Chapter 30

"It does not work like that, Mukti. We need clothes, but we have to hit the market with the right connections, the right promoters, and the right price point at the right time." If a designer like 'Jaime White' could not get it right...Nandani did not want to think about the repercussions for them. They were two college students with zero experience? They needed all the help they could get.

"We will get the money to start, don't worry so much, Nandani. Once people see the line the rest will be easy." Mukti narrowed her eyes at her. "Why are you so down on this all of a sudden? You sound like my parents lately, Nan."

"I am not, it is just..." Something went off in the back of Nandani's head. "What do you mean like your parents?" she asked Mukti.

"Well, they have not come right out and said it, but Mom asked me if I would not want to also get a diploma in something more, 'mainstream'? That would give me more options. You know I don't do detail, but if that is not a hint, I don't know what is?" Mukti said.

This was news to Nandani. The Malhotra's had always seemed completely supportive of Mukti's ambitions, and her siblings before that. Nandani hoped this was just Mukti blowing things out of proportion; otherwise, she was not sure what to do with that piece of information.

**********

Manik and Nandani walked across campus between classes the next day. It was getting more awkward to hide their relationship, or whatever it was. When he would drive her and Mukti to school, they would part ways on arrival only to meet up later. She but hated feeling so sneaky.

The climate was getting colder. Nandani shoved her hands in the pockets of her jeans as they walked since she had been pretty clear about the "no PDA" rule (no public display of affection, rule.

"Of course they support Mukti," he was saying. Nandani tried not to be distracted by his dark green pullover that set off his hair and eyes. It looked soft and she wanted to curl up on it. On him, actually. And then maybe...

"You are talented, and so is she," he went on. "But even you have to admit this fashion thing is a long shot, right? I mean, how many businesses actually make it?"

Because Nandani had been busy checking him out, it took her a minute to catch up. "Ours will. It has to." Nandani said that with more confidence than she felt, thinking she sounded like Mukti. But, they would succeed. This was her life. Her shot. She had a lot of stake in this and had done her homework well. They would make it work.

"Okay, but what if it does not? You have your business degree, can do anything else you want to. Mukti does not have a fallback," Manik said to Nandani.

Part of her mind said he was being practical, but his words stopped her in her tracks. Because it was the middle of the day and they were in the heart of campus, other students might have to change tracks so as not to run her over.

It took him a minute to realize Nandani was not with him and he stopped and turned, a perplexed expression on his handsome face. "What did I say?"

"You think I am doing a business degree because I want to be in business? That fashion is just... what... an impulse?" Nandani did not try to keep the hurt out of her voice.

He opened his mouth but she cut him off. "You think we won't actually succeed with this thing? That is within a year we will be another failed small business venture?" Nandani probably sounded more like Mukti than herself, but this was the one thing that mattered to her more than anything in the world.

"Nandani, come on. It is not that I don't believe in you. You are brilliant and amazing. But you have to admit that the idea is a bit crazy; a pair of twenty-two-years-old starting a profitable business right out of school? In an unpredictable, and very competitive industry like fashion? Without connections, or money?" Every word of Manik felt like a stake in her heart. How could he say these things? Worse, how long had he been thinking this?

"Wow, Manik." Nandani did not bother to hide the sarcasm. "Just because I am not building schools for underprivileged children, what I want to do is not good enough?" She was twisting his words but did not care.

"No," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "What I am saying is that it is good to have a backup plan. That is all." He spread his hands wide like he was being totally reasonable and did not know why she was being so unreasonable.

"Don't you get it, Manik? I do not have a backup plan. This is it for me. I need to make this work. I will surely make this work." This was how she had shown her mom she could do something on her own terms.

"Well, maybe you should. Have a backup plan," he repeated.

Her heart twisted. "Unfucking believable." She turned and walked away.

"Nandani, wait!" She heard him call her from behind. But she did not listen.

**********

Saturday morning was the fall fashion show. They had attended the year before and it was all drama and glamour. On top of the student showcasing, even real working designers presented. Besides having been to New York, it was the closest Nandani felt to actually tasting what they were going to achieve.

Mukti and Nandani drove the clothes over in, early afternoon to scope out the competition and the venue. Emma and Alya, Mukti's two other models, were coming later. The music hall was downtown, the opposite side of campus from their house. Another perk of going early was that they found parking spots behind the hall. From the filling lot, it looked like others had similar ideas.

The plan for the evening was simple. The student showcase went first, followed by the professionals. Everyone participating in the student shows got to watch the later shows for free from the upper level.

A/N: To be continued in the next chapter. Hey guys the next Chapter is 'The Fall Fashion Show.'

Do let me know if you are excited about this show? Who do you think shall win this Show?

I want you'll to reply, guys.