Writer's Pov

Rathore villa
Dev's room

Time was going to be twelve at midnight. Everyone slept already, Lechu climbed the stairs without making any sound and reached in front of Dev's room. She entered and directly went to his closet. Lechu's few things were still inside Dev's closet. From there she began to search for something and finally she took an old worn out leather wallet of her's from there.

Wallet fell down from her hand when someone switched on the lights of closet. Lechu jumped from floor in that shock and turned back to see who is it. Like a huge pillar Dev was standing in front of her raising his one eyebrow.

" Robbery ? " He asked in his deep husky voice.

" Taking my own things..... How you can you call it as robbery ? " Lechu grunted and took that wallet from floor.

" Entering into someone's room without permission for searching something. What is the name of this activity then ? " Dev asked

" Sorry, I will leave " Lechu quickly apologized hurried to leave but Dev blocked her way.

" Why you are not looking at me ? Am I invisible ? " Dev asked

* That's not possible because you can hear my voice " Dev added but that was in a mocking tone.

" I need to go " Lechu tried to go through other side but still she didn't looked at his face. Dev stopped her and ordered to Lakshmi

" Look at me "

But Lechu kept her head down . Dev squeezed her cheeks and forcefully made her look at him. Lechu pushed him back with all her strength and shouted at him.

" How dare you ? If I never want to see a person's face in my life that is you mister. That much I hate you. If I am in this condition right now you are the sole reason for that. Don't even try to come in front of me. " Lechu was fuming with anger in front of Dev while shouting and she even pointed her fingers at him.

When Lechu opened the door to leave Dev pulled her back holding on hand and kept close to him.

" To whom you are showing this attitude in this condition ? Huh ? Don't think that everything is over. If I set my mind to start over again then there won't be another world for you other than these four walls. Right now you are only a mere maid in my house. If I put my hands on you then you will be my slave from there. Worst than that of a maid " Dev pushed her back warning her.

Lechu rubbed her wrist to ease out the pain where he held and ran from Dev's room before he shows his madness again.

Lechu came to garden and sat inside the dancing pavilion of Parvathi. Under a dim light she opened that old wallet and started looking for something. There were lots of visiting cards inside that wallet and after going through them finally she found the one which she wanted.

" Petals modeling agency "

" Lilly Shah "

Lechu read that card and took a deep breath before calling in that number. There was a confusion on her face whether to call Lilly or not. She then turned the card and behind that there was another number handwritten there with the name as Max. She called that number instead of Lilly's. It started ringing but no one attended it. She thought number might have changed, after all its been so many years. Still she tried again and this time someone attended her call.

" Hello..... Max." Lechu connected with the person who took her call. A relief smile appeared on her face when the call get connected.

...................

Next morning

Petals modeling agency office

Next day morning itself Lechu came to meet Max from the modelling agency she contacted yesterday. Aadhya didn't went to school when Lechu left from there. She wasn't even ready to talk with Lakshmi so she didn't forced her. Now Lechu had a hope that she can arrange money for Aadhya soon. Then they will sit and talk calmly.

" Omg......... My sweet heart. You still look stunning my baby " soon after Max saw Lakshmi he came and hugged her happily.

" It's been a long time " they shared cheek kisses and Lechu said.

" Max .... What I had said to you yesterday, can you help me somehow ? " Lechu sat with Max requesting him for a job she can do there.

" Do you think that Lilly is going to take you in after what you did here years back ? " Max asked to Lechu.

" That time I was so immature Max. I know I shouldn't have get involved with unnecessary matters but...... I don't want to think about it. But right now I am ready to do anything. My condition is that much bad right now. Help me Max " Lechu looked at him pathetically and begged.

" You have to say sorry to Lilly first and that's not going to be an easy task."

" Do you know why I asked you to come even after knowing that Lilly is going to bash at you? Because there is a good project we are doing now. Lilly needs new faces. Young and beautiful girls with extraordinary style and aura. Your profile is still here Laks. Lilly saved them because your face once she adored a lot. That's why she became angry at you when you created a scene here " Max said and sighed heavily thinking about old things..

" I will say sorry, even ready to hold her legs but please Max. Please talk to her for me " Lechu requested more and watching her condition Max agreed with Lechu.

While Max and Lechu were talking Lilly came to the office. They both quickly stood from the place where they were sitting and Lakshmi said an awkward hai at Lilly.

" Hai.... "

Lilly recognised Lakshmi very well even though it's been years they met. She narrowed her eyes and clenched her jaw getting angry at Lechu. Max was also getting tensed watching Lilly fuming up and quickly went to calm her down. But Lilly walked into her cabin stomping her feet.

"Lilly, I need to talk.... " Max ran behind her and stopped Lilly.

" If you don't sent her out from this office then I am going to kick you out from here " Lilly shouted at Max and Lechu heared that. Not only her but the other models who came there for training were also watching this drama. They all looked at Lakshmi with a weired face not knowing who is she ? and why Lilly is so mad at her.

" Lilly, she is here to say sorry. Please listen what she wants to say " Max went inside with Lilly trying to convince her but she was adamant. That much Lilly hated Lakshmi.

Lechu fell back on couch hitting her head with hand thinking about her act or her over smartness she kept in front of Lilly four years back.

+++++Flashback+++++

" Why can't you try modelling then ? Your cousin Bhoomi, she just started now but she already became famous in the industry and doing many ads for international brands. You are much beautiful than her Laks. " Zara adviced Lechu to try modelling when she failed to continue her dance after that mall fire accident.

" Modelling ? Are you joking ? " Lechu felt Zara was mocking her.

" What's the big deal in going for auditions or meeting any agency ? Try it out, if you can't do it then leave. What you want right now is motivation. Just by sitting inside that house you are not going to get that. Also you have seen what kind of show off Bhoomi pulled at last party. Girls were tailing behind her. No one even looked at my dress " Jasmine pouted her lips sadly and continued with her icecream.

" See, as a designer student I have a view to models and according to my standards you can become one. Not just a random model but a super model. Go for it Laks..... I will sent you some agencies number. You contact them and they will ask for few photos of yours in mobile clicks. You have to mail them. If they like it then they will call you for a professional photoshoot. It will cost some money but still nothing much you can't afford. Most of the girls who wants to become a model struggles with money but in your case that's not an issue. This is an opportunity Laks don't loose it " Zara motivated Lechu and sent few numbers into her phone.

" How I can sent photos to random people without no guarantee ? " Lechu asked worried.

" These are quite famous agencies with license . Do you think that I will give you any number without doing a background check? " Zara replied and sent her the numbers.

When Lechu went back to home she was in a dilemma what she should do. When she asked to Govind about her modelling career plan he said if she likes to do it then go for it. Not just to fail someone else or to show that Lakshmi is better than anyone. Since Lakshmi got a green signal from her appa she started contacting the agencies one by one. Like Zara said everyone asked for few mobile clicks of her's with bare face without adding any filters.

Lakshmi waited for days but no one contacted her. After two weeks one agency named as Petals mailed her. It was Max who chatted with her. But Petals weren't in the contact list which Zara gave her and Lechu enquired from where they got her email address.

" Almost all model agencies are connected. So we also gets details about aspiring models and girls who want to step into this industry. When other agencies are filled with their counts and many potential candidates are struggling outside to get into a good agency. So then they will suggest their name  to other agencies. I saw your photos and your name is really different which caught my attention. Adrushta Lakshmi. " Max said

" You have a different aura in your beauty. There is a future for you in this field. If you are interested please do come and visit our agency with your parent along with your ID card for age verification. Rest we will talk in details with the head of Petals,her name is Lilly Shah. She is a lovely woman. Just come and meet."

That was Max invitation for Lakshmi to petals. She went there with Govind and it was normal like any admission process with agreement signing. There wasn't anything wrong with agreement because Govind went through and every pages. He knows that his daughter won't do it so he was prepared for it.

They had to pay some money for Lechu's photoshoot to make her profile and own album for suggesting to others. Money wasn't an issue for Govind that time and it wasn't any hefty price.

Lakshmi started going to agency from next day onwards for training and did her photoshoot. Everything came out very well and Lechu had that potential to become the face of Petals. Lilly had a special liking towards Lechu because of that. Lakshmi was her agency's hope. Also Lechu was so sweet and bubbly with everyone.

For small events or shoots Lilly didn't sent Lakshmi because she wanted to make Lakshmi's face exclusive and then most demanding one in the industry. For that Lilly was trying to arrange a grand entry for Lakshmi which can change her career as well as Petals standard among others modeling agencies.

Four years back Petals were not any high end agency but only a budding firm with so much struggles. So it was difficult for them to keep up with others in such a competitive atmosphere. Like that one day before Lakshmi's launch  for a famous cosmetic brand Lilly called Lakshmi to have a serious talk with her.

When Lakshmi entered into Lilly's office Max was also present there. Lilly made Lakshmi sit beside her and started crying seeking for a help. Lakshmi was shocked and confused about the situation and enquired about the matter. But hearing Lilly's demand Lechu reacted back without even considering Lilly is her godmother.

" Lilly how can you say this to me ? Just because you don't need to loose this client I have to go and sleep with some douche bag ? Seriously ? " Lakshmi shouted at Lilly and looked at Max but watching his face Lakshmi understood he already knew about it.

" Lakshmi..... Please listen to me. I wouldn't have asked this favor from you but unfortunately today evening director saw your face . From there onwards he is behind me to get you. I tried to make him understand that you are not like other models but ..
"

" What you mean by I am not like others ? " Lakshmi cut her off and asked. Suddenly Lilly smacked her head and sat there getting caught by Lakshmi.

" Max .... Make her understand " Lilly stood there turning her back at Lechu and asked Max to explain everything.

" Lakshmi, everyone does this as a side job. It is nothing new. You already know many models here are struggling a lot because of money issues. They are ready to spend time with our clients. If they like our models then they will sponser them and help to build their career. They just need to go out with our clients whenever they ask or spent a night........ " Max stopped suddenly when he accidentally spilled the one night stand deal.

" Just tell me directly that they need sex from young girls nothing else. " Lechu spatted at Max when he hesitated to say exactly what they're doing behind this model agency to lure their clients.

" This is illegal..... Isn't it ? This is kind a sex racket or something. " Lakshmi screamed loudly.

" No Lakshmi it's not. We are not using any underages here. Girls and boys both are doing it with their consent " Max tried to correct Lakshmi's misunderstanding.

" Who knows ? Who knows whether you both aren't leaving any choice for them?. Who knows you are convincing or blackmailing them by generating a fear inside that their career is over if they didn't do it ?  No one wants to do it Max. They are helpless and that's why this is illegal. " Lakshmi yelled.

" Lakshmi you will get money which you can't even imagine " Lilly came and tried to convince her telling about the money she can earn through it.

" Are you kidding me ? Do you think that I am in need of such money ? I have enough with me in my house. No need of such filthy money by sleeping around with old geezers. I quit..... " Lakshmi grabbed her bag and turned to leave saying that she quits from their agency.

" Lakshmi.... Don't go please. If you go now then I am finished girl. This agency has to close down. Many will loose their job, many has to leave in the middle of their budding career. You might won't loose anything but what about others ?. Your father might have lots of money but others don't have such money with them. Please Lakshmi...... Atleast sit him with for couple of drinks. After that I will make any excuse and try to get you out from there. Please don't leave me in this condition......" Lilly almost held Lechu's legs and begged not to ditch her at that end moment.

" Lilly..... Only because of how you treated me in these days I am not going to complain about your agency with police. But this request of yours... I will think that neither you told me nor I heard. Good bye " that night Lakshmi left from Petals and now after four years she is again back to that same place.

Leaving her modelling career without telling the reason with her appa Lechu again began to sit at home. That's when Jhanvi is suggesting her go for hotel management any best college in India leaving her stubbornness that she will only study at abroad. Jhanvi's advice was at right time and Lechu went to Punjab for her hotel management studies. Leaving the memories of Petals in Mumbai itself.

Lechu's decision caused huge loss for Lilly next day. That brand terminated their deal with Petals and even filed a case at court for cheating and forgery. Lilly had to pay a hefty price as compensation and it was very struggling days for her from there on. During such time she is meeting Dev. Started with providing models for their parties. Dev never showed interest in her models that time because of Nisha. But after her death Lilly's arrow hit at the right spot on Dev.

±++++flashback ends++++++

....................

Inside Lilly's office

" Max how dare you to bring her back infront of my eyes ? If I felt like to kill someone in my life then it is that girl. Because of her you know that how much we struggled ? " Lilly scold Max for bringing Lechu back to petals.

" I know dear, but now she can correct that mistake which she did years back. We are getting a new face for Cosmos.... " Max grabbed a seat and sat in front of Lilly to tell about his plans.

" DD already fixed Nisha for that. If we change that then he will get mad. Max you know his anger. DD will destroy us from roots " Lilly said.

" Actually I want to confess something Lilly. Nisha is on high, she got drugs from someone and completely off. Her roommate Sasha called me morning. In that condition if we send Nisha to DD then that's going to become a problem " Max said worriedly.

" Oh my god .. this girl. What are you saying ? " Lilly smacked her both hands on table and screamed.

" Yesterday night Lakshmi called me and I avoided her but when today morning Sasha called me to inform about Nisha this Idea came into my mind. That instant itself I called Lakshmi and convinced her. Lakshmi is hundred times better than Nisha and DD will like her. " Max said.

" I don't trust that girl. It's not like last time. This is DD.... Devdutta Pratap Singh Rathore. If she runs again issue won't end with a case or compensation. Also we have to sent her into his hotel room. This stupid is high with her Pride and attitude" Lilly didn't agree with Max's plan.

" This time it is different Lilly. Lakshmi is not in a good condition, especially financially. She needs money and ready to do anything. She said this looking at my face. She dumped that pride and attitude way before when she came here. You only need to order her where to go, whom to meet and what to do. " Max held on Lilly's hand and insisted her to agree.

" At this last moment how ? " Lilly still didn't feel like it is a good idea.

" What last moment ? Lakshmi's profile is already with us. Her photos from photoshoot is also in our system. I will ask the staff to find them. By that time you go and convince DD. " Max made her wake up from there and tried to set an appointment with DD.

" Max, then get every photos of her's. Especially that beach shoot. I had spent a lot on her during that time. Atleast now I need to use them." Lilly said to Max.

" Before calling DD, you sent that girl inside. I need say few things " Lilly kept her phone down and asked Max to get Lakshmi into her office. He did like she said and went to get Lakshmi's old profile and photos.

.............

Looking down Lakshmi came inside and met Lilly. She looked at her from head to toe and then started to laugh cynically.

" Where is your dad's money now ? " Lilly asked in a mocking tone and Lechu remained silent

" I never believed there is god but now I am starting to believe. Otherwise who can bring you here in front of me like this ? Last time how you left from here putting my life and future at risk it is still inside my mind girl. " Lilly said not showing a slight mercy on Lakshmi. Lechu took everything because she was in need of Lilly's help.

" I am waiting for something from your mouth.  Without that you are not going to work for me " Lilly added. Lechu understood what she meant by that. An apology.

" Lilly .....I ..."

" Lilly ? Who ? I am your boss here. This is my agency and you are just a mere trainee. Call me Madam....... " Lilly snapped her fingers at Lakshmi and ordered.

" I mean Madam, I am sorry for what I have done. I shouldn't have put you in that condition. Please forgive me considering that I was a immature girl that time and mistake of a teenager." Lechu apologized to Lilly in her most gentle words and sincerely.

" Only because Max insisted I am considering you again. He told me about your condition and need of money. Now you know the ways to make money right ? Now such money is useful for you but before it was illegal. What a Joke ?  " Lilly scoffed at Lechu again and again mocking her with old issues. She had that much grudge against Lakshmi.

" This time there won't be such stupidity from my side. I promise" Lechu came near to Lilly and said.

" Actually I need one girl for tonight. I will submit your photos to a sponser. But he is a demanding guy. He decides everything. For his company he wants a new face and he wants to meet that girl tonight in his suite room. I don't know how to tell him about you. Also you have issues with having sex with...... No, I don't think so you can go " Lilly acted like she is dropping her plan from considering Lakshmi for a new work.

" I do, I can go. I told you..... Anything is fine for me now. Money is important " Lechu said quickly.

" Laks, he is a powerful man. He is the owner of a big holding. He has business all around this globe "

" No ,no, no way...I won't put you on this. If you run away again he can close my agency forever. I can't take this risk " Lilly raised her both hands and said no.

" I can do it.. mam.... Please " Lechu went and held on her hand to beg. Lilly sighedand smirked watching her condition.

" He is a man who love young girls like you. Do you understand the meaning of what I said now ? " Lilly asked

" Don't worry, I will do anything he wants " Lechu agreed with everything Lilly said

" Then for this time I trust you. Only one chance okay ? " Lilly asked again and Lechu agreed with her.

Lilly then sent Lakshmi to Max for a makeover and quick training to teach her how to behave in front of her new sponser. After that Lilly went to meet DD with the photos and profile of Lechu even though she couldn't arrange an appointment with Dev. Before night she needs to convince Dev with new girl or he will get mad.

..................

" Max, do you know who is going to be my sponser " Lechu looked lost in her thoughts thinking about what she is doing is right or wrong. Her mind is not allowing her to do it but situation is not allowing her to back off.

"Sweetie, I can't disclose his details. That's the rule to protect the identity of our clients. Only if sponsors likes the girl and continue to be with her they will disclose their identity by themselves " Max said with a sorry face.

" And in his case you are not going to meet this guy again..... " Suddenly a model of Petals, Hana came there and said to Lakshmi by interrupting their conversation. Hana was once with Dev but Dev didn't spent his night with her because that night Lakshmi was arrested by police for false accusation on stealing from mall.

Lechu looked at Hana with a frowned face as she didn't understand her or what she said.

" Hana.... " Max rolled his eyes at Hana not to say anything.

" Why shouldn't I Max ? Let her know what kind of man she is going to meet tonight. He doesn't like to sleep with same girl for second time. He is a different character, very picky and observes everything on us first glance itself. You shouldn't be nervous girl because he don't like drama queens. Don't ever try to question him, just hear what he is saying and give him company with the drinks..... "

" Max .... I don't drink. I am very bad in holding alcohol. What should I do ? " Lechu quickly looked at Max and asked nervously.

" Then you are finished. He will get annoyed with that itself. " Hana made Lechu more scared.

" Like I told you if you are going to be like this cry baby he will get mad. In two cases he is a gentleman. One is he won't force anyone to be on his bed and second is he will give you good tip. Extra amount which you can't even imagine for doing this service. Just do whatever he is asking without any hesitation. These are the basic rules for this particular client " Hana said. Courage which Lechu was holding all these time started melting slowly. Her face became pale and looked at Max almost going to cry.

" Max, why ....why I have to do this just for some money ? " Lechu whimpered.

" Majority do this Laks. A good sponser helps in the career of a model. " Max tried to console Lakshmi.

" Still, without knowing a person, without loving a person how is it possible? What kind of feeling is there in that other than he is using me as tool for his satisfaction. Love.... It all should come from heart ....." Lakshmi said.

" Oh dear, you are so innocent. Understand this.... Every time romance didn't come from heart. Sometimes it come from something right bottom. More than heart if that love or the spark happens through there then you are the luckiest girl. Only people with luck can get such love. " Saying this Max tried to give some hope for Lakshmi and stood from there with a sad face. He then continued Lechu's training by teaching her to do catwalk in heels and also how to stand in front of Dev like an obedient girl.

...................

Cosmos

Lilly was waiting to meet Dev for a long time but he didn't came down or said her anything like either to leave or giving an appointment. First Lilly went to c city but Dev was in Cosmos. So now she came here.

Dev was actually questioning by NIA officers and the team head Smriti. Inbetween that he couldn't meet anyone and asked Tina to not to take any appointments. Ignoring that Lilly came there.

" Please Tina, this is very important. Try to understand me " Lilly requested to Tina for making her meet Dev atleast for five minutes. Watching her condition Tina felt like matter is important.

" I am not promising, still I will try. but can't meet him , only through phone call " Tina said that she will arrange a phone meeting with Dev if it's that much important. Lilly agreed with it.

When Smrithi and her team members started questioning Viren. In that gap Tina connected his phone with Lilly. He asked Tina to get lost in that anger when investigation is going on. But watching her face finally Dev attended the call.

" Lilly do you think that I am here playing around ? " Dev spatted at Lilly as soon as she said hello. He was that much annoyed. Lilly tried to explain him about the change in main face and it won't be Nisha who is going to meet him tonight.

" Lilly, cut the crap. It's over...... Cosmos is done with every deals signed with petals. If you want come and meet my legal team. Rest you can say there. Now cut the call " Dev removed the phone and was about to cut it but from other side Lilly started to beg at Dev badly.

" DD, wait... I guarantee. You will definitely like this girl. She is a new face and exclusive one. I know that you look for a delicate girl, who is beautiful but not corrupted for models. She is something like that " Dev stopped for a second unwillingly when he listened to Lilly's words.

" She will be there to meet you with her entire heart " Lilly added. She thought next moment Dev will cut the call but he didn't so she continued.

" Even though you are rich, you can't find a girl like her so easily. Because life leaves marks on the face, on the looks, on the soul. She is a beautiful soul with a delicate heart. "

Dev stood there silently thinking for few minutes and fiddling with many thoughts in his mind. Then he decided.

" This is your last and final chance. This time it won't be like previous ones. If that girl irritates me in any ways .... just think that you and your girl is finished. " Dev cut the call and threw the phone back to Tina.

Dev closed his eyes and took a deep breath to control his anger. Again going inside to deal with NIA and their tonnes of questions.He just wanted to finish this questioning torture somehow. Smrithi was targeting Dev and Viren like she is taking some personal grudge against them.

..............................

Petals modeling agency office

Time was around eight at night. Lakshmi already called Aadhya and told her that she will be late tonight. Aadhya cut the call soon after that without even asking why she will be late.

Max zipped up her single piece dress which was looking so flashy on Lechu. He then made her hair and groomed up Lechu like a beautiful doll. Indeed she was a doll , one who doesn't have any feelings. When Max took the lipstick brush Lechu pointed at a nude shade. Max began to laugh funnily seeing that.

" Your sponser should be attracted to you Laks. Red is the perfect color for that " saying this he put a red lip colour for her. Lechu stared at her image without understanding who is she actually now.

Images of her appa and Dev went inside her mind. Appa never liked red because it will attract others. Dev doesn't like red on her because she looks disgusting in that.

" Don't cry " Max mumbled to Lechu when he saw her eyes filling with tears. She obeyed him and hold her tears back.

Lilly came and take a look a Lechu. She liked her over-all look and then took Lakshmi in Lilly's car to the hotel.

Hotel sapphire
Dev's suit room

Dev came first to his room all tired and frustrated because of his hectic day. He came there to let out all headache somehow. He wanted to go to Robert's casino that was the best option but with Lilly he already confirmed everything so he controlled.

He put his coat carelessly towards the couch and waited for his subject by sipping his drinks. That drinking was to get drunk because he just don't want to remember anything and forget everything that happened today.
................

Lilly left Lechu with the guy who was waiting at lobby for DD's guest. He walked ahead silently and Lakshmi followed him. On the way she was looking around the luxury of that hotel. It was like she came to the palace of a beast.

Stepping out from elevator that guy showed her a black door straight at the very end of that hall way. Then he left from there. He didn't utter a single word other than what he should say. Unnecessary talks with DD's guest is strictly forbidden.

Lechu walked towards the room through that hallway under those dim yellow lights. Place she was standing Lechu couldn't find any other rooms than this one at  end. Her legs get weak and she slipped from her heels many times. Lechu remembered everything that Max taught her like a good student. Clutching her hands on both sides of her outfit, also pulling them down many times she walked. Lechu felt like it was too short and when she walks it will stretch upwards just below her butt cheeks.

Door was opened so she entered there because obviously it was opened only for her. Like a scared kitten Lechu stood inside the suit room and saw her sponser first time. He was facing his back at her looking the night view of city through the huge glass window. She didn't even wanted to see him. Just do her job and leave with money. That's all Lechu was thinking that time. She flinched with a heavy gasp when that door closed behind her.

Hearing that sound Dev turned back and saw Lakshmi standing in front of him like a doll.
Lechu was hell shocked like she fell back towards the door getting weak.

Dev clenched his jaw while his eyes started gazing her look from head to toe. He scoffed at her and then twirled around the rest of whiskey inside the glass in his hand. Then gulped that entire drink down in a single go.

Dev slowly walked to Lakshmi and  stood in front of her with his crossed arms.  Lechu didn't get enough guts to look at Dev, her face was red with shame that time.

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" Next update Friday evening"