“And here’s the soundstage,” Dev said as they approached the open elephant door. Tina heard the crew talking over the buzz of electrical tools and the pounding of hammers. She stepped inside and her mouth dropped open. The soundstage was huge but she was even more impressed with the electrical catwalks and lighting grids. Everything was top-of-the-line.
“Tina,” Reema said in a hushed whisper. “Do you feel that?”
Tina slowly nodded.
“Feel what?” Dev asked.
“The soundstage is air-conditioned.” Reema sighed. “Tina, you need to work for an Arjun Entertainment production.”
Never. She couldn’t be financially dependent on Dev. He was already too controlling, too powerful. “So I can work in air-conditioning?” she mused.
“Don’t forget the executive dining room,” Reema said. “And if you’re lucky, he might throw in a spot boy.”
Tina rolled her eyes. “I don’t need one.” She didn’t have a spot boy to hold an umbrella over her when it was raining or supply her with a steady stream of tea. She could take care of herself.
She glanced at Dev and tensed when she noticed his growing look of outrage. “Are you telling me that while you were pregnant, you didn’t have a place to rest, an air-conditioned soundstage or an assistant to look after you?”
“Of course not, Dev.” It was only then that she realized Dev had taken many of the perks he received for granted. “My name is not above the title in a movie.”
“I will not tolerate this!” Dev said in a growl. “From now on, I will make sure you have all the amenities you need when you are working.”
Reema smiled and linked her arm with his. “Now, Dev. This is something we can agree on. Let’s talk.”
* * *
An hour later, Dev sensed Tina leaning back in her seat as she surveyed the atrium of the Arjun Film Studios. She drank her rapidly cooling tea while he sat next to her, checking his emails. The atrium reminded him a lot of their courtyard and it seemed out of place in the modern studio building. It was cool and peaceful, especially now that Tina’s mother had left once she realized she wasn’t going to see any movie stars.
He knew Tina had been embarrassed when Reema had negotiated to have Dev’s driver take her home. She had made a production of how she would take the bus, or splurge and get a rickshaw. Tina had tried to stop it, but neither woman understood that he wouldn’t allow a female to travel alone. Tina would soon discover that her mother and sisters would have a full-time driver by the end of the day.
“Why are you playing the attentive brother-in-law all of a sudden?” Tina asked angrily. “What possessed you to offer to pay for my sister’s wedding?”
“I will take care of her expenses.” He didn’t know why this was an issue. He was wealthy and could afford it. “You don’t have to worry about it anymore.”
Tina crossed her arms and looked away. “Why would you do that? And don’t say it’s because she’s family because we know that’s not going to be true in two months,” Tina reminded him. “I don’t want to be indebted to you.”
The anger flared hot in his chest. “It’s not like that.” Why couldn’t she accept his help? What would it take for Tina to trust him again?
The cooing of a baby echoed in the atrium. Dev’s heart gave a vicious twist as he felt the color drain from his face. His gaze darted to Tina. The tension pulled at the corner of her mouth and she closed her eyes.
When was it going to stop hurting? Dev wondered. When would he stop bracing himself when he saw a baby on a TV commercial or when a stroller came near him like it was right now?
He saw Shanti, a famous Bollywood legend who had dominated the silver screen a decade ago, walk over to their table holding a bundle in her arms. The baby squealed as the chubby hands pumped with delight. Grief washed over him and he fought to breathe. He barely noticed the nanny following behind with a stroller, as his full attention was on the baby.
Normally he would have risen from his seat when a woman or an elder entered the room, but he couldn’t move. He knew Shanti had privately struggled with infertility for years while she played the motherly roles. She’d had her first child a few months ago and she wanted to share her joy with the world.
Dev flinched when he felt Tina’s hand on his. She gave his fingers a squeeze before she stood up and fixed a smile on her mouth.
“Shantiji!” Tina greeted the star as she rose from her seat. “Congratulations on your daughter. I’m so happy for you.”