After a week of restless nights and sacrificed weekends, I finally finished rewriting the entire script. Every emotion was sharpened. Every scene reconsidered. Some moments had to be altered because of the censor board, and letting them go felt like cutting away pieces of myself. But the story flowed better now. Cleaner. Deeper.
On the other hand, Avin had sent me a list of shortlisted participants for the lead role. After reviewing their profiles carefully, I selected three names.
Tia Shetty, twenty-two, new to Bollywood but experienced in ad films.
Diya Verma, twenty-four, previously appeared in a film in a supporting role.
Prisha Thappar, twenty-two, no prior experience in cinema or advertisements.
My phone buzzed.
Ding.
Ding.
It was Avin.
Today is the final audition between Diya, Prisha, and Tia. I want you there sharp at 9 a.m.
I glanced at the time.
8:00 a.m.
Panic surged through me.
I quickly stacked my scattered drafts into a neat roll, cleared my desk, and straightened my room with mechanical efficiency. My movements were fast, precise, almost robotic.
I tied my hair into a sleek ponytail and chose something structured and intentional. A crisp white button-down shirt layered beneath a deep blue cardigan, fitted and buttoned neatly, sleeves pushed slightly up. High-waisted black trousers, straight-leg and tailored, paired with a slim black belt that sharpened the silhouette.
Minimal. Clean. Controlled.
Small stud earrings. A delicate necklace resting against my collarbone. A slim watch. A structured black handbag.
No room for chaos. Not today.
By the time I reached the audition venue, it was exactly 9 a.m. The three candidates were already there, seated upright, nervous but composed.
"Ma'am, please come inside" a crew member in uniform said politely.
I followed him down the corridor into a well-lit room where three chairs were arranged behind a long table. One for Purab. One for Avin. One for me.
I took my seat.
Moments later, Purab entered, dressed casually, confidence draped over him like an accessory.
A quiet warning stirred in my mind. Avin's voice echoed from memory.
Stay away from him.
"Hey, June. Nice to meet you again" Purab said with an easy smile, extending his hand for a handshake.
Instead of accepting it, I deliberately loosened my grip on my handbag.
It slipped.
He bent down, picked it up, and handed it back to me. His expression didn't change.
"Here."
"Thank you" I replied calmly, taking it from him.
A subtle shift passed between us. Something unreadable.
Why is this so awkward? And where is Avin?
"You know, June" Purab began, leaning back in his chair and studying me carefully, "I've noticed something about your projects."
I didn't respond.
"Your stories are always filled with heartbreak. The woman wants to escape. The man either leaves because of some tragic condition or is forced to walk away. There's a pattern."
His lips curved slightly.
"Such a misandry vibes."
Before I could respond, the door opened.
Avin walked in.
"Where have you been?" Purab's attention snapped toward him. "It's already 9:45. The audition was supposed to finish before eleven."
Avin raised an eyebrow but didn't answer. He walked past him and took his seat with quiet authority.
"Let's begin" he said flatly.
The auditions started.
One by one, Tia, Diya, and Prisha delivered their scenes. All three were impressive in their own way, but when Prisha performed, there was something raw in her expressions. A vulnerability that didn't look rehearsed.
After deliberation, we selected Prisha Thappar as our lead, Jhanvi Chauhan.
Purab clearly preferred Diya. His jaw tightened slightly when the final decision was announced, but he didn't argue further.
The meeting concluded, and I stepped outside into the corridor, exhaling slowly.
"Hey."
The sudden voice startled me.
I turned sharply.
"Oh- you.. Arnav."
He leaned casually against the wall, hands tucked into his pockets, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Shocked?" he asked.
"Why are you here?" I folded my arms, pretending indifference.
"Can't I be?"
I rolled my eyes.
"Okay, fine. I was here for Prisha."
"Prisha Thappar?" I asked, surprised.
He nodded. "She's my childhood best friend. I told her to try her luck. Did she do well?"
A small smile escaped me. "She did. She got selected."
His face lit up instantly. Genuine happiness.
We began walking toward the parking area.
"By the way, my real..." I started.
"It's okay" he interrupted gently. "I'll keep it a secret."
I stopped walking.
"But how did you find out?"
He shrugged lightly. "I once visited your father's office for a brand promotion. I saw your photograph there. When I saw you on the ad shoot day, you looked familiar. Later I searched about Menezes Group's heir. No photos online, just a name. But I connected the dots."
He studied my face.
"And that look you gave me the other day confirmed it."
I stared at him for a moment.
"You're smart" I admitted.
He dramatically brushed his hair back. "I know. It's a gift."
I laughed.
And for the first time in a long time, I genuinely enjoyed someone's company without calculating every word.
"You two look like you've known each other for years."
Avin's voice cut in.
We both turned.
He stood a few feet away, expression unreadable.
"Of course we do" Arnav said easily, slipping an arm around my shoulder.
My body stiffened slightly at the sudden contact.
"How?" Avin asked, his tone calm but edged.
Arnav pretended to stammer. "Well, that-"
"He's lying. Arnav" I interrupted, stepping away from his arm.
The air between the three of us felt charged.
For a split second, Avin's jaw tightened.
Then he walked forward.
Without asking. Without hesitation.
He grabbed Arnav by the wrist. His other hand closed firmly around mine.
The grip wasn't painful.
"It's one already" he said, his tone even. Too even. "Let's go eat."
Not a suggestion.
He didn't look at either of us again. Just started walking, pulling us along with him.
Arnav blinked, surprised but amused. "Well. This is new."
I glanced at Avin's profile.
His face was calm.
Unbothered.
But his fingers tightened around my hand for just a second before loosening again.