'Excuse me?' Arnav arched his eyebrow at her.
'The models...they're men.' She gasped out, still reeling from the shock of seeing five grown men in their underwear.
'Yes...there are male models, you're point.' He stared at her not grasping her problem.
'No, they're men...' She said as if restating it would make him understand all of a sudden. Which he did not, thus he leaned towards the wall and folded his arms, waiting for her to iterate something coherent.
'The models, Arnav ji, in my room, they are men.' She said, panic bubbling inside of her.
'Yes...' said Arnav, still waiting for Khushi to reveal her problem.
'They are men...Arnav ji, men.' Khushi shouted in his face, flabbergasted that he didn't see her problem.
'Yes we have deciphered that the models are men, but you still haven't told me what the issue is Ms Gupta.' He drawled in a cool tone.
'The problem, how can you not see the problem? I have half nude male models in my dressing room, when I have designed clothes for female models!!!' Khushi yelled at him, annoyed at his ineptitude today.
'Oh, that is a problem.' Was all he said, still in a perfectly calm voice, as he eyed her. She stared at him, what was wrong with this man, why was he not jumping into action? From her very first encounter with him she had learned that he was a very vigilant and alert man, who never lost his cool in a dire situation, he fixed every disaster, before launching his anger at the person responsible for the mess. So why was he not fixing her problem, they were a team were they not, her loss was his loss. Wasn't it?
No, no it wasn't. They were not a team, never had been. She saw it now and so did he. A satisfied smile twisted itself onto his lips as he saw that the realisation finally hit her. This is why he had been civilised towards her and ignored her ranting in his office, entertained her threat to take him to court and taken charge of her, for he wished to stub her on this day. He had played the role of the supervisor well and made her think she could trust him, only so that he could turn around and stab her in the back. He was evil, pure evil.
'How could you?' was all she mustered up in whisper, for his betrayal had drained all her energy.
'Before you ask that question, ask yourself was it really my fault, that I got male models instead of female ones. I mean you never specified the sex, so how was I to know?' he asked cunningly. She was stumped, for he was right, she had not specified. He had found the loophole in her message and used it to stump her. He had played her well and she hated him for it.
'You...you...' she searched for words to hurt him with, but couldn't find any, while he only smiled at her helplessness.
'You know, Ms Gupta, I think it would do you well to search for a solution, rather than words to throw at me, for they will do me no harm, but will waste your valuable time. The clock is ticking, Ms Gupta and if you wish to remain in this race you may want to start using your brain rather than your mouth. LaANK does not need or require mouthy people, it requires smart, resourceful people, who can turn a disaster into an exhibition. I have seen your ability to cause destruction, now let's see whether you are capable of damage control or not. So you can either sulk here and curse me, or actually try and turn the events around to suit you, the choice is yours. I would prefer you went with the first, would make my life much better; but I am a man of my word, I stated that you could compete in this competition and you can, thus I will not discourage you to stay and compete and as I am your supervisor I will caution you to salvage your problem quickly as your turn is in less than three hours.' With that he left her to curse herself and him for trusting him. Hadn't she promised herself never to trust any man after what Shyam had done? Served her right for breaking her own promise. All these professional men were nothing but liars, who played with your feelings. One could never let them in, for they would take what they wanted and then leave her broken and damaged.
Broken, Khushi made her way to the Round-Table, where she sunk herself into the chair she had drowned in the first day. In the cocoon of the white cushioned chair she let her heart out. She had let herself down. She had let her baby down. What was she going to do now, how was she supposed to replace five models and adjust their outfits in under two and half hours?
'You've been unfair to me DM. really unfair. I get it, you're angry with me, for what I did with Shyam. For how I betrayed you and your teachings I understand, but to completely turn your back on me. That's not done. I have apologised have I not and repented and I agree that you should remain angry at me as my crime is unforgivable, but just because you are angry with me doesn't mean you don't let anything go my way. I'm trying am I not to right my wrongs and do the right thing by my child then why do you keep on sending obstacles my way and no solutions. I thought you said with every lock you will send a key...well either you forgot this time or it got lost on its' way. I don't know how to get out of this mess DM. Please help me...please...I need this job...for the gift: my child - my reason for living, that you have bestowed upon me...please. Help me...' She pleaded, as the tears weaved their way down her cheek.
'Khushi?' Khushi moved aside one of her fingers, which were covering her eyes, to see who had called her name. It was Rubina.
'Khushi my dear why are you crying...' she gasped as she saw her watery eyes. Without another word she put down her tray of dirty mugs and took the seat next to her, as she took one of Khushi's hands into hers. 'Sssh...Sshh my darling, tell me what is it? I thought today was your finale, I was going to head over there after depositing the dried coffee and tea mugs in the kitchen sink when I saw you here, what happened sweetie. Did that Ishiqa girl or her drones say something to you?' her face was etched with worry. Khushi shook her head with a loud sniff, indicating it had nothing to do with the other competitors.
'Then what is it sweetheart. Tell me. Tell your Rubina Aunty.' She pushed, unable to see Khushi hurt.
'Rubina ji...I...I don't know what to do...it's all a mess.' Khushi began, 'He...he played me...Arnav ji...he made me sew all my designs according to the measurements of male models. So now I have five male models in my dressing room waiting to put on female attires. It's all a mess and there is no time to fix it. I mean where will I get five models in two hours and have the dresses fitted to their size...I mean...it's all my fault I knew he would never help me, I should have never trusted him!' she echoed the thoughts she had been plaguing herself with. Rubina didn't say anything, she was in some deep thought. So she wasn't the only one who thought that nothing could be done now, great. Well that's exactly how Arnav Singh Raizada had wanted it wasn't it. Thus nothing could be or would be done, because there just wasn't enough time.
'Khushi...I think I may be able to do something...I mean if you will accept it that is...' Rubina began. Khushi sprang up and then scolded herself as Payal's voice nagged her about sudden movements in her condition.
'Yes...' Khushi prodded.
'Well they are not models but, they are girls, who could model your designs if you agreed to it.' She said testily.
'Who?' Khushi clawed herself out of the portal chair and tethered at the edge to listen where she may get five angels from to save her day.
'My girls. I have five girls remember...they can wear your designs if you want, they can be here in about ten minutes, my apartment is on the opposite side of this road. They could even alter the clothes, thereby, save you time to do the make-up and prep before you send them on stage. What do you think? Do you think they would accept it. Five non models, modeling?'
'Oh who cares about what they think. They never specified who should model.' She was going to use Arnav's loop-hole against him. But wait you're ok with this right, I mean I know you wanted to keep your girls away from the modeling world...'
'Yeah I know, but this is to help you and it's not like they will enter the modeling industry just by walking in a couple of your designs. So it's fine Khushi.'
'Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!' Khushi yelped as she leaped into Rubina's arms, startling her.
She smiled after the initial shock, 'No need to thank me Khushi, you are like a daughter to me too. Besides, who else will get me discounts on designer outfits when they are a top class designer hunh?' she jibed.
Khushi smiled back and then took charge, 'Ok, tell me their sizes so I will start placing the markings to resize my outfits. The good thing is that we have to decrease the size rather than increase, so we won't require new material for it. I'll get my things from the dressing room back to the Seam-line, and whilst I'm there I will get rid of the five brothers I did not ask for.' She mumbled as she began walking towards the staging area.
'And I'll call my daughters.' Rubina called from behind.
Twenty minutes later the daughters had arrived and Khushi was taking their measurements to alter the dresses. 'Array, Maheen where is Mehreen?' inquired Rubina as she walked into the Seam-line, she had been in the kitchen after she had made the call, thus hadn't been there when her daughters arrived.
'I'm here Mama.' Came Mehreen's voice who was already sitting next to one of the sewing machines, altering one of the shalwar kameez Khushi had designed.
'Oh, ok good. For a second I thought we were one model short for Khushi.' Rubina said with a relief.
'Well we are, Mama.' Came a third voice.
Rubina turned to face her younger daughter and her eye caught something white on her foot. 'Beta, what happened why do you have a bandage on your foot?' she hurried over to her daughter in worry.
'I sprained it this morning. I won't be able to model for Khushi di, we will need to find another model.' She said annoyed that she wouldn't be able to help Khushi.
'Don't worry Mehwish, we will think up something, you just sit down sweetie and rest your leg, you don't want to strain it.' Counselled Khushi, kindly.
'Hmm...but I really am sorry, you needed our help and I can't help you.' She sulked, as she sat in one of the chairs.
'Well you still can by altering one of your sister's clothes and then with the make-up, we don't have much time just under two hours now.' Rubina said as she brought over another dress which Khushi had finished marking and gave it to Mehwish to begin the resize. She sat up at that, seeing that she was still useful and began her work enthusiastically. Rubina smiled, she had brought up all five of her daughters to be caring and helpful girls, but out of all them it was her youngest, Mehwish who loved doing things for the people around them the most. She was the most active out her children when it came to doing something for the community. While the others never hesitated to help someone they knew, it was Mehwish, who ventured out and helped people she didn't know while the others sometimes participated in her projects.
'Ok I have finished all the markings to these four dresses and they will be ready for you daughters to wear in a bit, we just need to figure out who will model this last one. I could call my di but by the time she got here it would be too late. I could see about asking one of the other candidates if they would be willing to let me borrow one of their models...' Khushi hoped aloud.
'What those witches...you really do think everyone is like you don't you my dear Khushi. Have you still not learned, those girls will stab you faster than help you? We will have to think of something else. Hmm show me the design...' She asked putting her hand out for it. Khushi took the last one out the hanger and passed it over to Rubina. It was breathtaking. The delicacy with which Khushi had laced each of the stones and sequins showed how much care she had taken with this dress. It was a deep red sari, with the most beautiful handwork on the border Rubina had seen. It was simply outstanding. 'This is gorgeous Khushi. One can tell that this design must be very close to your heart. You must have taken great care when stitching these intricate patterns.' She said beaming at Khushi.
'It is. I have tried to replicate from memory the design on the last sari I saw my Amma wear. She had looked magnificent it, Rubina ji. It was their wedding anniversary and my Bauji had gotten tickets to my Amma's favourite play, Heer-Ranjha. We had had an early dinner and then gone to watch the play, only I got sick and so we had to leave early. Something in the food we had eaten earlier had not settled well with my stomach and I had began vomiting, thus my Bauji had driven frantically, trying to get me to the hospital. He was like that even if I sneezed he would take me to the hospital scared I had caught something vicious. Both of them were over protective of me, they had gotten me after many prayers. That is when the accident happened, the hospital was right in front of us and so even though it was a red light my Bauji broke it, as I was throwing up yet again in the car, he didn't even see the truck that came from his side, as his attention was all on me...' she went quiet as the memory of that night reduced her to tears again. Rubina who had been holding her hand throughout the encounter, now patted her back to calm her.
When she finally had control over herself, she gave a loud sniff, wiped her eyes and whispered, 'I'm still not sure how I managed to survive, as my Bau ji and the truck driver both died in the collision and my mum fought for a day but lost in the end, whereas I managed to live on.' Her voice and eyes were distant, as if she were on that unfortunate road witnessing the accident as a third person trying to decipher how exactly she managed to survive, the only thing she remembered of that moment was a high pitched scream of her name uttered by her mother, the rest was emitted from her memory, it was all black. The next thing she remembered was waking up two days later in the hospital room, her cousin and Aunt red-eyed next to her telling her that her parents had gone to DM and won't come back. She hadn't understood. She had asked her best-friend, her DM to send her parents back, but she hadn't. For some time she had been angry with her when she didn't do her bidding. Then a while later she had feared that what if her anger resulted in DM not caring for her parents and so she had broken the silence between them; it was only after that incident of hide-and-seek that she realized her DM had given her what she had asked for; she may not have sent her parents back but she had given her, parents and a family, thus after that day she had let go of any grudges or fears she had towards the goddess and embraced her wholly once more.
'I think I know who should wear this Khushi...' Rubina's voice brought Khushi back to the present.
'Hunh?' Khushi asked.
'There is only one person who has the right to adorn this outfit Khushi and she is right here.' Rubina said with a knowing smile.
'Who?' asked Khushi, not following.
'You, my darling. Who else should wear your mother's sari but you?' She said, spreading the aanchal on Khushi's shoulder and smiling. Look how well it becomes you...' her eyes were brimming with tears too now.
'Me?' Khushi asked, as a familiar lump began to solidify itself in her throat.
'Yes, you.' She said reinforcing it.
'I...I...don't know.' Was all Khushi could manage.
'But I do. And I'm telling you to wear it Khushi. You trust me don't you?' She asked and Khushi nodded. 'Well then it is settled, you are wearing it. I'm a mother too, that is why I can confidently say that you're mother would want you to wear it, as it is so precious to you.' She added compassionately. To which Khushi only managed to sniff, as the tears poured out again. Rubina embraced her gently and then added, 'Ok, enough, now we don't have much time tell me your measurements and I will alter the blouse and petti-coat, while you start getting Mehnaz and Mehjabeen ready, as their dresses are complete; and then you need to adjust your portfolio too Khushi, come on quick quick, we don't have much time. In an hour and a bit Khushi has to be on stage with you all.' With that they all stopped chatting and began working their magic with their hands. Khushi took the middle two girls with her to the dressing room and began assembling their attires.
Mehnaz was wearing a sleeveless green chudidaar, that was laced with gold, silver and turquoise embroidery and had a black border that gave a great background to the work Khushi had done on it. She applied natural make up on her and gave her matching bangles and big jumkes with multi-coloured stones on them, which glistened in the light. Once done with her she moved to Mehjabeen, the fourth daughter, who was wearing a blue jeans, that had hena patterns flowing down her right leg (this was her own pair, they did not have the time to alter the jeans Khushi had stitched and as it went well with the top Khushi had designed they had gone with it). The kurta Khushi had designed with this had a lemon-yellow base with a pink desert rose needled into one corner of it. She gave her pink studs and a pink flower choker to wear on her neck, to enhance the pink rose, which was further highlighted by the pink eye shade and blush they applied.
Once they were ready, in walked the other four women with the dresses all altered. Khushi, Maheen and Mehreen took their dresses and began changing when Mehwish, with a shrill cry bought a problem to the fore. 'Mama, we thought of everything, but the footwear. We can't resize those. What are we going to do?' Both Khushi and Rubina were stumped, Mehwish had a point they couldn't change the sandals at the last minute.
'Oho, no need to worry,' cried Mehreen as she walked out the changing room and motioned one of her sisters to tighten her corset, 'one of us can run and get our own foot wear from the house, look at your clothes and get something matching. Khushi ji, what is your foot size, I'm sure it will be the same if not close enough to one of ours.' Rubina smiled, of course Mehreen had the answer, she was always the most calm and alert in a crisis.
'Yes you are right, ok, Mehjabeen you're ready yes, you go fetch the sandals, you wear my pink mojris that would look good on your clothes, right Khushi?'
'Yes', she nodded.
'And umm...get Mehnaz her black stiletto heels...and what do you think about the others Khushi?'
'Umm...do you have any golden sandals for Maheen's outfit?' they nodded. 'Ok and for Mehreen, any simple white sandals?' Khushi asked, as the others thought of one they may have, as Mehreen generally wore shoes.
'Yes Appa can wear mine, these ones that I'm wearing, won't they work?' Mehwish offered. They turned to look at her footwear. It was perfect, a flat off-white sandal that ringed around the big toe and snaked its' way up to the ankles, were it bunched up and tied into a beautiful knot.
'Yes they are perfect. Now only my footwear, is left.'
'Oo I have the perfect red sandals that would match your sari Khushi, here see if you can fit into my shoes.' Maheen said as she took off her silver slippers. Khushi tried and they fit. 'Perfect. Ok Mehjabeen you know where I kept my new sandals right? Good go get them and the others, quickly.' She said as excitement bubbled inside her, seeing how it was nearly time, only about half an hour now. Ishiqa had just taken her models on stage, it would be Khushi's turn next.
Once Mehjabeen left, Maheen, Mehreen and Khushi got back to getting ready. Mehnaz did Maheen's make-up and Mehwish did Mehreen's, while Rubina helped Khushi pin up her sari. Mehreen was adorned in a white dress that had teal blue and golden stones tracing the border of the skirt and covering the blouse, which was a backless tube top. She pinned a powder blue shawl on her to cover her bare back and bring out the blue in the work that stringed itself across the dress. Maheen on the other hand was in heavy traditional wear. She was wearing a golden and mauve lehenga, that had intricate embroidery on it but Khushi had refrained from putting too many crystals on it as that would add more weight to the already heavy cloth. She gave her traditional jewelry to go with it while, she gave Mehreen an elegant watch and a simple sapphire bracelet.
Khushi got Mehreen to make an elegant bun, while Maheen to make an intricate braid, laced with gleaming stones. Mehjabeen, she had gotten to pull her long hair back in a pony-tail and Mehnaz she now got to pin up the sides of her hair, to move it off her face. Once they were all done they turned to Khushi who was unsure of what do with herself. She had quite a bit of jewelry out but wasn't sure which to wear. Rubina came forward and selected the long crystal earrings. 'Only these Khushi and then apply a little kohl, mascara and lip gloss, that's all you require anything else will make you look over done. I say you don't even need these, you look beautiful without them as it is, but as you are modeling then you do require some jewelry that is why only the simplest, as that is what will bring your sari out best.'
'Hmmm...ok and what about my hair?'
'Leave it out, it will take all their breaths away. You all will. My daughters, all six of them, look breathtaking.' She said hugging all five of her daughters (Mehjabeen had gotten back when they were selecting Khushi's jewelry) and Khushi together, then went on to add a dot of kohl under their ears to protect them from the evil-eye; and just like that Khushi had managed to get five models with their clothes altered and their hair, makeup and footwear ready in under three hours. Khushi and her models were ready.
'The models...they're men.' She gasped out, still reeling from the shock of seeing five grown men in their underwear.
'Yes...there are male models, you're point.' He stared at her not grasping her problem.
'No, they're men...' She said as if restating it would make him understand all of a sudden. Which he did not, thus he leaned towards the wall and folded his arms, waiting for her to iterate something coherent.
'The models, Arnav ji, in my room, they are men.' She said, panic bubbling inside of her.
'Yes...' said Arnav, still waiting for Khushi to reveal her problem.
'They are men...Arnav ji, men.' Khushi shouted in his face, flabbergasted that he didn't see her problem.
'Yes we have deciphered that the models are men, but you still haven't told me what the issue is Ms Gupta.' He drawled in a cool tone.
'The problem, how can you not see the problem? I have half nude male models in my dressing room, when I have designed clothes for female models!!!' Khushi yelled at him, annoyed at his ineptitude today.
'Oh, that is a problem.' Was all he said, still in a perfectly calm voice, as he eyed her. She stared at him, what was wrong with this man, why was he not jumping into action? From her very first encounter with him she had learned that he was a very vigilant and alert man, who never lost his cool in a dire situation, he fixed every disaster, before launching his anger at the person responsible for the mess. So why was he not fixing her problem, they were a team were they not, her loss was his loss. Wasn't it?
No, no it wasn't. They were not a team, never had been. She saw it now and so did he. A satisfied smile twisted itself onto his lips as he saw that the realisation finally hit her. This is why he had been civilised towards her and ignored her ranting in his office, entertained her threat to take him to court and taken charge of her, for he wished to stub her on this day. He had played the role of the supervisor well and made her think she could trust him, only so that he could turn around and stab her in the back. He was evil, pure evil.
'How could you?' was all she mustered up in whisper, for his betrayal had drained all her energy.
'Before you ask that question, ask yourself was it really my fault, that I got male models instead of female ones. I mean you never specified the sex, so how was I to know?' he asked cunningly. She was stumped, for he was right, she had not specified. He had found the loophole in her message and used it to stump her. He had played her well and she hated him for it.
'You...you...' she searched for words to hurt him with, but couldn't find any, while he only smiled at her helplessness.
'You know, Ms Gupta, I think it would do you well to search for a solution, rather than words to throw at me, for they will do me no harm, but will waste your valuable time. The clock is ticking, Ms Gupta and if you wish to remain in this race you may want to start using your brain rather than your mouth. LaANK does not need or require mouthy people, it requires smart, resourceful people, who can turn a disaster into an exhibition. I have seen your ability to cause destruction, now let's see whether you are capable of damage control or not. So you can either sulk here and curse me, or actually try and turn the events around to suit you, the choice is yours. I would prefer you went with the first, would make my life much better; but I am a man of my word, I stated that you could compete in this competition and you can, thus I will not discourage you to stay and compete and as I am your supervisor I will caution you to salvage your problem quickly as your turn is in less than three hours.' With that he left her to curse herself and him for trusting him. Hadn't she promised herself never to trust any man after what Shyam had done? Served her right for breaking her own promise. All these professional men were nothing but liars, who played with your feelings. One could never let them in, for they would take what they wanted and then leave her broken and damaged.
Broken, Khushi made her way to the Round-Table, where she sunk herself into the chair she had drowned in the first day. In the cocoon of the white cushioned chair she let her heart out. She had let herself down. She had let her baby down. What was she going to do now, how was she supposed to replace five models and adjust their outfits in under two and half hours?
'You've been unfair to me DM. really unfair. I get it, you're angry with me, for what I did with Shyam. For how I betrayed you and your teachings I understand, but to completely turn your back on me. That's not done. I have apologised have I not and repented and I agree that you should remain angry at me as my crime is unforgivable, but just because you are angry with me doesn't mean you don't let anything go my way. I'm trying am I not to right my wrongs and do the right thing by my child then why do you keep on sending obstacles my way and no solutions. I thought you said with every lock you will send a key...well either you forgot this time or it got lost on its' way. I don't know how to get out of this mess DM. Please help me...please...I need this job...for the gift: my child - my reason for living, that you have bestowed upon me...please. Help me...' She pleaded, as the tears weaved their way down her cheek.
'Khushi?' Khushi moved aside one of her fingers, which were covering her eyes, to see who had called her name. It was Rubina.
'Khushi my dear why are you crying...' she gasped as she saw her watery eyes. Without another word she put down her tray of dirty mugs and took the seat next to her, as she took one of Khushi's hands into hers. 'Sssh...Sshh my darling, tell me what is it? I thought today was your finale, I was going to head over there after depositing the dried coffee and tea mugs in the kitchen sink when I saw you here, what happened sweetie. Did that Ishiqa girl or her drones say something to you?' her face was etched with worry. Khushi shook her head with a loud sniff, indicating it had nothing to do with the other competitors.
'Then what is it sweetheart. Tell me. Tell your Rubina Aunty.' She pushed, unable to see Khushi hurt.
'Rubina ji...I...I don't know what to do...it's all a mess.' Khushi began, 'He...he played me...Arnav ji...he made me sew all my designs according to the measurements of male models. So now I have five male models in my dressing room waiting to put on female attires. It's all a mess and there is no time to fix it. I mean where will I get five models in two hours and have the dresses fitted to their size...I mean...it's all my fault I knew he would never help me, I should have never trusted him!' she echoed the thoughts she had been plaguing herself with. Rubina didn't say anything, she was in some deep thought. So she wasn't the only one who thought that nothing could be done now, great. Well that's exactly how Arnav Singh Raizada had wanted it wasn't it. Thus nothing could be or would be done, because there just wasn't enough time.
'Khushi...I think I may be able to do something...I mean if you will accept it that is...' Rubina began. Khushi sprang up and then scolded herself as Payal's voice nagged her about sudden movements in her condition.
'Yes...' Khushi prodded.
'Well they are not models but, they are girls, who could model your designs if you agreed to it.' She said testily.
'Who?' Khushi clawed herself out of the portal chair and tethered at the edge to listen where she may get five angels from to save her day.
'My girls. I have five girls remember...they can wear your designs if you want, they can be here in about ten minutes, my apartment is on the opposite side of this road. They could even alter the clothes, thereby, save you time to do the make-up and prep before you send them on stage. What do you think? Do you think they would accept it. Five non models, modeling?'
'Oh who cares about what they think. They never specified who should model.' She was going to use Arnav's loop-hole against him. But wait you're ok with this right, I mean I know you wanted to keep your girls away from the modeling world...'
'Yeah I know, but this is to help you and it's not like they will enter the modeling industry just by walking in a couple of your designs. So it's fine Khushi.'
'Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!' Khushi yelped as she leaped into Rubina's arms, startling her.
She smiled after the initial shock, 'No need to thank me Khushi, you are like a daughter to me too. Besides, who else will get me discounts on designer outfits when they are a top class designer hunh?' she jibed.
Khushi smiled back and then took charge, 'Ok, tell me their sizes so I will start placing the markings to resize my outfits. The good thing is that we have to decrease the size rather than increase, so we won't require new material for it. I'll get my things from the dressing room back to the Seam-line, and whilst I'm there I will get rid of the five brothers I did not ask for.' She mumbled as she began walking towards the staging area.
'And I'll call my daughters.' Rubina called from behind.
Twenty minutes later the daughters had arrived and Khushi was taking their measurements to alter the dresses. 'Array, Maheen where is Mehreen?' inquired Rubina as she walked into the Seam-line, she had been in the kitchen after she had made the call, thus hadn't been there when her daughters arrived.
'I'm here Mama.' Came Mehreen's voice who was already sitting next to one of the sewing machines, altering one of the shalwar kameez Khushi had designed.
'Oh, ok good. For a second I thought we were one model short for Khushi.' Rubina said with a relief.
'Well we are, Mama.' Came a third voice.
Rubina turned to face her younger daughter and her eye caught something white on her foot. 'Beta, what happened why do you have a bandage on your foot?' she hurried over to her daughter in worry.
'I sprained it this morning. I won't be able to model for Khushi di, we will need to find another model.' She said annoyed that she wouldn't be able to help Khushi.
'Don't worry Mehwish, we will think up something, you just sit down sweetie and rest your leg, you don't want to strain it.' Counselled Khushi, kindly.
'Hmm...but I really am sorry, you needed our help and I can't help you.' She sulked, as she sat in one of the chairs.
'Well you still can by altering one of your sister's clothes and then with the make-up, we don't have much time just under two hours now.' Rubina said as she brought over another dress which Khushi had finished marking and gave it to Mehwish to begin the resize. She sat up at that, seeing that she was still useful and began her work enthusiastically. Rubina smiled, she had brought up all five of her daughters to be caring and helpful girls, but out of all them it was her youngest, Mehwish who loved doing things for the people around them the most. She was the most active out her children when it came to doing something for the community. While the others never hesitated to help someone they knew, it was Mehwish, who ventured out and helped people she didn't know while the others sometimes participated in her projects.
'Ok I have finished all the markings to these four dresses and they will be ready for you daughters to wear in a bit, we just need to figure out who will model this last one. I could call my di but by the time she got here it would be too late. I could see about asking one of the other candidates if they would be willing to let me borrow one of their models...' Khushi hoped aloud.
'What those witches...you really do think everyone is like you don't you my dear Khushi. Have you still not learned, those girls will stab you faster than help you? We will have to think of something else. Hmm show me the design...' She asked putting her hand out for it. Khushi took the last one out the hanger and passed it over to Rubina. It was breathtaking. The delicacy with which Khushi had laced each of the stones and sequins showed how much care she had taken with this dress. It was a deep red sari, with the most beautiful handwork on the border Rubina had seen. It was simply outstanding. 'This is gorgeous Khushi. One can tell that this design must be very close to your heart. You must have taken great care when stitching these intricate patterns.' She said beaming at Khushi.
'It is. I have tried to replicate from memory the design on the last sari I saw my Amma wear. She had looked magnificent it, Rubina ji. It was their wedding anniversary and my Bauji had gotten tickets to my Amma's favourite play, Heer-Ranjha. We had had an early dinner and then gone to watch the play, only I got sick and so we had to leave early. Something in the food we had eaten earlier had not settled well with my stomach and I had began vomiting, thus my Bauji had driven frantically, trying to get me to the hospital. He was like that even if I sneezed he would take me to the hospital scared I had caught something vicious. Both of them were over protective of me, they had gotten me after many prayers. That is when the accident happened, the hospital was right in front of us and so even though it was a red light my Bauji broke it, as I was throwing up yet again in the car, he didn't even see the truck that came from his side, as his attention was all on me...' she went quiet as the memory of that night reduced her to tears again. Rubina who had been holding her hand throughout the encounter, now patted her back to calm her.
When she finally had control over herself, she gave a loud sniff, wiped her eyes and whispered, 'I'm still not sure how I managed to survive, as my Bau ji and the truck driver both died in the collision and my mum fought for a day but lost in the end, whereas I managed to live on.' Her voice and eyes were distant, as if she were on that unfortunate road witnessing the accident as a third person trying to decipher how exactly she managed to survive, the only thing she remembered of that moment was a high pitched scream of her name uttered by her mother, the rest was emitted from her memory, it was all black. The next thing she remembered was waking up two days later in the hospital room, her cousin and Aunt red-eyed next to her telling her that her parents had gone to DM and won't come back. She hadn't understood. She had asked her best-friend, her DM to send her parents back, but she hadn't. For some time she had been angry with her when she didn't do her bidding. Then a while later she had feared that what if her anger resulted in DM not caring for her parents and so she had broken the silence between them; it was only after that incident of hide-and-seek that she realized her DM had given her what she had asked for; she may not have sent her parents back but she had given her, parents and a family, thus after that day she had let go of any grudges or fears she had towards the goddess and embraced her wholly once more.
'I think I know who should wear this Khushi...' Rubina's voice brought Khushi back to the present.
'Hunh?' Khushi asked.
'There is only one person who has the right to adorn this outfit Khushi and she is right here.' Rubina said with a knowing smile.
'Who?' asked Khushi, not following.
'You, my darling. Who else should wear your mother's sari but you?' She said, spreading the aanchal on Khushi's shoulder and smiling. Look how well it becomes you...' her eyes were brimming with tears too now.
'Me?' Khushi asked, as a familiar lump began to solidify itself in her throat.
'Yes, you.' She said reinforcing it.
'I...I...don't know.' Was all Khushi could manage.
'But I do. And I'm telling you to wear it Khushi. You trust me don't you?' She asked and Khushi nodded. 'Well then it is settled, you are wearing it. I'm a mother too, that is why I can confidently say that you're mother would want you to wear it, as it is so precious to you.' She added compassionately. To which Khushi only managed to sniff, as the tears poured out again. Rubina embraced her gently and then added, 'Ok, enough, now we don't have much time tell me your measurements and I will alter the blouse and petti-coat, while you start getting Mehnaz and Mehjabeen ready, as their dresses are complete; and then you need to adjust your portfolio too Khushi, come on quick quick, we don't have much time. In an hour and a bit Khushi has to be on stage with you all.' With that they all stopped chatting and began working their magic with their hands. Khushi took the middle two girls with her to the dressing room and began assembling their attires.
Mehnaz was wearing a sleeveless green chudidaar, that was laced with gold, silver and turquoise embroidery and had a black border that gave a great background to the work Khushi had done on it. She applied natural make up on her and gave her matching bangles and big jumkes with multi-coloured stones on them, which glistened in the light. Once done with her she moved to Mehjabeen, the fourth daughter, who was wearing a blue jeans, that had hena patterns flowing down her right leg (this was her own pair, they did not have the time to alter the jeans Khushi had stitched and as it went well with the top Khushi had designed they had gone with it). The kurta Khushi had designed with this had a lemon-yellow base with a pink desert rose needled into one corner of it. She gave her pink studs and a pink flower choker to wear on her neck, to enhance the pink rose, which was further highlighted by the pink eye shade and blush they applied.
Once they were ready, in walked the other four women with the dresses all altered. Khushi, Maheen and Mehreen took their dresses and began changing when Mehwish, with a shrill cry bought a problem to the fore. 'Mama, we thought of everything, but the footwear. We can't resize those. What are we going to do?' Both Khushi and Rubina were stumped, Mehwish had a point they couldn't change the sandals at the last minute.
'Oho, no need to worry,' cried Mehreen as she walked out the changing room and motioned one of her sisters to tighten her corset, 'one of us can run and get our own foot wear from the house, look at your clothes and get something matching. Khushi ji, what is your foot size, I'm sure it will be the same if not close enough to one of ours.' Rubina smiled, of course Mehreen had the answer, she was always the most calm and alert in a crisis.
'Yes you are right, ok, Mehjabeen you're ready yes, you go fetch the sandals, you wear my pink mojris that would look good on your clothes, right Khushi?'
'Yes', she nodded.
'And umm...get Mehnaz her black stiletto heels...and what do you think about the others Khushi?'
'Umm...do you have any golden sandals for Maheen's outfit?' they nodded. 'Ok and for Mehreen, any simple white sandals?' Khushi asked, as the others thought of one they may have, as Mehreen generally wore shoes.
'Yes Appa can wear mine, these ones that I'm wearing, won't they work?' Mehwish offered. They turned to look at her footwear. It was perfect, a flat off-white sandal that ringed around the big toe and snaked its' way up to the ankles, were it bunched up and tied into a beautiful knot.
'Yes they are perfect. Now only my footwear, is left.'
'Oo I have the perfect red sandals that would match your sari Khushi, here see if you can fit into my shoes.' Maheen said as she took off her silver slippers. Khushi tried and they fit. 'Perfect. Ok Mehjabeen you know where I kept my new sandals right? Good go get them and the others, quickly.' She said as excitement bubbled inside her, seeing how it was nearly time, only about half an hour now. Ishiqa had just taken her models on stage, it would be Khushi's turn next.
Once Mehjabeen left, Maheen, Mehreen and Khushi got back to getting ready. Mehnaz did Maheen's make-up and Mehwish did Mehreen's, while Rubina helped Khushi pin up her sari. Mehreen was adorned in a white dress that had teal blue and golden stones tracing the border of the skirt and covering the blouse, which was a backless tube top. She pinned a powder blue shawl on her to cover her bare back and bring out the blue in the work that stringed itself across the dress. Maheen on the other hand was in heavy traditional wear. She was wearing a golden and mauve lehenga, that had intricate embroidery on it but Khushi had refrained from putting too many crystals on it as that would add more weight to the already heavy cloth. She gave her traditional jewelry to go with it while, she gave Mehreen an elegant watch and a simple sapphire bracelet.
Khushi got Mehreen to make an elegant bun, while Maheen to make an intricate braid, laced with gleaming stones. Mehjabeen, she had gotten to pull her long hair back in a pony-tail and Mehnaz she now got to pin up the sides of her hair, to move it off her face. Once they were all done they turned to Khushi who was unsure of what do with herself. She had quite a bit of jewelry out but wasn't sure which to wear. Rubina came forward and selected the long crystal earrings. 'Only these Khushi and then apply a little kohl, mascara and lip gloss, that's all you require anything else will make you look over done. I say you don't even need these, you look beautiful without them as it is, but as you are modeling then you do require some jewelry that is why only the simplest, as that is what will bring your sari out best.'
'Hmmm...ok and what about my hair?'
'Leave it out, it will take all their breaths away. You all will. My daughters, all six of them, look breathtaking.' She said hugging all five of her daughters (Mehjabeen had gotten back when they were selecting Khushi's jewelry) and Khushi together, then went on to add a dot of kohl under their ears to protect them from the evil-eye; and just like that Khushi had managed to get five models with their clothes altered and their hair, makeup and footwear ready in under three hours. Khushi and her models were ready.
*****
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