Once Again In Love

CHAPTER 2

"Is that some kind of publicity stunt? Those dating rumors between you and Bhoomika?" Karan asked, clearly irritated. Atharva took a sip of his wine and swirled it in the glass before smirking at his friend. "You don't understand how this industry works, Karan," he said. "If you give the media something to talk about, they'll give you opportunities. It's all about playing the game." Atharva laughed dramatically, as if to emphasize his point, but Karan remained confused.

Atharva's laughter slowly faded away, leaving behind a deep sigh. "No okay? Nothing is going on between me and her," he said, sounding a little frustrated. "It's just that my dad was adamant about casting her as the lead since she is his friend's daughter and her dad is a great influence in the business world, which can help my brother as he intends to venture into the business world after graduation." As he spoke, his eyes wandered around the room, as if looking for a way out of the conversation. The air around him felt tense.

Karan took a sip of his wine before raising a question. "OK, but what about Aparna? Why didn't we consider her?" He glanced at his friend and boss with an inquisitive look on his face. "Well, you know her. She mostly does 'strong woman' roles. I don't think she would be a good fit for a weak character," he replied while scrolling through his phone.

"Got it. But don't these rumors irritate you?" He asked. Atharva chuckled humorlessly. "If something acts as a catalyst between me and success, I embrace it wholeheartedly." He looked at him and then resumed scrolling through his phone again. "I don't think it suits you, the whole 'playboy' image. The media thinks you cheated on Shana...." Karan was interrupted as Atharva got up and stood near the window, looking out of his cabin.

Atharva stood by the window, gazing at the view outside. Karan couldn't help but notice the look on his face - it was a mix of contentment and restlessness, as if there was something he was trying to hide.

"I don't care, Karan," Atharva finally spoke, breaking the silence. "I would only care if I had to be answerable to someone, but I am free and independent. Whatever the media or thousands of others think is beyond me."

Karan knew that Atharva was putting on a brave face. Despite his words, Atharva was deeply affected by the criticism and judgment he received from the public and the media. But he was trying to put up a façade of indifference, as if he was above it all.

"I am getting the recognition and popularity that I had always wanted," Atharva continued. "I don't need anything else."

Karan couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness in his heart. He knew that Atharva's statement was far from true. Despite all the success and fame, Atharva's heart still craved something or rather someone - and they both knew exactly who that was.

"Alright. What about that award ceremony we are invited to?" Karan inquired.

"We're going to attend the ceremony. It's important for promoting films and staying relevant," he declared, as Karan smiled and scrolled through his phone.

Karan spoke up, interrupting Atharva's train of thought. "Oh, look at this," he said, holding up his phone to show Atharva the screen. Atharva looked over, curious. "People are guessing who the next best TV actress award could go to," Karan continued, swiping through the article. "And everyone guessed it to be Shanaya."

At the mention of Shanaya's name, Karan lifted his head to look at Atharva. He could see a small, humorless smile forming on his face as he let out a chuckle. It was clear that he wasn't surprised by the news.

"Are you not happy for her?" he asked curiously. "Karan, the least I can do is try to be happy for her," he replied, looking downcast.

The door suddenly burst open and in walked Bhoomika, looking as elegant as ever, with her voluminous shoulder-length curly hair braided in a high ponytail. She was wearing a stunning black dress that stopped just above her knees. Both men looked at the unexpected visitor with curiosity.

"Hey, the stylist just called to confirm our appointment for the ceremony costumes. What date and time should I tell him?" She directed her words towards Karan, but her eyes were on Atharva, who seemed to be preoccupied with something else.

"Let's make it Saturday at 1 p.m.," Karan replied, looking at the calendar on his phone. "That should work for us."

Bhoomika's voice became unnaturally seductive as she asked Atharva, "What about you, Atharva Sir? I can't wait to see what you'll be wearing for the ceremony."

Atharva finally looked up and smiled, but he seemed hesitant to answer. "I have a personal designer who is taking care of my attire, so I don't need to worry about that," he said. "But I'm sorry, I have an important meeting to attend. I'll catch up with you guys later."

Bhoomika felt a bit disappointed, but she didn't let it show. "Okay, Atharva Sir. We'll see you later," she said with a smile.

Her heart was heavy with a deep sense of dejection. She couldn't help but feel a profound sadness that weighed down on her soul. Despite being young, smart, and beautiful, she couldn't understand why Atharva was so distant from her. Their dads were more than happy to see them spending time together, sending them to cricket stadiums, restaurants, and all the fun places in the city to make them bond more. But despite their closeness, Atharva never smiled at her or treated her romantically, leaving her feeling lost and alone. She couldn't help but wonder why he was so cold and distant towards her, and the thought only added to her already heavy heart.

Atharva sat at his table. In just 10 minutes, the editing team would arrive, and he'd have to present every intricate detail for the upcoming movie. The workload was immense, but that wasn't what weighed him down. No, it was the crushing loneliness that engulfed him whenever he found himself alone. The waves of sadness, displeasure, and melancholy threatened to drown him. He gazed at the crystal ball before him, the cute figurine of a couple embracing a cruel reminder of what he lacked. How could he focus on the task at hand when his very soul ached with emptiness?

6 YEARS AGO

"Happy birthday to you. "Happy birthday, Atharva. The whole cast of his most recent series wished him well as he stood in the center, thrilled and proud to be receiving such attention. He sliced the cake and celebrated his birthday with the whole group.

With excitement, he tossed his coat over the couch once he reached home. When he saw his wife sitting on the chair at the kitchen table, his smile vanished. She appeared to have fallen asleep. He ran his fingers through his hair exasperatedly, realizing she had been looking forward to celebrating his 24th birthday for the past two weeks.

"Nope, I won't let you in on the surprise I am planning for you."

"Alright, here's a hint: it's beautiful." She laughed mirthfully, making him chuckle too.

"I'm really eager for your birthday. It is your first birthday after marriage, and I want to make it particularly memorable for you."

He sat beside her on the couch, gently tucking a stray strand of her rich, chestnut-brown hair behind her ear. Her porcelain skin glowed in the soft light. Her full lips, painted a deep shade of crimson, curved into a subtle smile, revealing a hint of her pearly whites. Her eyebrows, perfectly arched and a shade darker than her hair, framed her eyes beautifully. Truly, with her striking features and captivating presence, she was one of the most stunning actresses in the industry. He smiled at her. His smile faltered, guilt flickering in his eyes as he realized his wife had taken a day off from her shoot to arrange his birthday. Belonging to the same industry, he knew how taking leaves affected their work.

He scanned around the house; everything appeared to have been put together with exquisite attention to detail and perfection for his birthday party.

He gently nudged her awake, his touch warm against her side. She stirred slowly, her eyelids fluttering open as she squinted against the brightness of the room. As her gaze focused and her eyes met his, a delightful smile spread across her face, her lips curving upwards and her cheeks dimpling with pleasure. "You're finally here?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement. "Let me get the cake." With a bounce of enthusiasm, she sprang up from the chair, her movements energetic as she hurried into the kitchen. Minutes ticked by before she returned, a large, decorated cake held carefully in her hands. The sweet aroma of vanilla wafted from it.

He looked at the cake, then at her, his guilt twisting his features into a sorrowful grimace.

"Come on," she said softly, the plastic knife warm from her hand as she passed it to him. He carefully cut a small piece, the sweet aroma of vanilla wafting out. Gently, he brought the piece to her lips. She closed her eyes, savoring the moist texture and sugary burst that melted in her mouth. Then it was her turn. She fed him, his eyes never leaving hers as he accepted the bite. A moment later, his arms were around her, his chest pressing into hers. His lips grazed the nape of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. He pulled her close, his face buried in her neck, not yet ready to meet her gaze.

A heavy ache settled in Shanaya's chest, a physical manifestation of the sorrow welling up inside her. She felt herself becoming an afterthought to her husband, the man who was her everything. His birthday, a day that should have been filled with joy and celebration, only highlighted the growing distance between them. With a Herculean effort, she pushed aside her overwhelming urge to cry, to scream, to beg him to see her again and give her the same kind of attention she once received from him. Instead, she forced a brittle smile onto her lips. As she pulled back from his embrace, his familiar scent clung to her, a bittersweet reminder of happier times. Her voice trembled as she wished him a happy birthday, the words tasting like dust in her mouth. The sound of her own false cheer echoed in her ears, a hollow mockery of the vibrant laughter that used to fill their home.

"Guess what your gift could be," she said, her voice barely containing her excitement. She gently guided him to sit in the chair, her hands on his shoulders. Then, she positioned herself in front of him, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. He looked up at her, a confused smile playing on his lips. "I got you this," she announced, her hands extending a small, elegantly wrapped box. The red wrapping paper glimmered in the light, adorned with a delicate silver bow.

As he unwrapped the gift, a radiant, genuine smile transformed his attractive face. His eyes sparkled with delight, reflecting the true happiness he felt at that moment.

"Look at this crystal ball with a darling little couple dancing inside, lost in their own world - how perfectly symbolic of our beautiful relationship! We're like that adorable pair, twirling away in our own little crystal ball paradise, blissfully wrapped up in each other and our love. It's all so incredibly romantic! I can't get over how wonderfully this memento captures the magic between us. Just looking at it fills me with so much joy and excitement for our future together! What do you think?" She looked at him excitedly.

While material wealth could have adorned him with lavish possessions, her gift transcended mere opulence. It was a heartfelt reflection of the thoughtfulness she imbued into their connection, a reminder that true intimacy lies not in grandiose gestures but in the tender moments that fortify the soul's tapestry. In that crystalline sphere, she had encapsulated the essence of their love, a timeless memento that would forever echo the depth of her affection.

He placed the present on the table and drew her closer. He wrapped his arms around her waist affectionately and kissed her cheek to express his gratitude. "Thanks so much, sweetheart. This is very kind, and I can't thank you enough, both for the present and for coming into my life." He kissed her cheek again and grinned, which made her smile back.

"All that is fine, but I dare you to lose or break this gift. I will never speak to you again - unless you beg for forgiveness on your hands and knees, of course." She uttered with mock fury, but a grin soon spread across her face like wildfire.

PRESENT TIME

The sudden knock on the door jolted Atharva, interrupting his deep contemplation. He quickly regained his composure and gestured for the visitors to enter the room. The meeting that ensued lasted for over an hour, during which the editors enthusiastically shared their ideas and feedback. Atharva meticulously reviewed every aspect, determined to ensure this film achieved the same level of success as his previous projects.

Soon enough, the warmth of the room enveloped him as the meeting came to a close. He glanced at the clock, its ticking a familiar rhythm, and realized it was time for lunch. Picking up the phone, he could almost smell the familiar aroma of his regular order wafting from the nearest restaurant. As he waited, he ran his fingers across the smooth surface of his phone, scrolling through the familiar feeds of his social media.

There were all sorts of whispers and hearsay circulating among the gossiping crowds. But one particular piece of news soon grabbed his attention - the trending reel edits featuring Shanaya and her co-star Reyhan. He scrolled through the reels, his teeth grinding in bitterness as his feed became increasingly flooded with clips of the two actors. He eventually came across a reel that showed them in an intimate embrace, seemingly about to kiss. Overwhelmed, he promptly shut off his phone, deciding he had had enough of the internet for the day.

He solemnly set his phone down and gazed out at the glaring sky above. It was a stifling, oppressive day in the bustling city. He was flooded with bittersweet memories - their evening strolls, the joyful trips to the amusement parks and Juhu beach, the movies and meals at her preferred restaurant. Those days always concluded with indulging in street-side ice cream or milkshakes. Certainly, the intrusive paparazzi had done their utmost to harass them and disregard their privacy, but they had still found precious moments to cherish together. A deep melancholy settled over him as he reflected on those happier times now lost.

The once vibrant memories of her now lay dormant, shrouded in a veil of melancholy. His heart, heavy with the weight of missed chances, ached with a dull, persistent pain that refused to subside. Each moment without her presence felt like an eternity, a void that could never be filled. He found himself trapped in a cycle of longing, haunted by the realization that the possibilities they once shared now lay forever out of reach.

At least that's what he thought.