Ridhi and Ishaan meet in the office. They’ve been called by their boss and friend,  Vineet. Ruhana is busy with her shoot, and the other two walk into Vineet’s cabin. Vineet is busy on the call, so he gestures for the duo to sit. Ridhi and Ishaan got busy talking while Vineet ended the call. He looks at his friends, and Ishaan is quick to realise that he’s worried for some reason.

“Vineet, what happened? Kuch hua hai kya?” Ishaan asks.

“Han, ek problem ho gayi hai. Ridz, tumhe Singapore jana hoga.” Vineet says.

“Singapore? Kyun? Abhi toh bahut saara kaam baaki hai, Vineet.” Ridhi is shocked at the moment.

“But it’s a good place!” Ishaan comments.

“Rids, I know we have a lot of work. But, Singapore, jana bhi zaroori hai. Producer, Sumeet wants to cast you in his web series and wo chahta hain ki ye saara kaam Singapore mein hain. Aur wo jo ek ad shoot tha, wo bhi wahin hoga.” Vineet says.

“And you need to postpone your India schedules,” Vineet says.

Ridhi is ecstatic at the moment. She doesn’t know what to say. She can’t postpone her current projects, but she can’t leave this opportunity as well. Vineet has invested his time and confidence in her, and she can’t let the opportunity go. She sighs deeply.

“Vineet, Singapore kab jana hai?” Ridhi asks softly.

“Maybe by the 10th of next month.” Vineet looks at his friend.

“Okay! I will try to finish up my shoots by then.” Ridhi says, though, that, she seems doubtful.

“Rids, don’t worry. I will talk to Sumeet. You concentrate on your work first. I will talk to him.” Vineet assures her.

Ridhi hugs Vineet on impulse. He pats her back softly, asking her not to worry.

Well, they share a brother-sister bond, and Ridhi takes him as his role model and the one who introduced her to the world of acting. He has helped her improve her craft as well. Vineet caresses her back and assures her that things will be fine soon. Ishaan is adoring the duo and is smiling softly. He already has a fascination for his friend and this lady, who has become his friend now. Vineet notices Ishaan staring at them, and he asks the reason why the latter is smiling.

“I was wondering how wonderful the relationship that you share is.” He says.

“It is; we’re best friends. And you don’t poke your nose in our matter.” Ridhi teases him.

“Yeah, yeah! I’ll not. I will make sure that you share the same friendship with me.” Ishaan winks at Ridhi.

Ridhi is astonished at the moment, while Ishaan turns away when his phone rings. She shakes her head and then turns to Vineet to discuss the plan. Ishaan takes his leave, as he’s got an ad shoot to do.

*****
Ruhana finishes her calendar shoot and sighs deeply. She’s wearing a red body-fit, shoulderless dress. As the shoot ends, she walks straight into Vineet’s cabin. She knocks on the door and he lets her in. It seemed like he was aware of her arrival. Ruhana enters and finds Vineet busy on the phone. She takes her seat opposite him at the table itself. She waits patiently until he finishes the call.

Ten minutes later, Vineet looks at her and is mesmerized by her beauty. She’s not changed into her casual dress, and she’s sitting in front of him. She snips her fingers in front of him.

“Hey! Where on Earth are you? I need to talk to you.” Ruhana says.

“Kya hua? Aur tumne abhi tak change kyun nahi kia?” He asks; he wants her to relax.

“Kyunki abhi tumhe shoot karna hai mere sath.” Ruhana says while looking into his eyes.

“Mujhe? Kyun?” Vineet is surprised.

Ruhana reaches for his hands, that are settled on his table. She holds his hands and squeezes them lightly. She smiles at him and then explains her concern. He’s astonished, and he’s speechless with her words.

“Vineet, this is for our personal company. Ye calendar

shoots tum har saal kisi nayi actress ya model se karvate ho. Iss baar tumne mujhe chuna. Toh main chahti hoon ki ek calendar shoot mein tum bhi raho. Why don’t you endorse your own brand?” She asks.

“Lekin Ruhana, you’re there. I mean mere liye tum kar rahi ho naa!” He says.

“Aur main chahti hoon tum bhi karo. Iske liye maine tumhare liye bhi kuch design kia hai.” Ruhana says and holds his hand.

“Ab jaldi karo. Derr ho rahi hai. Main ye shoot aaj hi khatm karna chahti hoon. Phir kal wo ad shoot. Uske baad jaane ki taiyari bhi toh karni hai.” Ruhana reasons.

Vineet’s staring at her all the time, she’s speaking. She feels his gaze on herself and then nudges him. She drags him towards the room where she has been shooting. She gives him a packet and asks him to change his dress. She also commands her make-up artist to do his minimal makeup. Vineet is astonished but does as told. He doesn’t want to upset his best friend and the lady who has been his constant.

He changes into the dress – it’s an ethnic kurta- pyjama, the kurta matching her little red dress. He looks at himself in the mirror and finds Ruhana in the mirror telling him that he’s looking handsome. He turns back but finds himself alone in the green room.

He laughs at his imagination and after making himself presentable, he moves out where the makeup artist is waiting for him. Fifteen minutes later, he’s all set. Ruhana commands the photographer to take pictures.

An hour later, they’re done. Ruhana and Vineet sigh and settle on the chair. He’s tired because he’s not used to all the lights. Ruhana smiles and gives him some water to drink. He takes a few sips and then looks at her. He asks her if she’s free tonight, and she agrees.

She has nothing else to do other than lounge alone at home. He asks her to be ready, as he has a surprise for her. Ruhana is famished but agrees.

*****
Ridhi is in the cafeteria and is wondering about Ishaan’s words. Yeah, they have befriended, but she still can’t see him at the place she has kept Vineet. She’s lost in thought when her phone rings. The caller says something that leaves her worried, and she leaves the cafeteria quickly.

To Be Continued.

What did Vineet say to Ruhana?

Where is Ridhi going?

Stay tuned.