The Saxena Complexity

Perfect Storms

~|| CHAPTER 22||~

Abhi's eyes shot open when he heard Rey's voice.

"Dad, can I come in?"

He chuckled softly as his son entered the room, "If I say no, it's not like you'll not enter my room. Come in, my precious and best friend-betraying son."

"Dad," Rey began, his voice shaky.

"WHAT, DAD? Do you have any idea what you did? I don't give a shit about what you do and who you do. What I do care about, is how dare you betray my daughter for your measly, useless problems. You were best friends for the longest time in your life and this is how you treat Anaisha?"

Abhi kept screaming non-stop at his son without taking a deep breath. What he failed to notice was the face of his son.

Abhi stopped mid-sentence, his words catching in his throat as he stared at his son.

Rey's face was contorted with pain and anguish, tears streaming down his face like a waterfall. He desperately tried to hold back, his body shaking with the effort as he hiccuped and sobbed.

Abhi's disbelieving expression gave way to confusion and concern. The anger that had filled him moments before vanished, replaced with a deep, aching worry. He had never seen his son like this before.

Yet, the anger still lingered within him.

He crossed his arms and fixed Rey with a stern gaze. "Why betray her, then?"

Rey shook his head vehemently, tears streaming down his face as he denied the accusation. "I didn't betray her. I didn't."

Abhi's frustration grew as he heard Rey's denial. "Then, tell me what the f**k happened. Except Anaisha, no one knows the goddamn truth."

~Flashback~

It all began six months ago, when Rey landed a chance to work on one of the biggest films of his career. The film's director was renowned for delivering worldwide blockbusters, and Rey felt like the luckiest man in India.

However, he couldn't deny the influence of his brother, Rudra Bhai, the 5th richest man in the country, who had undoubtedly pulled a few strings to make this opportunity possible.

Yes, nepotism and all. But, we'll talk about that later.

Yet, the next turn of events was more than just baffling; it was downright mind-blowing in the negative sense.

His co-actor was the famous Sheila Ray (made up character) , one of the best and highly-paid actresses in the country. She was a woman of tough spirit, kind of like his Aahana Bhabhi. She bowed to no one except her parents and only because she loved them the most in the world. She was in a secret relationship with someone, leaving fans to speculate who was the guy.

It was the first day of shooting, and both Rey and Sheila were preparing in their respective vanity vans. Today's shoot involved a scene that required Rey to be bare-chested. A team of makeup artists were applying the finishing touches to his skin and physique.

A few minutes later, a knock on Rey's door disturbed him and appeared Sheila. She smiled at him in a friendly manner. Seeing the actors interacting, the make-up artists left the vanity quickly.

"And boyfriend, what's up?" Sheila teased Rey who shook his head at her.

"Don't get into character from now. You'll have plenty of time to talk to your baby, later."