3. FASHION SHOW

VYOM RAJPUT'S POV

I adjusted the delicate straps of Vedika's gown, ensuring they lay perfectly on her shoulders. My hands moved with precision, a symphony of touches to bring out the best in my design.

"Relax, Vedika," I whispered, soothing her nerves. "You're going to own that runway."

Vedika's gaze met mine in the mirror, her eyes sparkling with determination.

"Let's do this," she said, her voice steady.

We were in the midst of rehearsals, fine-tuning every step, every gesture. The Fashion Week show was just hours away.

As Vedika practiced her walk, I observed every detail - the sway of her hips, the tilt of her head.

"Shoulders back, Vedika," I reminded her. "You're a queen."

Vedika laughed, her tension dissipating.

Rohan Mehra, my well wisher. entered the rehearsal space, his eyes scanning the room.

"Vyom, how's our opener doing?" he asked, his voice expectant.

"Perfect," I replied, confidence in my tone.

Vedika's gaze locked onto Rohan's, her expression resolute.

"I've got this," she declared.

Rohan smiled, nodding.

"I know you do, Vedika. Now let's make it happen."

The rehearsal continued, our team working seamlessly together.

As we broke for a short interval, Vedika's phone buzzed.

"Vikram bhai," she whispered, her eyes lighting up.

My curiosity piqued, I wondered about Vikram has to say.

I have heard lot about him from vedika.

He is her favorite brother after vihaan, her twin. 'the most easing going" as she always says.

But for now, I need to focus on the show.

"Time to nail this show," I reminded myself, as we prepared for the final rehearsal.

Vedika returned, a radiant smile on her face.

"Everything okay?" I asked, adjusting the hem of her gown.

Vedika nodded enthusiastically. "Vikram bhai said the whole family's coming to the show."

My eyebrows rose. "That's fantastic! You must be thrilled."

Vedika's eyes sparkled. "I am! Vikram bhai, Vihaan, everyone, mama, papa. They're all going to be there to support me."

I smiled, sharing her excitement. "That's amazing. You deserve it."

Vedika's gaze turned serious. "Vyom, I really want to make them proud. And you, of course."

I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You will, Vedika. You're going to own that runway."

Rohan Mehra approached, his expression approving. "Vedika, I've been thinking. For the finale, let's add a special touch."

Vedika's curiosity piqued, she leaned in.

"What did you have in mind?" I asked, intrigued.

Rohan's eyes gleamed. "A custom-made jewelry piece. Something that complements your design."

Vedika's face lit up. "That sounds stunning!"

As Rohan elaborated on his idea, Vedika's phone buzzed again.

She glanced at the screen, her smile faltering for a moment.

"Everything okay?" I asked, noticing the brief hesitation.

Vedika nodded quickly. "Yeah, just Vihaan wishing me luck."

I nodded, but sensed there was more to it.

However, with the show looming, focus was crucial.

"Let's get back to rehearsal," I suggested, guiding Vedika back onto the ramp walk.

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At night

The countdown to Fashion Week had begun.

Night descended upon the fashion show venue, chaos erupting as last-minute preparations reached a fever pitch.

Vedika paced backstage, her nerves frayed. "Where is he?" she muttered, checking her phone for what felt like the hundredth time.

Rajveer, Vikram's trusted aide, approached her. "Vedika, relax. Vikram will be here soon."

"But he promised he'd be here an hour ago," Vedika fretted.

Rajveer offered a reassuring smile. " Baccha mumbai's traffic is a nightmare. He'll be here in a few minutes."

Just then, Vihaan burst into the area, excitement radiating from him. "Vedika, you're going to rock this!"

Vedika's tension eased slightly as she hugged Vihaan. "Thanks, baby brother."

Other family members arrived, offering words of encouragement.

But Vikram's absence lingered, a nagging concern.

Vedika's gaze drifted to the entrance, willing him to appear.

Rajveer's phone buzzed. "Ah, Vikram's on his way up."

Vedika's face lit up, relief washing over her.

As the minutes ticked by, the show's opening music began.

Vedika took her place at the entrance.

Rajveer gave her a nod. "Vikram's here."

I turned to see Vikram striding toward us, his eyes locked onto Vedika.

"Sorry I'm late," he whispered, brushing a kiss on Vedika's forehead.

Vedika's smile widened for a moment before she composed herself.

"Showtime," Rohan Mehra called out.

Vedika's gaze locked onto the ramp.

This was it.

The moment she'd been working toward.

As Vikram emerged from the chaos, our eyes met.

For a fleeting moment, time froze.

I'd never seen anyone like him.

Rajveer, Vikram, and Ruhan were triplets, but Vikram's aura was distinct.

An undeniable presence commanded attention.

Chiseled features, piercing eyes, and an enigmatic smile.

Vedika's tension dissipated as Vikram's gaze locked onto hers.

A softness in his eyes, a gentle smile.

Rajveer and Ruhan shared the same striking features, but Vikram's energy was unique.

A quiet confidence, a depth that drew me in.

As a fashion stylist, I'd worked with countless beautiful people.

But Vikram Singh Rajvansh was breathtaking.

His eyes held a story, a complexity that intrigued me.

I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Vikram's gaze drifted to me, our eyes meeting briefly.

A spark of recognition.

Did he sense my fascination?

I looked away, focusing on Vedika.

Showtime.

Vedika's moment.

But Vikram's presence lingered, etched in my mind.

As the show wrapped up, I helped Vedika change out of her finale gown.

Vikram lingered backstage, exchanging congratulations with Rohan Mehra.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed. "Excuse me," he said, stepping away.

I watched him exit the backstage area, curiosity getting the better of me.

Without thinking, I followed him.

Vikram navigated through the crowded venue, his tall frame disappearing into the night.

I trailed behind, my heart pounding.

Why was I following him?

We turned into a dimly lit alley, the sounds of the venue fading.

Vikram stopped beneath a flickering streetlight, his back to me.

His voice was low, urgent.

"I don't care what it takes... Find out."

A pause.

"Yes, I'll handle it."

His words sent a shiver down my spine.

What was he discussing?

Vikram's gaze scanned the alley, his eyes narrowing.

I retreated into the shadows, holding my breath.

Had he seen me?

The tension in his body language was palpable.

Suddenly, Vikram's phone flew across the alley, shattering on the ground.

He stood frozen, his chest heaving.

What had just happened?

I remained hidden, unsure what to do next.

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~to be continued