Madhu and Rajesh, a middle-class couple from Mumbai, were married for ten years. Rajesh was a sales representative, but his salary was insufficient to meet their family's rising costs. To Madhu's dismay, Rajesh continued to enjoy lavish spending on his weekend binges with friends in spite of this. Madhu was a stunning woman with striking characteristics who lived as a homemaker. She had to settle for becoming a housewife, though, as she had never given thought to a profession. Their life was simple and modest, with Madhu managing the household while Rajesh was at work.
With Rajesh's extravagant spending, Madhu often faced a shortage of funds for the household budget and could not save any money. This resulted in frequent arguments between the couple, often during the middle or end of the month. The stress of their financial situation began to take a toll on their relationship, causing tension between them.
The situation worsened when Rajesh began to return home from his weekend binges and initiate sex without considering Madhu's feelings or desires. This left Madhu feeling unloved and neglected, adding to her growing frustration and resentment towards Rajesh.
One day, while Madhu was grocery shopping at a local superstore, she was noticed by a successful local businessman Amar who is into late 45s, who runs a fashion brand. But he was initially reluctant to approach, he visited store often and found Madhu quite few times. One such day, he approached her and introduced himself
Amar extended his hand, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Hello, I'm Amar. I couldn't help but notice you. You have a striking look about you," he said, his voice gentle and inviting. Madhu, taken aback, hesitated for a moment before taking his hand, her eyes darting around the superstore. "Thank you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Amar, sensing her discomfort, quickly added, "I own a fashion brand and I think you would be perfect for our upcoming campaign.
Madhu was taken aback with this sudden offer and quickly moved out of the place. Amar watching moving out of the place and started following her. After some distance, Madhu confronted Amar to stop following her and told her that she is married and not in a position to take any such offer
Amar seemed surprised but extended his respect, 'I apologize, Madhu. I wasn't aware of your marital status. I had no intention of making you uncomfortable. I simply found you to be a great fit for our brand. However, I respect your decision. Please accept my sincerest apologies, and if there's ever a change in your situation, I hope you'll consider reaching out to me.'
Amar, making sure his intentions were clear, handed Madhu his business card, 'Just in case, for future reference. You truly have the look we're aiming for. Have a good day.'
With that, Amar walked away, making sure not to make Madhu anymore uncomfortable. He understood and respected the boundaries she had set, and he hoped that Madhu would consider him and his offer in the future.
Madhu, still taken aback by the encounter, looked down at the business card in her hand. She hesitated for a moment before slipping it into her purse. As she walked away from the superstore, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She had never considered a career in modeling.
Days passed, Madhu never had thought about the Amar's offer. But hardship in running family was taking toll of her mind and body. With day today fight and confrontation, Madhu was slowly drifting into depression mode.
Madhu sat quietly at her kitchen table, staring blankly at the wall. Her mind was racing with thoughts of her financial struggles and the recent encounter with Amar. She absentmindedly ran her fingers over the business card he had given her, feeling the smooth texture of the paper beneath her fingertips. The sound of the ticking clock in the living room seemed to grow louder with each passing second, amplifying the weight of her decision.
Just as she was about to stand up and put the card away, the phone rang. Madhu hesitated for a moment before picking it up, her heart pounding in her chest. It was her friend from Delhi, checking in on her.
With regular pleasantry, they started talking about life.
Madhu's friend asked her how she was doing, and Madhu couldn't help but pour out her heart about her financial struggles and the recent encounter with Amar. Her friend listened patiently, offering words of encouragement and support. As they talked, Madhu felt a sense of relief wash over her. She realized that she had been bottling up her emotions for too long, and it felt good to finally share her burdens with someone she trusted.
As they ended the call, Madhu looked down at the business card in her hand. She hesitated for a moment before making a decision. She picked up her phone and dialed the number on the card and cut the call after bit of hesitation. After few minutes, Madhu gained her composure and called Amar number again. He responded back by saying "who is this". Madhu said "This is Madhu, other day you gave me your card regarding modeling, I would like to discuss with you on that, Is that offer still available " she asked in a informal way. Amar understood and asked her to drop by his office and to have discussion with her.
Madhu said "Okay, but she was bit hesitant to be model, instead she was looking for any clerical job at his office, Just because Amar wanted to cast her as model, she wanted open a communication window with that and see if she land in any other job ". Now she need to present her in pleasing manner so that Amar will have good impression on her. So she chose to wear Soft Grey Cotton Formal Saree which will be elegant on her with formal blouse with not much of fancy stuff to it. She took a cab to his office so that she could present fresh look to him.
Madhu nervously twirled a lock of hair as she waited in the stylishly decorated office, scanning the fashion designs that adorned the walls. She started at the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor, turning to see a woman, Amar's assistant Neha, approach her.
"Hello, I'm Neha. Amar will be with you shortly. May I offer you a beverage while you wait?" Neha asked, a friendly smile playing on her lips. Madhu hesitated momentarily before declining the offer, her anxiety building.
After few 30 mins, she was called in, Amar offer a seat. His impression was on her, what she is upto?. Because her face showed no excitement but with lot of confused state. After few seconds, He asked " Are you really looking for this modeling opportunity ". She said " Yes!!! " in an kind of hesitant voice. Amar sensed that " Look, I wanted to sport a fresh face for my products ads. This field requires bold natured people to carry the character we are looking, I see you are in confused state. Are you really interested to take up this job?" He asked.
After some difficulty, Madhu revealed that she was seeking for a job--not a modeling one, but a clerical one--because she was married and her family's circumstances will never allow her from being a model. And she had never brought this up to her husband.
Madhu's voice trembled as she unveiled her secret, her gaze shifting anxiously around the space. The disclosure of her situation appeared to shed a heavy load, yet it introduced a fresh surge of apprehension. She twisted her hands in her lap, anticipating a reaction. A thick silence enveloped the room, interrupted only by the faint drone of traffic from Amar.
"I appreciate your honesty on this," Amar remarked, "but there are a few things I would like to make clear. This place has such a diverse range of fashion on many levels. Based on my observations, you could be a good fit for several items that won't damage your family's reputation. You'll also get compensated, which will make your life a little easier. You will be paid more as you advance in this sector, but you won't be able to maintain your current standard of living because of lifestyle adjustments."
I understand if you need time to adjust, but I strongly believe in your ability to excel in this field.