WHAT A SCENE (200 words)
© A Mixed Bag
By Neel Anil Panicker
“Cut! Next, we rehearse the balcony scene.”
Jaswinder slips backstage and lights up a cigarette.
‘Jas, you there?’
‘Damn’t, can’t I have a moment’s privacy’, Jas mutters under his breath.
The door slams open.
‘Jas?’, Anita says as she switches on the lights.
“What’s it?”
‘They told me you are quitting. Is it true, my Romeo?’
‘Romeo? Not again. Wish he could tell her that it was only a play and that she no longer was his Juliet.’
“I was just waiting for the right time to tell you.”
Anita’s heart began pounding. ‘Tell what, my baby?’
“Remember Nisha, the girl we met last month at Hamid’s. I…I mean we…are in love.”
Jas raised his hand as if fending off an argument.
“Her father runs the number one theater group in Lucknow. Wants me to join as lead actor.”
Anita felt as she had come under a truck.
She felt dizzy; her legs gave way; she held on to the table stand.
‘But Jas, you said you loved me…you…’
Her voice was a trail.
Anita watched helplessly as Jas, burying his hands in his pockets, slipped out of the room.
Over the mike, the director’s voice bellowed, “Time for action.”
©neelanilpanicker2017 # fiction #shortstory # SUNDAY PHOTO FICTION #200 WORDS
Sunday Photo Fiction – March 19th 2017
Written for SUNDAY PHOTO FICTION CHALLENGE HOSTED BY
https://sundayphotofictioner.wordpress.com/2017/03/19/sunday-photo-fiction-march-19th-2017/
neelwritesblog 
Fresh take–nicely done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Rawson for the appreciation. I look forward to reading your story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ouch – it’s going to be hard for the “show to go on” after that bombshell! Nice take on the prompt.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The show must go on, be nevertheless. Thanks Joy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great take Neel. The scene felt very real and liked the way you worked in the drama play too. Nice one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank for your very generous comments.
I greatly appreciate such priceless comments from you, Liain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Acting is his passion and he fakes everything for what he wants. Good story Neel.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Al
LikeLiked by 1 person
No happy ending, at least for Juliet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No happy ending for Juliet at least!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, Juliet gets the bad deal here. Thanks Steve.
LikeLike
The poor girl! As one door closes, another inevitably opens. So difficult to see in the moment, but maybe this is her new beginning — of finding someone who truly appreciates her and would never leave her — her real Romeo!! Well done as always — thank you so much for joining us!
LikeLike