章 47: ch-46
The final leg of Suraj's shoot in Russia was proving to be a test of patience. For the climactic scene, a 7-minute single-take battle between the protagonist and the gangster boss, Suraj needed an actor who could embody the gravitas and menace of the role. He reached out to actor guilds and agencies across Russia, but after five days of waiting, no suitable candidate emerged. Frustration grew on set as the delay threatened to derail the schedule.
Then, almost out of nowhere, a breakthrough occurred. A veteran Russian actor, Nikolai Ivanov, renowned for his performances in both Russian and Hollywood films, accepted the role. Not only did Nikolai bring an unmatched intensity to the character, but he also agreed to work within the production's budget—a surprising turn of events for someone of his caliber.
Suraj was initially overjoyed but found himself questioning the unusual smoothness of the arrangement. Shooting abroad often came with its share of unforeseen hurdles, yet everything in Moscow had proceeded unusually well, from permits to logistics. However, there was no visible indication of foul play, so Suraj chalked it up to good fortune and focused on the task at hand.
Unbeknownst to him, the intervention of Victor Orlov, Ekaterina's father, had smoothed the path. Victor had discreetly used his influence to ensure Suraj's work proceeded without hindrance, wanting to repay the kindness Aryan had shown his daughter.
---
With Nikolai on board, the much-anticipated shoot finally commenced. The scene was a masterpiece in choreography—a brutal yet elegant fight where the gangster boss's cunning clashed with the protagonist's unrelenting determination. Suraj's vision came alive through the seamless coordination of the actors and the crew. Nikolai's performance was mesmerizing; every expression, every move carried an air of dominance that fit the role perfectly.
The shoot wrapped without a hitch, and by the end, Suraj had amassed over four hours of footage from the Russian schedule. After a grueling one-and-a-half months, the production in Russia was complete. The crew celebrated their hard work, exchanging stories and toasts late into the evening.
While the others reveled, Aryan's mood was noticeably different. Over the past month, he had grown incredibly close to Ekaterina. The thought of leaving her behind weighed heavily on him. As Suraj prepared their departure plans, Aryan approached him with a downcast expression.
"Bhaiya," he began hesitantly, "Ekaterina and I… we've had so much fun together. She's my best friend now. Why do we have to leave?"
Suraj knelt to meet Aryan's gaze, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Aryan, I know it's hard. It's never easy to say goodbye to someone you care about. But this isn't goodbye forever. We'll come back to visit her, I promise. And there's something else." He smiled warmly. "I'll get you a phone so you can video call her anytime. That way, it'll feel like she's never too far away."
Aryan's face brightened slightly. "Really? A phone just for me?"
Suraj chuckled. "Yes, a phone just for you. But you have to promise to take care of it and not use it for playing games all day."
Aryan nodded enthusiastically, his spirits lifting at the prospect.
---
The next day, as their departure loomed closer, Ekaterina and Aryan spent every possible moment together. They played their favorite games, shared inside jokes, and even exchanged small trinkets as keepsakes. Aryan gifted Ekaterina a handmade bracelet, and she, in turn, gave him a tiny wooden figurine she had carved with Natalia's help.
When it was finally time to leave, the atmosphere was heavy with emotion. Aryan hugged Ekaterina tightly, his small frame trembling as he fought back tears. "I'll miss you so much," he said in halting English, which Ekaterina understood with Natalia's translation. She signed back, her eyes glistening, I'll miss you too.
Suraj watched the scene unfold with a lump in his throat. Seeing Aryan like this—so emotional and attached—reminded him of the boy's maturity since their parents' death. For the first time in a long while, Aryan had acted like a child again, free to laugh and play without the weight of grief.
Suraj approached Natalia, mistaking her for Ekaterina's guardian. "Natalia," he said earnestly, "if you ever visit Bharat, please let me know. You're more than welcome at our home. I'd even arrange your tickets if needed."
Natalia, ever composed, smiled politely. "Thank you, Mr. Suraj. I'll keep that in mind."
Suraj then turned to Ekaterina, crouching to meet her eye level. "Ekaterina, don't worry. Aryan and I will visit again soon. And Aryan will get a phone so you two can talk anytime, okay?"
Ekaterina nodded, her lips curving into a small but genuine smile. She signed something to Natalia, who translated, "She says she's looking forward to it."
What Suraj didn't know was that if Ekaterina ever wished to visit Bharat, she wouldn't need commercial flights. Victor Orlov's private jet could have her there within hours.
---
As Suraj, Aryan, and the crew boarded their plane to return to Bharat, Aryan sat by the window, clutching the wooden figurine Ekaterina had given him. His sadness was evident, but there was also a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Suraj patted his head gently. "Hey, don't look so down. This is just the beginning of a great friendship."
Aryan nodded. "Bhaiya, I'm going to learn more sign language. Next time I see her, I want to talk properly."
Suraj smiled, his heart swelling with pride. "That's a great idea, Aryan. Learning is never wasted, and who knows? It might help you connect with even more people in the future."
As the plane ascended into the sky, leaving Moscow behind, Suraj reflected on the experience. The journey had been challenging yet rewarding, filled with unexpected bonds and lessons. He silently vowed to keep his promise to Aryan and Ekaterina. For now, their journey back home marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, with new adventures waiting on the horizon.
---
Author note:-
:- support the story with power stones for extra chapters and motivation
:- Russian arc is done I understand my mistakes I dragged it long .....
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