The Other Half

Chapter 32

(2007: Delhi Fashion Week)

"I can't find those earrings!" Khushi screamed at the staff.

The model, the showstopper dress hanging on her perfect body, took a step back. This designer was like a thunderbolt.

"Calm down Khushi, they are right on there on the vanity!" Her co-designer said.

"And this is the last one, so calm the fuck down." Another designer chided at Khushi.

Minutes later, the three of them stood by the wings as their designs caught the eye of Delhi's fashion industry.

"Akash is going to kill me." Pooja whispered.

"ASR can fuck off. That theif." Khushi shook her head.

The lights played their part to perfection, bringing the first line of PK Designs to life. As the black showstopper dress waded through the ramp, they heard a collective gasp from the audience. The model stood proud, a sheer silver skirt blinding her audience, a black tartan full sleeve cupping her bosom as she gave a flying kiss to the crowd.

When the show ended, the host announced all the designers. Towards the end he said, "ASR sends his apologies again, for not making it tonight. In his stead, we have Akash Singh Raizada."

Payal gasped and looked at Pooja who was gaping. "But- but he-"

"And from PK Designs we have the head designer Khushi Gupta."

The crowd looked on as Khushi walked down the ramp in a pink alternate of the showstopper dress. Akash nodded at her.

"And now a few words from Delhi's top designers."

Everyone took their turn. When it was Akash's turn, he said. "Bhai said to be aware, there's new blood coming in. He wasn't wrong."

The crowd clapped appreciatively.

"I wish all our new designers continue towards the drive to be the best."

It was Khushi's turn. "Thank you for all the support. When I think of the drive to be the best, Mr Raizada, I hope it means you won't be stealing my designs again."

Akash suppressed his smirk. He indicated the host for another mic. "Ms Gupta, suffice it to say, you have copyrighted what is yours now."

"I appreciate that. But not the lie you told me two years ago."

"And what was that?"

The crowd watched the tennis match, hoping for gossip.

"You. Are not. ASR."

Akash grinned, as the crowd laughed. "I see women like mysteries, Ms Gupta. And my brother is the most mysterious a person can get."

"I bet he is. What's it like, hiding from the world?"

"I guess you both would need to talk to each for that question to be answered."

"And when will that happen?"

Akask smiled at her dry humor. "Why don't we let the fates decide?"

(Thursday: Thunderstruck)

Khushi fell down, her fingers still sparking. She felt she had gone blind. A new sensation gripped her. Something unfamiliar.

She looked up and saw Payal looking at her, a sadness crossing her face.

Khushi corrected herself. This was not unfamiliar. It was the absence of the familiar. Payal moved towards her, touching their hands. No dice.

They both breathed deeply.