“It’s not negotiable.” He cut her off smoothly. “I need you functional, not exhausted from public transport at 4 AM.”
Divya nodded once. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. It’s practical, not generous.” He stood abruptly. “Meet me at Krishna Studios at eleven. Prerna, my former assistant, left notes and schedules. I’ll have them sent to your email this morning.”
She rose as well, smoothing her kurta. “What should I prepare for today?”
Again, that flicker of surprise. His previous assistants must have been either too intimidated to ask questions or too eager to please.
“We’re finishing promotions for River’s Edge. Observe today. By next week, you handle press coordination yourself.” He ran a hand through his hair. “And don’t call me ‘sir.’”
The words left her mouth before she could reconsider: “Okay, Boss.”
He stopped mid-step. For a brief second, the room felt still again. He turned slightly, studying her with a new expression. Not evaluation this time. Interest. The corner of his mouth lifted.
“Okay, Boss works.” He nodded once, decision made. “Krishna Studios. Eleven. Building Three, Suite 204.” He was already moving toward the stairs, pulling his phone from his pocket. “Lakshmi ji will show you out.”
As he climbed the stairs, she heard him speaking into his phone. “Anil, about the afternoon shoot, I need the lighting changed in the third sequence. The shadows aren’t working…”
His voice faded as he disappeared upstairs. Lakshmi reappeared as if summoned, smiling kindly at Divya. “This way, Miss.”
Lakshmi led her back through the vast entrance hall. The marble floors did not feel as cold now. The chandelier did not seem as blinding. Divya walked with steadier steps, her bag tucked firmly against her side.
At the main door, Lakshmi gave her a small nod. Divya stepped outside. The morning air hit her face, warm and real. She paused at the top of the marble steps and inhaled deeply.
She had done it.
She had not stammered. She had not gaped at him like a starstruck teenager. She had not confessed that she had once written a ten-page paper dissecting his performance choices.
The gardens looked different now. Less like a museum display. More like landscaping. The bougainvillea were just flowers again. The fountain was just water. The mansion was just… a house.
A very large house.
But still.
Her heart was still racing, but that was just adrenaline. The faint trace of citrus and sandalwood and sweat that lingered in her senses was simply because she had been in the same room. It meant nothing. The way he had actually listened to her answers instead of dismissing her was just professionalism.
Nothing more.
She adjusted her glasses and squared her shoulders before descending the steps.
By the time she reached the driveway, her mind was already working.
Go home. Change into something more formal for the studio. Review every promotional interview from River’s Edge. Create a template for press coordination notes. Organise questions by publication type.
She was completely professional, absolutely focused and totally unaffected. If she repeated it enough times, perhaps she would believe it.
Chapter 4
Vikram watched her from across the set, pretending to review his script.
Four days.
Four days of quiet observation. Constant writing. Zero drama.
Divya stood slightly to the side of the chaos, notebook in hand, pen moving steadily. When an actor missed a cue, she wrote down the exact timestamp. When the lighting was adjusted, she noted the change. When a producer made a new demand, she noted it without interrupting the flow of work.
She didn’t hover, didn’t interfere. She simply absorbed everything.
