God
willed that they would work in the same profession. In different roles.
Inspired by the works of great masters like Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen he
would dream that one day he would make such masterpieces like those of his
gurus. He found himself working behind the camera at a rather young age.
Initially Maya worked for a few years in the theatre. When she grew
disenchanted with the limited viewership and earnings in her calling, she
turned to films. Within a few years she established herself as a brilliant
and consummate actress. Her acting prowess had also impressed Ajitesh, and
he decided to cast her in one of his films. She readily accepted the
offer. Very soon, Maya was working in a film of the talented Ajitesh in a
central role.
***
"Cut! Cut!," Ajitesh blurted out.
"Maya, you need to bring more emotion in your portrayal. We'll do a
retake."
In the next shot taken after a few minutes, Maya delivered a stunning
performance. It impressed Ajitesh hugely and he complimented Maya. She
smiled back coyly. When shooting of a few more sequences were done Ajitesh
decided to pack up for the day.
Later that night, Maya told herself that it had been the first time in her
career a director has applauded her improvisation on a performance.
In the next few years they worked in a couple of other film projects.
Without their realization, one day they discovered they were head over
heels in love. Predictably they tied the nuptial knot after a short while.
***
People often say "Behind every successful man there is a woman". It proved
to be true for Ajitesh. The career of Ajitesh grew from strength to
strength. After capturing the heart of the people of his nation through
his films his work began to wow International audiences as well.
Many opine that Ajitesh has been twice married. Apart from Maya he is
wedded to his profession i.e. filmmaking. Maya, an incredibly talented
actress in her own right, choose to sacrifice her career. Almost. She
decided to act only in the films of her husband.
***
At a rather young age the films of Ajitesh hit the bull's eye. His
creativity soared. His works managed to carve out a niche among film
lovers resulting in wide appreciation.
Little did Ajitesh realize that one day he would be able to reach very
close to his goals. He had to burn his midnight oil to attain an enviable
position for himself in the cut throat world of filmmaking. Oodles of hard
work, heartbreak and triumph fill the path he treaded that had remained
unchartered prior to his bold steps. No one today can dispute the fact
that after a long innings he has left for posterity huge footsteps across
the sands of time. His works like 'The downtrodden', 'The Mirage' and the
'Railway station' would continue to be cherished by film buffs for as long
as good works would continue to win appreciation.
It was the year the Berlin film festival decided to honor him with a
retrospective of his important works that he met Sandra.
Sandra was a vivacious charming thirty something hugely popular American
actress. During their discussion revolving mainly on the state of
contemporary Indian and American cinema, Ajitesh felt drawn towards
Sandra. Sandra revealed that she was an ardent admirer of the works of
Ajitesh. She
also expressed a desire to work in his films someday should Ajitesh ever
make a film in her language.
Sandra offered a proposal to Ajitesh to come and direct her in a big
project in Hollywood. She promised she would wield her considerable
influence to win Ajitesh the backing of the big Hollywood producers. It
was unquestionably a very tempting offer which hardly any filmmaker could
refuse no matter how big or reputed he was in the film world.
Moreover, it appeared Sandra was quite smitten by Ajitesh. Many considered
her interactions with Ajitesh as nothing but flirting.
***
Resting on his bed Ajitesh weighed the prospects on offer that night.
Should he accept the invitation and seek greener pastures in an alien
land? In all likelihood it will yield rich dividends in the long run. One
day he may even win the most coveted of all prizes -- the Oscars, which
hitherto has mostly been dominated by American film personalities.
An alluring fantasy involving him and Sandra wickedly began to surface in
his mind when ......
***
Three decades later Ajitesh still recalls the incident vividly. What
actually made him resolve to decline the offer of Sandra the following
day?
The fantasy was rudely broken when Ajitesh remembered a scene just before
he was about to board his flight for Berlin. He saw his wife Maya running
towards him after he had bade her off at the lounge. Still panting when
she finally caught up with him she held his hand coyly and reminded
Ajitesh to write to her daily from Berlin. She also requested to bring
along with him the newspapers and magazines which would carry the news
about the retrospective i.e. the honor bestowed on Ajitesh. A few drops of
gentle tears began rolling down her cheeks. With a great effort she
regained her composure and finally saw off Ajitesh smilingly.
***
An auspicious day, Ajitesh hurried towards the prayer room this morning.
He thanked the Almighty. Ajitesh bared his heart out to Him. He told Him
that Maya had indeed filled his life with immense joy and happiness.
Besides gifting him a beautiful son who is currently a Professor of
Computer Science & Engineering in a University in the United States, she
had looked after all his needs with outmost care and dedication throughout
all these years.
Had it not been for the love that Maya showered on him and meticulous care
during their years of marriage and her personal sacrifices, sacrificing
her promising career among others to maintain an equilibrium in the family
it was possible that Ajitesh would have gone astray that day thirty years
back.
Finishing off his prayers he quickly went about completing the remaining
chores of his daily life quickly. For he must inspect whether all
arrangements and decorations had been done properly for the evening party
at his spacious bungalow. He has invited his circle of close friends to
celebrate along with him and Maya the golden anniversary of their happy,
married life. His son with his family including Ajitesh's endearing
ten-year-old grandson has flown in specially from America to celebrate the
occasion.
Just as Ajitesh hurried to finish off some undone task, the phone rang. An
International call.
"Hello?"
"Ajitesh? Remember Sandra? I just recalled your wedding anniversary while
leafing through my dairy yesterday. Accept my congratulations! Wish you
many more years of happy married life!"
Suddenly, the line blanked out. Ajitesh stood there transfixed. Maya's
voice calling him
remained unanswered.
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