chapter 23

It’s Official!Post that day, I didn’t see or meet Pratham. Yes, I was still his assistant, but we maintained a distance.His photos from the show were well-recognized by the industry, and many designers were calling him now. Owing to this, he handed over the reins of the photography department to Ankit and focused on his career as a fashion photographer.We mostly communicated through Ankit. Ankit, who was now a very close friend of mine, did not take Pratham’s heartbreak very lightly. To him, I was a sadist who was taking pleasure in our boss’s misery. He got so nasty with me that I had to tell him my entire life’s story. He didn’t understand my reasons – nobody could – but at least he was not ex-communicating me. Me revealing the truth of my life ensured Ankit and I stayed friends forever.Where Ankit and I got close, my two other confidants, Sarv and Shiva, were getting closer. They were way too busy in their own love cocoon, and I had stopped discussing trivial issues with them. I wanted them to be happy and stress-free.Offering some privacy to my friends, I spent most of my semester-break on the campus, reading. I was usually alone in college, but at times I felt I was being watched. It was as if someone was around me. This eerie feeling haunted me often, but given there used to be no one in sight, I let it be.  The fourth semester started, and so did our usual routine. It was Pratham’s last semester in college, and after a few months, he would be gone. Forever. Somehow this realization bothered me more than I had bargained for.A few days passed, and I was itching to talk to him. And luckily, he called me one day.I knocked and entered his office. His usual friendly smile evaded his face. He didn’t even look up. He was reading a document and asked me to sit. I obeyed. Still, without looking, he pushed a paper towards me. “I believe you don’t know who Sohail Mirchandani is?” he asked seriously, still reading the document. “He is a designer with a good fashion sense. His latest collection has garnered many appreciations. If he continues like this, he would soon be on top,” he paused to flip over the page he was holding. Without sparing me a glance, he continued, “He is a decent guy and seems trustworthy. I met him during the show. And he wants to meet you to discuss terms,” Pratham announced, and I just gaped at him. I was hoping he would look at me, but he just continued staring down at that wretched paper. Clearly, after our last interaction, we were over. “I will let you know when it would be the appropriate time to go and meet him. If you are uncomfortable going to his office alone, Ankit will take you with him.” Tears formed in my eyes. Yes, we were over!“Here,” he finally handed me the paper he was reading and continued, “These people want you to model for them too. Apparently, the word in the market is that I am your agent. They all contact me. I have denied them all.” “Okay,” putting the paper down, I sat back. Would this be our relationship from now on? Working together, yet acting so distant. How would this even work? He picked up another file randomly and started skimming through it.His body language said that our conversation was over. I got up and started to leave. At this, he spoke again, “Won’t you ask why?”“I don’t need to. I trust you enough.” My words forced him to look up, and he gave me a grave look. I was sure he was just as confused about my feelings as I was. Exhaling slowly, he continued, “Sohail, he –”Pratham paused abruptly and rushed past me. “Mr. Mirchandani, what an honor. I was just discussing your offer with Ishana here,” Pratham spoke to a very friendly looking man, who was now standing in the doorway.Mr. Sohail Mirchandani was a round-bellied man with an average height. He had a rectangle face and a smile one could trust. The twinkle in his eyes said he was jovial, and the way Pratham greeted him, I knew I could rely on him.“Ms. Ishana, what an honor,” Mr. Mirchandani addressed me. Pratham nodded encouragingly, and I smiled. Fortunately, I was dressed well enough to not disappoint either of the men. “We would have come down,” Pratham started politely, offering him a chair.“Oh, never mind. I was in the neighborhood anyway,” Mr. Mirchandani winked. “I am very eager to sign Ishana; she is the freshest face. When I saw you in the fashion show, I knew I had to have you as my model,” he chuckled, and I felt my face flush with happiness. All thanks to Pratham’s efforts, I was finally moving in the right direction. “And I have heard rumors that many agencies are lining up at your doorstep,” he pointed with a rather skeptical look.“Yes, many agencies are calling, but I am very pleased to let you know that she chose you,” Pratham offered in a sugar-coated tone. “Honored… honored…” Mr. Mirchandani beamed, and with that Pratham and Mr. Mirchandani started the discussion. Though they were discussing terms of my modeling career, I was not a part of it. I let Pratham do all the talking and negotiations. I was so glad to have him by my side. Pratham informed him that I won’t be wearing any exposing clothes. And no shoot could hamper my college schedule or exams.“We are very small as of now, so your terms are manageable. I need a face like Ishana’s to bring life to my designs and clothes,” he smiled at me. I reciprocated. “Are you usually this shy?” he inquired.“I didn’t want to interrupt,” I shrugged.“Okay, just one last question, to set things straight,” he asked seriously. There was a weird look in his eyes.“Are you open to casual relationships?” he asked, and Pratham stiffened in his seat.“What? I…” the question alone bothered me.“She is committed to me. And I won’t accept any hunky-dory or misdemeanor with my girlfriend Sohail,” Pratham ordered stiffly, and I wondered what the need for this question was.“Okay, got it. Just wanted to clear the space,” and he laughed. But we didn’t join in his laughter. I was still too confused.Sohail gave us some paperwork, and Pratham read them. He gave them to me to read, but I just signed. The deal was done. I was officially a model now.