Forever Yours

Chapter Thirteen

"Shot twenty eight, Take Nine." The clap boy exclaimed.  

Siddharth groaned softly, walking into the frame for the nth time that hour. It was way past the usual time of packup and Siddharth was getting pissed. The shoot had already been extended for a week due to the lack of experience on the female lead's part and Siddharth was all for taking it slow, if he got to go home at a reasonable hour and be with his family for a little bit.  

The female lead, Jiya was getting way too flustered and nervous about a romantic scene and was unable to deliver her lines with confidence.  

Siddharth shook his head. "Break time guys." He called over the chatter, after another unsuccessful take. 

Jiya looked down, embarrassed. "I'm sorry Sir."  

Siddharth smiled at her. "Take your time. It's just 10 takes and that's completely normal for a new actor. I had to do 30 the first time I faced a camera." Siddharth said kindly. 

"This is not the first time." She said quietly.  

"This is your first project Jiya. It's a complicated shot!"  

Jiya nodded. "Thank you for being patient with me."  

Siddharth nodded. "Take a deep breath and settle down, I guess. Tell them when you're ready, not a minute before, not a minute after. I'll be in my vanity." Siddharth said, patting her shoulder gently.  

Siddharth had just turned to make his way towards his vanity when he saw Shehnaaz standing at a little distance, smiling at him. 

"Sheh-- SUPERSTAR!" Siddharth ran up to her and crushed her into his arms. "Hi.. Hey.. what.. Wow.. You are here.."  

"I was shooting for a short film near here. Maa ka call aaya ki aap late hone waale ho, so I thought to visit you." Shehnaaz explained, chuckling at the grown ball of childish energy who had her trapped in the tightest of hugs. 

Siddharth pulled away, "Where are you shooting? Why didn't you tell me?" 

"I told you about the audition on Wednesday, right. I landed the part and the director wanted to start as soon as possible." Shehnaaz told him, as Siddharth led her to the vanity. "It's in Studio 7."  

Siddharth nodded.  

Shehnaaz sat on the couch and pulled him along. "You look tired." She cupped his face gently.  

Siddharth sighed, leaning into her touch. "Jiya is new. It's her first big project. She's getting nervous."  

Shehnaaz nodded. "I can understand. It's a huge banner, a lot at stake. That kind of thing is sure to rattle you at first."  

Siddharth took her hand, "You'll be okay, when you get here."  

"Why would you say that?" 

"Honestly, mostly because you're in theater for more than two years also you've been working with great people already, even if they're short period jobs." Siddharth explained with a shrug 

Shehnaaz laughed. "Maybe." 

Siddharth smiled, resting his head on her lap. "Thak gaya mein birdie."  

"Sleep for a while." Shehnaaz told him, brushing her fingers through his hair.  

"Abhi soya toh uthna impossible hai. Baat karti reh." Siddharth mumbled quietly, snuggling deeper into her stomach. 

"Jay bhai ka message aaya tha, sunday ko brunch pe bulaaya hai."  

"Call aaya tha mujhe bhi.. I was going to ask you, if you were free to go or not." Siddharth said.