Fake Liaison

By Neha Ranadive

A uprising star, Vicky Khanna, gets caught into biggest controversy of his life and in order to get out of it he has to ask the only girl he hates from heart to pretend to be his girlfriend and accompany him on promotional tour. What happens when passion builds up between them on tour? And Vicky is left with choice that can either salvage his career or save his love

• Language: English
• Publisher: Neha Ranadive
• Release date: Aug 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536548778

Book preview

CHAPTER -1

~Vicky Khanna~

I'm saying it again Vicky. Keep your reins under control till the movie is out Karan tells me crossly for the hundredth time. There is nothing more detrimental to movie's box office performance than a badly timed controversy he gives out his well woven advice.

I roll my eyes at him, yes actually I'm doing that stuff a lot these days, rolling eyes and all, as I have discovered that it helps me to emote better on screen.

I'm out of your school, Karan I remind him. I wish he would stop advising me on how to behave publicly as it has been a while since my first movie was released. But I can't argue with him as he is big reason I've reached my current pedestal.

I still have my wings over you he smirks. I bow my head in gratitude Thank you Daddy, for watching over me I say almost too sardonically.

Now go on.. he rebukes arranging the papers on his table I'm already behind my schedule he whines as I scurry out of his office. There is row of men waiting to meet him outside.

**

As soon as I get inside the SUV my cell phone rings. I let out of a sigh at caller id and plaster a smile on my face as I answer the phone Hey babes

Hey Baby...whatcha doin? Sonal says much too sweetly.

I told you I was at Karan's office na? I have no idea why am I so irritated? I should be glad I’m talking to my girlfriend.

What was that old hag saying? she sniggers out a laugh.

Sonal, I know he can be a bit prudish sometimes, but little respect please I beg her as I don't like anyone making fun of my mentor, accept me.

Grow up kiddo she slams me Anyways be ready at 8. You are coming with me for today's Cine award show. Do you want me to pick you up? Or..

Wait a sec..I never said I was going I stress out. One thing I hate most about her is taking me for granted.

"Oh! but you are darlin'..ahh.. how I love calling you that! Darlin’..Darlin’..stand by me..won’t you stand by me?" she breaks into very bad singing but it puts smile on my face reminding me of reasons why I began liking her in first place.

Sona....Sona I cut in her singing I wish I could stand by you, but I was just reprimanded by my mentor to keep a low profile..and seeing with you again publicly will only fuel the gossip I reason out.

Do you think I care? I don't give shit about what people have to say. So you are coming with me that's final! I never said there can be 'no' to this statement she states defiantly and I want to smack her.

Sonal, I have dance rehearsal tonight. We will be shooting promo song tomorrow. I have to be present at the rehearsal, I can't skip it, okay? Please understand babes I have been pleading to her a lot lately.

Hmm..so this is it then. I ask for one simple request and you turn me off? she demands coldly like nagging wife.

I remain quite as an answer.

Okay Vicky I get it. I always knew this is how it was going to end anyways her voice sounds put off.

Sona please, don't take it in wrong way

What other way is there to take it then? she fumes You have been avoiding me a lot lately...whenever I ask you to accompany me, either you are way too busy shooting or travelling. It's all about priorities Vicky and right now I'm not one of them She argues.

You are right. My career is my top priority right now. C'mon I'm 25 years old what else did you expect? Even in the beginning it had always been my career first. I never said I'll be devoting my life to you, did I? I say venting all the angst that had been building up for some time now.

There is long silence at the other end and I check my phone to see if the call is still on.

You will pay for this she threatens and I hear a beep sound as she cuts the call.

I sigh relieved. I knew the break up was coming up but never thought I would be doing it over phone. Maybe I should text her later and ask her to meet somewhere so that I can break her heart properly.

Don't judge me for being so ruthless. I didn't knew what I was getting into when I started dating her. Balancing my schedule and her mood swings was taking its toll on my handsome face.

Love and relationships can wait, as there is lot I have to prove to this world. Being a son of well known director gave me some perks in the industry initially. But if I don't work hard and with sincerity, the silver spoon that I'm born with will slip away from my mouth one day.

I'm eagerly looking forward to the dance rehearsals as the dance steps are set by my all time favorite choreographer Sarojji. Dancing is best part of my job.

**

As I reach the studio I get a call. I look up at the caller id in confusion. Why would Karan be calling me again when I had met him only this morning?

What have you done, you jackass! Karan hollers over phone What the hell did you say to Sonal? he counters.

Nothing...wait how did you..she called you? I ask bewildered.

No stupid. Check the idiot box. Just today when I told you to stay away from any controversy, you dig yourself biggest grave!

I drop my phone and scuttle towards control room. There are few spot boys watching random matches on television when I snatch the remote away from them. I stop on cheesiest gossip channel.

The hostess with high annoying voice is exulting on show like she has discovered aliens somewhere.

Hello and welcome to the greatest revelation on earth!! Sonal Kriplani lashes out at her rumored boyfriend Vicky Khanna!!! Her latest interview spills beans about her much talked about link up with Vicky..here is the clip..

My heart has stopped its thumping sounds under the chest as Sonal comes in frame. She is dressed like she has just returned from some Hollywood premier.

Interviewer :  So Sonal let’s talk about your relationship status. Are you single again?

Sonal :  Always was.

Interviewer :  Really? Then what about Vicky Khanna.

Sonal : What about him?

Interviewer : Aren’t you dating him currently?

Sonal :  Who? Vicky? Ha ha!! I have never dated Vicky Khanna, in fact no one can really date Vicky Khanna. He is still a kid.

Interviewer: What do you mean by that?

Sonal : Look Vicks and I, we are just friends who occasionally like to enjoy 'coffee' together..ha ha..but here’s the thing, no matter how much I want..Vicky couldn't just have his coffee....you know what I mean..hahahha!!!!

Interviewer :  So are you implying that Vicky is not man enough for you?

Sonal :  I'm not implying anything. Anyway such things are too personal to be discussed.

Before I realize what I was doing, I lift the chair and flank it on TV set. But thankfully the chair is made of plastic so it doesn't do any harm.

I spun around and I'm greeted by gawking faces of spot boys. Some even have the audacity to move their eyes up and down my body stopping in middle for mini second.

I storm out of studio and bang the door of my SUV shut.

That Bitch!

Today I'll show you how much of man I'm I say out loud as I thrust my leg on accelerator.

CHAPTER -2

~Riya Roy~

Let’s do it one more time, girls says Ahmed and I wince in response. My legs hurt and my stomach growls loudly.

Ahmed let's take a short break na....puh-leaseee I plead earnestly managing not to collapse on ground.

I have been working for 10 hours straight with not so much of loo break. But I couldn't complain as this is awards season and we have back to back shows lined up.

I like dancing, I really do..it was one of many reasons I took it as profession in first place. I have also been modeling and hitting the ramp since I was 16. Now that I think of it, I have been working most of my life.

My mom died when I was 6 years old. Dad didn't waste much time mourning her death as he quickly remarried..to give me, a Step-Mom followed by two step-sisters. No matter how much I would've loved to call her my Mom but she doesn't let me forget the fact that I'm the one to 'step' in her blissful family.

I have been trying my best to make it easier for them. More than half of what I earn is taken away by her to fend my sisters school and tuition fees. Dad is small time comedian who is most of the time drunk and out of job. So I'm the only constant earning source of my family .

I would've happily sacrificed my whole life for them if they didn't make me feel like a orphan in own family.

That is also why I love reading Harry Potter books so much..he is the closest character I can relate to.

Also like Harry I'll be escaping to magical land of Hogwarts pretty soon. I have been saving some money lately, hiding it from my Mom's privy eyes. I'm planning to enroll myself into a dance course in NYU. I know it will be pretty expensive affair but once I get there, you never know what opportunities may pop up. I have some friends who have gone there and are now working under some of the world's best dance directors.

But of course it's all still a distant dream, as I have a long and treacherous road ahead.

At times I wished life was more like books or movies, that I had magic wand with me that would take me anywhere I wanted in a jiffy.

I sigh as Ahmed calls the rounds.

**

~Vicky Khanna~

Vicky, don't do anything reckless. Just tell me where the hell you are! Karan's voice booms inside the car through Bluetooth speaker.

She called me bloody impotent on national channel, Karan! my voice croaks as I try to control it against the rising fury inside me.

Don't fret, Vicky calm down. We will a find a way out, okay? I'll talk some sense to her tonight Karan consoles and I nod, then realize he can't see me nodding.  Fine I mutter and end the call.

But I just say it to get him off my back, ‘cause I'm going to handle this my way, man way.

I spun around the wheels and drive towards award shows.

**

~Riya Roy~

The last act is over and I'm finally free to go home, if I can call that.

But first I have to use washroom as I have been holding up my bladder for long. As soon as we are backstage, I run for washroom carrying my heavily layered flowing gown with me.

The theme that we had danced to was rhetorical tribute to the 70's, choreographed on all the golden era's songs. So my face is done heavily with makeup, smoky black eye shadow running halfway down the cheek bones. As I stare at my reflection in mirror I'm hardly able to recognize myself.

I see the door of washroom swing open and Sonal Kriplani struts inside confidently. She is dressed in a designer gown which looks very much similar to the local garment that I've got on. She gives me polite smile which I return, taken aback by her gesture as I have heard stories of her being snob and all.

As I prepare to leave, suddenly my hand is grabbed by someone from outside through half open door and I'm jolted out with force.

I take care not to stumble on my dress as I look up aghast at this person who is now dragging me out forcefully. At first I think he is my dancing partner, but this guy is casually dressed in jeans and tee.

Excuse me what are you doing? I protest and struggle under his powerful grasp.

He turns a deaf ear as he hauls me all the way out of studio and halts abruptly in front of media that has gathered to click the celebs on red carpet.

Everyone's attention immediately rests on us.

I open my mouth to object when the guy hurls me closer to him and smashes his lips on mine..his tongue getting instant access to my open mouth.

My eyes which were wide open shut rapidly as photographers flash their lenses on us.

CHAPTER -3

~Riya Roy~

Something stirs inside deep down my belly...as the guy's tongue continues to assault my mouth. I gasp for breath and push him away with all my strength...only then I take note of his face for the first time.

My heart leaps in my mouth as it occurs to me that the person to give me my first wild kiss is none other than..

VICKY KHANNA!!!!

He has satisfied smirk on his face which quickly replaces by horror as his eyes falls on someone behind my back. 

I swirl around to see equally horrified Sonal standing behind..as photographers continue to click us.

I'm jittery by all the attention and continued flashes falling on my eyes. I cover my face with my hand and sprint from the spot.

Some journalist follow my lead and chase behind...I hear them firing questions at me.

How long have you known Vicky Khanna?

Are you guys dating?

Is that why Vicky split up with Sonal?

Are you his hidden girlfriend?

I stumble on some idle lying rock but quickly recover as I climb into auto and yell at the driver from his slumber to jump start the engine.

As I get away, I feel something odd about my feet. I look down and realize I'm missing one of the heels.

Damn! I slam hand on forehead in frustration. Also I haven't washed my face and the makeup is still on along with the flowing gown...which I don't need to worry much about for now as I can return it to the studio tomorrow. 

But what am I going to do about the shoe? I contemplate of going back to find the same but all the media would still be there also I don't clearly remember where I lost it.

Geez! What the