Eshaan handed the car keys to the Valet. He turned to face the posh Seven-star hotel. As he walked through the path leading to the hotel, on the way he noticed many hoardings with writing

FASHION WEEK, MUMBAI.

Tonight, was the last day of the fashion week and hence most crowds were present today. Monica will be seen ramp walking tonight. Eshaan felt excited, already. He showed the guards his invite. Thanks to his post in media he got the invite. He smiled remembering how Monica had insisted she will get him a pass.

She is so cute....and sexy – Eshaan thought as he entered the venue.

The entire place was star-studded. Eshaan saw many celebs from glitz and glamour world, from the business world. Some of them giving interviews to various news channels while some posing for the paparazzi. Eshaan remembered how Monica never fails to mention, in this one week, how she loves the glamour and how she wants to one day be a top model in India.

Ten years ago, when Eshaan was just sixteen he had come to Mumbai. At first, he was excited to see celebs but then eventually got bored on seeing them. And strangely, Eshaan was never attracted to glitz and glamour. For some reasons, he always saw it as fake.

Eshaan entered the venue and adjusted the collar of his navy-blue blazer and pulled up his white trouser pants. He adjusted the side-parting of his gelled hair. He tugged on his blazer and looked around for a seat. He wanted to sit somewhere near the front, so he could have a clear look of Monica. But he knew it would be difficult as all the big shots will be allotted those seats.

'Hey, Eshaan.' Someone called him. He turned around looking for the person who had called him. Soon, amongst the crowd he found Kavita waving at him. He smiled and waved back. Then his gaze fell on Kabir who stood next to her. Eshaan noticed he didn't look pleased seeing him. Why? - He wondered. But he pushed the thought and hurried to them.

Kavita as usual was dressed in traditional wear, emerald green chiffon saree with golden choli. Eshaan realized he has never seen Kavita with her hair open. She always ties it in a bun with jasmine flowers around it and her parting filled with Vermillion. Kabir looked handsome dressed in a Maroon velvet suit. His hair neatly gelled and combed. Eshaan and Kavita greeted each other happily. Eshaan extended his hand to Kabir. He took a moment before shaking hands with him. Eshaan smiled but his smile looked forced.

'Come sit with us.' Kavita suggested. Eshaan suppressed his smile and nodded. Kabir wanted to protest but dropped it. The three of them walked towards the front row. Eshaan felt grateful to Kavita and Kabir.

*******************************

Soon, the lights dimmed, and the spotlight fell on the stage. A beautiful young girl wearing an ink-blue off shoulder evening gown walked on the stage. She brought the mike close to her mouth and looked at the crowd. She smiled widely and welcomed everyone to the last night of the fashion week. Her speech ended with loud cheers and claps from everyone.

Eshaan shifted in his place as soft tune began playing and one by one gorgeous model began walking on stage.

He waited patiently for Monica's turn. Soon, his wait was over, and she walked out from the backstage. Eshaan found his breath stuck in his throat watching her cat-walk on the stage. She looked gorgeous dressed in ethnic wear. She had worn a floor-length red Anarkali with high front slit. There was delicate work along the U-neckline and around the wrist of her full sleeves. Her attire was matched with round golden and pearl chandband earrings. Her eye makeup and red lipstick enhanced her beauty and her confidence made Eshaan feel proud.

She walked confidently on the stage and stopped at the end. She faced the audience boldly and showed off the dress and her figure. Eshaan watched with an awed smile on his face. Before she turned she caught Eshaan's gaze and winked at him. That moment, Eshaan felt his heart skip a beat. She maintained the eye-contact with him and kept smiling widely. Then, she turned around and walked back. Eshaan watched her go and he was bowled over.

Their tiny blink and miss interaction didn't go unnoticed by Kabir. He shifted feeling more agitated.

'Your girlfriend is very beautiful.' Kavita complimented and Eshaan smiled widely. He thanked her. Before he looked away he noticed Kabir glaring at him.

**************************

After Monica had walked back inside the backstage, Esha Oberoi walked out. She was Bollywood current favorite yet Eshaan felt Monica was much more beautiful than her. Eshaan admitted he was being partial here. He smiled shifting in his seat. After she had walked in, Jimmy Raazdan walked out with Monica on one side and Esha on the other. Eshaan took out his phone from the trouser pants and clicked the photos of Monica walking with her arm looped with Jimmy's. This was a proud moment for him and her. Esha was on the other side of Jimmy and held his other arm. Everyone clapped as they ramp walked. The paparazzi clicked the photos frantically. After they had walked back the gorgeous host from before walked on stage. She addressed the crowd but Eshaan doesn't bother listening and got up from his seat.

Startled, Kavita looked at him, - 'Where are you going?' She asked. Eshaan smiled politely and answered.

'Washroom.'

'Okay.' Kavita smiled back. Eshaan looked at Kabir who had his gaze on the stage.

Eshaan hurried towards the backstage but wasn't allowed inside and so he stood out. Then his phone beeped, and he quickly checked it.

Monica: How was I?

Eshaan smiled and texted, - 'Excellent. When will I get to meet you?'

Monica's reply came in an instant, - 'Five minutes.'

Eshaan: Okay

He kept his phone back in his trouser pocket and waited patiently for her to come out. After a moment he felt someone's palm on his shoulder and he turned his head. Kabir smiled at him.

'This is not the washroom,' – He looked around, - 'You got lost?' He eyed him. Eshaan shook his head.

'I am done using the washroom and now I am waiting for Monica.' He said. Kabir nodded and squeezed his shoulder. Eshaan winced but doesn't let the pain show on his face. Kabir shifted closer.

'Is there something going on,' -Eshaan looked at Kabir, he smiled and continued, - 'Between you and Monica?' He pointed at Eshaan and then at the backstage.

Eshaan shook his head, - 'No sir, we are just good friends.' He said. Kabir eyed him suspiciously and Eshaan got confused. Why was he reacting so strangely? – He wondered.

Just then a feminine voice called him, and the two men turned their heads. Monica stepped out from the backstage and smiled widely at Eshaan. She waved at him and he waved back. But her smile faded when she saw Kabir with him.

Kabir shoved his hands into his pockets and looked at Eshaan, - 'Kya baath hai, Eshaan. First Kavita and now Monica. You seem to have charmed all the women around you.' Kabir taunted him but it went unnoticed by Eshaan who didn't understand Kabir's taunt. He blushed looking away.

'It's nothing, sir.' He replied rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. Kabir simply nodded.

'Hey, Kabir.' Monica greeted him while adjusting the shoulder of her white printed boho top.

'Hey.' Kabir nodded. Monica noted something off with him but before she could say anything Kavita appeared from behind Kabir and stood next to her husband.

'Hey, Monica. Excellent performance.' She complimented her. Monica smiled and nodded.

'Thank you, Maam.' She said politely.

Kavita shook her head and extended her hand. She held Monica's hand and smiled, - 'Please call me, Kavita. It sounds more personal.' She said. Monica held her hand and nodded.

'Sure, Kavita.'

Then, Kavita turned to Kabir and held his arm, - 'Kabir, I am not feeling too well,' -She held the side of her forehead, - 'Can we go home, please.' She said massaging her forehead temple. Kabir didn't want to but he had no other option. Kavita was pregnant and she needed special care. So, unwillingly he agreed.

'Sure, darling.' He placed his arm around her waist and smiled at him. Then, he looked at Eshaan and Monica sternly and dryly bid them good-bye.

'Kabir sir and his mood swings.' Eshaan shook his head. Monica looked at him and then back at Kabir who was walking away. She felt something amiss. He didn't look pleased nor did he compliment her. Perhaps, she was thinking too much. He didn't want to talk in presence of Kavita. He will definitely call or text her later.

****************************

Monica 

And Eshaan was bowled over

How was the Chapter, guys? Drop your thoughts, please *smiles*