Kavya

"CUT", as the director shouted, I took a sigh of relief, it was my twentieth take for this scene. Everyone seems to look satisfied this time, including the director. Shooting for an action movie is not a cup of tea, it requires lots of effort. But it doesn't mean I am not used to it. I have done five action films till now. But today is different, I am feeling very distressed. It feels like there is something wrong about to happen. 

I moved aside when the director came towards, “Kavya! That was the best take yet," Varun the director of the film said, a broad smile on his face. I forced a smile back, but inside, I felt a knot tightening in my stomach. 

"Thanks, but I think I need a moment," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. I walked away from the bustling set, the sound of clapperboards and crew chatter fading into the background. I needed to clear my head.

As I stepped outside, the cool breeze hit my face, and I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease that had settled over me. 

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape, but it did little to lift my spirits. I leaned against a nearby wall, closing my eyes for a moment, hoping to find some clarity.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching. I opened my eyes to see Raj, my co-star, walking towards me. He had a concerned look on his face. "Hey, you okay? You seemed a bit off during the last take."

I shrugged, not wanting to burden him with my feelings. "Just a long day, I guess. Action scenes can be exhausting."

Raj nodded, but I could tell he wasn't convinced. "You know, if something's bothering you, you can talk to me. We're in this together, right?"

I appreciated his concern, but I wasn't ready to share my worries. "Really, I'm fine. Just need a breather."

He studied me for a moment, then smiled. "Alright, but if you need anything, I'm just a shout away." With that, he turned and walked back towards the set.

I watched him go, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. I didn’t want to drag anyone down with my anxiety. But the feeling of impending doom lingered, gnawing at the edges of my mind. 

As I stood there, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Maybe it was just the stress of the shoot, or perhaps it was something deeper. I glanced back at the set, where the crew was busy preparing for the next scene. The energy was high, but I felt like I was on the outside looking in.

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out to see a message from my manager: "Kavya, we need to talk. Urgent." My heart raced. What could be so urgent? I quickly typed back, asking for details, but my mind was already racing with possibilities.

I took one last look at the set, then made my way to my trailer. I needed to prepare for whatever news was coming my way. As I entered, I closed the door behind me, hoping to find some peace in the solitude. But the feeling of dread only intensified. What was about to happen?

As I waited anxiously in my trailer, my manager Aditi arrived, looking grim

“Kavay, I have some difficult news to share”, Aditi said, her voice was soft but firm.

My heart sank, I knew something was off. “What Is it?”, I asked, trying to prepare myself. “Sagar and Rhea Kapoor marriage news is out”, Aditi said, her words like a punch to my gut. I felt like I'd been hit by the train. Eight years, eight years love, trust and commitment. all drown in the drain.

“How”, I somehow managed to whisper. “It's all over social media”, Aditi replied. “They got married in a private ceremony yesterday”.

I couldn’t breathe. Sagar, the man I thought I knew, had betrayed me in the worst way possible. 

Rhea Kapoor, my rival, had always been a thorn on my side, but this was a whole new level. 

“Why?”, I asked, tears streaming down my face. Aditi handed me her phone, showing me the news article.

“Sagar released a statement saying he ‘found his true love’ in Rhea", Aditi said, her voice laced with disgust. 

I felt nauseous. “We need to handle this carefully, Kavya”, Aditi said. “The media will be all over this”. I nodded, still reeling from the shock.

Just as I was trying to gather my thoughts, my phone rang. I hesitated for a moment before answering.

“Hey, Di”, I said, trying to sound calm. “Kavya, I just heard”  Vani's voice was laced with concern. “Are you okay?”. I took a deep breath, trying to hold back my tears. “I…I don't know Di”, I stammered.

Vani's voice turned firm.

“Kavya, listen to me, you are strong. You'll get through this. Sagar's betrayal doesn't define you”. I nodded, even though she could see me.

“I know Di. It just hurts…it hurts so much. Eight years of my life, gone”, 

“I know baby”, Vani cooed. “But you can't let Sagar and Rhea win. You have to rise above this. Remember who you are - Kavya Kashyap, a talented and resilient woman."

Tears streamed down my face as I talked to Vani. Her words were a balm to my soul.

"Thanks, Di," I whispered.

"Anytime, baby," Vani replied. "I'll come over soon. We'll get through this together. And Kavya?"

"Yes?"

"Don't let Sagar see you cry. Don't give him that satisfaction."

I smiled, feeling a spark of determination.

"I won't, Di."

We chatted for a few more minutes before Vani hung up. I felt grateful for my sister's unwavering support.

As I hung up with Vani, my mind was made up. "Aditi," I called out to my manager, "I need to go to India."

Aditi looked up, surprised.

"India? Now?" she asked. I nodded, determination in my voice. “But you still have commitments here”, Aditi said. "I manage that but right I need to confront Sagar," I said, my eyes blazing with anger.

Aditi's expression turned serious. "Kavya, are you sure that's wise?" she asked. "I have to face him," I replied. "I need to know why he betrayed me."

Aditi nodded.

“Okay I will book your tickets, when do you want to leave and what will you say to Varun”, she asked lots of questions in a breath. “I will manage him, book my tickets for tonight”, I replied to her. Meanwhile, Gia and Anjali arrive and they look worried. I am sure that news has reached their ears as well.

“Are you fine Kavya?”Gia, my Makeup artist, asked with concern. “Just managing myself”, I replied. “You get out of this soon, you will forget him soon”, said Anjali, my stylist. I gave her a restoring smile.

I met them almost a year ago. We are not very close to each other but still their words are very soothing to my burning hearts. She said right, I will forget him but how. Will I ever be?. 

I immediately wiped a tear from the corner of my eye. Aditi, who was standing beside me, put her palm on my shoulder and gave me a warm smile. I nodded to her response too. 

“I am going back to India”, I declared. Both Gia and Anjali seem astonished by my declaration. “But now, in the middle of shooting”, Anjali asked in confusion. “Varun will get very angry”, Gia said further.

“I will take care of him”, I replied calmly. My anger has calmed a little now. 

____

I walked onto the set, searching for Varun. His assistant pointed me towards his trailer. "Varun, I need to speak with you," I said, knocking on the door.

Varun opened the door, looking annoyed. "What is it, Kavya?" he asked gruffly. "I'm leaving for India," I announced. Varun's expression turned incredulous.

"What? Now? In the middle of filming?"

"I'm sorry, Varun. I have personal issues to attend to."

Varun scoffed.

"Personal issues? You're a professional, Kavya. You can't just leave."

"I understand the inconvenience, but I must go," I insisted.

Varun's face reddened. "You're going to cost me time and money. Your sudden departure will disrupt the entire schedule."

"I'll make it up to you, Varun. I promise."

Varun snorted. "Promises mean nothing in this industry. What about your contract?"

"I'll honor my commitments," I reassured him.

Varun's expression turned cold. "Fine. Leave. But don't expect to work with me again."

I nodded, unfazed by his arrogance.

"I understand." With that, I turned and walked away, leaving Varun and the chaos behind.

As I walked away from Varun’s Trailer, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was more to his reaction than met the eye. I ignored all those thoughts and walked towards my trailer but suddenly I spotted Raj, standing by the catering table. 

“Raj”, I called out. He turned, concern etched on his face. “Hey, Kavya! What’s going on? I heard you’re leaving”. I nodded. “Personal stuff, I need to get out of here”, I replied. “Raj’s Expression turned sympathetic.

“I am sorry you okay”, he said while forcing a smile. 

“I’ll be fine”.

Raj stepped closer.

“Listen, Kavya, I don’t know what’s going on, but if it's about Sagar…”

I raised my eyebrows.

“What’s about Sagar?”, I asked. Raj hesitated for a while. “I saw him with Rhea on set. I didn’t think much of it, but…”

My heart twisted. “You shouldn’t have told me," I said. Raj’s eyes locked onto mine. “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to hurt you”, he said in a tone full of guilt. I placed a hand on his arm, “It's not your fault”, I replied gently.

Suddenly Aditi called out, “Kavya we need to go”. I nodded to her. “Bye Raj’, Raj smiled. “Take care”, Raj replied. With that, I turned and walked away, leaving the chaos of the set behind.

I slammed the cab door shut, still fuming from my confrontation with Varun. Aditi slid in beside me, her expression calm. “Are you okay?” she asked, as the cab pulled away from the curb. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension. “Yeah, I am fine”, I lied. Aditi placed a reassuring hand on my arm. ‘You did the right thing, Kavya. You deserve better than Sahil’s manipulation”, said Aditi. 

“Varun’s been in talks with Rhea Kapoor’s team”, She added further. My heart skipped a beat. “What”, Aditi nodded.

“Varun wants to cast Rhea as the lead in his next project. Your departures the way for her”, as Aditi replied, I felt a surge of anger. 

"Varun's been playing me all along," I realized.

Aditi's voice was laced with disgust.

"He's been using you to further his own interests. And with Sagar's betrayal, you're no longer valuable to him."

I clenched my fists, determination coursing through me.

"I won't let him get away with this."

Aditi smiled.

"I'll help you take him down."

Together, we began to weave a plan to expose Varun's true intentions and bring him down.

But little did I know, Varun's secrets ran deeper than I imagined. 

"We'll get through this, Aditi. I promise."

Aditi smiled.

"I'm with you, always."

The cab driver's voice cut through our conversation.

"Airport, madam?"

"Yes," Aditi replied. "International terminal."

As we approached the airport, my thoughts turned to the journey ahead.