The makeup artist steps aside as I smile, meeting my eyes in the mirror. ''Thank you, I love it.'' I say to Monica politely.
Yukti enters the room and gasps dramatically, making me roll my eyes. I stand up as Monica, the makeup artist packs her stuff, I twirl showing the entire look to Yuks as she grins. ''You look amazing love.'' She winks.
The butter yellow dress hugged my curves with pure elegance as the sleeves engulfed my arms in its heavily embroidered perfection. My hair falls down in straight length while my makeup is the definition of subtle elegance, thanks to Monica.
The dress was specifically designed by me for myself, it is a special occasion after all. Its the success event for my Paris fashion show and a huge announcement.
The fake dating set up is the last thing in my mind since days, or atleast I am trying to not think about it. Especially since I found out who he is. That arrogant head of handsomeness should rot in hell.
There-I said it.
Kabir is the man I have been trying to avoid for years, and now when I finally managed to not think about the unfortunate event...much.
I crash into his car out of all the people in mumbai. Plus spending a month acting like we are in love?
Not my cup of tea.
I smile pushing those thoughts aside as my parents enter the room. ''Beta you look stunning!''my mother exclaims as my dad retorts, ''Beti kiski hai?'' I chuckle. ''Well Shristhi is keeping Kishi busy while Vivaan gets ready then she is coming.'' My mom says, I nod and ask ''Where's Vid?'' ''He is talking to the lighting guy he will be here soon. I nod as Yukti talks to my mom while my dad walks to me, ''Anaya?'' ''Yeah?''
(who's daughter is she?)
''Did you see his photo?'' He asks.
''Yes and dad please not right now.'' I reply frowning ''Although you didnt mention that he is jiju's friend?''
''Oh I thought it wasnt a big deal, they were just in college together.''
Of cource its a huge deal!
''Oh..okay.'' I say, I smile diverting the topic ''I cant believe this is happeneing.'' I squel making him laugh.
''I am proud of you An.'' He lied with a smile. He is a great liar, he can make people believe anything but not me.
''Papa?'' He hums in response as I sigh "Just act like you are proud of me..for one day.'' I murmur as my smile drops. We were distracted by my didi,jiju and Kishi entering the room. I smile as I rush and take the giggling Kishi in my arms.
''Hi my baby.'' I kiss her cheek as she squirms.
''Masi pretty!'' She murmurs making us laugh. Shrish hugs me as she says, ''You look amazing Anu.'' I smile, she notices the faltered smile as she whispers ''Papa?'' I nod as she pats my cheek ''Its your day okay? Don't think much'' I nod smiling as Jiju steps forward.
''You look great, all the best.'' I smile and respond with a thank you.
After what feels like hours we walk down, we start welcoming the guests, the media taking pics of all the high end celebrieties and businessman. As the crowd settles I take control on the stage, I smile as I take the microphone towards my lips.
''Good evening everyone, I hope its a pleasant one for everyone.'' I greet smiling.
''Its been almost two years since I launched my label..Its been a roller coaster but I could never complain. I still remember the first time I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer..I was at a new york fashion week show with dad and mumma, seeing the art of the designers brought to life it felt like it was the first thing I ever wanted in life.'' I pause with a small chuckle.
''They say that success is easy when you are spoon fed, when you have such a successful family..everything is easier. People are somehow judged in every field they step in, actors daughter is succesful because well..nepotism, A singer didnt struggle much to compose his songs, why? well..his family had ties. I still hear comments or read articles stating how I had an easy career because of my dad. Yeah he helped me, he stayed the nights when I felt like giving up..he gave up his dream of handing over his business to me for my dreams.'' My voice breaks as I continue. ''It's easy to judge someone but hard to acknowledge their struggle or success. And here I am today, holding a success party for the dream project. Paris fashion show is something that has always been a part of my goal and I am grateful I get a chance to share thiis special moment of my life with you.''
I smile as the crowd whoots in cheer, my eyes unexpectedly meets his..
Why is he here?
I gulp as I focus back on my speech ''And with that I would also like to annouce..'' The lights fade as the projecter beams ''Opening of my first ever store in mumbai, Anaya Roa couture is now not only a online store but a in-person store too!'' I announce as the crowd starts clapping and cheering. After a few more heartfelt sentences I descend the stage and walk to Yukti who hugs me, her eyes teary because I mentioned her in my speech. I chuckle giving her a soft hug and pulling back.
''Chipku!'' I smile slapping her arm. My dad walks to me long with Mr.Sharma on his left. I take a deep breath before greeting him. Kabir's father, the man who somehow owed my dad a favor.
''Congratulations Anaya'' I smile thanking him ''Did you meet Kabir yet, considering you both are now you know..supposed to be exclusive?'' He adds in a soft whisper.
Yes I did, I crashed into his beloved car just a few days ago.
''No I didn't.'' I reply as he nods ''No worries he is here tonight..you can go talk to him, he is with Sameer and Dev, they are all with Vivaan'' I nod in response.
After spending rest of the evening greeting guests and celebrities, I turn after talking to Mrs.Oberoi, Shikha is an absolute sweetheart! I bump into someone.
I groan softly as i lift my eyes, they widen as I smirk ''Hey there chapal chor..'' He says with a smirk as I roll my eyes.
''Yeah yeah whatever.'' I chuckle ''Congratulations!'' He shakes my hand.
''So..how's life been?'' He asks, ''Well just the usual..designing clothes and stuff, what about you? giving people justice?''
He rolls his eyes smirking as he mimics my voice ''Helping people get justice.'' He corrects as I laugh. My gaze moves around the hall, making him smirk.
''Looking for someone special?''
''Shut up Sameer.'' I roll my eyes as he smirks wider. ''Well dont worry we know about the..date shate situation.''
I groan ''Of cource you do..'' I mumble softly.
Devam joins us as I chat with them, I met them for tthe first time at Didi's wedding five years ago, including Kabir.
The evening ends as the guests start to disperse, I turn after talking to a staff member, only to bump into a wall.
oh..it's a person.
''Insaan ho ki aafat?'' I hear the person murmur wiping his shirt, I look up scoffing.
(Are you a human or a disaster?)
Kabir, the man I was hoping I won't have to interact with tonight of all. I frown replying ''Tumhare aate hi aafat ban jati hu."
(Become a disaster as soon as you come)
I step away to watch him swirling his wine, he has grown more...handso-
shut up.
''Congrats though.'' He says, his voice softer, making me roll my eyes.
He grins smugly ''Still as egoistic as ever, I see..''
''Chashme karwa lo.''I retort gruffly
''Kyu?''
''Pehle se zyada egoistic ban gayi hun.'' I roll my eyes after replying.
His stupid grin still plastered on his face making me scowl internally ''Can't believe I have to act like I love you idiot.''
''Oh hello! mujhe bhi koi saatve aasmaan ki khushi nahi mili is deal se.'' He says mimicking my eye roll.
''Great!'' I reply frowning, turning to leave.
''Saturday, eight o'clock..I will send the address to your dad.'' He turned to leave after saying that..just like that.
Like he did the last time.
I shake my head as I walk away. I meet my sister out of the changing room after all the guests leave. ''So?'' She whispers not to wake up the sleeping Kishi.
''Why him didi.'' I whisper, shaking my head as we sit on the plush couch.
''Abhi bhi gussa hai?'' She whispers, making my fingers twirling the ring stop.
Why would she bring that up?
''Please didi, this is not about that-''
''I know exactly what this is about Anaya.'' She whispers leaving no room for denial.
Jiju enters the room softly, he smiles and takes Kishi from didi's arms, he places a soft kiss on didi's cheek making her blush like a newly-wed. '' See you later.'' He whispers to us as he takes Kishi to another room. I lock the door as I start changing.
''Forget that now An, it's been five years-''
''Can you please stop making it seem like it was my fault, and yes I am still mad, I hate him.. and I am never stopping.'' I snap at her ''Let's just..forget it.'' I add, my voice a little less gruff this time.
''As you wish.''She says before helping me unzip the dress. I stare in the mirror while the room is once again filled in silence, the contrast of my mind which is eating me up.
No, I am not crying. Not over something as old as five years.I gulp thanking her when I slip out of the dress and wear a shirt and jeans.
She looks up at me, reading my eyes. She is aware of how much I hate being weak, how awful I am at showing emotions.
Like when my dadu passed away, I was crying the least but the most broken inside. I lost not only my dadu but my bestfriend that day.
She tilts my face slowly and smiles, ''If you really are not ready to face him, I can help you say no to dad.'' She murmurs, kissing my head.
''No, I owe papa one-''
''You don't owe anything to anyone for following your dreams.'' She cuts me off gruffly.
''I know but, I think i can do this..if not today then tomorrow.'' I say closing my eyes with a sigh.
We spend the next few minutes in silence, my mother knocks on the door saying it's time to leave.
We part ways to separate routes, I drive to anywhere but my house. This was supposed to be a great night..and I am somehow losing my shit again.
I drive to Yukti's place instead, even if we left together, I lean against the door, I ring the doorbell staring at her nameplate.
She opens the door knowing only one person can ring at her door at this time. I enter silently laying on her sofa, staring at the ceiling. I take out a cigarette and step on the balcony, I sit on the swing in the huge garden balcony. Yukti sits beside me placing a glass of water in front of me. I take a sip.
The night is filled with silence, and my chatterbox is also calm right now, aware there is a storm bubbling inside me.
After what feels like eternity I slowly rest my head on her shoulder. She slowly strokes my hair. I turn off the cigarette in the ashtray sighing. I was about to light another when she stopped me.
''Enough, ek hi din mein fefde kharab kar dengi..abhi ek mahina aur hai.'' She mutters, taking the box away.
(You will spoil your lungs in one day, you still have a month left)
I only smoke when my mind is a mess or when I feel suffocated. And this whole fake dating Kabir, is going to slowly choke me to nothing.
''You will be fine, i am here for you'' She says stroking my hair gently, the tears I have been fighting for so long finally break out.
°•☆•°
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