Breathe Likhi! You can do this! You're the strongest girl in the world. You're the best! You don't fear anything! Nothing can intimidate you!

Lekha exhaled a long deep breath and sat calmly on the chair. Her mother sat next to her, casting cold stare at her occasionally which she ignored. For her mother it had always been Lucky, the lucky charm. For Lekha, it was Lucky the loser.

The assistant came out "the headmistress will see you now". Minaskhi nodded and glared at her daughter who was biting her nails.

Lekha wiped her hands casually and got up. They were ushered into a large room where a middle aged lady sat on the leather chair, peering at them through her glasses.

"Good morning Mrs Rawat" the lady smiled "I'm glad you could take time to meet me with your busy schedule". Lekha pretended to cough; she knew the words coated with so much butter that it could toast the entire school. Minakshi gave a thin lipped smile "I hope it's really important".

"Of course it is Mrs Rawat" the lady smiled a false one, Lekha observed "if it wasn't so serious I wouldn't have summoned you" she glanced at Lekha sideways " it's those complaints against your daughter".

Even though she was disturbed at this statement, she didn't show a tiny bit of disapproval. Instead, she kept her face calm and steady "may I ask why my daughter has earned your displeasure?"

Lekha wanted to clap at that; her mother was an excellent actress. It was a pity that Bollywood didn't appeal to her.

"Look Mrs Rawat, this is a very competitive school, and we are very strict regarding the rules" the headmistress smiled "your daughter is very arrogant and..harsh...and it's not my words entirely. Yesterday on the corridors, she kicked a boy and pulled his hair" the lady stopped smiling now "and in ballet class, she behaved very.. rudely".

Minakshi gave a brief glance at her daughter who was pretending to be oblivious and turned "what did she do?"

"She insulted the teacher, threw the ballet shoes at her and ran out of the class" the old lady shrugged "and the complaints go on and on. I want you to understand the seriousness of the situation".

Minakshi nodded "I'll discipline my daughter, I'll make sure she won't repeat it in future" she leaned closer "and at the same time, I would expect the faculty to do the same".

The headmistress looked abashed but nodded anyway. The Rawats were a prized possession and she didn't want to invite trouble when their family was concerned. "I hope this is all" Minakshi got up and without wasting a moment, walked out of the room with her daughter.

Back home, Lekha was greeted with glares and jeering from her mother. She stood next to her father whom she thought would defend her like always but it was different. Prateek was angry and that meant...trouble.

"Ever since she's born, she has made her life's wish to trouble me!" Minakshi snapped at her husband. Prateek stared at his daughter who looked distraught for once at least "Likhi?"

She looked up, unable to meet his eye "did you really kick the boy?" A loud laugh erupted from behind and she gritted her teeth at her older brother who was unable to control his laughter. She glared at him.

"I didn't want to" she remarked "he made me...he told me I'm a..bitch..I didn't even know what that is..but everyone else laughed..so I punched him hard and pushed him to the floor".

Prateek didn't find it funny "did you tell the teacher about it?" She shook her head "he came to pull my hair and I kicked his leg, that's when he screamed and the teacher came to see what happened..she didn't even listen to me".

"But beta! You're not supposed to hit your classmates. Violence isn't the answer" Prateek said calmly, pulling her to his lap "you should have complained to your teacher".

Lekha looked fierce "I didn't have time to do that!" Laksh approached them "you're a..bully" he said simply. She hit his arm "dad!ask him to go away please!"

Prateek stared at his son and motioned him to do the same. Laksh gave a small wink at her and walked upstairs.

"And why did you behave rudely with your ballet teacher?" Prateek asked, resuming his question. Lekha could feel her mother's eyes on her "because..I hate ballet and anything to do with dancing.." she yelled "and still mom made me join that stupid class. I missed one step and the teacher said I don't dance properly, that I lack grace" her face was angrily set "atleast I tried..but it isn't enough..so I threw away the ballet shoes and ran out of the class!"

Prateek looked like he was about to scold her but changed his mind "whatever the reason, your behaviour was..unacceptable" he explained.

"Unacceptable?" Minakshi spoke up "it was wrong on all grounds. You're not a thug to fight like that on school. That's totally disgraceful and you need to apologise to your teacher".

Lekha looked at her mother "I will, but I also will stop taking any more dancing lessons"she stared at her father longingly "fine" he smiled "but promise me you will not behave like that anymore". Lekha nodded and hugged her father "thanks dad, I love you" she glanced at her mother one last time and raced upstairs.

"Seriously Prateek? You're making her get away with this?" Minakshi wasn't pleased. "She's just ten, she'll be fine"he smiled.

"I never had a single complaint with Laksh. It's like..she's totally opposite to what I want her to be..she's behaving so crass and un lady like. If this goes on, she's sure to disgrace us. You'll see" she said in a worried tone.

"She's our daughter, she'll never disgrace us" he consoled her "we have brought up our children just fine. Don't worry" he held her hand in a firm grip. She nodded, hoping the same.

◇◇◇◇◇

No! This is not happening, Lekha closed her eyes for a second and opened wide. She was gone even before she had the hope of starting her career. She thought about her dreams, how far she had come. Now everything was going down the drain.

She could imagine her mother's face as she saw her failure 'I told you to go ahead with medicine, but you didn't listen to me' she could hear her mother's words ringing in her ears and that was all the strength she needed.

"I'm going to find her" she said with determination in her tone. "Where? Down the rabbit hole?" Danny teased. "I'll go wherever it takes, even if it means taking the shrinking potion" she said metaphorically. "Save me and I will pay you back!"he groaned.

She nodded and walked back to the dressing room but there was no sign of Grace. Having already checked with the other models that her mobile was switched off, she frantically ran towards the changing room.

Again, there was no one. She breathed heavily, her eyes fighting back unwanted tears; composing herself, she almost walked out when she heard a wailing sound coming from the closet.

Slowly, she peeped inside to see Grace perched on the floor, she had changed into her casual clothes. Her makeup was disarrayed and she looked she had been crying.

"Grace?"she called out softly and sat next to her on the floor "what's wrong? What the hell happened to you?"she asked, shocked to see her like this and at the same time, irritated that all the efforts she had put in getting ready had been futile.

"I can't do this! I'm sorry" Grace shook her head and sniffed "I'm going out!" Lekha held her hand firmly "you're not going anywhere!"she almost yelled looking at the dress which was kept on the stand "you're wearing this and walking that ramp, that's it!"

Grace stared at her "do you even know what state I am in?"she cried "I'm a mess!"

"I don't care" Lekha shrugged "right now, the only thing that matters is that you're walking the ramp and showing off this dress, Sonia's counting on you" she explained "and you made a commitment, you're not backing off now. Think of everything that could go wrong because of your decision, all the hard work. Think of me, I could lose everything!" Lekha let out a tear "everything I've dreamed of will be melted like polar ice caps!"

Grace gave a small smile at that "I'm not strong like you! I'm in trouble.." she held her hand. "Just give me a few minutes of your life please!" Lekha pleaded "and I promise I will get you out of whatever situation you're in!"

Grace pulled her hair back and nodded "you promise?" Lekha smiled wanly "pinkie promise". Grace hugged her and got up "what about the makeup? And the veil? It would take hours!"

"Leave it to me!" Lekha winked "you'll be a candid bride!" Together, they walked back to the runway as the other interns were waiting for them and they got down to work immediately.

"Danny?"called Lekha as he was on his microphone and giving instructions "how did you get to delay this?" He winked "I told the supervisor we're having technical difficulties". Lekha laughed "please don't tell Sonia...about the real issue".
He pretended to zip his mouth "see? It's all sealed".

Soon, the show began and the thundering music boomed out of the speaker. The showstopper with her elegant red lehenga entered the ramp with a poise matching her personality and began her walk.

The other models followed one by one while Lekha and the others watched in fascination. "Wow! You did it!" Anjum patted her shoulders in awe "Grace stands out among others!"she pointed out at her veil which Lekha had pinned in a unique way.

"Yeah..it was..okay I guess" Lekha pretended to be modest but squealing terribly inside. It was the most exciting day ever.

Finally, when the show was over, the Sonia Chandra made her way, along with the showstopper and took a bow while others clapped enthusiastically.
Lekha gasped with relief; it was a success.

She was packing her things when Grace walked in and hugged her "thanks Lekha! For being there...for me. I was in a bad shape and wanted to break free".

Lekha smiled "thank you for saving my neck out there. But whenever you're ready to talk about what happened to you, I'm always there to listen". Grace nodded in agreement "I'll remember that".

Danny interrupted them "you were awesome sweetie" he winked at Grace and turned his attention to Lekha "Sonia wants to meet you".

"What? But everything was fine, wasnt it?" Lekha whined, dreading the prospect of meeting her boss again. "Just go!" Danny pushed her playfully.

Sonia was in her chamber with a person whom she didn't recognise. "I'll see you later Walter" she gave a polite dismissal and the man walked out with a brief acknowledgement.

Lekha felt the same chilly atmosphere the day she first encountered her boss. Sonia gestured her to sit down "Danny told me how well you handled everything" she went on in a bland tone "seems like I was wrong about you. I thought you were just another spoilt rich girl who's here for fame. But you're really passionate about your career and today was the proof".

Lekha could see stars beneath her eyes, this wasn't happening, this was too surreal to digest. "Tha..thank you so much" she mumbled.

"I'm going to New York to meet with my dealers. They've taken a particular interest in my bridal collections. I'm going next week for ten days and I want you to come with me" Sonia stated.

No! This is a dream, pinch your hand Likhi! She didn't know how to react "New York? For real?"she stammered. Sonia gave what looked like a meek smile "I'll take that as a yes, now leave before I decide to change my mind".

Lekha didn't need another word, she pranced out of the room and came out with a dreamy look on her face. Nothing was better than this; everything was worth this...

◇◇◇◇◇

Dhruv sipped his evening coffee like his life depended on it. After two knee replacement surgeries, coffee was his saving grace, it kept him alert and sharp.

Beside him, Dhyan did the same "so.. what's going on with you?"he asked, as they hardly had time for chatting around and they usually did it in the hospital cafe which was exclusively for doctors and other faculties.

"Nothing significant" Dhruv joked "if you count two CMEs and one symposium. And I've to present this article Dr Rao asked me to". Dhyan chuckled "I meant your personal life.. seeing anyone new?"

"Like I said, nothing significant" Dhruv grinned. Dhyan gave a mischievous smile "what about dating our MD's daughter? Your code seems to have vanished somehow".

Dhruv coughed on his coffee "what the f...? Who told you this?"he whispered, looking around. Dhyan shrugged coolly "word gets around here pretty faster than a contagion".

Dhruv widened his eyes "it's nothing.. we're just friends..having some friendly time together..it's nothing serious".

"Is that so?" Dhyan looked relieved "thank God!" Dhruv stared at him quizzically "what do you mean?"

Dhyan looked around and found they were alone "I've heard she's placed a bet on you, saying she'll get you to fall for her within a month". Dhruv gaped at his friend who looked serious "she's playing you, dude!"

"That's not possible..I mean.." Dhruv realized it could be. Those penetrating stares, her cool demeanour and getting too..personal with him. That was why she was getting onto him.
"Holy crap!"he swore "she messed with the wrong guy, no one plays Dhruv Samarth!"he gritted his teeth.

"Although not an expert on this subject, I'll give you a crazy no nonsense advice" Dhyan winked "you should keep up her game, let her not know you got to her".

Dhruv thought for a moment "although this sounds ridiculous and stupid, I think it's brilliant" he beamed "I'm going to teach her a thing or two".

His phone beeped and he saw it was from his head of department Dr Rao. "I have to meet the chief" he said and made his way towards the orthopedics department.

Dr Rao was in his chamber when Dhruv entered. In his early sixties, Dr Rao had been head of department of orthopaedics since twenty three years but he was still charismatic and an efficient surgeon. He was he who had interviewed Dhruv and had taken him in. He was a mentor for Dhruv who saw a father figure in him.

"What is this leave application I saw on my table?"he raised his head "you taking a vacation?" Dhruv smiled "I'm planning to go Houston next week, that fellowship plan I was talking to you about" he paused for a moment "I thought I'll check it out and apply after six months".

"So you've made up your mind about settling in the States?" Dr Rao stared at him "we don't pay you well here?"

Dhruv scoffed "it's not about salary.. well maybe a little" he joked "I want to be away for a while and there are good opportunities back there so.."

"Did you tell your father about it?"

Dhruv laughed "no, as a matter of fact. He'll never agree to it hence I'm planning to be discreet".

Dr Rao looked at the young guy in front of him who had surpassed his skills more than any older surgeons he had ever seen, "so no marriage on the cards then?" It was a serious question.

Dhruv thought about Preeth. He had almost fallen for her, well almost. And then he'd got played "I'll get married... when I find someone worthy.. which will never happen in this lifetime".

"You never know son" Dr Rao smiled a warm one "how life will surprise you" he signed the application "I'll miss you in the OT next week, doctor". Dhruv nodded and walked out of the room, his mind full of thoughts about how he was going to tell his family he'll be leaving them soon.

He had no clue what was about to conspire in the coming week...

◇◇◇◇◇

Anya was sitting on the bed with an anxious look on her face when Laksh entered "hey" he greeted. There was no response and he walked closer "Anya?"he whispered in her ears suddenly.

She gave a start "oh, hi" she forced a smile "when did you come? I didn't realize". He raised her chin "something wrong?" She buried her face on his chest "hey, what happened?"he kissed her head.

She didn't look up "I..took the test because I was so impatient..and it's negative"she sniffed "again..I'm so disappointed Laksh! And I'm disappointing you too!"

He held her shoulders together and looked at her "that's it?"he smiled "it's not a big deal, you need to relax. It's not the end of the world" he cupped her face "and we're still young and.. we can try again..there's always hope, that's what the doctor said last time right?"

She nodded, touching his hand "see? We've nothing to worry about! I mean let's enjoy till then" he winked "look at Nikhil and Dhara, they hardly have time for each other and he's always sleepy at work" Anya laughed at that. He kissed her forehead, "I want you smiling like this, will you do that for me?"

She nodded again and wiped her tears "good girl" he bent his head to kiss her lips when the loud knock interrupted their moment. "She never stops doing that you know" he shook his head. Anya giggled "she has some exciting news to tell you, she's been unable to control herself and she's making everyone crazy".

He stared at her and then walked towards the door. He only half opened it when Lekha burst in and squeezed him into a hug "gosh Lucky!"she screamed pulling him tightly "I'm going to New York, with my mentor! She was so impressed with me that she's decided to take me with her! Danny said she never takes any interns but I'm the exception!" She didn't give time to speak "I'm so happy!"

"Wow!"he beamed "did mom and dad agree?" She nodded walking in "well! Mom was being...mom"she snorted "and dad was reluctant at first but agreed later when I convinced him!"

"That's great Likhi!" Anya said, meaning it "looks like your dreams are coming true!" Lekha shrugged "yes they are, you'll see!"

Only time would tell...

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