“Consider this as an acting assignment.”I bite my lower lip.“Except, you are using your skills in the real world, not on a stage or in front of a camera.”The twitch in my right eye is a giveaway.Jatin would pick up my anxiety in a second.But this motley gang would be blind to the 'Liar- Liar' billboard flashing above my head.
“Aditya is correct.Consider this project as acting in real life.”Kenny supports me.
“Why don't you people understand?Deceiving people is not acting.Such people are called con artists.If you ask a lawyer, I am sure they will point you to some section of the Indian Penal Code.What will happen when things go wrong?The author and the agency live behind their high walls, safe in their riches.The hounds will come after me.”Jimmy gripes.
I will never let such a calamity fall on you, Jimmy.I promise you I will take all the blame.Of course, I can never say these words out loud, but I can help him decide.“Why don't we do a SWOT analysis?”
“A what analysis?”Sahil gives me a confused look.
“S.W.O.T.is a business term.The letters stand for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.”Except for Brian, the other guys are still unsure of Sudhanshu's explanation.
“In simple language, you list the benefits and the risks.Match them and decide.If the stakes are manageable.You go ahead.”I hope Jimmy agrees.This way, at least, my conscience will be clear.His friends can help him make an unbiased, fact-based decision.
Easier said than done.Jimmy agrees, but he is still unsure after one hour of brainstorming.His list of objections has become longer.
“Guys, trust me.I am excited about this career break; the money offered is enticing.But how will I manage all the nerd stuff?The agency wants me to meet people from high society.There will be interviews where people will ask about the book.How can I fake all of this?I am a small-town Jat boy; the truth will be out the moment I open my mouth.Who will believe I wrote an English novel?”
“Brian and I will coach you in English.”Kenny offers.
“I will train you on etiquette and dressing up,” Kiron adds their commitment to Jimmy's success.
“I will help and guide you with the book.Between me and the others, we can come up with a list of questions.”
Selfish much?Stop haunting me, Sir Wilfred.
This will help me control the conversation in public.I wipe the sweating palms off my trousers and stand.“So, we are all set once Sudhanshu gives us the go-ahead after speaking to the lawyer?”
God, please make this turn out well for Jimmy.I want to help him build his dreams.I extend my hand, palm facing up.
The others join, but Jimmy does not.Instead, he shakes his head.“We are still lying, and one day or the other, lies hurt people.This is doomed to burn someone.”
“What's the problem now?This is an opportunity to get out of your situation.Make your dreams come true.Secure your future.Or do you want to stay where you are and stagnate?”The moment the words leave my mouth, I realise the damage I have done.
Jimmy glares at me and stands up.“I never lie.”
I try to save the situation, “Jimmy, this is an opportunity.The author may be in trouble.”
“How do you know?Right intentions don't change the lie.In any colour, a lie is a lie.But I guess a man who faked his marriage for ten years would be hard-pressed to understand.”His nostrils flare, and his fiery eyes burn my soul.
The words shred my heart into pieces.“Get out.”I point Jimmy to the door.
“Jimmy, you must apologise.We should not hurt our people.”Kiron grabs his hand, but he pulls away.
I gulp down the entangled mess of pain and anguish.“Jimmy, please leave before we shred the threads tying us.”
He does not look back as he stomps off.Sahil and Kenny try to stop him, but he shoves them aside.The ground beneath my feet shakes, and I collapse on the nearest chair, unable to control the tears.Kiron presses a glass of water to my lips, forcing me to sip.
The cool liquid does nothing to parch the burn in my body.I turn to Sahil.“Go after him.Make sure he reaches home safe.He is not in the right frame of mind.”
After setting alight the first signs of life in my new world, neither am I.
