"What's wrong? Remember the sword fight sequence? Your performance was extraordinary. What's the problem now?" asked Vikram. It has been a month since Shubha started shooting. Including the part that was completed by Vikram's father, almost a half of the filming was done. He arranged archery classes for Dhwani and Shubha for the upcoming scenes.

"That sword fight scene involved punching and kicking. I did that with my Karate knowledge. But this archery is not something that can be managed with mere physical strength." 

"Come on Subbu. Are you saying that minus the physical strength, you are nothing? A complete actress is someone who gives excellent performance in challenging scenes. Only then people will recognize you." 

"I'm not an actress. I'm just a scientist. I don't even know how to stand in front of the camera. This is overwhelming." Shubha complained.

"None of the famous actors we see today, were superstars by birth. Keep trying. You are improving. Concentrate on your training" said Vikram, encouragingly.

She didn't complain anymore. What he said made sense. 'He is right. No one is a star by birth. I just need to work harder.' She decided. Before she could thank him for his kind words, he said, "Your performance doesn't matter as long as I win The Best Director award for this film." He winked at her. 

Dhwani, who was in the same hall, burst out laughing. "Sorry.... I couldn't... you guys are so funny." 

Shubha glared at him. "Did you wink?"

"No. I just blinked." He said trying to look as innocent as a toddler.

"No. You winked."

"You are hallucinating. It's okay. Girls dream of earning a wink from superstar Vikram. I can understand."

Shubha glared at him while Dhwani laughed again. She shook her head and concentrated on practice. "Okay. I'll leave. Have to resume shooting." Vikram walked out of the hall.

Dhwani followed him out of the hall. "Vikram. Wait a minute."

"Yes. Any problem?" He asked.

"I think Shubha is tired. She has been shooting continuously since the first day. And now these archery classes. She needs a break." She said.

"Okay. I will ask her to sleep for a while."

"Not sleeping. She sleeps every night. Ask her to take a weekend off and do whatever she wants. And I think you too need a break. Tomorrow is Friday. We have work till afternoon. Let everyone disperse after that and meet again on Monday." She suggested.

"Not a bad idea." He nodded. 

"Remember. I said weekend. Not just Sunday." She emphasized on the word weekend.

"Okay madam." He agreed.

---***---

"Yes! I'm free this weekend. Can't wait to meet her" said Chris.

Naveen cleared his throat. "Someone's desperate."

"I meant my grandmother." Chris tried to do damage control. But no one believed him. Dhwani and Shubha giggled.

"Say hello to your grandmother" said Shubha.

"If it really is your grandmother, bring me one of her white hairs when you return" said Naveen.

"My grandmother uses hair dye." Chris lied again.

"Chris. Stop lying. Admit it." Vikram turned towards the others. "He is going to meet his ladylove. You guys will understand when you fall in love."

Naveen's smile vanished. No one noticed this except Shubha. She shrugged. Chris left. Vikram went to attend meeting with the Production Designer.

Dhwani waited for her driver to get her car. "Shubha, enjoy your weekend. Don't take stress. You are doing your job really well." She spoke to Shubha.

"Thank you Dhwani garu."

"Call me Dhwani."

"It will take some time." Shubha smiled. 

"My car is here." Dhwani left.

Shubha waited for Vikram to complete his meeting. Naveen was silent. Before she could ask him anything Pragathi arrived. "Shubha. Your wallet. You forgot this inside."

"You look good." Shubha observed that Pragathi was wearing a very pretty dress. "Are you going somewhere?"

"Yes." Pragathi's cheeks turned pink. "Okay. Bye." She waved at them and left.

Shubha started thinking. She never saw Pragathi blush like that. "I can hear your brain rattling inside your head" said Naveen. "You are trying to do the Math."

"You saw that too?" She asked.

"Yes." He nodded. "By the way, how are going to spend the weekend?"

"I don't know. Maybe I'll go for shopping. What about you?"

"I have to visit my father and step-mother." His tone clearly indicated that he didn't like it. Shubha knew he disliked them. She read that in an article. 

"It will be fine Naveen."

"Hope so." He waved at her and left.

She waited for half an hour before Vikram arrived. They started their journey. "Subbu. What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"I am going for shopping sir."

"May I join you?" He asked doubtfully, hoping she wouldn't refuse.

"Sure." She smiled. They reached home. 

"Mom. I'm going for shopping tomorrow." Vikram announced.

"Take female bodyguards" said Latha.

"Mom, don't embarrass me." He looked at Shubha, who bit her lip to stop herself from laughing.

"Do as I say. Who is going to protect you from girls?" asked Latha.

"I will be disguised mom. Subbu is going with me. She will be my knight in shining armor and protect me from girls."

"Okay. Be careful. Come back soon." Latha dismissed him. He went into the kitchen. Shubha observed Latha's wedding album on the table. Her eyes were moist.

"Aunty, are you alright?"

"Yes. I am." Latha faked a smile. Shubha placed her hand on her shoulder.

"Thank you Shubha. You are helping us a lot. I will never forget what you have done for us. This film was his dream. He always spoke fondly about it. I hope he is seeing this. He will be happy." She talked about her husband with a sweet smile on her face.

"He will be happy if you are happy" said Shubha.

"I am trying. I want to see Vicky settled. I'll be the happiest woman on that day."

Vikram returned with a plate full of food. "Mom, I know you haven't eaten anything." He fed her with his hands. Shubha stood up to leave.She wanted to give them some privacy. "Sit down Subbu. It's rude to leave in between a family moment." 

She sat down. She liked being a part of his family.

---***---

"When will your scooter arrive?" Vikram asked Shubha. They were on their way to the mall.

"Day after tomorrow." 

"Which colour is it?"

"Pink. I wanted blue. But he said blue scooter costs three thousand more and it is currently not available. So, I settled for pink." She informed.

"Good. Why waste three thousand just for different colour? I will paint it blue if you want." He offered.

"No. Have mercy on the poor scooter. Don't torture it. You are already torturing me with the archery classes." She quipped.

"Is that supposed to be a joke?"

"No. It's a fact." She retorted.

The driver stopped the car and burst out laughing. "Prasad garu start driving" said Vikram.

"One minute sir." He continued laughing. "Shubha madam is so funny." Vikram laughed along. They reached the mall. 

"I hope no one recognizes you. I don't want to be spotted with a film star" said Shubha, looking at his simple disguise. He just wore sunglasses and put on a hoodie.

"You know, people would kill to be in your place. They would love to be spotted with me" Vikram replied.

"You mean your female fans?"

"Yes. Unlike you, they've got good taste." He remarked. 

She chuckled. "Vikram sir, I watched all your movies since I've started working for you. You are a terrific actor."

"Er, Thanks" He smiled. They spent two hours choosing clothes for her. He was tired carrying her bags from one floor to another. 

"Wait. Now it's my turn. I need new shoes." 

"Okay." She kept rejecting everything he showed before finalizing one pair. While paying the bill, he got a call. He immediately rushed out.

"Wait. Who will collect your shoes?" She collected the shoes and ran behind him holding all her bags. "Slow down. What happened?"

"Nisha met with an accident." He informed.

"What! When?" 

"Let's go and see." He asked the driver to start the car. They quickly reached the hospital. He gave her his sunglasses. "Hold it. It won't look good if I wear these in the hospital."

He went inside to meet Nisha. Her family was yet to arrive. Fortunately, it was nothing life threatening. "Vicky?" She was surprised. "You came to see me? I thought you wouldn't come."

"Why?"

"Aren't you angry?"

"Don't think about that. I am glad you are safe." He held her hand.

"I feel I deserve this. For hurting you. I am sorry." She apologized.

"Come on. We are friends. Don't apologize." He decided to wait until her family arrived from Bangalore.

---***---

Shubha wandered aimlessly. Her attire made her look even more pretty which was somewhat unacceptable in a hospital. She could feel people looking at her. 'Let me wear sunglasses. That way I won't know even if they look at me.'

Vikram arrived at that moment. "Subbu? What's this?" He asked pointing at her sunglasses. "You look funny."

She removed it and gave it to him. "Do I really look funny?"

"Not funny. Hilarious." He laughed. "It doesn't suit you."

"How is she?" Shubha's tone was serious.

"She is fine. Just a small fracture." He answered. "She apologized for quitting this project. She is a good girl." They started their return journey.

"Do you like her?" She asked.

"Like?" He thought for a while. "She is a good friend. Everyone says we have good chemistry. Fans gave us a ship name too. Visha."

"Visha? You mean poison?" asked Shubha. She didn't like the name.

"Someone's jealous. It's alright Subbu. We will have a good ship name too. What will it be? Subbu + Vicky. Sucky?" He laughed at his own joke. He thought she would find it funny too. Only she didn't.

"No need to be so rude."

"Huh?" He was confused.

"Nothing sir. You and Nisha have a nice ship name. I agree. You didn't have to make fun of me to prove it."

"Subbu. It was just a joke." Vikram tried to explain. She pursed her lips.

They reached home. "Are you still angry?"

"No. Because my name will never be combined with yours. I should have realized that." She went inside. 

'Well done you idiot. You successfully made her feel bad.' He scolded himself.

---***---

Me: This is why I gave them those nicknames. Subbu and Vicky. Nice ship name. Isn't it? 

Readers: *Death glares* How about we ship you off to Antarctica?

Me: No!!! *disappears*