The heartthrob confesses!

At Mehboob Studios, I see Govinda flanked by a group of men (obviously producers), busy negotiating dates with this two-film star. He wriggles his way out with his lackey, Bhawar, and before I can greet him, he begins, "You can congratulate me." I gape and ask if he's getting married. He guffaws, "How is that possible at this stage of my career? I just signed the deal for my new flat in Juhu." That could still mean he's planning to marry shortly. "Hey, what's all this about marriage? Marna hai kya, abhi shaadi kar ke? I'm only concerned with my career. Especially when at last success seems to be within reach. "You can't imagine the joy of realising one of your dreams. It's hard to express, but a lot of pent up issues came rushing forth, and I couldn't stop crying. My mother will be most happy to shift into the new house from Virar." Will there be a bahu to welcome her? I persist. He feigns ignorance and is luckily called for a shot. He throws me a triumphant smile and saunters off. Following him to the sets, I get the feeling that he is intentionally avoiding the issue. Knowing what I have in mind, he talks about everything else under the sun. But I am determined and shock him with, how was the operation? And how is she now? I couldn't have asked for a better reaction. Caught off-guard, he stammers, "How and where did you get that from?" I tell him that's my job and he continues, "Yes, recently she was operated upon for appendicitis, but she is much better now." The look in his eyes conveys a lot more than can be explained in words. Wanting to know more about this mystery girl, I ask who she is? He is alert again and smilingly tries to brush it off. I hazard a guess at Khushboo but he is quick to clear it up with, "No. I share a very delicate relationship with Khushboo." And is reluctant to elaborate otherwise. Khushboo was his first co-star. Isn't there always an aura of romance surrounding a new lead pair? Especially, when both are unattached and thrown together? Hastening to explain, Govinda sheepishly begins with, "During Tan-Badan we did get very close. Since we are both young, it was natural. I am obliged to Khushboo. At a time when she was doing big films with big stars, she agreed to do a film with someone totally raw like me. She didn't hesitate, even though it could have easily harmed her career. After all, when she was working in Janoo with Jackie and Meri Jung with Anil Kapoor, who was I?" Did this feeling of obligation lead to a lot more? Khushboo was obviously besotted with Govinda and made leading statements which did not hide her love for him.