was the thought
about her handsome brother-in-law. Where was he? She looked around her. So she
had slept alone, after all! Rohan had proved to be a tough nut to crack. But
the toughest nuts cracked some time, sooner or later! She would pursue him and
get his attention, one day, she vowed. The thrill was in the chase! Now she had
a reason to live for. She immediately cheered up. Humming loudly, she completed
her morning chores and emerged, fresh as a rose.
Even her
maid was taken aback, by her resplendent beauty. Had her Bibiji and Rohan… Again the ugly thought reared in her head. No,
no, it mustn’t be, she consoled herself. But why was she looking so happy and
radiant? Everyday, she was grouchy and rude, in the mornings. Nirmala knew that
Samaira had sleeping-pills daily, as she suffered from insomnia. Her Bibiji’s wild, erratic life-style
frightened her. She cared for her, like her daughter and didn’t want anything
untoward happening to her.
Trying to
appear casual, Samaira asked, as she sat down at the dining-table for
break-fast, “So when did Jiju leave?”
“At 8.30 a.m. He asked me to thank you for your hospitality. He even gave me
Rs. 100/- as bakshish. Nice man!” Samaira’s
heart twisted as she thought bitterly, Yes,
nice man! Too nice though! Playing goody-goody, though he was attracted to her!
Well, two could play at the game. It would be interesting to see who won. She
was sure that she would!
That day, Mahesh Kumar, Samarth Babu and the
entire unit was nonplussed. They were wondering why Samaira looked so
bewitching and cheerful. She was cracking jokes, laughing and teasing everyone
around, and appeared relaxed, unlike her usual haughty, tantrum throwing self!
“Don’t I
look silly in this costume? She asked, as her make-up artiste nodded vaguely,
unsure of how to react. If he said yes, she would throw a fit and if he said
no, she’d chide him for being a chamcha, a
sycophant! But as she seemed to be in a very good mood today, he seized this
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and bravely said, “Yes Madam, you should insist
on another one!” He kept staring at her, as she threw back her pretty head and
laughed heartily. What had come over her today, he thought.
She had worn an over-sized, tattered robe with
flip-flops, for a scene where she was supposed to be in disguise. “No, Sanket,
I will wear this one only! That means that this is the perfect disguise for me!
She thought that that costume hid her curves well and made her look bloated and
ugly. Her face had been made-up to look like a vagabond. Pock-marked and ugly!
She shuddered
involuntarily and looked sad when Sanket showed her the mirror for a final
look, before the scene was shot. She only hoped that she didn’t really end up
looking like that, in her old age! Old age was too far away, but was sure to
befall her. She wished that she had someone to look after her and care for her,
then! Unwittingly, Rohan’s face flashed in front of her mind’s eye. Instantly
her mood soared and she jauntily went to give a one-take shot.
Mahesh congratulated her afterwards,
saying, “You were brilliant Samaira. Must say that you are very vivacious
today! What’s up? Met someone special?” Just when she was about to retort
nastily, as usual, that he was interfering and nosy and must mind his business;
she changed her mind and said extra-sweetly, “Hmm, maybe!” Before he could
continue his inquisitive questioning, she waved at him and bounded to her van,
to change. Mahesh and Samarth Babu exchanged a meaningful glance and chuckled
together.
Samarth Babu
hoped that her wonderful mood lasted throughout that day’s shooting. He had
lost several precious days and a chunk of his budget, after cancelling
shooting, on several days, due to her tantrums or late-coming, when Mahesh
would walk out in protest too, after having had to cool his heels for her!
Keeping both the stars in good humor was an important part of his job. After
all, he was answerable to his producer!
In the
privacy of her van, Samaira didn’t change into her other costume immediately.
She called up Rohan eagerly. She was dying to hear his deep voice, with a
slight nasal twang. “Hello?” he answered, after 5 minutes. “Hello, this is
Samaira here.” “Oh Samaira, how are you? I’m sorry that I couldn’t meet you
before leaving, as you were fast asleep. I wanted to call you up after boarding
the train, but decided not to disturb you, since you’d be busy with your shooting.”
She hungrily
listened to his voice, not bothering about what he was saying. She wanted to just
keep on listening to him. He sounded so mature and dependable, just like the
person who could be entrusted with one’s life! After he had thwarted her
advances the previous night, diplomatically, she had started respecting and
admiring him more than ever! He was a thorough gentleman. Refined and cultured!
He had passed her test in flying colors.
“No problem Jiju, please do come and meet me
regularly. I enjoyed your company, last evening. Tell Didi that I always remember her and give her my love and regards. If
you meet Pitaji and Maa, give them my love and regards and
ask them to forgive me if possible,” she said. Hearing the catch in her voice,
he consoled her, “Of course, I will. Please take care of yourself Samaira. I
hope you stop drinking. If you respect my wishes, you’ll do that. I’ll come to
visit you again only if you promise me accordingly!”
Was
giving up liquor so easy? she thought as she blurted out, “I’ll try Jiju, I’ll really try, for your sake!”
He
disconnected the call. As he settled in his berth, for a nap, he visualized
her. Sparkling eyes and a beautiful body…. He soon drifted off to sleep amidst
her heavenly visions.
Samaira’s day also passed by in a
dream-like trance. He did care for her! She was ecstatic.
To be continued....
The copyright of this story is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
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