A shiny object on the floor grabbed my attention. It is a brooch. The brooch that 'Anarkali' wore. I smiled and tried to grab it but it was still attached to the dupatta.

*********************
'God he is pulling my dupatta!!! I slowly released it as he rolled it in his hand. He gently unclasped the brooch and inspected it as if he was contemplating whether to take it with him or not. Now my blouse is exposed, I hugged my torso in response and also the in-built AC is freezing my chest.

'shit!' He said. He dropped the brooch. Oh god, my legs are getting numb from sitting on them, and that too in a very awkward position.

*********************
Somebody knocks on the door. I turned towards it in response as I picked up the brooch and quickly pocketed it.

"Let's go," I said and left the room, taking one last look at the gown that was worn by Anarkali. She must be resting somewhere , after carrying this much weight.

**************************

"Ufff, he's finally out. Before anyone else comes, I quickly ran to lock the door.

I am currently in my shorts and blouse, trying to find my casuals.

"Megha?" Somebody knocked the door. I guess from the voice it is Javed.

I took a deep breath. "What Javed?" I asked.

"Can you slightly open the door for me?" He asked.

"What for?" I asked, looking for any cloth to wear.

"Your cloth bag, you left it in our classroom itself." He said. I slightly opened the door and he sent his hand in with the bag.

"Thanks Jay." I said and closed the door as he pulled his hand.

I started to change into a much relaxed outfit: a simple T shirt and high waist relaxed fit trousers.

**************************

After Lunch

'Javed, please sit with us. I have something to discuss with you." I asked him as I'm having a dessert Prince brought us. Well, Prince made Javed bring the dessert.

I scooped a cup of ice cream for Javed, and handed him. He sits on the edge of the sofa, probably feeling shy. It is his first time to come inside the guest house since I arrived.

"Tell me sir." He asked as he tasted the ice cream.

Prince first started, "So Javed. Arjun is really moved by your performance and offers you a chance in cinema. Is that right, Arjun?"

"A mini OTT series, to be precise. So Javed why don't you discuss with other main characters and tell me what you think about it?" I sounded like I am offering him something, but only I know I truly wish they accept the deal.

An Indian historical romance would definitely break the internet, and it will be a perfect directorial debut for me.

Javed's face was so confused, and nervous.

"Are you saying this, for real sir?" Javed asked and I nodded.

"Then this is something everybody needs to like, discuss as each have their own questions...tell me whom and all I should bring." Javed asked.

"Your main cast." I replied.

He finished his ice cream so quick and got up and went to get his friends here.

"Look how excited he is." Prince says and I nodded.

"Have to go bro. If anything call me." Prince left for his work and I am all alone, anticipating his return with his friends.

******************************

"Sir only Megha was there. Others went to volunteer at the organizing meet. Sorry sir." Javed apologized. Megha is standing beside him, with a nervous smile fixed on her.

He basically dragged her here. Javed felt he is half-succeeded when he made her sit on his bike to take her here.

Arjun signaled both to sit down.

"Have some ice cream." He handed a cup of ice cream.

"Have it Megha. It's so tasty." Arjun looked at Javed, who kept on looking at Megha, making it awkward for her to eat.

I cleared my throat. Both looked at me.

"As Javed might have already said, I'd like to offer you lead roles. I am deeply moved by the story that I am going to adapt it for the mini-series. And you guys, are going to play yourself IF you guys accept." I said.

Megha looks reluctant. But I know she will be persuaded by Javed, as he won't miss this golden chance. I am confident.

From tonight, I am going to start the script.

"Sir, I'll be right back. A student fell down it seems." Javed whirred off with his bike.

'Close friends?' I asked even though I know the dynamic very well.

She nodded yes slowly. After all she doesn't need to tell his pining for her to a complete stranger.

********************************
I wonder what he did with my brooch.

To break the awkward eye contact, I looked beside him and found a portrait that looks very similar to me.

A brown woman, eyes closed, with wavy hair covering half her face, with natural dark lips. I looked down and smiled at his appreciation of brown woman in a Euro-centric white-washed society.

Unable to hide my curiousity, I asked him,

"You paint, sir?" I asked. He first, was taken aback, then he turned back and realises the door is half open, revealing his portrait.

"A bit. That's only half done. Wanna see it close?" He offered and I nodded yes.

I followed him to the room to fine the floor filled with paper balls. I then shifted my focus to the portrait.

I failed to notice her outfit as it is yet to be coloured.

"For some reason,  I find this painting very similar, sir." I told him.

" I don't copy others. Its my own creative imagination." He answered.

"Iyo sir I did not mean it that way... it's just... she looks like someone I know very well." I said.

***************************

'of course she is you di.' I thought.

I heard footsteps approaching. Javed came here searching for us. He too, surprised seeing the portrait.

'Sir... wow... will you share it in your socials once you finish it?' He asked.

" well its just a personal hobby of mine." I answered.

'Okay then sir. We'll move. Rest well sir." Javed said and pulled Megha's hand.

"bye sir." she said as she let herself free
from the boy's hand.

phew. thank god she did not see the brooch on the bed.