'Beyond the Horizon': There's more to it...

Chapter - 12

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Sidharth was on cloud nine for he had got an opportunity of lifetime. It was an audition call for an advertisement for a bank credit card, and he was very much excited for the same. He had confirmed them but was yet to visit the production company's office for other formalities. It was a compulsion then, to have a face-to-face meeting to finalize any projects, emailing only was not considered a confirmation. He had to prepare for it in few days-time if he wanted to clear the audition rounds. He was ecstatic that he was invited by them only and not via some talent management company. The third parties in between usually are not that beneficial for the artists as a significant amount of the work pay goes to the managing bodies. However, people want a brand name tagged along their models or actors before casting them, which basically ensures them of a hassle-free process all along starting from auditions to the end product of the project with nothing to deal with themselves like, checking on their availability or prompting them for shoot timings and other details. To an extent the brand name also helps the artists for new opportunities but was only beneficial when you are working full time and getting a handsome amount paid for your work.

Now scrutinizing the turn of events carefully, he felt it questionable. Why and how was he called for it when he never approached any body for an Ad, he was happy with his modeling assignments for now. It was sufficient for the income per say. Until he received someone else's call that cleared all his doubts, not all but some at least.

"Hey buddy!" A salutation could be heard from the other side.

"Hello" He addressed back, as formal as he could be.

"You seem to not remember me!" The voice came.

"I am sorry, who's this?" Sidharth asked, taking a stroll in his room, guessing on who could it be.

"Your recent photographer dude!" The man spoke.

"Oh Hi! DR sir?" He stalled at once place, surprised to get to know the person behind the voice.

"Of course, who else?" The man laughed out.

"I hope you doing well...! Please tell me what can I do for you sir? " Sidharth asked with all due respect for the senior member in the fraternity.

"You have a lot to do man! Believe me! Haha!" The guy claimed in humor.

"Anytime for you sir!" Sidharth followed courtesy.

"Jokes apart, I have a very good friend of mine with me now, who saw your pictures with me and is very much interested on signing you for this Ad, you must've already received the information, right Siddy boy?" The man on the phone continued.

The acronym felt odd. Nonetheless he spoke, thanking him for his help.

"Oh yes...I had received a call earlier...Thank you so much sir! Your recommendation means a lot" He genuinely was thankful but was skeptical about it all. How come a senior photographer is recommending him based on only a shoot? A single page for a calendar that too.

"Oh not at all...it was her, who saw you and was adamant to sign you for the advertisement" He informed, excited.

Who was this 'her'? He couldn't recollect if he knew any of the casting directors or production heads who was a female, at least he had not come across somebody that he could remember now. And talking about signing it directly? When auditions have not even commenced yet.

"I am sorry!? I didn't get it!" He replied confused.

"You have to come to the studio for that Siddy boy! Meet us in the evening? My studio?" He stated the plan.

"Ahh! Sure. I will pay a visit. Thanks again" He reverted doubtfully, yet casually.

He was not sure of what he should do. Grateful for the opportunity undoubtedly but suddenly an uneasiness was taking over him. He couldn't help but overthink the circumstance like he has always been and felt a sudden need to share this discomfort with someone, may be his mother. But since, he was unsure about it all, talking it out to her was not an option at this point. He will have to go check himself on what exactly was happening there, then only he would be able to inform her. Why to unnecessarily bother her when the situation seemed uncertain to even himself? Clearing the air of suspicion around, he calmed himself down deciding on to meet them by the evening.