I reached the entry gate of AK's, my steps slowing as anxiety crept in and wrapped itself around my chest. My heart raced for no logical reason other than fear mixed with anticipation.
Avin Kashyap had made it clear last night. He wanted to meet June, not Aria. So it should be fine, right? I was just showing up as a writer. As the name people knew.
I pushed the gate open and stepped inside.
The reception area greeted me immediately. Clean floors, muted colors, quiet confidence. The kind of place that smelled like money and ambition. I walked up to the counter and said, "I'm here to meet Avin Kashyap. I'm June Valare."
The receptionist glanced at her screen and smiled. "Yes. You can go to floor number four. He's waiting for you in his cabin."
She turned slightly. "Kirti, can you guide her to Avin sir's cabin?"
Kirti nodded and gestured for me to follow her. We walked down a long corridor lined with framed posters and awards. She stopped in front of a glass door, pointed once, and left without a word.
I knocked.
"Come in."
He was seated behind his desk, posture relaxed yet commanding. Authority sat on him effortlessly. He looked up, studied me for a second, and gestured toward the chair opposite him.
"I was waiting for you" he said.
Before sitting, the question spilled out of me. "How did you know I'm June? I never revealed my face."
I took the seat and placed my hands on the table, fingers lightly clasped.
"It wasn't accidental" he replied calmly. "I've been looking for you for months. We were invited to the same event once. I saw you there, but you left earlier than expected. Yesterday was just… luck."
The memory hit me instantly. The invitation to sign copies of my novel after it went viral. I had left early because my ex didn't want anyone to know who I was.
He leaned back slightly. "I called you here because I liked Roses Bloom in Rain. And I want to turn it into a film. A proper movie. Only if you agree and sign the contract."
For a second, my mind went blank.
Was I dreaming?
No. This was real. And honestly, it wasn't impossible for someone like me. Still, I had never used my father's name. Never leaned on my background. This was something I had built on my own. Something I hadn't even dared to imagine.
My business instincts kicked in.
"I like your offer" I said evenly. "But I have conditions."
"Go on."
"Condition one. I'll give you only fifty percent copyright. You can't change any part of my novel without my permission."
"Accepted."
"Condition two. I'll be present during casting. I want the characters to match how I imagined them."
He raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "Accepted."
"Condition three. You will not reveal my identity."
"Identity?" he asked. "You don't want fame, Valare?"
No. I didn't. If my dad ever found out, I'd be dead before my first award ceremony. And the fact that he still called me Valare meant he had no idea who I really was. Lucky escape.
"For personal reasons" I said.
"Fine" he replied. "We'll use your name, not your face."
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"But" he added, "I have conditions too."
I looked up. "What conditions?"
"First. You won't meet another producer, director, or screenwriter during this project."
Valid.
"Okay."
"Second. You won't sign any other contract until this project ends."
Also valid.
"Okay."
"Third. You won't interfere with every department like you're the producer."
"It's my story. What do you expect?" I shot back.
"You really don't know how Bollywood works, do you?"
"Didn't you agree a minute ago?"
He paused, then smirked. "Fair enough."
"Fourth. You'll not date anyone till the project ends!"
"What? Why?" I asked, "You broke yesterday right?" he replied.
"Are you stalking me?" I asked, "You were kinda loud last night while crying" He said.
"Fine" I said.
He leaned forward. "I'll send you the contract. Give me your address-"
"No!" I blurted out.
He blinked.
"I'll come here on Saturday. I'll sign it in your office."
He studied me for a moment. "I'm not sure whether to trust you."
"You can" I said quietly. "My parents don't know I'm June Valare. They think writing is a waste of time."
That did it.
"Alright. Saturday" he said. "You can leave now."
I walked out of the building, my mind buzzing, reality still catching up with me. As I reached my car, my phone vibrated.
A message.
From Kachua.
My ex. He didn't know he was my ex yet.
I opened the chat.
Good morning.
I know you're upset that I didn't attend your birthday party. I was busy with some urgent work. I'm really sorry. But I've prepared a special gift for you, my love.
I scoffed, locking the phone.
"Busy my foot" I muttered, a humorless chuckle escaping me as I started the engine.
The storm wasn't over.
It was just getting creative.