the softness of your smile.

Jai: Bring a pair of sunglasses. It'll help with the glare of the flashes. And keep them from knowing how many times you're glaring at someone.

Jai: I try, I try - but I can't be as cute or adorable as you.

Jai: Hazard of the profession? Hazard of my childhood - my dad and stepmum got very used to my theatrics. My stepsister just threw pillows at my head. I did manage to get her to at least dance to some popular numbers - not that she'd admit to that.

Samara: Sounds good--I have a nice pair that I've been wanting to show off.

Samara: Stoppppp main bahot sharma jaongi phir.

Samara: Ahh yes that sounds very much like you but luckily I want to see cute baby Jai pictures--can we make that happen?

Samara (unsent): this is probably the part where I should tell you that I know your stepsister...very well..

Samara: I am, don't worry about that. And will do 😉

Samara: [IMG_4833]

Jai: There's no real separation of guests/celebs at international airport lounges; the Mumbai and Delhi lounges are different. You'll start experiencing that on your overseas shoots soon. Kuch alag mahol hai.

Jai: You're on. Loser has to do whatever the winner wants for a full day. What say madam?

Jai: Your faith means a lot to me, and not just as an actor.

Jai: Okay you're going to laugh, but "Yeh Dosti" started playing in my head. I am pretty filmy like that, I am aware. But you'll get used to it.

Samara: Ahhh okay, yeah I've never really been consider a celebrity so I've only seen the separation a bit at the Mumbai one but nothing too much. But I guess you're right, we'll find out what it's like.

Samara: Sounds good to me sir.

Samara: Awww you're so cute Jai

Samara: You are very filmy, it's a little insane but I suppose it's a hazard of the profession.

Jai: Don’t worry my Mara. I’m rarely bothered internationally - except at the airport because there’s always someone who recognises me. Even at the lounge.

Jai: Wanna bet? The next time we’re out & about, I’m going to count how many times we get stopped because of you. Then you’ll realise how popular you’ve become.

Jai: Thanks for the support. Here’s hoping my fans believe my honesty in this movie. If I’m bad though, please be gentle the first time? And then help me get better.

Jai: How about we just focus on our friendship. The contract just requires us to be seen together. We already hang out a lot and I love it. You’re so easy to be around, I feel… safe.

Samara: Perfect and wow--even at the lounge huh? I thought Mumbai has that separate spot for all your filmy folk?

Samara: You know---I'm going to take you up on that because I know you will STILL get more people stopping you.

Samara: Of course Jai, 100% support...always. And of course I will always be honest and in the best way possible, but I have faith you're going to blow me away.

Samara: That sounds good to me honestly...and awww you're so sweet babe, I think you're easy to be around as well and I think this friendship is definitely one I want to cherish for as long as we can.

Jai: Although I think these days I'm not the reason we get stopped. I'm really glad things are working out in your favour. Makes me happy to be your arm candy ;)

Jai: Good. I am kinda nervous though. This is a role I've been wanting to do for such a long time... but what if it doesn't resonate with my fanbase?

Jai: I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to make you feel bad Mara, promise. I just like being silly but I will do better. I'm just glad I'm getting a --friend out of this contract.

Samara: Oh please...not always, but yeah sometimes it's cute but I still think it's more for you Jai.

Samara: Listen, you are an amazing actor and whatever you are doing--is always special to your real fans, they support you in everything you do, as long as you've done it with full honesty. Keep that in mind.

Samara: No you aren't, I know...I just find it all a bit hard to keep separate if that makes sense? And of course, I always want to be friends with you.

Jai: You could still be a good girlfriend, just not for some people? But I am a very lucky man with you by my side ;)

Jai: ...the contractual obligation is for six months. The premiere is in two. You're already planning on leaving meeeeee? Main marr kyun nahi gaya isse pehle, hai Rabba!

Samara: I think that's very true and you really are so lucky--how on earth did you get this lucky Jai? Oh right--thanks to some photographers lol

Samara: Oh, I thought it was releasing way later than that...haan then there's no issue.

Samara: Jai--stop it na, I'm not planning on anything, just reminding us both of the contractual obligations and rules we both agreed to.

Jai: That's totally cool Mara; you know yourself best and that's all that matters. Thanks for the support, you're a good ally <3

Jai: ...um oops? But lbr, you're the one for me cutie. How can I resist those big eyes, that beautiful smile?

Jai: Does that mean I'll have a plus one to the premiere of Zaroorat in the next couple of months? Pleaseeeeeeee?

Samara: Of course, I mean--I wouldn't be a good girlfriend would I, if I couldn't be a good ally?

Samara: Wah wah...such flattery Jai, I love it.

Samara: I mean yeah of course? If we're still doing this whole thing than I'd love to be your plus one to the premiere. I'm so glad you asked.

It wasn't until they were immersed inside with all the inviting smells and sounds that he responded to her teasing queries, having been distracted by the delights that awaited him— them. "A night of debauchery?! Woman you're killing me here... woh bhi ho jaayenge ek raat... ya din ko. Waise, let this be an evening of culinary debauchery. Whatever you would like to eat or drink, it's all here." He looked at her in surprise as she looped her arms around his neck and instinctively his own arms were wrapped around her waist, steadying her. Jai couldn't stop how good it felt to have her in his arms, even if it was only for a moment.

"Anytime babes, anytime. Their only rule is no social media posts tagging them - but definitely share the food. Something about wanting these stalls to generate bigger business outside of Khazana." He let go after a moment, and took her arm underneath his to lead her towards his favourite section - all the South American foods that never failed to tickle his fancy. He wondered if she would be interested in trying some tamales or maybe even an empanada. In any case, the night was still young and there was plenty of fun to be had.

"So Mara tell me, if I had murdered the blender, would you have reconsidered dating me?" he teased, nodding towards some of the stall owners who recognised him. While he knew it was more likely because of who he was, sometimes he liked believing it was really due to how much he enjoyed what they had to offer. It was also why he wanted to bring Samara here, to let her enjoy something new and understand a little more about it. "Oh, and feel free to point out something you want to try. It'll be much better than that... whatever restaurant offered."

She really hadn’t ever been here before though and so the entire place was so inviting that Samara found her senses overcome with a million different scents from around them that left her curious as to how much she could truly put away today. When he chose this particular moment to talk about the words she’d said a few moments ago, that she found herself chuckling. “Chup—tum na, bada badmaash ho,” Samara couldn’t stop herself from smacking his shoulder playfully. “Okay but you can’t be serious…sab kuch mil jaata hai yahaan?” She looked around in surprise before wrapping those long arms around his neck. What she hadn’t expected—was the feeling that washed over her as soon as his arms steadied her. It felt…warm and comforting; safe almost. She hadn’t expected it and the feeling surprised her greatly. 

Samara nodded when Jai told her of the rule and made a point of taking her phone out of her pocket and placing it in her purse before shaking her head, “don’t worry—I’m not like the rest of the people in our generation—feeling the need to share each and every moment on social media.” Samara said this quickly before praying that Jai wasn’t like this and that she hadn’t ended up insulting him somehow. “I can’t believe how many different things are here though—what’s your favourite to have here?” 

She was waiting for his response when he brought the conversation back to what she had said about him murdering something or someone and chuckled before shrugging, “I’d have asked you if you replaced that blender first and then I’d have thought about it,” she told him with a grin before they walked along just trying to see what they wanted to have but she was honestly so overwhelmed by everything that she didn’t think she’d be able to decide easily. “I bet it’ll be better but honestly my senses are overloaded with the exposure right now—so you decide on something and I’m going to trust you tonight.” 

Jai: I think there's a bit of queerness in all of us. But there's no pressure to push your boundaries if you're not comfortable. I'm glad we're talking about it, even if it via text.

Jai: If Nitish is as charming as you, then I'll have to really think about it. But LBR, you're the only one for meeeee!

Jai: Wait, have I really worked with that many actresses? I think you seem to know my filmography better than me. Which makes me pretty happy - my girlfriend is a fan! Helps that I'm a fan of yours as well.

Samara: Maybe you're right, I just haven't really felt the need to discover that part of myself, if that makes sense? But I'm filled with support for whatever you need or choose.

Samara: HAWWWW I was about to be super offended Mr. Jai Malhotra, I hope you know that. But good...I will not let someone steal you from me this quickly.

Samara: Like I said, I've been a fan. 😉🥰 Awww you're so cute.

"It's good to know Mara but hang on - why wouldn't this friendship mean a lot to me? You are the first person I've ever... well agreed to with something like this, so when you say things like that my heart hurts," he added teasingly, ignoring the slight ache of truth hidden in his words. The contract brought them together which would have never ordinarily happened - most people who wanted a chance with him did it because of the fame. His last relationship had died when he found out they had no real interest in him but sought the opportunities his mere name could give them. Which is probably why he had agreed to this contract - everything was out in the open and the chance of his heart being broken would be nil.

As he led her to the entrance, his phone buzzed and he knew it was the requirement to enter. Quickly responding to the message, he stood there knowing Samara was probably questioning this entire outing. "Murder? Me? I don't hurt people Mara... just things. Like my blender because it decided to malfunction and my smoothie ended up on me instead of in me." He laughed as he remembered the predicament he'd ended up in and realised that it was from that day he chose a different outlook on life. He could only control his decisions and no one else's.

“I mean…I don’t mean anything bad by saying it. I guess I just never expected to have a friendship come from this arrangement.” She admitted before hearing his words and frowning before reaching over and pinching his cheek gently. “Arre mera shona babu—sorry okay? I won’t hurt your heart ever again,” she chuckled before looking back his way with a bright smile. She knew he was someone you would very easily become important to her and while it hadn’t happened yet—she knew very well that it would be inevitable. 

Samara continued walking with him and watched as he quickly typed something on his phone, making her curious enough to suggest murder before she heard his words and laughed before raising a brow. “Yikes—you ‘murdered’ your blender then? That’s pretty violet Mr. Malhotra,” she teased before shaking her head, “phir kya hua? Did you end up getting a new blender? Or someone to make the smoothie for you?”

She ignored the slight tingle that went down her spine as soon as she felt his arm around her shoulders, reminding herself that they were friends and so this type of action was alright between friends before she glanced his way. “I’m ready for a night of anything—but just so you know Jai, the way you asked…it sounded like you were going to ask if I was ready for a night of debauchary, for which the answer might’ve been yes too, just saying.” But she followed him into the warehouse, taking a look at everything around them, truly feeling her senses become overloaded with just how breathtaking the place was. “Khazana? I think I’ve heard of it—oh my gosh, this place is incredible.” She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you for bringing me here…and don’t worry, no Russian food will be on our menu tonight.”

Jai: Hey, even if you're not romantically involved, he's still a good friend hai na? Toh phir I just want to make sure that as another friend, your good friend won't get upset.

Jai: You're not an ass, but you do have a cute one ;) I guess you can call me bisexual, but gender isn't a big thing for me. I think it's called pansexuality if I to identify that way. I'm glad you are good with it - most people think I'm just mucking around. Waise, whatever you identify with is fine with me. This is a safe zone yeah?

Jai: I'll tell you another day. Or maybe they'll make it obvious, who knows. Hint, I've never done another movie with her.

Jai: I can appreciate that Mara. Nitish sounds like a good mate. We should all hang out one day, it'll be good for PR right? But really, I just want to meet him LOL.

Samara: Achaaa, haan haan bata doongi as soon as he's back in Mumbai.

Samara: Ayeeee thanks boyfriend, I appreciate the compliments always. Also yeah I guess that makes sense? I've always been...heterosexual I think? But bi-curious? Just never taken the plunge..so to speak. But I appreciate you saying that. Never thought I'd be having conversations like these with you via. text.

Samara: There's a lot of ladies you've done one hit wonders with but I've always appreciated your work in each one.

Samara: Oh wow--I love that idea. I think it'll be fun for sure but please if you're planning on casting me aside for him, koi baat nahi hai bas bata dena..okay?

Jai: Thank you /madam/, aap ke ehsaan main zindagi bhar nahi bhoolonga!! That's what I like to hear, girlfriend ;)

Jai: I don't blame him for being protective; you've been handed the short stick a lot. But eventually, I'm sure we'll reach a consensus - once you've told him what's really going on. Just try not to keep it quiet for too long, if he's as close as I think he is, the blowback won't be pretty.

Jai: Oh my Mara darling, there's so much you don't know. I guess we'll need more dates then? :P

Jai: That is true - but even when you hate someone, there's something off about the chemistry you're creating onscreen. Reminds me of one of my first films; the actress who shall remain nameless could not stand me (and legit, I still have no idea why). The movie was a semi-hit but I remember fans of mine plus hers bombarding me with complaints that /I/ ruined our combined scenes because I obviously did something to upset her. So that makes me feel like it's better to be on good terms with everyone so that the 'chemistry' isn't ruined.

Jai: Hey Mara, it's your call. I just don't want you to feel that I'm taking away your personal time and potential relationships - it's a contract but we're friends, and I value my friend's romances. Just want you to know that.

Samara: In fact, send me your schedule for the next month or so and we'll see if we can make time for a trip or something together. You're fun to hang out with and the PR teams will also love it.

Samara: I'll tell him but honestly I don't think he'll have any blowback. We're not...romantically involved really. Also--so much I don't know? Are you--gosh I feel like an ass asking this way but I want to know, are you bisexual? Because that is a-okay with me 🏳️‍🌈

Samara: I'm so tempted to ask who but damn that's crazy--someone who can't stand you? Aisa toh kabhi ho hi nahi sakhta lol but like you weren't at fault so she should've known better.

Samara: I get it, and you're not Jai. I just wouldn't feel right. If this think with Nitish was romantic I'd never have agreed to this contract, you know?

He knew he was adding unneeded tension to this but it was truly bothering him. So much so that he almost missed her banter. "Wait, you'd... hang on, you do consider me a friend? Dude, you gotta stop playin' with my heart you know?" Jai laughed, realising that she was probably just having him on and his insecurities were for nought. He made sure to wink at her to ease any tension on her end because this was absolutely meant to be a relaxed, fun evening.

Focusing back on the road, Jai took a turn to the left, finally leaving the highway. It was a good thing that he knew the road because the lack of lights always made this part of the city very eerie, almost ghost-like. He dimmed his lights, ensuring he wasn't causing any issues with residents and continued on. "Wait, no one has called you that? Excellent, that is definitely your name now. No matter what happens," he added with a chuckle. Jai had a simple philosophy; if he liked someone, they were always bestowed with a nickname of his choosing. For Samara to be on that list was surprising but not shocking - she really was a good one.

"Pagal toh hoon, issliye mujhe itna popularity mila hai," he winked, turning back to navigate the last part of the journey thus far. It wasn't until he parked the car at one of end of an abandoned warehouse that he turned towards his passenger with a semi-serious look. "All about moderation m'dear. As for where we are? Well, if you're willing to brave it... you just have to walk into this warehouse with me. Ready Mara madam?"

“Of course I consider you a friend. We may have had an awkward ish first meeting but not only are you agreeing to help me out, you clearly want to spend time with me and you’re being so sweet about it—of course we’re well on our way to becoming friends.” She paused for a second before shaking her head, “though you’re definitely making me wonder why this friendship means so much to you and how I’m playing with your heart of course,” she chuckled softly before rolling her eyes at that wink which hadn’t been at all expected.

She couldn’t help but try to focus on where he was taking them, trying to figure it out before hearing his words and shaking her head, “nahi—kabhi aisa naam kisi ne nahi diya,” she told him before she nodded, “thank you then—for giving me a cute nickname though, mujhe toh bahot cute lagta hai,” She gave him another smile before glancing forward to see if she could tell where they were and where they were headed. Samara Puri didn’t often have outings like these that she didn’t know about or hadn’t been the planner on so this was different for her, but definitely necessary. She chuckled at his words before rolling her eyes and shaking her head, “tum aur tumhari popularity, haan haan pata hai.” When the car ultimately was parked, she found herself looking at him with full curiosity because this didn’t look like a restaurant or even a dhaba. It looked like a place where he could murder her if he wanted and no one would be the wiser. 

“I mean—you’re not going to murder me…too big a scandal for you,” she murmured before giving him a direct nod and shrugging. “Let’s go Jai sahib,” she stepped out of the vehicle, waiting for him to come around and take her arm as she waited on her side—hoping he’d lead her in so that she’d have him by her side…wherever they ended up entering together. 

Jai: ...don't be sorry. I like it. What are you thanking me for Mara? You were already A+, now the world is finally starting to recognise that. I hope your schedule has room for me though heh.

Jai: I like that you're still friends with the bloke. Looks like a good one. Hot too, I can appreciate.

Jai: Aha, I called it. You can't have that type of chemistry with someone you're 'just' friends with. FWB is all good babe, just make sure you keepin' it safe.

Jai: Wait, why would you do that? Mara it's fine and none of my business. I just ask that you keep it to your apartments because I really don't want you to cop any backlash. If Nitish is scratchin' that itch, go for it.

Samara: Well if you like it, then you know it's going to continue. I've been told I'm a really cute girlfriend so...you're gonna have some fun. But also--thanks Jai, your believing in me really does mean a lot and please...I will always have room for my boyfriend.

Samara: Yeah, he's super adorable. Um--that being said, he's also protective because of a lot of things and I haven't told him about 'us' yet so if it's awkward, please don't mind it yet.

Samara: Also hot huh? I love knowing you're so comfortable with your...sexuality that you can appreciate a goodlooking man.

Samara: I don't agree, I think part of good chemistry even in a photoshoot is about acting, sometimes you can't stand someone and even that brings good chemistry. But yeah yeah, don't worry about that. I just don't know if I want to...continue for my own reasons. I know it's not real with us, lekin sorry Jai mujhe ajeeb lagega aise. Papers mein tumhare saath aur chori chupe aise..it's just not me.

Samara: That seems so surprising to me...you have no idea. 🫣 Also please...I'm not 'spoken for' until and unless I ever say I am. But honestly it'd be easiest with you--when it's supposed to be us anyways.

Samara: Always. You never have to worry about my being on your side okay? It's always going to be like that.

Samara: He's gorgeous and he knows what he's doing in the bedroom, that's for sure. I guess...I would just feel bad, and almost unfaithful if I did that. But I am going to bring it up with Jai, just so I know what his thoughts on the whole thing are...

Samara: No don't be sorry, I just meant because well---if I ever see this person, I'm going to know how good they are in bed and it's just...I don't think you wanted my non-judgmental self for that part, right? 😂

Nazneen: So cute, I could pinch your cheeks. I'll settle for picking up the bill when we meet next; so don't even try to argue.

Nazneen: Unfaithful? Sam, you're a single woman in your personal life. Enjoy that delicious specimen... I have every belief that Jai will encourage it as well, in his own way.

Nazneen: Please... I'll take every part of you Sam. I'm sure you'll end up meeting him at some point too. Then judge away and tell me that I'm in over my head.

Nazneen: Thank you gorgeous. I'll keep that in mind. Also I best get back to doing some work. I'll talk to you soon babe - and can't wait for our lunch! ❤️

Smiling while she continued talking, Jai pushed the navigation system on and chose the favourited route he needed. Based on the estimate, they would arrive within thirty minutes. So now it was upon Jai to make the next half hour a silly but enjoyable one. "I like the way you think madam, once this arrangement is over... I'm pretty sure aap ke liye lamba sa line hoga... and I'll be at the end hoping you'll remember me—" But instead of keeping a straight face, the actor chortled at his own joke, ignoring the slight clench of his stomach about ending the arrangement. It's only been a few days bro, calm down.

Pressing another button on the console, Jai sighed happily as his seat cooled down a few degrees. "Hey, if you want to change the temperature of your passenger side, go for it - I always keep it to individual choices. Also you should be able to heat or cool down your seat as you need... although looking at you, I think we need the AC on full blast. You're making the car way too hot to handle... Mara." He wondered if she would be bothered by the nickname, but considering she had asked him to say it, he couldn't be faulted.

Raising an eyebrow, he considered the options. If he remembered correctly, Naturals was available in that area... but so was his maa's favourite - Haagen-Dazs. Figuring that it was Samara's preferred dessert, he leave that choice up to hers. Dinner though? That was definitely his forte. "I do all cuisines... genuinely don't have a specific favourite. But whenever I'm heading out for a great time without a worry in the world? Well, this place does it best."

“Aye haye—tumhare mu mein ghee shakkar,” she chuckled before frowning at him and shaking her head, “say what you want Mr. Malhotra, lekin aap lucky ho. Agar tab jaake tum sach mein ‘line’ mein hoge…toh tumhe front of the line ka special pass diya jayega, perks of being a great friend in these initial days of course.” She didn’t miss the laugh he had about it though and so she wondered if perhaps for a second she’d gotten a little too senti thinking about their journey and the inevitable end after six months together.

Samara was definitely impressed with those individual controls and the look on her face told him that. “Oh that’s pretty cool, I’ve never seen that before in a car but I like that…also please yaa—shut up,” she laughed at his words before shaking her head. “Tum pagal ho, pata hai? Also—Mara sounds cute, I like it. Most people shorten my name to Sam or Ara, this is the first Mara I’ve gotten.” She told him, wondering if later on they’d both realize that she didn’t even allow anyone else to call her that because it was the name he had bestowed on her. 

Jai: Hey. Figured it was about time I messaged you - you know, checked up on you, reminded you that I exist... jokes. I hear you're getting a bit busy with work, which makes me a happy bloke.

Jai: Speaking of busy... I saw your FHM post. Next level Mara, I'm impressed. The guy with you looked stoked to be shooting with you... but I'm sensing you're friends?

Samara: Sorry I had to try and be cute. Yes I've been getting lots of calls, enough that I actually have to decline some stuff that comes my way because the schedule is too packed 🥰 Best feeling, so thank you for that!

Samara: Ayeee you liked it? I'm so glad you saw it! Nitish? Yeah he's someone I started out my modelling career with.

Samara: My 'boyfriend' asking me questions like this? Tsk tsk tsk, such a strange world we live in. Um--he and I have been 'friends' mainly with benefits for awhile now...

Samara: That's cool with you right? I haven't...I mean, I don't plan on seeing him now that you and I are linked up even if you know--we're not getting 'any'