Chapter 31

Nandani was reminded what a great venue it was as Mukti and she walked in the front doors. The main concert area had been redone to improve the acoustics. The main foyer could hold five hundred people comfortably, and metal stairs led up either side to the second floor which allowed access to the balcony level, a catwalk that ran around the top of the space. The foyer was already set up for the after-party, while trim young men and women wearing headsets were setting up pyramids of champagne glasses, and some were testing sound systems. On a two-story wall, a twenty feet 'The Fall Fashion Show' logo was projected. A stylish girl who looked to be a designer was setting up gold gift bags to which sponsors had contributed some pretty great swag.

Tearing themselves away from the decorations and swag bags, Nandani and Mukti made their way backstage. It was already getting busy there. They did not see any students and the crew setting up looking professional.

When Mukti grabbed Nandani's hand and squeezed, she could tell the nerves were setting in. She squeezed back and readjusted the garment bag she held in her hand.

"Remember when we came to watch this last year? I cannot believe we are actually doing this," Mukti exclaimed.

"Mukti, it is huge," Nandani said firmly. "Don't put yourself down. This matters. For both of us."

Nandani found them a spot in one corner where they could drop their things and a garment rack to hang the clothes. Mukti brought a bag full of miscellaneous supplies, and Emma, Alya, and Nandani were each to bring their own shoes. Nandani grabbed over two chairs that had been sitting, unoccupied and unguarded, in front of lighted mirrors.

"What if everyone hates my designs?" Mukti asked.

"They will love your designs. I love them. Emma and Alya love them. Your teachers love them, your friends love them. I want to wear them all the time," Nandani replied.

"Really?"

"Yes. You are going to be the next Jaime White. Just wait," Nandani said.

Mukti took a deep breath. "Thanks, Nandani. I love you."

"You too, Mukti. You know you can do this. Now let us see if we can steal a couple of those swag bags."

An hour later, backstage was starting to fill. The other designers for the student showcase had arrived, and Emma texted to say she had picked up Alya and would be there soon.

They had been told there would be a team on hand to do makeup and hair. Nandani figured she should get it done now, so she did not have to line up in a queue later. So, she took a seat in one of the five chairs in front of lighted mirrors.

"Are you excited?" Nandani's hairstylist who introduced herself as Laura was cute and perky. "You are in the student showcase, right?"

"Yeah, my business partner won one of the spots."

"You have the most unbelievable hair and bone structure," Laura commented as she set her hair in big rollers. "Have you ever done modeling before?" she asked Nandani.

"Um no. I think I would need to grow another foot taller to even be considered," Nandani replied.

"I am serious. You should talk to Blake Evans. You are totally his type," Laura said. "I will introduce to you later if you want."

"Uh, sure," Nandani said because she did not know what else to say. "Thanks."

By the time Laura and a makeup artiste were done with her, Nandani was looking pretty glam. Emma was in the next chair, and Alya took the spot when Nandani was done. Mukti and Nandani then went to find a place to peek out through the curtains. The venue was set up with a long catwalk and chairs along both sides to seat a few spectators. The room was charged, the show was near starting. Just then a guy wearing black and a mic in hand called them backstage and informed them that only five minutes were remaining for the student showcase.

Mukti was practically breathless once again as she fussed with the dresses. She was very tense. Her look was so agonized, that Nandani thought she needed to take the matters into her own hands.

Nandani grabbed Mukti and pulled her toward the hair and makeup area. She made her sit down in one of the chairs. "You are the most talented designer. In a year everyone is going to be wearing your clothes. After five minutes, you are going to blow five hundred people's minds. All the hard work is done. So just calm down and relax."

Mukti started breathing properly. "Thanks, Nandani. I needed that."

"I thought so, Mukti. Now I need to fix your hair."

Mukti knew she was just fussing, to calm her nerves, and that her hair was perfect. They walked back towards the curtain where Alya and Emma were all ready and waiting.

The announcer's voice sounded in the background. A woman was introducing the student showcase. Nandani could see her and the runway on a closed-circuit camera mounted backstage.

Nandani turned around to look in the mirror one last time to ensure nothing was out of place. She was falling in love with the dresses.

The music started and the first designer's models were lined up. They looked very space-age. In contrast, Mukti's designs were a mix of urban chic and ethereal.

They were the second designer. They could hear the crowd applaud for the first, then suddenly it was their turn. Nandani's stomach knotted a bit but with excitement, not anxiety.

Emma was to walk first, then Alya. Nandani was last, so she watched them on the backstage monitor. Emma had previously modeled even in high school. The first collection was College wear, followed by Casuals, and lastly, Party wears.

Emma looked natural, and very confident, while Alya's face was a bit excited and nervous, though, but she did an amazing job for her first time.

And then Nandani got ready. It was her turn. Stepping through the curtain she saw all the people. She just walked, swinging lightly with her steps. It was a total rush, knowing hundreds of eyes were on her. She could not make out a single person in the bright lights, but she did not care. She felt like a rockstar. She just wanted to pinch herself, to believe that they had been doing this? Would this really be their life?

After re-entering backstage Nandani high-fived Mukti

After re-entering backstage Nandani high-fived Mukti. A moment later Nandani looked startled, as someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned and a guy about the same height as her, while she was in her heels on, he had spiky platinum hair, electric-green eyes, and many piercings down his ear were standing there. He was Blake Evans the famous designer.

"Walk for me," Blake Evans said to Nandani.

"Um excuse me?" Nandani said.

"Laura sent me over. I have a line set to go in an hour. Walk for me," he said to Nandani.

"Tonight? Can we talk after a few minutes? I just have to finish this thing," Nandani replied.

"Sure, as long as you say yes," Blake Evans was insistent.

It was super flattering and she did not think Mukti would mind if she did another lap of the runway. "Then yes!" Nandani replied.

Lastly, the designers stepped on stage, with their models in tow.

There were two awards that night:

The Judge's Award

The People's Choice award.

A/N: Dear Readers any guess whether Mukti and her team have won any of these awards? Do comment. This chapter shall be continued.