Celebrity

Richa was busy painting her usual monochrome when the tong of the clock rang. The calm concentrated Richa as if went insane like a kid. She switched on the television as fast as she could, sat on the sofa listening to the title track of “Swayamwar”, a movie of her favourite actor Abhyudaya. Oh she was not just a fan of Abhi, she loved him, probably a lot more than herself. Abhi had become an actor in as early as his teens and had been her favourite from as early as her teens.
As the song finished, she sat curiously to listen to his dialogues. While turning on the other side on the sofa she accidently pressed the remote button changing the channel to some news channel, thankfully though because the news was meant just for her.
Abhyudaya was in Shimla for one complete month said the news. She was jumping like a kid in sofa. The thought of being able to meet him by luck tickled her. The whole day she remained lost in the thoughts of Abhi. And the next morning she went on her usual morning walk. She went only on the way she was well aquainted with because of the fear of being lost in the woods. Hilly forests are as dangerous as they are beautiful.
On the other side, Abhi got the usual scoldings from Ramesh kaka for going out alone without any security. Ramesh kaka was Abhi’s caretaker from his childhood. Well, Abhi, though had grown into a tall handsome actor, was still a kid in decision making. Thus, he needed an elder like Ramesh kaka to guide him at  each step and he would obediently agree to all his commands except for one, going out all alone in the morning to discover new places.
Not that he had never paid for this mischief. A number of times he had to struggle out of the fan crowd all by himself and a number of times he lost the way back home. But here in Shimla, the possibility of such situations was less, as the population was sparse and also he would not go very far because he will be on foot. Oh yes this was another reason why Ramesh kaka was shouting.
" Have you taken this puspak vimaan just for exhibition. Why don't you use it. You will be able to come back home soon. " urged Ramesh kaka with a fatherly harshness. After all he was his only caretaker after the death of his mother.
Abhi said in a horror sounding expression "Imagine kaka, I m driving my car and a steep turn comes.... Hooosh... I turn the stirring and lose the control of my car.... Shoooooooon... And fall into a deep...."
One hard slap came on the centre of right arm, "Shup up Abhi. If you speak just one more word.... " kaka was very angry and in frustration he said, "Okay, Go... But take care and come back soon. "
Abhi gave Kaka a tight hug, "It's so easy to scare you Kakuuu", and rushed out. Ramesh kaka could not even send some people stealthily behind Abhi because this would annoy him.
Ramesh kaka's fear was not all wrong. Too much adventure is accident. Same happened to Abhi and while jogging close to the edge of the steep slope his leg slipped. He fell down struggling to catch anything that could hold him and luckily held the residual trunk of an old tree. He found as if his death was so far down yet so close. All he could do was to shout for help as any effort to climb up would end into breaking the only thing he was holding. He regretfully thought that Ramesh kaka was right and now he would never go out alone. This could risk his life. Finally, he shouted with all the strength he had, "Help... Is their anybody out there. "
How could anybody wander into the woods so early in the morning? How could someone be so insane like him? But there was one- Richa. And luckily she was nearby. She could hear the sound and quickly traced the voice to reach to the spot. But how could she help. After a while, she took her dupatta, tied it to the nearest tree tying her ankle on the other end and jumped down tracing the voice.
She reached very close to Abhi.
"Come on, quick. Hold me and climb up and after you reach please pull me also. " she said with her eyes closed.
Abhi was so happy that he was not going to die. He thought, "Even on being fearful of heights (as was evident by her closed eyes) the girl showed such great courage to help me."
Well, they were both saved. As they reached up, dusting his clothes Abhi said, "Thanks a lot. "
"Your welcome. Your voice has striking similarity with the actor, Abhyudaya. I wondered if it's him?" she said, still eyes closed.
"Open your eyes and look at me then. Why have you still closed them. We are up now, safe and sound. " asked Abhi curiously.
"Oh actually something went into my eyes while jumping and it's irritating. By the way, what is the use of opening them at all when I have to see the same colour either way. Black. " said Richa casually.
Abhi was shocked, so much that he couldn't get enough breath to blow the particle off her eyes. Although, finally he could.
"Oh I know, you are not Abhi. How can he be so helpless. He must have guards with him 24x7. Well, take care. May I take your leave? " asked Richa.
Still in shock, Abhi did not answer.
"Hello Mister. Have you gone? " asked Richa trying to grope him with her hands.
"No no I m still here. Means you can't see, still you saved me. Why? " asked Abhi calmly.
"Hehe. Honestly speaking, I saved you because of your voice. I felt like Abhi needs me and I can never see him in pain." she said.
Abhi was shocked even more.
"You and Abhi know each other?" he asked knowing very well that he had seen her for the first time.
"Oh no no. He doesn't. I do. After all he is a celebrity. Well I ought to go back now. May I?" Richa asked politely.
"Could you please help me a little more? I came far away from my home and as I am new to the area I can't go back...." Abhi lied just to know more about her.
"You can come with me." she said realizing what he wanted her to say.
"Come we shall have breakfast and then I can tell you the way through which you can reach back." she offered politely.
Abhi was happy going with her. Many more surprises waited for him at her home.
"Wow, who has made these paintings?"
he asked looking innocently like a kid at Richa's monochrome pieces of art.
"I made them."
This was unbelievable. Before Abhi could ask anything she said, "Actually I have accustomed myself to create a two dimensional picture of something by touching it and that I pour on the canvas to the best of my ability. When my eyes were fine, I painted seeing them and with colours but now it is difficult to judge the colours. "
"Wait! You weren't blind from birth. How did you then get this curse." Abhi became more and more curious.
"Don't call it a curse. It's a gift rather. Given to me by the one I love the most. Abhyudaya. " she said.
"What?? How did I.... I mean.... How did he...."
"Actually we were both in our teens when he had already reached the top of the children ranks in Bollywood. But I don't know why he was annoyed at people that day. While I was returning from my art exhibition, I got to know that he was at Hotel Leela and went excitedly to meet him. I tore through the crowd to take a glance but till then he had completely lost his temper and... "
"threw the glass at you, the peices piercings your eyeballs. " he whispered slowly in a disappointed mood.
"How do you know?" She was shocked.
"That was my guess. " he did not have the courage to reveal his identity before one whose life had been ruined because of him.
"Perfect guess. Had he not given me this gift, I would never have got this talent of painting without seeing." she grinned.
They began to meet almost every day at Richa's home. They had become good friends but Abhi's feelings were not just of a good friend. He began thinking about her when not with her. He wanted to give her everything he had but could not even reveal his identity for the fear that how would she react. Well, he knew that she too loved him but what if that teenage incident had an impact. His parents' divorce had made him a frustrated teenager. He thought he would mend all that he had spoilt and he would love her so much that Richa would start loving Abhay instead of Abhyudaya. Yes, that was the name he had told Richa.
The next day when he went to Richa's place, she was out in the garden. He sat in  the room watching her from the window. Watching her non-stop like kids watch the moon had become his favourite hobby. But as he walked towards the window, he found on the table, her personal diary.
Well she had already told him a lot about herself but what she had never told him were her two wishes. First, she wanted to live like a celebrity even if it is for a day and second she wanted to confess her love before Abhi.
So here Abhi got a beautiful plan. And went back home without meeting Richa. He had to work out the strategy.
The next day, Abhi came to Richa's home with a vediography staff.
"Could you please paint for me. This is one of my favourite sculptures. Could you please make a painting of it for me?" he urged.
"Yes why not. Just wait." and she brought her brush, canvas and paint.
The videography set had already been put in place secretly and they made a beautiful video of her in action.
This video went viral in no time and Richa was soon known by a good no. of people. Her fan following went on increasing with every secret video but she was unaware of everything. Richa had calls from news channels, motivational shows for appointments, interviews but Abhyudaya under the pseudoname of Abhay, Richa's PA, made them waiting.
And finally on one day. He went to Richa's home with the well planned surprise.
"You have to wear this dress today. You are a celebrity now."
"Have you gone mad? Me and celebrity? No way." Richa laughed off his statement.
"No you actually are dear. Please trust me." he tried to convince Richa.
"How can I trust you, when you hid a secret from me." she said with a frown.
"What secret?" Abhi was scared.
"That you drink" she said casually.
"I don't. Never." Abhi stressed.
"Who can talk such imaginary things without being drunk." she laughed and declared, "I won't go with you anywhere unless you speak the truth."
Abhi was in a chaos, he had to do this today itself. Afterall he had given everyone the appointments. Thus he quickly planned a lie, "Actually when I came to know your wish, I contacted the NGO named DREAMS OF THE BLIND EYES (he could not create a better name in such a short time). They contacted a drama company and thus they would make you feel like a celebrity for one complete day. You are a famous painter and I am your PA. Ma'am." Abhi bowed down without realizing that Richa cannot see it.
"Really? Thank you so much. And what about my second wish? I am dying to meet Abhi." Richa was happy and curious.
"You are dying to meet a person who is already spending hours and hours with you. I too am dying to meet you Sweetie." he said to himself and then spoke loudly, "That will also be fulfilled my Lord. Now get ready. Quick."
Richa had not to do everything by her own. A beautician readied her. Afterall she was a celebrity. Though Richa could not see but she could feel how beautiful she looked.
As she walked out and called, "Abhay".
Abhi was awestruck. She looked like a barbie doll in the pink dress, a side bun and that tiara over her head.
"Abhay!!! Where are you? How do I look? Say something." she was impatient.
"Did you see yourself in a mirror?" he abrubtly said and just realizing added, "I will show you."
"You look like a fairy from the heaven, on cloud no. seven.
Like a doll in innocence, with beauty and elegance.
Like a princess in the palace, precious like a necklace.
Like a newly wedded bride, I wish on my side." Abhi couldn't hold his emotions. Richa though couldn't see the love in his eyes, she could definitely feel it from his voice. But still she said casually, "Thank god. I worried for resembling a witch. Hehe. Let's go then." She did it knowingly. She knew that her dark life cannot bring colours to anyone's life and so she would never get bonded to Abhay into a new relation.
As they were about to sit in the car, Abhi said, "Okay,  so now onwards for the day you will call me Abhay but I will address you as Ma'am. I don't want any flaw in the drama from my part. Fine?"
"Fine. Done." she asserted.
In the car Abhay read out the day's schedule of Richa.
They first went to the broadcasting studio for her interview. As she entered the crowd came rushing to take selfies and autographs of Richa. No one recognized Abhi thanks to his prosthetic makeup.
She gave a beautiful interview confidently and comfortably. Then they went to the art gallery for live painting show by Richa. Richa was feeling out of the world.
Then there was a little surprise for Richa. Abhi's close friends Anoop and Kavya, both famous celebrities had shown there wish to meet Richa. Anoop and Kavya had just got married to each other and were happy to know that their friend had also found his true love. Thus Abhi asked Richa, "Ma'am would you like to meet Anoop and Kavya? They have requested an informal meeting with you."
"You mean Bollywood celebrities." she shouted with excitement but quickly realizing that it must all be fake she whispered, "how did you meet them?"
"They are dubbing artists." he whispered back.
"Oh. Okay. Okay. I will love to see them." she replied.
When they reached Anoop and Kavya were very happy . They talked a lot to her about her life and aspirations.
"Have you ever made a painting of a human?" Anoop asked curiously.
"Not yet." she smiled.
"Try making an auto portrait and I bet that will be your best painting. These beautiful eyes, hairs, cheek. Aaaaooooch." the last sound was because of the painful pinch he got from the jealous Abhi.
"Oh what happened?" Richa worriedly asked.
"Nothing. His leg came below the table leg." Abhi answered casually.
They were talking in such a flow that soon Richa forgot that they were fake (at least for her they were) and asked emotionally, "I will be very happy if I m able to meet your friend, Abhi. Could you request him to give me an appointment?"
"See the guy is willing to give her his heart and she is still asking for appointment." exclaimed Kavya.
Abhi at once frowned at Kavya with a child-like anger. "You people will spoil my secret." he murmured and quickly tackled the situation, "Why not? They will definitely ask him?" and added with a whisper, "Richa! You forgot they are just dubbing artists."
Richa realized and then concluding the talk they went for a luxurious dinner. The whole day went like seconds and when she reached home she was exhausted  but still excited.
After removing his irritating prosthetic and wearing his fake beard, when Abhi was to leave he asked, "Richa. Do you need any help or I go."
She came upto the door took his hands in her and touching them with her eyelids in an adoring gesture she said, "Thank you very much Abhay. It was the best day of my life. And it was all because of you. For the first time I feel bad for being blind because if I had my vision I could see my most lovable friend. Would you mind if I touch your face with my hands? I want to make a picture of you in my heart so that I never forget you."
Without uttering a single word Abhi took her hand and put them on his face. She softly scrolled her fingers on his forehead, eyebrows, eyes but what's this? Tears fell down on her hand from the corner of his eyes.
"What happened Abhay? Did I hurt you?" Richa was worried and wiped his tears.
"No, you didn't. If only I would also have not hurt you." he was extremely sorry for Richa's blindness.
"You never did. Rather you made my life so beautiful that I can never express. How will I ever repay what you have..." Richa was consoling him.
"Now you are hurting me. Please never say that again. This is not a loan at all." he said holding her face in his hands. And then bid her good bye.
The next day, Richa did not meet him on the morning walk. He was a little worried. So he went to see her. She was still asleep.
"Is she unwell? Yesterday she had a lot of exertion." he thought and knocked.
Richa woke up and opened the door.
"Come come. Good morning dear Abhay."
"How did you know that it's me?" he asked shockingly.
"Just a guess." she smiled but her voice was still sleepy.
"Are you unwell?" he asked touching her forehead.
"No no I just slept late last night." she said with a naughty smile.
"And what were you doing Madam?" he asked in slight anger.
"Making this?" she said while turning the freshly painted canvas.
Abhi was awestruck again. It was him on the canvas. Mirror image. So accurate. He was speechless. He felt like taking Richa in his arms but he had to keep patience.
"Wow!! Thank you soooo soooo much dear. It's extremely beautiful. More than me actually. I feel so special." he exclaimed.
"I m glad you liked it." she said politely.
"I loved it but you have to do one more work." he said.
"What?"
"I will tell you today evening"
In the evening, he came with a box of colours and gave it to her. She groped it to realize what it was and said, "I can't judge colours."
"I will judge it for you. Please can you paint something for me." he urged.
She smilingly offered him her hand to take to the thing to be painted and he took it to her own face. She was surprised. "You want me to paint an autoportrait?" she exclaimed.
"Yupp. You have a painting of your best friend. I too want a painting of my best friend. Please. Don't say a no." he urged extremely politely. And thus the painting began and ended. It was beautiful and accurate. He felt overwhelmed seeing the result. Just then his phone rang.
"Yes doctor..... Oh yes whenever you say... Okay I shall bring her tomorrow.... Will her vision be okay after that for sure doctor?... Okay doctor... Thank you."
"Whose vision?" she asked curiously.
"Your's" he said with bright eyes.
"And money. Who will arrange?" she asked curiously.
"An NGO" he tried to lie again.
"No,  you are lying." she said with a stammering and heavy voice, her eyes full of tears.
"Please. Don't say a no." he urged holding her hands.
She hugged him weeping like a kid. He too had tears and slowly patted her head.
"Go get ready. Quick. He will do a preliminary check up first. He must be coming." he said wiping her tears.
She went in and all the time she was thinking about Abhay. She for the first time felt like loving someone even more than Abhi. Her second wish was undergoing transformation.
And the day had come for her to get admitted.
Abhi asked Richa emotionally, "Whom do you want before you when you open your eyes."
She thought for a while and said, "Abhi"
He was shocked. He had expected 'Abhay' in reply. So he said, "Okay Fine." and quickly went away. Richa did not realize that he had gone and continued, "Yes! Abhi before me but Abhay beside me. The closest to me, holding my hand as doctor opens the world of colours for me. I want to make you feel the tingling in my hands, my quick breath and my jumping heartbeats as I enter the new life. Abhay I want him before my eyes first but I want you before my eyes forever. I love you Abhay."
But Abhay wasn't there. The doctor had although entered and she was taken to the operation theatre.
And finally came the golden awaited moment. Abhi stood before her with bouquet in hands, well dressed like a celebrity without his fake beard but with a faint smile.
As the doctor opened her bandage her hands continuously searched for Abhay's warm palm. She was worried. For a while she felt what if he had not heard her complete statement. What if he was hurt on her first reply. Her worry almost washed her excitement to meet Abhyudaya. As she opened her eyes slowly she saw a handsome guy standing. She understood it was Abhyudaya. But she wasn't moved. When Abhi congratulated her,  she formally thanked him with a smiling face but her eyes were constantly searching Abhay.
Abhi realized it and said, "Abhay told me everything. You can fulfill your second wish and I promise you will get a yes in reply."
She gave a fake smile without saying anything and still looked around for him.
"He has gone. He said that you want me before you when you open your eyes. He also said that he did not want to create hindrance in our meeting and you should get the one whom you love." Abhi clarified.
Richa was stunned. She said with a heavy voice, "he did not hear me completely. He did not hear when I said that I want him beside me. He did not hear when I confessed my love for him. Abhyudaya Sir, I respect you a lot but I love him, only him. So, I shall wait for him to come back even if I have to wait my whole life."
Abhi was so happy to hear this and also angry at himself for not listening to her properly. He approached Richa and slowly lifted her hand. At first she revolted but soon realized that the touch wasn't new. She stayed calmed. He asked her to close her eyes and then slowly wore his fake beard and took her palm on his face. As she scrolled her hands she whispered, "Abhay?"
And quickly opened her eyes, "You are Abhi... I mean... Abhay.... I mean... Abhyudaya... I... I... You are... " she couldn't speak. She just held his face in her hands and said, "I am sorry if I hurt..."
"No you didn't. Never. I love you a lot dear." Abhi quickly replied with an affectionate touch of his warm palm on her cheeks and asked, "Will you marry me?"
Richa couldn't speak, she just nodded in a yes as quickly as a kid nods when offered an ice cream.
And that was how two celebrities united.