Chapter : 38

Nothing can turn so bad that it can't be mended; Right?

I agree that Ayushmann did wrong by keeping things from me but was there some reason behind it? Maybe he deserves a second chance over it?

"You're gonna stand there and listen?" Apar's words brought me out of my thoughts.

He was looking at me with sincere eyes as he pushed himself off the bed and pulled a bamboo chair out from the corner and placed it adjacent to the bed for me. Walking back to his bed, he settled down on the mattress and waited for me. I pushed the door close and silently took the seat and faced him. With every passing moment my heart was beating faster out of anxiousness.

"In the past few months... Ayush has cut off several directors and producers." Apar started.

"As an actor he's got several contracts that he needs to abide by. Every interview that he gives, every word that he speaks to the media is approved by the management to maintain his public image. But ever since he's met you, things have gone haywire Tanya..." Apar spoke on, "In the last two months, AK has fired off three managers because they would be reminding him about his schedule and would beckon him to contact the film makers..."

"What?" I gaped at Apar with a look of disbelief.

"Yeah, it's true. Not just that, Ayush has pulled himself out of multiple contracts. He's signed out of about four movies in the past few weeks because these films demanded that he devotes his time to them. You know, to discuss the cast, set, scenes, direction and what not..." Apar continued, "And Bella Williams is one of the directors to whom AK had agreed to be working with. She's an old friend and, yeah, can be a bit hyperactive when it comes to meeting people. Ayush has somewhat cut her off as well because he didn't wanna proceed with the discussions of the film..."

I felt an unsettling feeling develop in my gut as I squirmed in my seat. Guilt was gradually drowning me out with every word that Apar spoke.

"I've tried to make him understand that he's tossing away precious opportunities but he just won't listen..." Apar said as he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"How many directors has he been avoiding?" I asked.

"Ten? Twelve? Fourteen? I don't know. As far as I've seen, he keeps rejecting a minimum of fifty to sixty calls a day," Apar replied.

***

Ayushmann signed out of movies. He cut off every other film maker who wanted to work with him. He broke out of contracts. He's stopped following his passion.

And you know what Tanya? You're the very reason behind it!

How selfish could you be?

"I bet Jake will trip and fall over that branch," Kajal whispered to me which brought me out of my thoughts.

Today's the second day of the trip and our group was currently trekking through the dense woods surrounding Rajodi beach. It was one of the activities you could enjoy while spending time in here. I was in no mood to go trekking but going with the flow seemed easier than saying a 'no' to Kajal. Plus, I didn't wish to make people worry about me by shutting myself out from everybody else.

Walking a few more steps into the forest, we came to halt at a clearing which was surrounded by trees of varying heights. Vivek was accompanying us and was leading the pack.

"Alright, so from here onwards, we all will be moving in teams of two and follow the arrows that have been hammered over the tree trunks at basic intervals; these arrows will lead you out of the woods. It's just to make it fun. Though if you feel like you're lost, give a call on the number that I've given you already. My academy boys will find you in no time," Vivek ordered.

I glanced at AK who smiled at me with a carefree wink as he slipped his hand into mine, declaring that we were gonna make a team. The way he masked his worries made me wanna cry out of guilt. Bottling up my emotions, I gulped down the lump and turned away, not meeting his eyes.

Darshan and Jake made a team.

It seemed like Aarav was about to grab Kajal's arm when she skipped over to Vivek without noticing my brother's gesture. Reaching Vivek, she passed him a cheery grin and declared that she and Vivek were gonna be a team.

I noticed a muscle in Aarav's jaw twitch as he marched off and stood beside Apar who didn't seem to mind Aarav's company.

Within no time the teams dispersed off into the woods in different directions.

"Tanya?" Ayushmann called me out and I broke out of my trance.

He was standing at the edge of the woods, waiting for me. Skipping over to him, I began following his steps as he led the way. The sounds of the forest welcomed me and the dry leaves crunched underneath my shoes with every step that I took. The thunderous sea seemed so distant and its waves didn't sound as flamboyant as they did when I witnessed them at the shore.

Should I talk to him about it?

How do I begin?

"AK...?" I started as we continued walking.

"Hmm?" He responded, his back facing me as he walked through the narrow dirt path.

"How's work?" I asked in a nonchalant tone.

JUST GREAT TANYA! Of all possible ways, this is what you came up with, huh? I mentally facepalmed.

"Work...?" Ayushmann asked, throwing me a sideway glance as he continued trekking. He definitely sensed my plans.

"Ugh, fine. I'll just get straight to the point anyway." I said.

AK stopped on his tracks and turned to face me silently. A slight frown emerged on his face as he looked into my eyes. There was dead silence enveloping us with the occasional chirps of birds.

"Why did Bella show up?" I asked.

"She just paid a casual visit," He shrugged. I can't believe how easily he's mastered the trait of lying. I guess he's at advantage considering how acting is what he's been pursuing.

"I talked to Apar," I stated. Ayushmann's face fell as he connected the dots.

"Tanya it's really nothing," AK waved off as he turned and began trekking again.

"What do you mean it's nothing? AK films are your life! You can't just walk away from everything," I said as he walked ahead with quick strides.

No response.

"You're an actor Ayushmann! You can't just let down everybody who looks up to you!" I exclaimed at his figure.

He kept walking away. Sighing, I followed him up and made him face me by turning him around roughly by his arm. He had his eyes shut as if he was trying to avoid this conversation.

"AK you need to stop pushing away everybody," I said softly.

"And what about you?" Ayushmann asked, looking down at me with a frown.

"What?" I asked.

"You're my life, Tanya. Film isn't." AK said as he stepped closer.

"I'm not walking away from anything; I just wanna stay by your side." He added.

"Get a grip Ayushmann!" I exclaimed. That's it, I blurted out my thoughts.

He frowned at my words.

"You need to contact back the directors. You need to get back to the industry," I commanded.

Seemed like something snapped then. AK frowned, turned away and marched off into the woods. Huffing, I followed him angrily.

"Stop worrying over me," I said.

"And do what? Huh?" AK asked and turned to look at me with an annoyed expression. I winced at his tone which was loud and furious.

"Keep it down, Ayushmann...I'm just trying to reach out-" I was saying when he smirked at me.

"What a big favour, Tanya. I seriously owe you big time for trying to reach out to me." AK retorted sarcastically.

Without giving me any time to react, he turned and resumed to trekking. Of all possible things, this was the least I had expected from him. Clenching my jaw, I followed him silently. I noticed how he didn't glance back to check up on me the way he was doing a couple of minutes back. He had somewhat speeded up his steps which made it difficult for me to match his pace.

A few minutes into the forest I began to feel kinda dizzy. Only now that my body is making me realize do I remember that I forgot to take the prescribed pills today while trying to cope up with my messed up thoughts.

Stubborn me however didn't agree to ask for AK's help. Guess what? WRONG MOVE.

"Oh shit..." I cussed in fury when black dots blurred my vision, making me realize that I was fainting out. My head felt heavy and light at the same moment as I pressed my forehead with one hand and leaned against an adjacent tree to support myself.

Things soon turned dark...

Author's Note:-

Hola peeps!

Finally revealed everything up, huh?

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