Dev's POV:

Lights dimmed out and music started

(Audio above)

Dhin Dhin Tanana Tanana
Dhin Dhin Tanana Tanana
Dhin Dhin Tanana Tanana
Dhin Dhin Tanana Tanana

Chand Sa Uss Mein Noor Hai
Kabhi Sooraj Sa Magroor Hai
Naino Mein Saare, Jag Ka Saroor Hai
Piya

Garje Bijli Sa Ang Ang, Barse Megha Sa Khank Khank
Khuda Sa Kabhi Paas Tu, Khuda Sa Dil Mein
Baari Main Baari Sahib Ji
Haari Main Haari, Dil Da Tujhpe Bekhabar
Jiya Kesariyo Re Maharo
Piya Kesariyo Re Maharo
Piya Kesariyo Re Maharo, Kesariyo
Piya Kesariyo Re Maharo, Kesariyo
Piya Kesariyo Re Maharo, Kesariyo

We saw one by one models started walking the ramp...

The theme of the collection itself impressed me...

It was called...

'Black Bride'

It was all bridal dresses but everything was dark! Black! Evil and sexy!

I was already impressed by the designer...

I mean I could never imagine a South indian bride in a black saree which was actually not a saree but a pull over dress...

I just quickly told in Pragati's ears....

'No more second thoughts Pragati... This designer is Gaya's next designer.

Hire them at any cost... any condition!'

To which Pragati said...

'DK there is a problem... Although these are two folks...one is the fabric manufacturer and finance manager and the lady is a designer.

Although the guy agreed to take up the offer... infact he sent us the free passes too..but the lady sent an email some time ago saying...she doesn't want to get under Gaya's wings'

I looked at Pragati once...

'Double the package...I need her onboard!'

'DK... Money is not her concern... She said it's about freedom. You can check her email'

I showed my hand signalling her to stop✋

'DK will meet them personally after this show... Get me an appointment!!'

Pragati's expression froze...

'DK... I....I.....will do that....but....are ....are...
You....
S....
Sh....
Sure...???'

She fumbled when her eyes went from me to behind me...

I looked at bee confused...

'Maybe you already know her' she said and signalled her eyes to look behind me...

I turned around...

And what I saw literally had me splits
😳😳😳😳😳😳😳

The show stopper walked post her the designer stepped in while the music pitched high fast pace...

🎶🎵
Kesariyo kesariyo mharo...

Kesariyo kesariyo mharo...

Kesariyo kesariyo mharo...

Kesariyo kesariyo mharo...

Garje bijli sa ang ang

barse megha sa khank khank

Khuda sa kabhi paas tu, khuda sa door hai
🎵🎶

And I saw walk the ramp confidently...

Blowing flying kisses 💋

Finally taking a bow...

I was speechless 🤐

She???

Is the designer???

She is 'Tan-Anisha'???? 😧

I thankfully didn't faint...

My mouth was left open with a wide o!!!!
😯

She noticed me... Our eyes met...

She passed a light smile ...

I couldn't even understand anything further.

The event got over...

She was busy with media interaction!!!

While a young lady came to me asking...

'You must be Mr Dev Kapoor? '

I just nodded my head...

'Hello Sir...I'm Tan Sir and Ani mam's PA. I was asked you to be escorted to backstage.

'Tan Sir and Ani Mam???' I was confused...

'Tan-Anisha's owners... It's co-owned by both!!!'

'Ohh...' I nodded.

I, Pragati and Akhil followed her to backstage. There was a small room to do some talks..

It just had a few chairs..

I was asked to sit there...

'Sir and Mam would be here soon...' she said. She offered us hot or cold... I denied both.

My mind had many questions but topping all was...

What was Tan Sir???🤨

Soon I saw her come in...

She looked at me...

I thought she might now just shoo me away...

But she always surprises me...

She stood there professionally...

'Welcome Mr Kapoor... I hope you enjoyed the show' she was beaming confidence...

Come on.... Who won't!

She was bloody brilliant at her job!!!

The event was a super success!!!

She took the business chair opposite to me...

'I know why are you here... I hope you have read my email... I don't beat around the bush unlike my partner' she said...

Exactly...who is that partner???

'I am very clear I don't want to get under any fashion house wing!!! Im happy with my small brand... We earn well... I like this freedom. So I'm extremely glad you made us this offer but it's a no from our side'

She said looking into my eyes...

I tried looking into some familiar emotions in those eyes...but no...they were blank!!! Emotionless!!!

My heart slightly sank...

Just then we heard a voice...

'Oh.... please don't take her seriously...she will work for Gaya's... Im good with her doing that!!!'

I turned around to see a young man... standing there...

In dark blue t-shirt... A little shorter than me... Super fit... Handsome ..with a smile on his face...

'Ishu will definitely take this up Mr Kapoor...'

I looked at him raising my eyebrows...

Who is he? Did he just call her Ishu??? Why was he taking decisions for her?🤨

While I heard her protest...

'Tan...yaar no... Please... You know we have to start working for our next event too... I....I.... can't stop this to work on some other'

'And if I let you have the freehand to work on both Miss Sharma... '

Miss Sharma... 😌 After how many years I ....😌... Time....time flies....

I smiled at myself...

'You will have a free hand Miss Sharma... Infact you can keep your brand name too... We just need Gaya's launch new stuff...

So if you are good...

We can call it 'Ishaani's ' by Gaya's!!!

'Its Tan-Anisha's!!! Mr Kapoor' she was quick...

I passed her a fiery glare!

'Tan is my partner in everything since last 3 years... I dont care if he's designing or not... My brand will always be called 'Tan-Anisha's ' she was loud and clear.

I don't know why....

I clenched my fist 👊

Something inside me suddenly burnt in flames 🔥🔥🔥

I just got up in one go saying...

'Done... Please come to my office'

Before I could complete she cut me saying...

'Please mail me the papers... I'll have to show it to my lawyer... And I'll fax them back to you...

I cannot come regularly to office... I will be at office only on every alternate day...

Monday... Wednesday... Friday!!!

Package need not be doubled!

Im good with the money I was offered earlier!

Also... I wouldn't want any exclusive contract to bind me...

Although I work for Gaya's...I prefer to be a freelance contracter!'

She said all this looking into my eyes!!!

She had turned from Spitfire to firecracker 🎇🧨

I nodded.

Before I could shake hands with her...the man next to her pulled her into a tight hug!!!

'Congo Ishuuuuuuuu' he said

I was boiling😠😠😠

I took back my hand...

I glared at her at once... Saw the man Hugging her...

Clenching my fist!!!

I left the room storming!