The attention and the limelight that was once completely on Rishab Mehta's face now felt like a harsh remembrance of his current self, exposing all his flaws.
As Rishab looked around his condo, he came to the bedside looking out of the window standing tall on the twenty eighth floor, the city as busy as it turns on the brink of sunset, his thoughts becoming lost in the sea of headlights, searching for a way out of his own darkness.
Unknown to him, Rishab Mehta's gaze shifted to the television screen, his mind still in the world of its own theories of where all of it had gone wrong. The celebratory nature of the Summer Gala Awards which is a highly anticipated show in the entertainment industry, barely registered with him.
Getting a bottle of wine from the wine cellar, sitting on his reclining sofa in his living room, Rishab yet again let his thoughts wander. Albeit looking at the television screen he could not manage to register what was going on, until the main sequence played on the screen.
The camera highlighted many celebrities, business people and all the latest sensations, their smiles and laughter a complete contrast to his current feelings. He looked, uninterestingly, as the hosts announced the winner of the best male lead, the applause and cheers of the audience a distant hum in the background of his thoughts.
Lost in his own thoughts, Rishab's gaze lingered on the television, but his attention stayed on the wine glass.
The sound of glasses clinking filled the room as he made his way to the wine cellar, breaking the stillness. From the refrigerator, he took out another bottle of wine. After pouring himself a large glass, he went back to his seat, the crimson red drink a sharp contrast to the darkness that was beginning to seep into him.
His thoughts drifted back to that one scary night, one that had set off a chain reaction of events that had left his life in crumbles. The scandals, the fake accusations and the rumors all swirled together in a web of lies, each one magnifying his mistakes, twisting the truths and his intentions.
He had never meant to hurt anyone, had always believed that his actions were consensual, mutually beneficial even. But somehow, it had all been dissected piece by piece, blown out of proportion, and now he was left to face the consequences.
The wine burned his throat as he took a long sip, the bitterness of it was similar to his thoughts. He felt like he was drowning, suffocating under the weight of other people's judgments, their condemnations. The Summer Gala Awards on TV, once a celebration of his excellence, now seemed like a cruel mockery, a reminder of everything he had lost.
When Rishab was at the height of his acting career, he was always in the spotlight and was much idolized by the public, to the point of obsession. His face was plastered on billboards, magazines, and television screens, his name on everyone's lips. He was the epitome of success, the darling of the film industry, and the object of desire for millions. His attractiveness, talent, and charisma had climbed him to celebrity status and established him as a household figure.
However, fame has a cost, and Rishab had fully paid for it. His relationships were enlarged under the microscope of public scrutiny, his personal life was examined, and every action was observed and evaluated. The amount of times his name had been associated with his co-stars had slipped through his fingers; the stories and gossip had taken off like wildfire.
And now, sitting in his dark chamber with the ghosts of his past all around him, he couldn't help but question if it had all been worthwhile. The appreciation, the awards, the adoration that he received now seemed to be nothing from where he is standing. The wine glass he was holding appeared to be mocking him, serving as a constant reminder of the harsh nature of achievement and the terrible results of his own choices.
The name Sherlyn Gupta alone caused Rishab's eyes to cloud with a mix of anger, regret, and sadness. Their toxic relationship had been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, a toxic dance of love, possessiveness, and control. She had been his co-star, his lover, and ultimately, his downfall in the industry.
Rishab's thoughts drifted to the life he had once envisioned for himself - a loving wife, children, a warm and welcoming home. However, Sherlyn was the only one who could have brought those dreams to an end, her influence infecting every part of his life and her grip strangling him.
Now, at forty two years of age, Rishab found himself lonely, his personal life in shatters. The limelight that had once shone so brightly on him now seemed bitter, showcasing the loneliness. He had never married, never experienced the joy of fatherhood, never known the comfort of a stable, loving relationship.
He felt empty and lost and needed something to fill that gap yet all that he had was a bottle of wine to wash away his sorrows.
Sherlyn had taken everything from him - his dignity, his peace of mind, his sense of being what he had achieved so far. And now, she left him in shatters without a soul for someone else, leaving behind a trail of destruction, a legacy of pain.
It is not worth thinking so much of such a person. Realization came late and he regretted every bit of the time he spent with her envisioning a wonderful future with her.
He has let down numerous people who might have become close to him had he not been stubborn in his early years. His family blacklisted him for his career in showbiz which is against the political career running from ages.
He never regretted coming into the entertainment circle, because it gave him immense happiness and let him prove his worth through his own hard work and dedication.
As the hours went by and the morning sun was about to usher for a new beginning, Rishab's thoughts consumed him, and he lost count of the wine bottles that lay scattered around him. The alcohol, once a means to dull the pain, now threatened to consume him as a whole. Unaware of the danger, he continued to drink, until finally, his body succumbed to the excess consumption.
Slumped on the sofa, Rishab's eyes grew heavy, his breathing slow and labored. His soul, weary from the struggles of his life, began to slip away, drifting towards the point of no return.
As the darkness closed in, he felt no fear, only a sense of relief wash over him. For in death, he saw an end to the suffering, a release from the torment that had haunted him for so long. His life, once a bright flame, had flickered out, leaving only ashes and regret. Although it is a new beginning to the day with many opportunities it is an end to our beloved movie king's life.
As Rishab's heart stopped beating, he felt a strange sensation wash over him. It was as if he was being pulled apart and put back together again, reborn into a new existence.
That has been a life full of ups and downs for the beloved movie king who once ruled the hearts of many people and the generations to come. Though there are many people who scold him for the scandalous rumors he had a fair share of true fans who still idolize him for his awe inspiring movies that showcased his remarkable talent. Despite the ups and downs, Rishab's legacy endures, a testament to the power of his craft and the enduring love of his fans.