Chapter 1
It had been 2 years and 4 months since the day that changed his life. He was now divorced, living alone and all his preparation for the 'role of his life' had been unyielding so far. The past few years went by in a blur, where he just tried to take each day as it came, drifting away through life. It was frustrating to say the least.
He walked to the balcony of his new high rise residence, staring upon the sunset, his mind still numb, hair unkept, appearance all shabby. To a third person, he might seem to be someone with no purpose at all.
This wasn't his nature though. He used to be known for his passion, his drive. Professionally, he was known to be the one to completely drown himself in a character, study the nuances, research the material, perfect all the layers of the person he was to play like. His work ethic was secretly admired and equally envied by his contemporaries. It didn't always do him good though, he smirked. His support system, the one who he thought understood his passion, couldn't take these eccentricities of his anymore. He doesn't deny being in a dark space all these past years. He had began with the intention to break free of the 20 years of albeit successful but mundane hindi TV characters.
It's not that he didn't like playing those roles, he definitely did. After all, he had grown up in this world of Indian television and with the different characters he portrayed. Some had a greater effect on his life, bringing with it even international fame, money, marriage and of course HER!
But, something about this foreign movie character had enthralled him. He began working on his physique, his psyche, body language....everything! In the hopes of becoming that character, he spent all his time, money and even put his successful career at stake!
He had given so much to this one dream, that it began to consume him and his life. When nothing seemed to work, his self confidence and sense of identity began to chip away. He often had wondered if he had made the right choice. So, going into his shell was inevitable. Over time though, this shell began to harden. He began to distance himself from everyone. His family was worried for sure. They even tried incessantly to get through to him or bring him out of this frame of mind, encouraging him to move on from this dream, consider more lucrative projects....but, they just didn't get it, they didn't get him! The only person he had banked upon to do so....eventually gave up too! How did she leave him when she knew he needed her the most? How could she just give up so easily? Why didn't she fight a little more for their relationship?!
He did regret it. Not spending more time on their relationship but rather on his passion. He did try to undo the damage, once the state of his marriage revealed itself to him through one of their countless fights...it had been too late by then! He didn't want to fail in his personal life too!
To be honest though, without his work, without the passion...he really didn't think he had an identity! His relationship and marriage was always special but it never reached a point where just that was enough! Alas, he has been a workaholic all his life yet what he ended up paying for, was too high a price!
Here he was, alone....looking up at the now dark sky, wondering at what the future held! He was finally shaken out of his thoughts when he received a call.
Not in the mood to talk to anyone, he was about to cut the call , stopping abruptly as he came across the number. Why was maam calling him, at this time?!
'Hey! How are you doing?! I'm sorry about your marriage man! I know this must be a hard time for you!'
'It is ma'am.' Not intending to go deeper into that line of conversation, he tried to get to the point.... ' But how come you called at this time? Is everything alright?'
'Arre haan. Look, I know you're not taking up projects and want to go international and stuff but i have something in mind for you.'
'But'
'Before you say no, hear me out. It is a good story, just take the basic narration from the writers, if you don't like it, then that's fine too...but just have a look'
'Okay, you know i respect you a lot ma'am. If you think I should have a look, I will. But, I have to be honest, I'm not really in the frame of mind to work on any new project on TV'
'Good, Hopefully, I'll change your mind!' 'So listen, there's an event by Zee on the 10th , for the zee family and I'm sure you've got the invite too! I'm also coming, so are the writers, so let's meet up there, hang out and we can discuss this project there itself. Cool?!'
'An event?! We can meet anywhere you want...why there ?!'
'Because I said so! You are coming. That's it. I'll see you on 10th!'
'Alright! As you say ma'am!'
'Good. See you.'
Keeping his phone down, he sighed. Saying no to ma'am wasn't an option, especially since she had given him so many opportunities and he'll always be grateful to her. But he wasn't ready to be out in the world just yet....to face all the questions and the looks . It had never bothered him before but now?! He wasn't sure of anything, even himself!
With all the questions overburdening his head, he picked up his game console , hoping for the much needed escape into the virtual world.
Edited by Mystique - 3 years ago
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