Golden Fusion

19.

It had been two days since Vani started working as Rhythm and Enigma's cloth designer. Ved hadn't made a single move till now and that relieved her. On the third day, she didn't feel as intimidated as the first two days. On the second day, she didn't see any of the boys. She was busy with deciding the types of clothes for certain themes. Today was the day she was getting some boys assigned to herself by Andrew.

"Guys, please come join me. I'll be segregating the guys to each of you." Andrew requested Vani and her teammates. They silently followed him into the green room and found the entire boyband standing.

Seeing Ved three days later made her feel even more intimidated that she was the first two days. He just wouldn't stop staring at her. His stare made her feel small, and she wanted to hide behind Eric to avoid Ved's sight. But she had to show him how unaffected she was by him and didn't care about the way he threw gazes at her. Instead, she sported a soft smile and directed it towards her two friends and the other boys and completely ignored Ved.

"So, Natasha will handle Samar and Joshua. They have comparatively soft styles that match your portfolio very well." Andrew spoke looking at a writing pad in his hand. Natasha smiled at the two boys assigned to her.

"Eric, you'll be taking care of Ryan, Ahaan and Jake. Since they're the main rappers, they usually need some hardcore looks on stage and Eric specializes in those designs. Julie will be handling Mark and Liam. Nick will be assigned to – "

Vani was praying that she doesn't get Ved. She kept on chanting in her head.

Please don't give me Ved.

Please don't give me Ved.

Please don't give me Ved.

" – Daniel and Hayden because they often wear jackets with loose comfy clothes and that matches Nick's portfolio. And, Vani will take care of Samuel and Ved." Andrew finished and Vani could not be more disappointed. "Now, I need you guys to take their measurements and get started. All the best!" He said and left the room.

All the designers took their respective models into different rooms for measurements. Vani looked at Samuel, "Let's go."

Samuel nodded and asked Ved to follow, which he did happily. He smiled shyly at the thought of how he had begged Andrew to let him be assigned to Vani. Andrew had taken some time to understand why but went with the plan at the end. He mentally noted to thank Andrew again.

Vani tied her hair using a rubber band she always had on her hand. She pulled out a measurement tape from her bag and started writing Samuel's and Ved's name and the areas to measure.

She didn't want to be left alone with Ved, so she called him first. If she took his measurements in front of Samuel, there was no way he would talk to her or say something ridiculous that would make her go red.

"Ved, you're up first."

"Dude, can I get mine done first? I need to go record some vocals quickly. Andrew has been pestering me to get it done soon." Samuel requested and Vani couldn't deny. So, she quickly finished taking Samuel's measurements while Ved helped her write it down as she dictated to him.

"I'm so proud of you, Vani." Samuel spoke softly and smiled at her while she was measuring his waist.

"Thank you." Vani smiled back at him.

"Though, I've gotta admit, it's a little weird that you're taking measurements of my crotch area." He laughed.

"Sam!" Vani hit him on his thigh and laughed.

Ved looked at how the two friends were very comfortable with each other and wondered how there were no romantic feelings between them. The thought made him uncomfortable and jealous. But then he realized that they share a very platonic relationship and would go to lengths for each other.