Once Again In Love

CHAPTER 5

"Yeah, this silver chiffon saree would look gorgeous on you," the designer exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she held up the shimmering fabric. The material seemed to dance in the light, casting delicate reflections that whispered of elegance and grace.

Shanaya's response was a noncommittal 'hmm', her gaze wandering elsewhere, her mind perhaps lost in a maze of thoughts. The designer, undeterred by Shanaya's apparent disinterest, placed the saree gently on a nearby couch, as though inviting it to speak for itself.

Noticing Shanaya's lack of engagement, the designer's lips formed a playful pout, her expression a mix of disappointment and determination. With a swift motion, she took Shanaya's hand, the warmth of her touch infused with a sense of urgency and insistence.

Leading her towards a plush couch, adorned with cushions in rich, inviting colors, the designer gestured for them to sit. The couch embraced them like an old friend, its cushions yielding to their weight with a comforting sigh.

Jenny was a celebrity designer extraordinaire, weaving magic with fabrics and setting trends with her creations. She and Shanaya had been college pals, and it was Shanaya who had nudged Jenny into the fashion industry, opening doors with her referrals.

Despite the glittering world they inhabited, their friendship remained steadfast and true. Jenny was one of the rare few outside the film industry whom Shanaya held close to her heart. They shared a bond forged in college dorms and late-night talks, a bond that transcended the superficiality often found in their circles.

Jenny's talent was undeniable, her designs coveted by stars seeking to make a statement on the red carpet. But beyond her professional success, it was her genuine friendship that Shanaya cherished the most, a reminder of the importance of authenticity in a world where façades often reigned supreme.

"What is it? You seem lost," Jenny said, her words gentle like a soothing melody. She watched Shanaya closely, sensing the turmoil within her friend.

"The award ceremony is tomorrow, and I have an inkling Atharva is going to be there," she confessed, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Jenny furrowed her brow, trying to grasp the depth of Shanaya's concern. "Yeah, and?" she prodded gently, her eyes searching her friend's face for clues.

"And, it's... I don't know how to explain," Shanaya struggled to articulate the whirlwind of emotions churning inside her. "I'm going to be seeing him in real life after 5 long years."

Jenny nodded, understanding dawning in her eyes as she realized the weight of Shanaya's words. The anticipation of facing a chapter from the past, written in memories and emotions, was palpable in the air between them.

"Shanaya, it's a big award show," Jenny reassured, her voice a soothing melody amid the cacophony of doubts. "He might not even sit near you. He might be sitting at a far distance. You just have to go, look pretty, grab your awards, give short interviews, and come back. It's going to be just right."

Shanaya closed her eyes, allowing Jenny's words to wash over her like a gentle tide, soothing the turmoil within. With a deep breath, she nodded, a sense of calm settling over her like a comforting blanket.

Jenny leaned in, her expression earnest as she offered Shanaya words of wisdom. "And even if you two had to interact, do it with a brave face. You're not in love with him anymore, and you're not guilty of anything in that relationship," she said, her voice steady and reassuring. "It's good that you'll be facing him, and I'm sure, given his status, he won't do or say anything childish to you. And even if he does, you know you have many loyal fans to support you."

Shanaya nodded, a glimmer of determination sparking in her eyes. "Thanks, Jenny. I needed that pep talk," she said with a grateful smile, feeling a newfound sense of resolve wash over her like a wave. With Jenny's support, she felt ready to face whatever challenges awaited her at the award ceremony.

As Shanaya stepped out of the boutique, the flash of camera bulbs danced around her like fireflies in the dusk. The air buzzed with anticipation, mingling with the faint scent of perfume lingering on her skin. Suddenly, a reporter surged forward, thrusting the microphone towards her.

"Ma'am," he asked eagerly, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd, "are you going to attend the award function tomorrow? Your fans are waiting to see you on stage."

Shanaya felt the weight of his question settle on her shoulders like a heavy cloak, the excitement palpable in the reporter's voice, echoing the fervor of her fans beyond.

"Yes, I am excited too." With a practiced smile plastered on her face, Shanaya's words rang out amidst the buzz of excitement, eliciting cheers from the crowd of reporters. The sound washed over her like a wave, mingling with the distant hum of traffic and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Swiftly, she began to weave her way through the throng, her steps accompanied by the click-clack of her heels on the pavement.

"Ma'am, what do you have to say about Atharva Kapoor being there?" A reporter's voice cut through the din, sharp and insistent. Shanaya heard it, but chose to let it fade into the background as she slipped into the cocoon of her car. The engine roared to life, drowning out the lingering echoes of the question as she drove away, leaving behind the chaos of the moment.

NEXT DAY

Shanaya's fingers glided over the smooth surface of the silver chiffon saree that Jenny had carefully delivered to her. The fabric seemed to whisper secrets as she touched it, its delicate folds catching the light and shimmering like moonlit waves. It felt like a dream against her skin, light and ethereal.

Everything was just as she liked it. The pretty, thin diamond necklace lay gracefully around her neck, its sparkle reflecting her anticipation. Matching earrings adorned her ears, glinting softly in the sunlight that streamed through the window. The bangles on her wrist chimed softly with every movement, adding a musical note to the symphony of her preparation.

Her favorite heels awaited her feet, their sleek lines promising both elegance and comfort. The bag at her side held her essentials, its soft leather inviting to the touch. And the perfume she spritzed on was like a veil of allure, its scent trailing behind her like a whispered promise of enchantment.

As she stood there, adorned in her finery, Shanaya felt a surge of excitement building within her. Tonight would be a night to remember, every detail meticulously arranged to perfection.

As Shanaya gazed at her reflection in the mirror, a flood of memories cascaded through her mind like an old film reel spinning to life.

6 YEARS AGO

In her room, bathed in the soft glow of the evening light filtering through the curtains, Shanaya stood before the mirror, a vision of elegance and grace. Her reflection shimmered in the glass, adorned in the finest attire, every detail meticulously chosen to accentuate her beauty. It was her first award ceremony as the lead actress in a TV show, and the anticipation danced in her eyes, a spark of excitement igniting her soul.

Turning away from her reflection, she sought validation from the one person whose opinion mattered most to her—Atharva. "Atharva, how do I look?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation as she awaited his response.

But as he strode out of the room without a glance, absorbed in the call he had just received, Shanaya felt a pang of disappointment. Yet, she held her composure, masking any hurt beneath a facade of resilience. With a graceful turn, she returned her gaze to the mirror, summoning a smile that radiated confidence and poise. For tonight, amidst the glitz and glamour of the award ceremony, she knew that her own validation was the only approval she truly needed.

As Shanaya's heels clicked against the floor, their rhythm punctuating the air, Atharva's attention was drawn to her presence as she entered the living room. The sound seemed to echo softly, mingling with the anticipation that hung in the room like a delicate veil.

"Are you ready?" she inquired, her voice a melodic cadence that filled the space, carrying with it a sense of eagerness and excitement. "Let's go," she declared, her words infused with a subtle urgency, urging them to embark on their journey.

But before they could depart, Atharva's hand reached out, gently enveloping hers in his grasp. With a tender pull, he twirled her around, the movement graceful and intimate, like a dance beneath the stars. Shanaya felt the warmth of his touch, the sensation of their palms pressed together, creating a connection that felt both familiar and new.

"You look gorgeous, wifey," Atharva's voice resonated with affection, his words a soft caress against her ear. His smile, radiant and genuine, illuminated the room, casting a glow that seemed to envelop them both in its warmth.

For Shanaya, that smile held a power beyond words. It had the ability to steal her breath away, to set her heart aflutter with just a glance. As she felt the warmth of a blush creeping into her cheeks, she couldn't help but return his smile, her own lips curving upwards in response to his affection.

Atharva had a knack for leaving Shanaya feeling a mix of emotions—disappointed yet loved, neglected yet cared for. It was as if he held a paradoxical power over her heart, weaving a tapestry of conflicting feelings with every word and action.

They both sat in their car, driving to the venue.

"How many nominations do you have?" Atharva's question pierced the air, carrying a hint of curiosity that danced between them like a fleeting melody. "Ahh, not many. 'Best new face in the lead role', 'Audience choice for the most promising female lead' and the 'best pair', that's it." As she met Atharva's gaze, she felt the weight of his scrutiny, his eyes like a gentle breeze brushing against her skin, stirring the tendrils of her thoughts.

"Ohh." Atharva clutched the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white.

As Shanaya spoke about her nominations, Atharva couldn't help but feel a pang of embarrassment gnawing at his chest. His wife, the 'over achiever', seemed to effortlessly glide through accolades and recognition, while he remained stagnant in the shadows of her success.

The weight of his own inadequacies pressed down on him like a heavy burden, suffocating him with feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt. He had always struggled to make a mark in the industry, his career stagnating further after their marriage, as if overshadowed by Shanaya's luminous presence.

With a dearth of projects in the TV show industry, Atharva had entertained the idea of trying his luck in films. But deep down, he harbored a gnawing uncertainty, unsure whether he would ever be able to break free from the chains of mediocrity that seemed to bind him.

As he gazed at Shanaya, her achievements shining like beacons of light in the darkness of his own insecurities, Atharva couldn't help but feel a twinge of sorrow. He longed to stand beside her as an equal, to bask in the glow of success together, but the reality of his own limitations weighed heavily on his heart, casting a shadow over his dreams.

"What about you?" Shanaya asked inquisitively.

"Umm, I didn't get nominated," Atharva admitted with a helpless smile, his words tinged with a hint of disappointment. Shanaya's heart ached for him, understanding the weight of his unspoken emotions.

With a tender gesture, she ran her palm over his arm, a soothing touch infused with love and reassurance. "It's okay," she murmured softly, her voice a gentle melody in the quiet room. "You can try in the upcoming series. You will get a project soon, casting directors can't ignore your charms for so long."

Her smile was like a beacon of hope, casting a warm glow that enveloped them both in its embrace. Shanaya's unwavering support was always a lifeline for Atharva, a reminder that no matter the challenges they faced, they would always navigate them together, hand in hand.

As Shanaya's comforting words washed over him, Atharva couldn't shake the bitter taste of disillusionment that lingered in the air. Once, her assurances had been his sanctuary, a balm for the wounds inflicted by an unforgiving industry. But now, they felt hollow, devoid of the solace they once provided.

It had been a year since Atharva had last graced the small screen, his career stagnating in the shadow of Shanaya's rising star. Their paths had diverged since that first meeting, veering further apart with each passing day. While she basked in the spotlight, he found himself relegated to the sidelines, a mere footnote in her narrative of success.

Their collaborations had once been a source of joy, a testament to their shared passion for their craft. But now, they served as a painful reminder of his own insignificance, a pawn in the game of nepotism and favoritism that pervaded the industry. Producers saw him as little more than an accessory to her fame, casting them together or choosing her alone to capitalize on her pedigree.

In this cruel landscape where nepotism mingled with genuine talent, Atharva found himself adrift, his dreams obscured by the towering shadows of privilege and entitlement. And as he gazed into Shanaya's eyes, once filled with love and encouragement, he couldn't help but wonder if their shared journey had led them down a path of disillusionment, where success was measured not by merit, but by the name you carried and the connections you wielded.

As Shanaya watched Atharva struggle in the unforgiving embrace of the industry, her heart ached with a profound sense of helplessness. She knew his talent, his potential to shine brightly on his own merits, but she was powerless against the entrenched forces of nepotism that held sway over their world.

Her hands were tied, bound by the invisible strings of obligation and expectation that tethered her to her producers. She longed to champion Atharva's cause, to demand that he be given the opportunities he deserved, but she knew that her influence only stretched so far. In a landscape where connections spoke louder than talent, her pleas fell on deaf ears, dismissed as the naive musings of a young actress still finding her footing in the cutthroat world of entertainment.

The bitter irony of it all was not lost on Shanaya. Here she was, a rising star in her own right, yet unable to wield her influence to uplift the man she loved. In an industry where nepotism and referrals held sway, her own credentials paled in comparison to the established names that dictated the rules of the game.

As she gazed at Atharva, his frustration mirrored her own, their shared sense of disillusionment binding them together in silent solidarity. At that moment, amidst the harsh realities of their world, Shanaya vowed to continue fighting for him, to carve out a space where his talent could shine brightly, untethered by the chains of nepotism that threatened to suffocate their dreams.

With a heavy heart, Shanaya turned her gaze towards the window, the soft sigh that escaped her lips carrying the weight of unspoken worries. As she peered out into the night, her thoughts drifted to the upcoming ceremony, a flicker of hope dancing in the depths of her eyes.