In terms of her career, things had really been looking up for Ravi since moving managements. Even if it had been a short time since Ravi started working with Rowan, she had built an immense trust in him. He had brought her one leading role in a movie already. It was not Ravi’s usual genre, but it was a script she could find herself relating too - a rom-com surrounding an Indian women moving to the states.
Now, speaking of rom-coms, Ravi’s love life could rival any Hollywood plot. She’d fallen in love faster than you could say “meet-cute,” packed her bags, moved halfway across the world for him, and got married in what felt like a blink of an eye. It was passionate, it was a whirlwind, it was perfect. That is… until it wasn’t.
As the months rolled on, she started to wonder if maybe they’d skipped a few key chapters. Like the ones where they actually got to know each other. Their steamy romance somehow hadn’t translated into the glamorous everyday life she’d imagined. Instead of spontaneous kisses in the rain, they were having cultural disagreements over the proper way to load the dishwasher.
And then there was Ravi herself - when she’d first moved, she’d been, well, a little naïve. Starry-eyed and ready for her fairytale ending. But since landing in the States, she’d found her stride, discovered her confidence, and became the kind of independent woman who doesn’t need a knight in shining armour. The problem? Her newfound independence didn’t always mix well with married life. It turns out that “I can handle it myself, thank you” isn’t always a line that goes over well in a marriage.
Maybe things had just happened a little too quickly. Or maybe - just maybe - her life really was turning into a rom-com, only this was the messy, awkward middle part where the heroine realises love isn’t always wrapped in a perfect bow.
As Ravi packed her essentials for the glamping trip, she was both excited and relieved. The opportunity to escape the glamorous chaos of her daily life in Beverly Shores was a welcome change. The recent transition in her career had brought new opportunities and challenges, but the glamping adventure promised a much-needed pause. She could not deny either, she felt quite pleased to get away from her husband and really focus on herself, even if it was just for a short while.
When Ravi arrived on location in Brazil, there was little hesitation about which of the tree houses drew her attention. The moment she set eyes on The Nest, she was drawn to its serene and secluded charm. As she walked over, she appreciated its quieter, more remote setting, which contrasted beautifully with the high-profile, glamorous life she was used to. The gentle glow of the hanging lanterns and the inviting hammocks created an atmosphere of calm and intimacy that felt like a perfect escape.
Ravi decided to indulge in a herbal iced tea, its gentle and calming flavour provided the perfect match to the serene surroundings. With her drink in hand, she wandered over to one of the cozy hammocks nestled among the branches. The hammock swayed slightly as she settled in, enjoying the soft breeze and the gentle rustling of leaves around her.
She closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to fully relax and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. It was a rare opportunity to step away from the spotlight and focus solely on herself. The calm of the hammock and the soothing flavors of her drink offered her a brief escape, a chance to gather her thoughts and recharge before the socializing and activities of the evening began.
But as she was sinking deeper into that tranquil moment, she heard footsteps approaching. The soft crunch of leaves disrupted her quiet. Ravi opened her eyes slowly, the calm quickly giving way to mild annoyance. Her glance was sharp but restrained, as she tried to hold onto the peace she had worked so hard to find.
He annoyance softened when she spotted Dave, an ex-soccer player turned rom-com heartthrob, approaching. Of course, she’d seen him around at a couple other industry events, and his face had been plastered across enough screens to make him hard to miss. That said, she hadn’t had the pleasure of interacting with him before.
As he drew nearer, Ravi couldn’t help but feel a flutter of attraction - a mixture of admiration and something more complicated. It was silly, really; she was married, and her heart was supposed to belong to someone else. Yet there was something disarming about his easy smile and confident stride that made her momentarily forget her own commitments. She shook her head slightly, trying to push those thoughts aside as she focused on the conversation ahead.
“Well, if it isn’t the king of the rom-com himself,” she said, half-teasing but with a playful edge, as she shifted in her hammock, the fabric gently swaying beneath her. She arched an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. “Can’t say I pegged you for the type to enjoy something this quiet.” She had not assumed he, out of all people, would pick The Nest over The Crown.
“Is it a strategic move to step away from the flashy parties and find some peace?” She leaned forward slightly, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Or are you just trying to spice up your next rom-com with a little nature therapy? I mean, I can’t blame you for wanting a break from all the chaos.”
Pausing for a moment, she let the gentle breeze ruffle her hair, her tone shifting to a more earnest note. “Since you’re the king of rom-coms, maybe you can share a tip or two?” She tilted her head slightly, her expression hopeful. “I’ve got a leading role in one coming up, but I’m more of a rom without the com girl myself. Any advice on how to nail the comedic timing? I could definitely use it!” As she spoke she let out a small chuckle. Awaiting his reply, she leaned back into the hammock, arms crossed, inviting him into a conversation while still maintaining that relaxed, open vibe.
