Sabryna, "I will take it as yes then."
I, "No, no, I mean yes, yes, yes."
Sabryna, "Calm down! You too. Ok, here is the deal. I guess you haven't worked professionally I am movie or TV serial, so I am offering an Rs. 20 lakh excluding income tax and your cost of living and studies will all on me until the day shooting is over. So, what do you say?"
I reply trying to keep my calm, "Yes, yes I am in but if you won't mind, can I have a look at the script and my character as well please."
Sabryna, "I am impressed, you act like a real professional. Yes, you can have a look but first, you have to sign a non-disclosure agreement which says that you can't tell anyone anything whatever happens here. No information should be leaked."
I nod and she hands me the papers which I read carefully and asks her that I need to make a call to my dad. She agrees and I call my dad.
Dad, "What's up Ashu, how is everything going? Do you need some help?"
I, "Dad, you won't believe it, she is offering me a role in her movie and yes I need your help."
I can imagine him jumping out of his chair and everybody else looking at him because I heard some similar noises on the phone coming from the background. He congratulates me and says in a lot of excitement, "So, what did you answer?"
"I said yes, what else could I say? Anyway, I called you because she wants me to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) before handing me the script. I want your advice." I reply.
Dad, "Ashu, she is acting reasonably. I need you to read it carefully and then if it is ok, sign it."
I say, "Thanks dad, I have already read it and It looks ok to me. I will call you back if I need anything else."
Dad says, "Sure son, anytime you want."
I hang up the phone join back with Shubham and Sabryna. They were chatting about something but became quiet when I entered. I guess they were talking about me but I am not sure.
"May I ask you something?", I say.
Sabryna, "Yeah sure, anything you like to know."
I ask, "Who is producing this film."
Sabryna, "Actually, I am the producer as well as director of this film. It is my first film as a producer just like yours as a director and I am looking for a lot of new faces for this film."
I pick the NDA papers and pull out the pen Bobby handed me. Sabryna notices it and say, "That's a pretty pen. I really like it."
I reply shyly, "Thanks, it belongs to my sister. She gave it to me today because she believes it is lucky for her."
I sign the paper and hand it over to her. She says, "You have a loving sister and maybe she will have one too."
Shubham frowns his eyebrows, "What do you mean?"
Sabryna grinning ear to ear, "You will know soon."
She picks out a copy of the script and hands it over to me. I ask, "Which role do I have to play?"
She replies, "Your role is supporting actor, the sister of lead actress, and your name in the movie is Mansi."
I was shocked as well when she said that. I speak trying to comprehend everything, "Madam, you might have some misunderstanding. I am a boy, not a girl."
Sabryna burst in laughter, "I expected that but I must tell you that I have no misunderstanding. I know very well about your being a boy."
I, still in shock, "Then why are you offering me a female role."
Sabryna, "Because I think you are perfect for this role. I have an eye of director remember."
I, "I can't argue about your talent madam but how can I accept this role? I mean you know the reason. I know that actors cross-dress for a scene or two but this is for the entire movie."
Sabryna, "Hey, you need not answer me instantly. You can keep this copy with you and make sure it won't go in someone else's hands if you know what I mean by that."
I could see a devil in her eyes when she said that it shouldn't be leaked. I guess it's reasonable.
She continues, "Read it carefully. Keep my number and call me after 2 days to give your answer and I am waiting for your answer." She hands me a card with her personal number on it.
"Now, its about 1 p.m. Let's just go somewhere and have lunch. Bill is on me." Sabryna says.
Shubham was just starring at us the whole time and before we could leave for lunch, he speaks, "Wait! I have a question if you won't mind?"
Sabryna, "Go on."
"Who are the hero and heroine of this movie.", Shubham asks.
Sabryna replies, "You need to promise me you won't tell anybody about it not even your team."
He nods and Sabryna tells us, "Karan and Shanaya are playing the lead role."
Shubham and I speak in unison, "What!"
I continue, "I think now I make gonna fade away. Today I have so many surprises I couldn't handle even in entire life."
Sabryna, "Hey, stop acting like that. You are going to be a star too and who knows even better than them. Now, both of you stay your mouth shut and open only to order food."
We thank her and she immediately says, "I said open it only to order food." and all started laughing. Shubham and I kept our mouth shut even while laughing and this made Sabryna laugh even harder.
She takes us to a nearby restaurant and we order a three-course meal including salad, main course, and dessert. After that, she offers us to drop at our home but I deny and say that we will book a taxi and she doesn't have to worry.