Chapter 3 3

The next day, they both had to go to their agencies. They called them to discuss and do something about the damage control. They were ready to hear some ridiculous ideas from them. Though they belonged from different agencies but it's in the same building.

The paparazzi was waiting outside of the building as it was obvious that they would be called by the agencies for the damage controls of the widely viral scandals.

They did what celebrities usually do. Passed them with head held high, nodding here and there time to time, waving hand towards the camera as if nothing happened. Celebrities do not show their vulnerability in front of the media. They will add spices and make some news that is completely different from the actual thing.

Manik and Nandini were sitting in their respective rooms of CEOs..

Lots of discussion happened and lots of ideas were provided but nothing looked valid. The CEOs are tensed because if even one of thier actor's career is screwed then the whole agency is going to suffer.

"How about we announce ur relationship with another new actress? In this way it will be cleared that u don't need to rape someone when you have such beautiful girlfriend. This way the people who are saying you got away by bribing the police will shut their mouth and the new actress will have her publicity.. "

The PR head said..

"It can work.." The CEO of Thunder agency exclaimed making Manik scoff.

"Who made u PR head? How can a PR head give such pathetic idea? And How can you even think that it will work? U are the damn CEO who is supposed to know better." Manik snapped.

"Do u have any idea better than this, Manik?" The CEO said calmly. All the actors have some special attitude and tantrum and Manik is the crankiest in his agency.

"You call this idea better? Isn't it too obvious that it is fake. Yesterday that alleged rape case happened and after that this relationship news happened. Even a child can tell it's a publicity stunt done by the PR team."

"Then what we do?" The PR head frowned.

"We do nothing special just the regular things. Reveal my possible new projects and details about the ones that are fixed."

"This will surely not help." The PR head said shaking his head.

"It will. Sometimes it's not needed to do anything. The truth is out, nothing to hide anymore. So if we do something that's totally not normal then they will think that there is something to hide that's why we are desperate." Manik said and The CEO nodded.

"I still think we should do something."

"Mr. PR head, we should do nothing. They will forget this soon now, Stop cribbing." Manik rolled his eyes.

"The cribbing king is saying me to stop cribbing." he murmured and Manik arched an eyebrow.

"Any problem?"

"Nope.. No problem. Do whatever you want."

~^~

"U do know ur problem is bigger than Manik's. Though it distracted people a bit but not that much so we need to do something solid." The CEO of Bloomer agency said.

"I have no idea what to do?"

"Come on.. U are the doll of this industry and most importantly people loves u. U already apologized and clear everything. Most people are convinced and rest of them can be manipulated." Their PR head said proudly. It's no secret that he has a plan and he is proud of it.

" What are you suggesting?" The CEO asked.

"We are gonna create rumor about her relationship with a hot international model with line saying we must hear the wedding bells soon."

"So? How are you going to convince an international hot model to help in this rumor?" Nandini asked.

"Money can make people do everything." PR said proudly.

"Why don't you PR guys never comes with something unique?" Nandini asked shaking her head.

"What's that suppose to mean?" PR head frowned.

"U guys suggest the same solution for every small and big scandals. I bet even Manik's PR suggesting the same thing. It has become so obvious."

"Then what do we do? U give us some unique ideas to minimize ur damage." The PR head mocked.

"That's ur job doesn't it? I am so fed up with people who don't do their job." Nandini said, exhausted to the core.

"Nandini relax. Tax evasion is one of the most biggest blow that can ruin an actor. We need to do something effective and as well as make it seem not too obvious. We can't blame the PR for his idea." CEO said looking through her files.

"I know that scandal ruined my reputation but I want to regain it in a right way not with another lie of dating someone."

"I hate to do something like this too, sweetheart."

"If this lie gets out then I will be done for. Whatever has left for me will be gone too. So I can't take any risk right now. Let's behave like nothing happened everything is under control."

"Don't worry. Everything will be under control. I have something in my mind." The CEO smiled.

"Listen, if u are thinking to disclose something that I kept hidden from the public then please don't." Nandini frowned.

"Don't worry..."

~^~

Manik and Nandini's manager had to stay back to fulfil some papers. Manik was already in the elevator and Nandini pressed the button and waited for the elevator.

As soon as the door opened Manik saw her. A slow smile curved on his face. Nandini entered, still not noticing him. As soon as the door closed, she felt it, the electricity and she knew who else was with her. She sighed and it made Manik to let out a small laugh.

"Long day?" Manik said turning towards her.

"U can imagine.." Nandini replied turning towards him.

"I can.. Why the PR people has to be so stupid?"

"Maybe because we manage to tangle ourselves with unpredictable things.."

"My one suggested to tie me with another actress!" Manik said widening his eyes.

Nandini laughed "Congratulation, mine too suggested something like that"

"Did you accept?" all traces of playfulness is gone.

"Of course not." she paused for a bit and asked "Did you?"

"No.. Can't keep someone to nag all the time even if she is my fake girlfriend." Manik shuddered making Nandini laugh heartily.

"Sorry, couldn't meet you for a long time." Manik said.

Nandini gave him a soft smile. "I know you were busy.."

They reached the ground floor and took the back exit of the building. Bidding each other an almost non existing good bye, they left for their houses only to curse out their agencies.

Because at the evening, even after their requests to behave normal at the agencies, the news of Manik's upcoming projects were all over the internet and a fake story of him collaborating with an international star was circulating.

And Nandini's all charity records were all over the internet which were hidden till the evening, Those records shows that she donated lots more amount of money in charity than the amount of her tax. So there was no way she didn't pay the tax with any ill motive.