Stellar Affair Part 2

Had I been a soap opera fan, I would have ripped the pages of those files with typical dramatic actions. But sadly, that would cost a lot more than my dislike for this man. And was he even worth it? He probably doesn't remember me. How dare he not remember me? Had I not quit, he would never get the part! All I could do was to suck it up. 'He is just another client' I reminded myself.
'OH MY GOD! What a bloody coincidence?' Naina screamed with excitement. My phone was literally vibrating by her voice. 'It's not coincidence. It's bad luck', I said.
'Shiru, it's fate. Think! Why only Ayan Kishore out of this whole film fraternity?'
'Well, that's because Mr Kishore has been indulging in lots of bad stuff'
'Oh! I remember reading it in the newspaper. Some road-rash mishap and some fan involvement'
'It's all here in my file. Some has been reported in the tabloids and some really confidential in this file'
'YOU HAVE INSIDE GOSSIP?! Can you spill?' Naina's excitement reached another level.
'No, I can't. You know the rules', I shot back.
'You really don't deserve this job. You even didn't tell me about the last case, who was that actor..err I forgot his name' she complained.
'It wasn't an actor but an actor's cousin' I clarified.
'That's what I meant, just one tiny gossip! Please! I swear, I wouldn't spill', she started pestering way too much. It started to nag me when ultimately she said 'Fine, don't talk to me'
'Oh! Why are you such a kill. Okay one tiny spill'
'Say! say! say!' she voiced with enthusiasm.
Going against all my confidentiality vows, I let the cat out of the bag.
'OH MY GOD!'
'Shush! Just to yourself'
***




Now, Naina was holding two secrets. One of mine and the other of Ayan's. Even I was holding one secret regarding her. But that had no relevance now. I dreaded Monday, my whole of Sunday as it is got spoilt. I had do my thorough background check. In the past forty eight hours, I had researched on every single move of Ayan in his career. And besides being an actor that too a famous one, he was a wreck. From drunk-driving charges to violence with mob. He had done it all. This side of him was kept away from the media. But his apparent moodiness had raised the eyes of many. He seemed no different than my previous clients. I was prepared. And so when Monday arrived, I had to be in complete professional attire. Sahu didn't look very pleased when I entered the room. 'Everything alright?' I asked. 'No, Mr. Kishore cancelled the meeting at the last moment. These youngsters! What do they think of themselves!', Mr. Sahu raging temper was my cue to leave. But I didn't. 'Sir, I will suggest you to call his manager. Maybe he will then reconsider'. It was a necessary risk, Sahu could just fire me if he disliked the suggestion. But instead he thanked and called. Now, I could leave. No way could that son of a bitch waste my efforts and time. My dislike for him was growing day by day. I went to my cabin and sat on the chair. I looked out of the window, the weather reminded me of ten years ago...

 It was cloudy and all the students were getting ready for the their turns. The buzz was around that filmmaker Narayan Kumar was the guest of honour.
'Shireen, you are up next' called Miss Mukherjee. I was done with the makeup, but I still couldn't find my costume. 'Naina, have you seen my costume?' I asked. 'No Shiru, I didn't see it'. With make-up on I went outside the dressing room to see if I had left it in my locker. However, it wasn't there either. 'Shireen Sharma', announced the speaker. The music started, I was confused. If I was here, then who was performing on the stage? I ran to the auditorium, standing completely dumbfounded. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, sorry for the wrong introduction, on stage Ayan Kishore, dancing as Leela. 'That's my costume!' I protested. 'Shiru!' Naina came running towards me. 'What is that boy doing as Leela?' she panted as she spoke, even more confused than me. 'I don't know Naina' I cried. After the performance got over I confronted the boy. 'Why did you steal my costume and part?' I demanded but tears were rolling automatically. 'What's done is done, sweety' replied the boy audaciously. 'Better luck next time' he mocked and ran away. I didn't do anything, just took the pain inside. I had been practising for months and what did I receive? That was the beginning of my hatred. And my dislike for him never stopped. He had done my no good. Not again Ayan. Not again. You will not spoil my career.

 'Shireen' 'Shireen?' 'Shireen!', reality struck me. A guy stood in front of me. His face was cute with deadly dimples. 'Is he for real?' I thought. 'Yes! Yes you were saying' I replied, pulling myself from trance. 'Mr. Sahu is calling you' he said. 'Let him call' I said dreamily. 'Miss? SAHU is calling you!' he spoke a little louder. 'Oh my god! I am sorry...' 'Aarush' 'Yeah, have we met?' I asked, trying hard to remember. 'Yes, I work here. In the HR department' 'Oh! Strange, why don't I know you?' I asked, slightly embarrassed. 'Hmmm...Shireen, boss is calling you' 'Oh yes! I forgot'. After taking boss's orders, I found Aarush standing near the coffee maker. 'So Aarush, sorry for not noticing you'
'Actually I was kidding, I just joined today' he laughed and said. His smile was so charming. 'That's why I didn't recognise you!' I justified.
'Wanna hangout after office? Since I am new to town and you are the only friend I have here'
'Yeah, sure' I said quickly.
'Seems like a plan' he grinned.
***
We both had finished early and left the office. It was late afternoon and the roads had mild traffic. Soon we were seated in a restuarant. He started telling about himself. When the conversation turned to me, my phone rang. The moment the screen flashed "Sahu", I knew it was bad news and excused myself. 'Yes sir'
'Shireen reach Sheraton right now, Mr Kishore will be meeting you in his suite along with his team and do a great job' he cut the phone before I could speak, like usual. Aarush concocted my expressions and we both left. He on his way and I? Well, to meet the devil at last. Another guy gone. All courtesy, Mr Kishore.