Chapter 4 4

Many days went by and everything seemed to be okay. Manik and Nandini's many projects came out and all of them were successful. So the downfall people expected for their careers didn't happen.

Nandini took it to herself to pay taxes, no accounted was needed. She learnt in a hard way that not everything can be left for others to do. One of her drama series was released after that scandal. Everyone thought it will be a massive fail but it was hit, social media went crazy about it. She was even nominated for many awards and she won most of them.

She was in another city for her upcoming movie promotion. Actor is an actor. There is no TV actor, no movie actor. Actors can travel in every sectors if they like. That's the beauty of Zholanwood industry.

She was having many media interviews, many promotional visits in different malls, universities and other big public gatherings. The nonstop smile was plastered on her face. She was tired of answering the paparazzi's silly questions. They still ask questions about the scandal and the producer clearly told them not to talk much about that. So she had to answer them in a sassy way.

"Nandini mam, what u have to say about that tax scandal?"

"That it taught me a lesson. U better do ur works on ur own rather than giving it to someone."

"What u want to say to the people who call you fake?"

"I can't change their mind so it's better let them say whatever they want to say because it do affect me."

'In other interviews you said you love ur character in this movie. What is it that made you love this character?"

"Not only this but every character. Because I believe if you don't love a character, u won't be able to do justice to it. I love how confident she is about herself. People didn't believe in her but she knew she can do it."

"After watching the trailer, people are saying it's going to be a cheap version of Hollywood scientific movies."

"It's not some inspiration movie from a Hollywood movie. And I would like to say to our audience that keep faith in our industry. It is already very known all around the world for it's amazing content."

"Are u happy with the clash ur movie having with another movie?"

"Honestly no one is happy about it. Not this movie people not that movie people. It's not very good to see ur hard work is clashing with another's hard work."

"Why not solving this?"

"Both production house has immense faith in their so they decided not to back out."

"What is too good in ur movie comparing to them? So that people can go to watch urs not others."

"See I can't compare because I didn't see their movie so as they. And both films are from different genre so there is no use of comparing them. Each genre have their respective audience."

"Where is ur hero?"

"He is having another public appearance in another city. Time is very limited so we decided to split."

"That we know but I am talking about ur own personal hero."

"Interesting 'small laugh' Uhhh will tell you guys when I find him."

After a long day which felt like exam without any time limit, she came back to her hotel room to take rest.

~^~

Manik was shooting for his movie and today was the day when a special and dangerous stunt had to shoot. Manik was practicing long jump when he was called for the shot.

The scene was like he was chasing someone and it led him to a parking lot. A car would came between them and he would jump a little and slide over the bonnet of that car. He had to do it with a moving car and perform the stunt flawlessly.

The director shouted action after asking the actors to take their position. The scene had started and it was time for Manik to jump and slide. But he lost his balance as the car was moving and had fallen badly. He injured his leg. It was really painful to even move. The medical team gave him pain killers and ice bags.

The whole set was full with one murmur, 'The hero is injured, the hero is injured.' Manik was slowly moving his leg so that he can move. The crew surrounded him and talking what to do and what to not.

The director ordered them to pack up but Manik wanted to do it that day only. Even after repeatable advices that he shouldn't do it but he was stubborn. After a while of resting he was ready for the shoot. Unfortunately he failed this time too. But he didn't show his pain that only intensified after the second fall. It showed his dedication level towards his work.

He tried for the third time making everyone clapping as he did it successfully and made it seem effortless. Shooting for the rest of the day was immediately dismissed and Manik had been taken to the hospital for overall check up.

The doctor had given him complete bed rest for three days. And Forbidden him for not to move unnecessarily otherwise his leg would not heal.

The whole stunt and injury thing already became a hot news when they return to their hotel. Social media was going crazy over it. Everyone appreciating his dedication and his fan girls were worrying about his health and calling him super hero.

Manik took his medicine and had fallen asleep because of the effect. He didn't know how much time was gone but he stirred when he heard a scratching sound near him.

He opened his eyes only to be widen. Nandini was sitting on a chair near his bed and was smiling at him.

"Sorry, didn't mean to disturb you."

"You? Here? How?" he was dumbfounded.

Nandini laughed watching his reaction. "I was here for promotions and staying in this same hotel. Heard u are hurt so I came to see you. Meeting here is safe. So how are you?"

"I am fine. It doesn't hurt as long as I don't move. But doctor told me to move it slowly to keep it good."

"Hmm.. Heard u completed the stunt too."

"Had to. Or else this would have happened tomorrow also."

"Don't be too hard on ur self."

"Come on. I am feeling much better now as I got such a beautiful surprise of urs." Nandini chuckled and shook her head.

Manik's manager Jimmy, entered in the room with a healthy soup. "It's time for some food."

"Jimmy, my leg is hurt. I am not sick." Manik said pointedly.

"I make it." Nandini said looking at him. He was again shocked. He cleared his throat and said, "Soup is healthy it helps to heal fast. Jimmy, give it to me."

Jimmy smirked and was eternally laughing. He handed Manik the soup bowl. Manik had the first spoonful soup. "Oh wow, it's really tasty."

"I make tasty foods but I don't got much time to do it."

"I can see.. U are going to make me soup the next time I fall sick."

"I will try my best to do that." Nandini said with a smile.

Manik felt he was dreaming. She came to see him and made something for him!

A bit of soup fall out from the spoon on his chin. Before he could clean it, Nandini took a napkin and cleaned it for him. They were having a cute eye lock when someone clear his throat loudly.

The producer had came to see Manik but he got to see Nandini too. "I will come later if you are busy."

"No no sir. I was just leaving. I was in the same hotel and heard he is injured so thought to come here and see him. I should go now have a great day." She said standing up and looked at Manik. She was silently telling him to take care. He understood and nodded.

Nandini left but the producer was looking at her way with a frown as if thinking something.