Four days went by in a blur without Raina realizing it.Today would be remarkable.She had already felt the signs.But she didn't know if it is in a good way or bad way.
STARPLUS Entertainment Building
"Where the hell have you been! And why haven't you been answering your phone?!" Mira, Raina's agent and manager yelled at her the moment Raina stepped foot into the practice room.All eyes were suddenly on her.
What did she do to become such a cynosure and what on earth has the mighty Mira Lace agitated like a cat on hot bricks?
"I didn't get any calls" Raina said.She had slept in so deeply like a baby and probably snored too,Yes but she would have heard the sharp upbeat intro of Lady Gaga's 'Paparazzi' which was her ringtone.She held her phone to show Mira that she did not get any calls but was stunned to see a whopping 36 missed calls on her phone,all from Mira.What the! She slept so deep that she didn't hear her phone ring.
"I am so sorry Mira I didn't --" Raina made to apologize but was cut off by Mira with a "Meet me in the audition room in 5"
Raina quickly put away her things in her locker and went to the audition room.A feeling of unease enveloping her like a blanket.Nothing good comes from being summoned by Mira into the audition room.
At the audition room,Mira was seated amongst three other people in the far end of the audition room.Their hands resting on the table as they gauged her.
Not knowing what to do and why she was there,Raina stood meters away from where the four were seated like judges about to grade a contestant.
Mira took the liberty to speak. "Raina,do you know why you're here?" How would she know? She has not been told yet!
"No.I don't" Raina answered, looking at each person's face.They gave nothing away as they all had stern looks on their faces.
"Well,Mr Robertson has chosen you as a female lead in his upcoming movie."Those words were like a bitter pill to Mira. Raina then went on to look at the man Mira gestured at.Was that Liam Robertson? The Liam Robertson? Star director and film making legend,the brain behind the most successful dramas and Tv series?
The man cleared his throat and introduced himself
"My name is Liam.Liam Robertson.I look forward to working with you"
Raina respectfully shook his outstretched palm.Is this a dream? "Working with her?" He said,did she hear wrong?It gotta be, She dug her nails into her palm flesh.She felt the pain.This is all happening,in reality! "What do you say Raina?"
"O-Of course,I would be very much honored to accept!" Raina's voice trembled from both shock and excitement.
"But your acting skills aren't honed yet.You would only ruin the movie.Why not give it to someone who can better play it." Mira wanted to sway Mr Robertson one more time.She had done that several times already when she found out he was casting Raina.Trying to make him see reasons why Raina shouldn't play the role.Raina is unknown and could be considered a rookie.Such a big role was not suited for her.Mira believed so But the old man was hell bent on giving her the role.Raina's heart dropped on hearing Mira's words. The woman was partially right.But she wanted to take this golden opportunity that presented itself on a gold platter.
"I will give it my very best not to let you down Mira.Mr Robertson." Raina said with determination.
Liam smiled,"I have no doubts....and do not worry about your skills.With time you could shine"
Liam handed her a script as bulky as a novel.Huh? That was it? He just chose her blindly.He didn't even ask her to act a line! Mira was angry but dared not show it.She was disappointed and stunned!
Honed by years in the industry as an agent to A-list actors before she got demoted to those who couldn't even be considered Z-list.She knew very well what was going on. She was convinced Raina must have climbed into the right bed to get this opportunity.This isn't a miracle, it's the work of a powerful figure behind the scenes.
Raina stared at the script in her hands.It still seemed surreal to her.Raina had only had the minorest roles in unsuccessful movies.She couldn't be considered A-list,she knew that.Ever getting recognized as an actress seemed more and more like a pipedream with each passing day.And now like a sudden miracle...