Chapter 10

Hey Readers, I have a double update today, as I will be probably be offline later this evening or by Friday due to Hurricane Gonzalo heading right for us. Hopefully will be back online next week after it passes, but that will depend on the damage to our infrastructure on the island. Hope you guys enjoy!

Chapter #9 - The Launch, part II

Only when she walked with her showstopper model, did Rachna experience the slightest hint of regret. In an ideal world, it would have been Naomi at her side, but she knew as with life, sometimes things just aren't meant to be. Plus she knew that out there in the dark expanse of the hall, Naomi was giving her all in the only way she could today, and for that, Rachna was more than grateful. She blinked rapidly to dispel the tears she could feel gathering, as she received the accolades from an appreciative audience. No matter the industry success of her collection, right now her satisfaction lay in this, that her designs had been received so well; and more importantly that her family was here to share in her success. She looked to the section where they were seated thankful that under the harsh glare of the lighting on the stage, that their location was one of the few areas that she can see clearly from her position.

Their reactions were as she expected, from her Papa's stoic expression, although she knew him to be bursting with pride for her; to her mother's and aunts', and Daadi's of course, tears , and her Uncles' uncontained joviality. For certain Gunjan would be practically jumping out her seat in her exuberance, with Mayank not that far behind his wife in his happiness for his sister. Even her Sir's lopsided grin and nod in acknowledgment of her achievement, she expected, but if she was honest, it was the man seated next to Rajeev Sir from whom she truly sought affirmation. He was the one whom she admired, he, who taught her, nurtured her talent and then gave her the confidence to spread her wings. She looked to him and her smile grew even bigger. He had his hands full with their daughter, who had latched on to the excitement of those around her and was bouncing vigorously in her father's arms while clapping herself. Still the multitasker that he was, KT somehow managed to control their toddler and blow a kiss to his wife. He was even rewarded with one back, when Aryia thought it an excellent idea to mimic her father and gift her kiss to his cheek, with a slightly more damp effect. Rachna shook her head, before holding her palms together in thanks as she turned to acknowledge entire congregation.

In accordance with the next phase, Rachna attended the business representatives who had been invited to ascend to the stage to review the collection from a closer perspective. At the same time the press and individual photographers were unrestricted from the area they had been confined to during the showing, allowing viewing and photography from different angles. To say she was pleasantly surprised at the interest level from both categories of professionals would be an understatement. She would be busy for some time, but she couldn't be happier. She took a moment to look to the back of the hall, and retracted her thought. Yes one thing would make her happier right now, but she was certain it was being taken care of right now.

Naomi sat at her camera, feeling a bit more than sorry for herself. While she was so proud of Rachna, only now could she feel the loss of not being there for her friend. Truly she should have been on that stage with her, it had been the only thing Rachna had wanted from her, and she had let an unworthy idiot prevent her from fulfilling her friend's dream. She was total fool, she thought as tears began rolling down her cheeks.

The handkerchief came into view and she automatically grasped it and mopped up her tears before, seeing who had provided it.

"Sir, You?"

Mohit smiled at the young woman. "Miss Naomi, you are officially off the clock. It's time for you to have some fun."

"I was actually thinking that maybe some extra footage at the reception would be good. That way I would have maximum material to work with and..."

She stopped when the photographer reached out and removed her headset.

"You Miss, are not the only videographer here and I will have the photography well in hand. You are not even getting the chance to pack up your equipment, which seems to be in good order anyway," he said looking at the cases near the young woman.

"I hear you have a pretty party dress to wear, and I will be seeking you out for photos." He saw the uncertainty on her face . "Naomi, Rachna is your friend, and she will never be disappointed in you. However you may hurt her feelings this evening if she doesn't see you enjoying yourself at the reception. Now off with you, young lady, and remember what I said about my photos. I've already seen one amateur attempting to usurp my position as your favorite photographer, and that won't do at all."

She laughed and impulsively hugged the photographer. "Don't worry Sir, I will be ready for my photo-op. Now I have to go and find someone."

Rachna walked up to the reception area into a vibrant atmosphere. Her models had moved to this location, and she was gratified to see that her designs were still garnering the attention of a rapt audience. She scanned the attendees and located the group she was desperate to see and headed in their direction. Along the way she received the expected attention, and took the time to greet everyone who stopped her, as she weaved her way through the throng of people. Finally she reached her destination and stopped breathless. She stood before her father for a moment, before bending to receive his blessing. He stopped her midway, and drew her into his arms.

"Rachna, Beta no father could be more proud. Your work is magnificent."

"Thank you Papa, I'm so glad you liked it" She closed her eyes in response to his hold on her tightening. Finally he released her, and passed her over to her mother's waiting hug.

"Oh Mummy please, don't cry."

"These are happy tears, Beta , very, very happy tears. You were wonderful Rachna."

"You were right Mummy, everything just went perfectly."

Her mother laughed, "How could it not with you and Naomi at the helm. Where is she by the way?"

"I'm sure she will be here shortly."

"Ah, that is quite the lure Naomi, Beta. Are you sure you are going to forgo the dupatta? The extra coverage may be a good thing."

"Nay Daadi, this is just perfect; I feel so pretty. KT is just a genius, the colour is to die for isn't it?"

"That goes without saying Beta. Okay as long as you are happy, that's all that matters. Just don't be afraid to seek me out if the attention gets too much dear."

"What do you mean Daadi?'

"Mama...Mama!"

Kabir turned to see Rachna approaching, and quickly set Aryia on the floor to avoid the full blown tantrum about to erupt when he had turned their daughter away from the view of her mother. Thankfully there were no obstacles in her way as Aryia headed towards the outstretched arms.

Kabir met and put his arm around Rachna , drawing her into the conversation with the reporter he had been talking to.

"As you can see you now have the Designer of the Hour in attendance so you no longer need suffer with second best." He laughed when Rachna discretely rolled her eyes at him.

"Rachna, I was just asking KT how the introduction of what looks to be a very successful collection by his wife will affect things for the Tripathis on a professional and personal level. Already we see him in the primary parental role this evening. Do you think, as a wife and mother that it was wise to even consider starting such a venture especially with such a young family?"

"I think that the important thing is the support that we offer each other. Yes tonight it was Kabir's turn in the supportive role, which I am especially grateful for, but tomorrow the roles could very well be reversed. The important thing is that each of us are there to support the other, and more so to be there for our daughter and any other children we may be blessed to have in the future. I am just thankful that I have the opportunity to follow my dreams, but I know I wouldn't hesitate to give any of it up for my family. All of this may not work for every couple, but I am appreciative that for now we are blessed to be able to handle it all."

"Thank you Rachna, may we get a photo of the three of you for the article?"

"Of course."

Rachna held her smile until the reporter and his photographer moved on.

"How the heck did that jerk get on the guest list, the nerve of him!"

"Welcome to the limelight Mrs. Tripathi " Kabir responded. "One thing he did get right though, is that I'm sure your collection will be a huge success." He leaned over to kiss her forehead, "

I'm so very proud of you, Rachna." He looked around for an area she could rest momentarily and led her to a vacant table. "Let me arrange something for you to eat and drink before you have to make your rounds again. In the meantime you can ask Aryia what she thought of her mummy's collection."

"Ji KT, by the way have you seen Daadi and Naomi?"

Naomi was not making much progress as she walked through the crowd. When the fourth person stopped her, she finally told Daadi it was okay to leave her and have a seat; that she would reach her soon. It was the strangest thing though, while she did know some of the people from the modelling she had done, the fact that even strangers were approaching her was just crazy. She laughed to herself figuring that Rachna had sent out a "cheer up Naomi" memo. Finally she saw a couple that she was actually interested in meeting and headed their way.

"Shekhar, Neeta, how are you? More to the point Shekhar, why do you have you wife standing instead resting."

Neeta laughed, "Oh don't rough him up Naomi, this is actually my choice. Sometimes sitting can be just as unbearable. But how are you? Shekhar told me what happened with Abhi, I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

"It's the past, all of it, so don't worry about it."

Neeta smiled, "Well girl to girl, you must tell me about your hero. I hear he was awfully intimidating."

"I'm sorry I don't know what you're talking about."

She scanned the room and finally nodded across the way from where they stood. "Over there. Shekhar pointed him out to me when we arrived. Did you not know he had words with Abhi in your defense that night? Actually, to hear Shekhar's version, you won't have to worry about Abhi ever bothering you again."

Naomi turned and looked, already knowing who she would see. Yet still she could do nothing about the butterflies in her stomach or the softening of her expression, "Neeta can you excuse me, please?"

Neeta smiled knowingly and waved her away.

Naomi turned back to face the gauntlet of the crowd, determined to make her way over to her 'hero'.

Daadi arrived at Rachna's table just in time for KT's return.

"Did you lose Naomi, Daadi?" Rachna asked scanning the crowd for her friend.

"She was losing the battle of her admirers so she sent me on my way."

Rachna looked at KT, "I didn't think she would know that many people here."

"I don't think she does. It's my guess that it's because she looks awfully appealing tonight." Daadi said.

"See KT, I told you that the outfit would suit her. Well good for her I say Daadi," Rachna said.

That his grandmother just smiled, had Kabir seeking their friend in the crowd. With his height he was able to locate her and his eyes narrowed. "Dammit Rachna what is with you two and your accessories?"

"Nanhe, you are in the presence of ladies, watch your language please!"

KT looked over to where Rajeev stood with Gunjan and Mayank. "Well, we may as well settle in for the entertainment."

[NOCOPY]

crtkelly2016-05-03 07:04:07