The It Girl - Gauri Tridevi

Chapter 3

Two days had passed since I had sent out the envelopes containing the scathing reviews to the producer, Ritesh Dhamar, and the director, Vijay Rajput. The anticipation of their response hung in the air, mingling with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Would they acknowledge their misjudgment? Would they realise the mistake they had made in rejecting me?

I mean they had to. I had sent in physical evidence that they had made a huge mistake giving my role to Naina Gandhi. Also it was important to note that Ritesh Dhamar and Vijay Rajput would be bearing the weight of Vishwasghat's failure on their shoulders from every newspaper that existed and also from the box office. The success or failure of a film ultimately boils down to its performance at the box office, and audiences have the power to make or break a movie. So of course, the box office would be on their backs as the box office, like a relentless judge, would assess the decisions made by the producer and director. If "Vishwasghat" failed to meet the audience's expectations and fell short of its projected earnings, the blame would fall squarely on the shoulders of Ritesh and Vijay. Their oversight and dismissal of a potential breakout talent would be seen as a misjudgment that cost them not only critical acclaim but also commercial success.

Omkara: any news?

He asked me as he came into my tiny apartment with his world famous Mattar Paneer. Well not world famous per say, but world famous in my books. Ever since Omkara and I had become closer and closer, he would start making dishes for me despite the fact I knew how to cook, bringing flowers to brighten up the apartment and he would even buy me clothes though I insisted that I did not appreciate him spending all this money on me. Having to grow up with basically no money and wearing the neighbour kids' third handed clothes or second-handed clothes from the rich people my dad worked for, I was not used to someone spending money on me so Omkara spending money on me was weird. It was different to the upbringing I had.

Me: no, I still haven't heard anything yet.

I said as I got out some plates and bowls to put the Mattar Paneer in and the roti on.

Me: why haven't I heard anything yet? It's been two days, they should have replied by now! It does not take this long to reply to a letter!

Omkara: you have to admit Gauri that maybe Ritesh Dhamar and Vijay Rajput are currently trying to sort out the fact that the media and box office are on their backs for the film's failure so their hands are currently tied with the workload on them. But hopefully they should reply back within a week or two.

Omkara had a point. He normally always did. I could be dramatising over anything and Omkara would simply be calm and collective as he listened to my rants then offer advice in a smoothing tone. I will admit - he was literally like a teddy bear so when you saw him angry, you had no idea who he was. I have only ever seen Omkara angry a few times but in those times I saw him angry, I didn't recognise my big tall calm teddy bear.

Me: I guess you're right. I'm just being too impatient.

Omkara: I know.

I rolled my eyes at him playfully as we sat on my bed to eat our dinner. I always felt bad whenever Omkara came over to my place. My apartment was so tiny, so cramped, there was barely enough room for me alone. Omkara's apartment, in comparison, exuded an air of timeless elegance and sophistication, with its opulent yet tasteful decor. Whenever I stepped inside his apartment, I was greeted by grand chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow upon intricately patterned Persian rugs that sprawled across polished marble floors. The walls were adorned with vintage artworks and photographs from very well known artists. Plush velvet drapes framed large windows, allowing streams of sunlight to illuminate the space, while mahogany furniture with ornate carvings added a touch of regal splendour. The room was alive with rich hues of burgundy, deep blues, and shimmering gold accents, creating an atmosphere that was both glamorous and inviting. It was a sanctuary where old-world charm seamlessly merged with the vibrant spirit of the times, reflecting Omkara's refined taste and his place among Mumbai's high society.