The vanity van door clicked shut, sealing Karishma inside with the two most powerful men of the movie in which she was the lead heroine. The scent of her perfume and cold coffee was instantly overwritten by the expensive cologne and raw male arrogance that Harshad and Ajay carried with them. She stood frozen, her back against the cool metal of the door, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.

Director Ajay gave a low, appreciative whistle, his sharp eyes raking over her from head to toe. “The lighting in here is perfect for you, Karishma. We’ll get some amazing close-ups in Goa.”