It's been 6 months since Randhir returned to Mumbai. He was shooting, things were going great for him as his show was doing well. He was back to his normal routine, yet something was missing in his life. He often felt hollowness inside him. He couldn't understand as to why he felt that there was something incomplete in his life. Despite of having everything, he felt empty from inside. Its like Life was going on and he was spending it. He couldn't remind himself that "he believed in 'living' life instead of 'spending' it.

Randhir's house, Mumbai, 8 AM

After writing something, he closed a journal and kept it aside. He unlocked his phone and opened the gallery of his phone. He scrolled a little and opened a pic and started talking to it. It had become a routine for him to talk to that particular picture. It was a picture that he took when Sanyukta was getting drenched in rain.

Randhir (caressing the pic): Hey Chashmish.....hope you are fine! It's been 6 months since I returned to Mumbai but believe me not one day has gone by when I haven't missed you. But it seems you don't miss me at all. Maybe you just forgot me. Now you don't even message me asking me about my day....my health. It seems even the formality ceased to exist between us.....and why would you message me...? Its not like I ever tried to talk to you after coming back to Mumbai......but I just couldn't gather the courage to pick up the phone and call you.....because of my guilt. I don't know if I am even a part of your memories but you will always hold a very special place in my life. I can never forget our silly banters, (giggling) your moral lectures....your scoldings , your wholehearted laughter, our crazy dance and your deep eyes behind your spectacles........My Chashmish!

Randhir was lost in his thoughts when he heard a knock on his door.

Randhir: Come in....

Randhir's mom (entering): Ron....breakfast is ready....come fast....otherwise you will get late for shooting.

Randhir: Yeah mom.....I am coming!

After that, he had breakfast with his parents and left for shooting.

Film City, Mumbai, 2 PM

After completing his scenes in the first half of the day, Randhir went towards his green room to have his lunch. He had performed very intense scenes in the whole first half and all these scenes were emotionally draining for him. So, he was completely exhausted right now and he wanted to have his lunch in peace. He entered his green room and saw a decorated table with two plates of food and two beer bottles placed on the table. The room was decorated with rose petals and soft music was playing there.

Randhir frustratingly closed his eyes and kept his hand on his forehead. He was just sulking when he felt two hands hugging him from behind.

Randhir (angrily freeing himself and turning around to face the person): What the hell Ayesha! Have you gone insane?

Ayesha (putting arms around his neck): Yes I am insane....insanely in love with you Randhir!

Randhir (sternly): This is the third time I am telling you Ayesha that I don't love you....so please stop doing all this drama.....giving me gifts.....arranging lunch dates....I am not interested....so please.....

Ayesha: Randhir.....I really love you a lot and I can do anything for you.....Its Ok if you don't love me now.....but at least give me a chance....please....Will you be my boyfriend?

Randhir was about to say something when they heard a knock on the door....

Assistant Director: Randhir sir......shot is ready.....please come fast!

Randhir (sarcastically): Thanks a ton for wasting my time Ayesha.....

Randhir went for the shot without having his lunch, while Parth witnessed everything.

Sadda Haq, Scene 546, Take 2, Lights....Camera.....Action!!!!

Randhir and Ayesha were in the scene. It was a romantic scene. They both had to dance intimately with each other. Then Randhir had to pick her up in his arms and take her inside a room looking in her eyes.

They performed the scene smoothly and the director called cut. Everyone applauded them for their chemistry. After a few more scenes, the director called out for pack-up. Randhir was about to leave for home when the AD called him.

Assistant Director (running to stop Randhir): Randhir sir.....wait!!

Randhir (tired): Now what?

Assistant Director: Sir.....Director sir is calling you....

Randhir (looking at his watch and sighing): Right now? Is it urgent?

Assistant Director: Yes sir.....its an internal meeting so its urgent!

Randhir (sighing): Fine!!

Randhir went to the creative's room where the producer, director, writer, marketing head and the leading members of Sadda Haq were sitting together. Randhir entered and took his seat. He wondered about the reason for calling this sudden internal meeting.

Director: So guys....this internal meeting is regarding the declining TRPs of our show. For the past two weeks, the TRPs are getting very low.....this simply means....

Randhir (interrupting the director and looking towards the writer): This simply means that the current track needs to be changed!

Director: Yeah right.....but....

Marketing head: But in addition to that we need to publicize our show as well.....

Randhir (raising his eyebrows): And how are we gonna publicize it?

Marketing head: Well.....not "we" but "you and Ayesha" would do the honours.....if you know what I mean.....!!

Randhir (sternly): No....I don't know what you mean.....!

Marketing Head: See its important for our show Randhir.....just go out with her....give a few public appearances and interviews with her....that's it....its not rocket science!

Randhir: It is rocket science for me because I fail to understand as to how some cheap publicity tactics can help the TRPs of the show.....I mean rather than working on the script and character development, we are discussing these publicity tricks....wow!

Director (sternly): That's it Randhir......I don't want any more arguments on this.....the writers are working on the track but it cannot be changed instantly....so we need to adopt some of these publicity gigs and what is the big deal?......you just have to give some interviews with Ayesha. People want to see your off-screen chemistry and camaraderie. People like to see on-screen pairs in real life as well. And if its too much a task for you.....then just act....it is your job to act right? So, just act during the interviews as well. This is just how showbiz works.....Its better you adapt to these strategies!

Randhir (sighing): Fine sir!

Director: Good!.....so just give a few interviews with her and get snapped with Ayesha....going out in Mumbai. Also, our social media team is working on promoting the show and you guys. We will have a mini photoshoot of you guys to put on our social media handles. The photographer will be here in a few minutes. So, please get the photoshoot done today itself and a media house is also there to take your interview. Give a fun interview segment. Till that time, we will work on the script as well. Ok Guys!!.....the meeting is over.....everyone can leave!

After the meeting, a media house came for their interview....

Interview

Reporter: So, Randhir and Ayesha.....you guys have become quite popular among the youth. The youth relate with you guys a lot. So, what makes this show so relative to the youth?

Randhir: It's a youth show....so our target audience was the youth. The plot of this show is such that they can relate it with their daily life issues and also, we have tried to raise certain social issues which are generally not highlighted in other shows....

Ayesha: Yeah....and along with that....I think people relate to our characters as well....I mean the chemistry that we share....

Reporter: Yeah.....many of your fans say that Randhir and Ayesha have a sizzling chemistry.....so what's the secret behind your chemistry?

Randhir: We have been friends for a long time and it's a pleasure working with Ayesha.....

Ayesha: Yeah....Randhir and I are great friends and its our deep friendship and understanding that comes out on screen.....

Randhir (in mind): Wow.....she acts better in interviews than for the show!

Ayesha (holding his hand): Right Randhir....?

Randhir (fake smiling and looking in her eyes): Yeah!

Reporter: Your fans call you #Rayesha.....what do you have to say on that?

Randhir: I think its just their love towards us!

Ayesha: Yeah.....and we love them a lot.

After a few more questions, their interview ended and they move towards the studio for their photoshoot.

For the Photoshoot, they dressed up as their characters and gave some solo shots initially and then they gave some close shots together. They completed the photoshoot smoothly and finally it was pack up for them.

Film City, 8 PM

Randhir was finally about to leave for home but again Ayesha called him from behind.

Ayesha: Randhir....wait!!

Randhir: What is it now Ayesha?

Ayesha (putting her hands around his neck): Let's go out somewhere......

Randhir (removing her hands): Ayesha.....I am extremely exhausted right now.....so please let me go home peacefully.

Ayesha: Can you at least drop me home? Please.....I don't have my car today with me....

Randhir (sighing): Fine.....I am waiting for you at the gate. Come soon....

Randhir went towards his car where Parth was waiting for him.

Randhir (unlocking the car): I thought you left after the meeting.

Parth (sitting beside him on the passenger seat): I was waiting for you yaar.....

Randhir (taking the car out of parking): Hmmm

After taking the car out of parking, he drove and stopped the car near the gate.

Parth: Are we waiting for someone?

Randhir: Yeah....Ayesha is coming.....

Ayesha soon came out the gate and walked towards the car. She was about to move towards the passenger seat but then her eyes fell on Parth. She was disappointed as she wanted to spend some time with Randhir. She sat in the back seat and Randhir started the car. In the whole drive Randhir and Parth were talking, while Ayesha was trying to think of a way to spend time with Randhir.

Ayesha: Randhir....why don't you drop Parth first and then we can go for Coffee?

Randhir: Ayesha I...

Parth (interrupting Randhir): Randhir.... let's go .....I also want to have coffee and muffins.

While Ayesha closed her eyes in frustration as Parth ruined her plans again. Randhir stopped the car at CCD. They came out and sat on a table. Parth and Ayesha ordered coffee for themselves and then Ayesha excused herself and went to the washroom. Randhir was going through the menu, when Parth started talking....

Parth: What's wrong Randhir?

Randhir (surfing through the menu and rolling his eyes): Why do you think something is wrong with me?

Parth (raising his eyebrows): So.....nothing is wrong with you? Has something changed?

Randhir (irritated): Why are you acting like a sneaky interviewer? Believe me.....I have seen enough of them today and I don't need any more of that crap from you....so please shut it!

Parth (raising his hands): Fine.....be cool bro. I was asking questions because I am concerned about you and while you may not admit that something is wrong.....yet your demeanour is screaming that a lot has changed about you from the time we came back to Mumbai. I don't get to see your fun side anymore. The flirty naughty Randhir has disappeared somewhere.... maybe you left him in Delhi with your best friend....Chash....

Randhir (angrily): Don't you dare Parth....

Parth (Sighing): Is it not about Sanyukta, Randhir?

Randhir (looking elsewhere): No.... its not about her!

Parth: Ok....then maybe its about you being single for a long time.....

Randhir: What?

Parth: Yeah....I think you need to get in a relationship.....(laughing)maybe that will help you with your mood swings.....

Randhir: Just shut up Parth!

Parth (controlling his laugh): On a serious note....why are you rejecting Ayesha constantly. I mean I have seen her making so many efforts for you and as far as I remember.....you found her hot too. So, why have you been rejecting her?

Randhir: I don't have any feelings for Ayesha.....and as far as looks are concerned then I find many girls hot....that doesn't mean I would get into a relationship with them. Moreover, she is looking for something far more serious in a relationship.

Parth: Then just be casual with her....you know what I mean?

Randhir (sternly): I am not even interested in casually dating her and can you please stop acting as if you are my therapist? I don't need your advice.....

They were talking when the waiter came with two cups of coffee ordered by Ayesha and Parth.

Waiter (looking at Randhir): Sir, what can I get for you?

Randhir was about to give his order when Ayesha came and interrupted him.

Ayesha (rudely): Hey....you come back later and take the order.

Waiter went away silently.

Randhir: What the hell Ayesha? He was here to take my order.

Ayesha took her seat next to Randhir and immediately kept her hand on his hand on the table.

Ayesha (holding his hand and looking at him): Randhir.....I need to talk to you!

Randhir (looking elsewhere rolling his eyes and murmuring): Not this again!

Ayesha: Randhir.....actually my roommate is out of town tonight.....so would you like to give me company tonight?

Randhir (Freeing his hand in outrage): I can't believe this Ayesha.... please don't stoop to such a level where I can't even look at you as a friend....

Parth (interrupting Randhir): Randhir....at least listen to her

Randhir: You just shut up......(standing up) you know what....I am sick of both of you.....in fact I don't want to see any of your faces right now.....so you both can happily enjoy your coffee and take a cab back home.....I am not interested in chauffeuring you guys right now....in fact I am leaving right now.....(to himself) I need a beer!

Randhir stormed out of the café while Parth and Ayesha kept looking at him.

Randhir (sitting inside the car and taking it out of the parking): I cannot catch a break from people advising me all the time.....I really need some peace from all this!

Randhir drove the car for a while and then stopped in front of a beer shop. He bought a 6 pack and sat inside his car and drove to the place which had always been special to him, but it had become much more special in the past few months.

Marine Drive, 10:30 PM

Randhir parked his car and came out with the 6-pack of beers and chose a lonely corner and sat down facing the sea. Marine drive was more of a lover's point and it was buzzing with people even at night, yet Randhir finally found peace sitting at a lonely corner at the Marine drive. He opened the can of beer and started drinking when he heard someone calling him out.

Person: Randhir.....how many times I have told you that I hate this drinking habit of yours.....but you never listen to me!

Randhir: Chashmish.....not today please.....I am fed up of people lecturing me all the time and I came here to find peace.....

Sanyukta: Really? Now after drinking.... you are lying to me now? (sarcastically)It seems like you are begging for me to give a long lecture....

Randhir: Chashmish please....

Sanyukta: Stop lying Randhir..... stop lying to me and stop lying to yourself.....you know that you come here every night to see me......you seek me and not peace!

Randhir (looking at her longingly): and seeing you gives me peace Chashmish!

Sanyukta: These cheesy lines are not gonna help you to hide the truth..... just admit that you miss me and you always come here to see me.....

Randhir (rolling his eyes): No one likes a know-it-all Chashmish!

Sanyukta: But you do like me .....don't you?

Randhir (trying to change the topic): Why can't you ever be fun Chashmish.... you always have these philosophically true things to say to me. Why are you my friend if you can't even support me while I am lying to myself? You know I have a huge ego na Chashmish.... sometimes you should just give my ego a boost? (Forwarding his can of beer to her) In fact be fun today.....here take a sip of this beer....and prove that you can be fun!

Sanyukta (sarcastically chuckling): hahaha...it seems that Randhir Singh Shekhawat has got drunk by just one can of beer today......you know it Randhir that even if I am just a figment of your imagination.....I won't drink alcohol.....its like you don't know me even after all this time!

Randhir (slurring): I...I know you but since I am hallucinating you.....you can be fun in my imagination.......and since when did you became so sassy that you are teasing me like this!

Sanyukta (looking at him and smiling): I have learnt from the best!

Randhir (looking at her longingly): I really miss you a lot Chashmish!! Do you miss me?

Sanyukta didn't answer and just kept looking at him for a while.....

Sanyukta (Caressing his cheek): I have to go now Randhir.....

Randhir: This is not fair Chashmish.....you never answer me and leave me like this every time!

Sanyukta: You know I am not here Randhir......!!

Randhir: But why are you not here Chashmish...........please don't leave.....please come back to me.....I really need you!

Sanyukta: Since you have spoken the truth today......maybe I will meet you soon.....but I have to go for now....Goodbye Randhir!

Like everyday....from the past 6 months.....she left him after heartily listening to him. Its true Randhir came here to see her because somehow.....he would hallucinate her at this very place and talk to her for hours. Its like that his own subconscious self was helping him out to talk to Sanyukta and have his true friend by his side whenever he felt low. He never understood as to why he missed Sanyukta to such an extent that he started hallucinating her.

However, today while leaving, Sanyukta's Dupatta came right onto his face and he felt her essence to such an extent as if she was really there. Randhir was lost in his thoughts when someone called him out.

Person: Excuse me.....that scarf belongs to me!

Randhir suddenly came out of his train of thoughts and looked around. He was alone as usual and there was no Sanyukta sitting beside him.

Randhir (to himself): Not this again...!

Person (clearing his throat and waving his hands in front of Randhir): Hello.....dude....Everything Ok?

Randhir (startled): Umm...yeah....I am sorry ......you were saying something?

Person (Sighing): Can I have that scarf back?

Randhir noticed that there was a scarf in his hands which he was feeling so dearly a few minutes back.....its fragrance did remind her of Sanyukta....

Randhir (handing the scarf back to the guy): Here....

Guy: Thanks!

Randhir (raising his eyebrows): By the way....this belongs to you?

Guy (chuckling): Not really but it does belong to my special someone...Since this scarf is her property and she is mine....so technically everything that belongs to her is mine...in fact I should leave now.....she is waiting for me near the cab across road....By the way nice meeting you.....(forwarding his hand to Randhir) I am Siddharth!

Randhir (shaking his hand): I am Randhir!

Siddharth: Ok....see you later bro....bye!

Randhir: Bye!

Siddharth was leaving and Randhir was looking at him going towards the road.

Randhir (in mind): What a weird and possessive guy...! If Chashmish would have been here....she would have given him a one hour long lecture for calling his girlfriend his "property" indirectly.....

Randhir got up and was moving towards his car when he saw that guy crossing the road and calling someone out.

Siddharth (shouting): Sanny.....you wait there only....I am coming!

Randhir looked across the road but he only saw a glimpse of a girl sitting inside the cab. Soon Siddharth also crossed the road and sat inside the cab and the cab went away. Randhir also sat inside his car and drove towards home.

Randhir reached home around 11 PM and he very silently entered his house so as to not disturb his parents. He entered his room quietly and was going for a shower when he heard his mom's voice.

Randhir's mom: Ron....I am heating the food. Don't sleep without having your dinner!

Randhir: Mom....I will heat the food myself.....Why did you wake up?

Randhir's mom: You don't tell me what I should do or not and I know you very well. You are very lazy when it comes to taking care of yourself!

Randhir: Mom!

Randhir's mom: Not a word more Ron!

Randhir: Fine!

After having a refreshing shower, Randhir had his food and then went back to relax. He was putting his phone on charge by his bedside table, when he saw a few email notifications on his phone. He checked his email. There were a few work-related emails. He checked them one by one. While going through his mails, he saw one mail was from Prithvi theatre. They were holding auditions for lead characters.

Randhir (in mind): Theatre.... that would be a nice opportunity for me. Live audience, thrill of performing on stage, ..... it also pays well! I think there's no harm in going for an audition and look test. It would be a nice change from the monotonous shooting of a TV show and I can work on my week-offs.

Randhir responded to the mail and got an automated reply with the date and time of the audition.

The next few days went by monotonously for Randhir.

Saturday, Prithvi Theatre, 10 AM

Randhir entered inside and saw a huge line of actors standing in front of registration desk. He stood in the line and after a few minutes he registered himself. He was given a short scene to enact and was asked to reach auditorium no. 4 for his audition. He was going through the script and was walking ahead towards the auditorium. Since, he was not seeing while walking, he collided with someone coming from the opposite direction. However, the person coming from opposite direction was in a hurry and was talking on the phone.

Randhir (collecting the pages of his script which fell down): I am sor.....

Person (on the phone and in a hurry without looking back): I am so sorry.... (getting back on the call) Sid....I am working right now!

Randhir just caught a glimpse of the girl who collided with him. He felt that voice was very familiar but due to the chaotic halls of the theatre, he couldn't really concentrate. He didn't give much thought to it and entered inside the auditorium where the auditions were taking place. After a few performances, it was Randhir's turn to perform.

He came on stage and introduced himself to the casting director and producer of the play.

Producer: You are Randhir Shekhawat.... you play the lead character on Sadda Haq right?

Randhir: Right sir.....

Producer: Great....I am glad to see that famous names like you are interested in theatre.

Randhir: Absolutely sir.....every form of acting intrigues me to take up new challenges!

Producer (to the casting director): Naina...let's finalise him....I think he will be perfect for this role!

Naina: But sir....he hasn't even performed yet and moreover the writer has a particular vision for this character....how can we finalise him without her...I mean...

Producer (angrily): Enough Naina....I think that I am the producer of this play and since I am putting in money....so I have complete right to decide who will play the lead character. He is already a famous name and I don't think that I need to consult that writer who is not professional enough to switch off her phone for once and concentrate on her work.

Naina: But sir....its her story and I think she should have a say in who is going to play the lead character.

Producer: Naina....I..

Randhir (interrupting the producer): I am sorry to interrupt you sir.....but I think that Ma'am is right. I have no problem in giving an audition. I would like to be considered for my talent and not fame.

Producer (sighing): Fine.....you can begin the audition.....(to Naina) but I am not waiting for that writer of yours. If she can make it to his audition right now, then its fine.....otherwise my decision will be final. (To Randhir) You can begin Randhir!

Randhir: Thank you sir!

Naina (on call): Where are you? Sir is getting angry.....please come fast!

Person (on call): I am just outside the auditorium....I am coming.....don't worry!

Naina: Fine!

Randhir went backstage and the lights of the audience area was dimmed to dark. So, now the judges were able to see Randhir on stage in spotlight but he couldn't really see the audience. This was done to give the actors the feel of an actual play.

Randhir started performing the scene, while the writer joined the casting director and producer in time for his performance. Randhir was completely immersed in the scene. He had totally submerged in his character's body language and tried to give in as much as possible. He knocked it out of the park. He was that good. After his audition was over, he heard a loud applause from the judges. He turned towards them and as soon as lights were switched on.....he saw someone who he thought was his hallucination. Right there, sitting beside the casting director was a girl sitting in spectacles, whom he knew as his best friend or rather as former best friend.

Randhir (in a trance): Chash.....Chashmish.....! Am I hallucinating her again?....(rubbing his eyes to feel the reality) I think I need to go to a therapist.

Suddenly, Randhir felt a tap on his shoulder. It was the producer and the casting director.

Producer: Randhir....you were phenomenal.....I knew you would be the right choice for our lead character....(taunting Naina) Oh I should first ask our writer madam before selecting him....after all its her story isn't it?

The producer moved aside and Randhir and Sanyukta came face to face after 6 months.

Producer: Randhir....she is the writer of our play Ms....

Randhir (in a trance): Sanyukta!

The producer and casting director were confused as to how come Randhir knows Sanyukta.

Naina: You guys know each other?

Before Randhir could say anything, Sanyukta interrupted her.

Sanyukta: I don't really know him....but I have seen some of his work.....(moving her hand towards Randhir introducing herself) Hi....I am Sanyukta Aggarwal, writer of this play!

Randhir was shocked at Sanyukta's claim that she didn't know him. He felt confused, angry and frustrated seeing her introducing herself so formally to him. He had so many emotions going through within him but he knew that this was not the place for getting his answers. He gulped his emotions and shook her hand introducing himself formally.

Randhir: Hi....I am Randhir Shekhawat!

Sanyukta: Nice meeting you Mr. Shekhawat! Welcome to the team!

Randhir: Thanks!

MY POV

Its very strange how our circumstances and equations change with time. It happens that many times the people who we feel are the closest to us become strangers for us in the very next moment. Its funny how time works. Sometimes the people who mean so much to us.... who are always present in our thoughts often turn strangers to us in real life. You lose touch and loose track of them. You will be shocked to realise that how easy it is to part ways with people. You never realise what they have gone through without you. That's why when you find someone whom you wanna keep around....you do something about it....rather than taking them for granted. Most important people in our lives have a unique character like "Salt". Their presence is not felt but their absence makes everything Tasteless.

Randhir and Sanyukta came face to face after 6 months. A lot has changed between them. An unsaid formality has cropped up between once so-called best friends. One is having hallucinations of the other, while the other is being oblivious of her best friends' whole existence. What exactly went wrong in the last 6 months? Has Randhir started feeling something for Sanyukta? Why did Sanyukta fail to recognize her once best friend? Have Randhir and Sanyukta changed over time or is it just a phase in their long-interconnected story? To know the answers to all these questions, you guys need to read the next part!

This part is around 5000 words long. I know that its not a very long part and I have updated it after a very loooooooong time but I have worked really hard on it. I have been going through a little phase in my own life and so I wasn't really able to update this story for a long while. Sometimes, you feel that you have reached a "pause" in your life and that's what happened with me. I am trying to move forward from this pause. I hope you guys will understand and continue reading this story. Its always a pleasure writing for you guys and I love reading your comments which help me feel very motivated. So, a very big thank you to all my commenters and silent readers. I am glad that you find this story worth your precious time and I hope you will continue reading it.

All your comments motivate me to write. Please try and comment more. Please vote, comment and continue reading my story. Hope this small update is worth your time and patience. Have a great day and stay safe guys!!