Fiction: Failed actor Rishi turns into a superstar when he accidentally lands in upside-down Mumbai

The next morning, Rishi wakes up to a sense of quiet desperation. He feels if he misses the opportunity to speak to Karim–Keshav, he’ll certainly miss out on a role of a lifetime. The script was meant for him, and there will only be regret later if he didn’t take action right away. So, even before brushing his teeth, he wakes up Prabhu and reminds him of their drunk conversation last night. Prabhu opens one bleary eye, squinting at Rishi.

“What is your problem, man? Let me sleep! I have a narration with the Wicked Witch of Andheri West and I need my beauty sleep for that.”

“Do you remember what you said to me last night?” said Rishi.

“I don’t know man, last night is a blur. I’m never gonna have London Pilsner again!”

“No, you idiot, I am talking about the promise you made to me.”

“I don’t make promises,” says Prabhu. “I make bold statements and wild generalisations. Now let me sleep. Don’t you have an audition to prepare for?”

Rishi grabs Prabhu’s T-shirt and yanks. Prabhu sits up, still half-asleep – jolted, frazzled and annoyed, but not angry. Prabhu is the only person Rishi has never seen angry.

“What the fuck is your problem?!” says Prabhu.

“Prabhu, I need you to...

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