Chapter 11
Areluctant trip toDelhi
JIMMY
The office lives up to the type of clients Zappster works with.Black-and-white posters with aesthetic mug shots line the frosted-glass walls of the swanky place.Except for one famous cricketer who last played in the 1990s, I don’t recognise the others.There are no pictures of models or actors.
I had dreaded being thrown out throughout the three-wheeler ride from the New Delhi railway station to this place.When I entered the office, my feet became fifty-kilo weight plates.Everything from the false ceiling lights to the geometric pattern of lemon green and white carpet on the floor spoke of luxury.Cushioned sofa seats where only the rich and mighty should sit.This is not a place for a high school pass-out.
The receptionist exuded confidence and professionalism with measured, polite, and to-the-point words.Her acknowledgement of my name and appointment saved the tip of my collar from my fidgeting fingers.She led me through a small corridor, the walls of which were lined with art posters, many of which were book covers, and ushered me into a boardroom.When I enquired about the books, she informed me about Zappster's work in print media and book publications, so I am unsure why I am here.
To prevent my sweaty palms from smudging the grey trousers from repeated rubbing, I adjust the lapel of the navy blue suit Sudhanshu lent me.The tailor at Kiron’s workshop worked magic, fitting the coat to my body in two days.A smile breaks out, recalling the previous week.
If I had my way, I would be standing here in my track pants and a hoodie.Kiron had put their foot down — no small-town looks.The whole gang fussed over my wardrobe, ensuring I dressed my best.Aditya lent me a few shirts.I needed only one, but he insisted on packing three.I run my hand over the soft cotton fabric of the white shirt, smiling at the thought of him wearing this in one of his lectures.
Kiron mixed and matched the pants with the shirts until they were satisfied.Kenny served as my English-speaking coach, determined to rid me of my Jat lilt.He issued an edict: no one, including Sahil, would speak to me in any language other than English.The whole fuss irritated me, but sitting here, I appreciate the help from my friends.I have never been to such an upmarket place.
You are here now, and they invited you, so play cool, I remind myself.Aditya will not guide me wrong.He confirmed the agency’s background and received no negative feedback.Aditya even gave me his friend Jatin's contact information in case I needed help in Delhi.
If this meeting works out, I owe him a big thanks.My devil mind has already cooked up a few scenarios on how to show my gratitude, one of which is to take up Mr Bhatia's longstanding offer of a night's stay in one of his other properties in Bageshwar.Aditya and I would go on trail walks exploring the valleys and then spend a cosy night huddled together in bed.
“Hi, welcome to Zappster.I am Priya.”
The posh female voice startles me.The lady in her mid-thirties is dressed in a crisp beige cotton saree with a green border.The sophistication with which she carries herself makes me forget my manners.Her extended hand reminds me of Kenny's first instructions.I stand and shake her hand, not bone-crushing but with a firm enough grip to exude confidence.
“Nice to meet you, ma'am.”
“Oh, no ma'am-sham here.Call me Priya, and I'll call you Jimmy.After watching Jimmy Shergill in 'so many movies,' I always wanted to meet a Jimmy in real life.”
“Umm, not sure.I am me, and Mr Shergill is way up there.”I point to the ceiling.
“Don't you worry.If we can work this out, you may also be on the road to where he is.Tell me, do you have any acting experience?”Priya opens a file in front of her.
“Not in front of a camera.Only some school plays and fooling my parents or teachers while bunking school.”A doubt creeps into my mind.Why go straight to acting?Girls give me a second look, but I am not sure my face can match the level of TV actors.
“Hmm, interesting.If you talked yourself out of attending school, you may have enough experience for this assignment.The project is not your typical TV or film acting work,” Priya informs.
“Oh.”My discomfort increases.“What do you mean?I will not do porn or anything illegal.”I stand, but Priya waves me to sit back.
“We do not deal in porn or any illegal activities, Jimmy.Everything we do is above board and with formal agreements.So hear me out first before you pass judgment.”
Priya is irritated, but I need to protect myself.I have no one in my corner.Except for your friends, my mind supplies.And you don't sign anything in Delhi, a point both Aditya and Sudhanshu emphasised.
“Sorry.But my life experiences make me uncomfortable if things are not black and white.”I hope my words give Priya some perspective.
“Jimmy, I understand.But, as I said, hear me out.We don't have to sign anything today.Take your time to decide.The paperwork can be done by email.Like the non-disclosure we signed.”
Her smile is soft, and she holds my gaze.Though I am sceptical, I take my seat. “Alright, sounds good.”
“Great.I gather from your email that you want to work as a model.This work does not involve ramp walks, but we will get you in front of the cameras.Our primary work at the agency is to represent creative people.This includes authors, artists, and musicians.”
Umm, this is going nowhere.Where do I come in?Her explanation does nothing to ease my mind, but I allow her to continue.
