The next day was a whirlwind of activity as everyone rushed around, trying to get their models ready and ensure everything was perfect. Noor, Parminder, and his wife waited anxiously in the corner for their models to arrive.

Parminder turned to Noor, a hint of worry in his eyes. "Voh kado aunge, Didi?" he asked. ( "When will they arrive, Didi?")

Noor checked her watch and bit her lip. "Jaldi hi. Onna ne keh ditta si ke oh Florence vich aa chuke ne. Main ummid kar rahi haan ke jaldi aa jange." ( "Soon. They mentioned they had already arrived in Florence. I hope they get here quickly." )

Parminder and his wife moved out, saying they would check if the models had arrived. Noor was left alone, battling her anxiety. She bit her lip until it almost bled and twirled her curls tightly around her index finger. The show was only half an hour away from starting when she felt a familiar hug from behind. Instantly, she relaxed, leaning back and allowing herself to feel vulnerable with unshed tears.

"Don't worry, whoever you're waiting for will arrive," Shubman's voice said softly, kissing the back of her head.

Noor wiped her tears, determined not to appear small in front of the high-profile designers. As she turned around, she saw Shubman's face, the most handsome man she had ever seen, smiling back at her with his charming dimples, clearly excited for the show.

Looking around, Noor asked, "Doesn't your girlfriend have a problem with you being here, calming your best friend instead of supporting her?"

Shubman chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Ghazal is busy with her preparations. She understands how important this is for you and knows I'd be here to support you."

Noor raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "So, you're telling me she's okay with this?"

Shubman hesitated, then gave a guilty smile. "Well, she doesn't know I snuck away. She's wrapped up in her preparations, and I didn't want to miss being here for you."

Noor smiled gratefully and leaned in to kiss Shubman's cheek. "Well, thank you, my mood lifter," she murmured.

As Shubman was about to respond, Parminder and his wife's excited voices cut him off. "Noor Didi! They've arrived!" Parminder announced, his voice full of enthusiasm.

Noor turned her head, still nestled in Shubman's arm. As she saw the models approaching, Shubman's eyes widened in surprise, his expression mirroring the shock and awe of an owl.

Noor wiggled out of Shubman's arms and ran toward the man who had made it all possible. "Thank you so much, Ishi! I can't tell you how much this means to me!" she exclaimed, her gratitude evident in every word."

Ishan pulled Noor back into a friendly embrace and smiled. "How could I say no to my 'hoor ki pari'?" he teased. "When Noor ordered it, I had no choice but to make it happen. And look, no one could say no to your request," he added, gesturing towards her bhabhi's with a grin.

Shubman was still in shock, his eyes wide with amazement. He marvelled at how his best friend managed to bring ICT wags into the show. "Noor, you really pulled it off," he said, his voice filled with awe. "You're truly out of this world."

Noor embraced her bhabhi's, who were all smiling with excitement about walking for her on the runway. Each one quickly moved into the room to get ready. The last one held Noor for a moment longer. "I really hope you win this," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "I saw the designs, and I can't wait to wear them." Anushka kissed Noor's forehead before heading inside to prepare.

Noor turned to Ishan and asked, "Are the men here too?"

Ishan chuckled and replied, "Trust me, they were the first ones to hop on the plane. They're excited for the runway, but even more for the vacation."

Noor laughed, relieved by the lightheartedness of Ishan's comment. "I guess it's a win-win for everyone then," she said.

Ishan nodded, his smile widening. "Absolutely. And don't worry, Noor. Everything is going to go smoothly. You've worked too hard for it not to."

Noor took a deep breath, her anxiety easing a little. "Thanks, Ishan. I really appreciate it. I'll be sure to make the most of this opportunity."

Ishan ushered her inside. "Now, go and get everything ready—and yourself, too," he said with a supportive grin.

Noor nodded excitedly, rushing inside. Before she disappeared, she shot a confident wink at Shubman, her eyes sparkling with determination. It was clear: Noor Bajwa was ready to take on the world, and nothing was going to pull her down.

As Noor went inside, Shubman's eyes narrowed at Ishan. The smirk on Ishan's face grew sheepish as he felt a hand around his neck.

"And you didn't bother to tell me you were bringing your ass here?" Shubman asked a mix of irritation and amusement in his voice.

Ishan looked up at him, shrugging nonchalantly. "Noor's orders," he said with a grin. "Can't argue with her, can you?"

Shubman sighed, shaking his head with a resigned smile. "Never, ever," he muttered, his tone a blend of exasperation and affection. He clapped Ishan on the back. "Alright, let's move out and enjoy the show."

With everything in place in record time thanks to her bhabhis' professionalism, Noor felt relief. But as the show began, a wave of anxiety washed over her. As the best designers from around the world showcased their creations, Noor's insecurities came crashing in.

She worried about the quality of her designs compared to the high-calibre pieces she saw on the runway. Doubts about whether her work could stand up to such fierce competition plagued her. Her mind raced with fears of inadequacy—questions about whether her collection would be seen as innovative enough or if more renowned names would overshadow it. The weight of expectations, both her own and those she felt from others, pressed heavily on her shoulders.

As Noor's gaze lingered on the screen, Ghazal's collection unfolded in a captivating blend of Italian sophistication and Indian opulence. Each piece was a celebration of cultural fusion, marrying the elegance of Italian fashion with the rich heritage of Indian textiles and craftsmanship.

The collection showcased luxurious fabrics like silk, brocade, and organza, each piece meticulously embroidered with intricate patterns. Ghazal employed a palette of rich terracotta, deep indigo, and burnished gold, inspired by the earthy tones of Tuscan landscapes and the vibrant colours of Indian festivities.

Ghazal's show-stopping dress was a breathtaking fusion of cultures, featuring a regal terracotta colour with intricate gold threadwork. The dress had an off-the-shoulder neckline, elegantly adorned with Indian zari embroidery that depicted motifs reminiscent of Renaissance art.

The bodice was tailored to perfection, cinching at the waist before flowing into a voluminous skirt. The skirt's design was inspired by the graceful arches and domes of Italian architecture, with delicate pleats and a sweeping train that added a sense of grandeur.

Throughout the collection, Ghazal skillfully blended Italian lace with traditional Indian embellishments, creating a harmonious balance between the two cultures. The use of bold colours and elaborate detailing highlighted the collection's theme, showcasing a seamless blend of East and West.

Ghazal's ability to merge the elegance of Italian fashion with the richness of Indian artistry was evident in every piece, resulting in a collection that was both innovative and timeless.

As the model exited the stage, Noor took a deep breath and prepared herself for her moment. As the announcer's voice echoed through the venue, the room fell silent in anticipation. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to welcome a fresh and talented designer to the stage. From the vibrant city of Chandigarh, India, making her grand debut on this illustrious runway, please give a warm welcome to Noor Bajwa!"

The applause was modest compared to the rapturous cheers from other designers, but amidst the sea of clapping hands, one sound stood out—loud and clear. Noor's gaze found her best friend, Shubman, whose clapping was fervent and genuine. The spotlight briefly shifted to him, and he couldn't help but showcase his dimples, biting his inner cheek with a shy yet proud smile.

The camera shifted focus once more, and Noor's bhabhi's began their walk down the runway. The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers as the wives of the Indian cricketers graced the stage. The unexpected sight of these glamorous women in Noor's designs stunned everyone, amplifying the excitement in the room. It was a powerful moment, showcasing that a small-town girl had indeed managed to pull off something extraordinary. The audience's reaction was a testament to the impact Noor's work had made, defying all expectations.

One by one, Noor's bhabhi walked back behind the scenes, and the focus shifted to the final moment of the show. It was time for Noor to take the stage herself, alongside her work partner—the man who had tirelessly contributed to the success of her designs. Parminder, who had spent countless hours perfecting every detail with Noor, stood by her side.

Noor extended her hand to him, a gesture of both partnership and gratitude. Parminder hesitated for a moment, but a cheer from his wife bolstered his confidence. With a reassuring smile, he took Noor's hand, and together they made their way to the runway.

As they walked down the runway, Parminder exuded a newfound confidence. His stride was strong and assured, a stark contrast to the underconfident demeanour he had displayed just a day before. The audience watched in awe as he and Noor made their way down the runway, their presence commanding attention and respect. The transformation was remarkable; Parminder, once reserved and unsure, now walked with a poise that rivalled even the most seasoned designers.

Shubman watched with a mix of pride and awe as Noor walked down the runway. His gaze followed her every step, captivated by the confidence and grace she displayed. She was the same Noor he had grown up with—the one who, despite her maturity, had always maintained a childlike enthusiasm. Seeing her now, living her dream and commanding the runway, was a moment of deep emotion for him.

Her blue eyes sparkled with an intensity that seemed to outshine even the brightest jewels, and her presence was magnetic.

As the announcer began to describe Noor's collection, "London Nights," Shubman's gaze was fixed on the detailed craftsmanship of each piece.

"London Nights" was a tribute to the enchanting love story of two lovers navigating the streets of London. The collection vividly captured their experiences and emotions during a magical time before things took a dramatic turn.

The first dress was a stunning midnight blue gown adorned with silver embroidery. The delicate threadwork mirrored the shimmering lights of London's night sky, evoking the romantic glow of a moonlit walk along the Thames. Each bead and stitch spoke of the couple's serene evenings by the river, where their love felt timeless and eternal.

The second dress was a deep emerald green, highlighted with gold accents that evoked the opulence of a grand London ballroom. The intricate embroidery depicted scenes from their elegant nights out, with golden threads illustrating their passionate dances and whispered conversations at upscale venues like The Ritz or Covent Garden. The gown captured the elegance and sophistication of their love amidst the city's grandeur.

Another dress was a soft blush pink gown featuring delicate lace patterns. This piece represented the quieter, more intimate moments of their romance. The lace detailed the serene strolls through Hyde Park or the hidden corners of charming tea houses, portraying the gentle and tender aspects of their relationship. It conveyed a sense of nostalgia and the sweetness of their shared, private moments.

The final dress in the collection was a vibrant, rich red velvet creation with intricate floral designs. This piece symbolises the passionate and intense aspects of their love. The bold red mirrored their fiery encounters and the excitement of their adventurous days in London. The floral patterns captured the spirited essence of their romance, from the lively streets of Soho to the vibrant markets of Camden.

Each piece of the collection came together to narrate a complete story of love and longing, drawing on the beauty and energy of London's most iconic settings. Noor's designs were not just clothes but a visual symphony of her creative vision and the poignant moments of her imagined lovers.

The collection's centrepiece was a deep burgundy velvet gown, inspired by an intimate evening at an upscale London club. This piece radiated the warmth and luxury of their private moments. The rich, plush fabric evoked the opulence of the club's ambience, reflecting the soft glow of candlelight and the cosy atmosphere.

Hand-embroidered patterns on the gown mimicked the intricate designs of the club's elegant interior, capturing the charm and nostalgia of their special nights out. The embroidery, in subtle gold and silver threads, shimmered like the candlelit reflections on polished wooden surfaces, enhancing the gown's sense of warmth and sophistication.

The gown's flowing skirt was inspired by a spontaneous dance the couple shared on a rainy London night. The fabric moved gracefully, mirroring the couple's elegant dance steps, as if the dress itself was a part of their cherished memory. The neckline was adorned with delicate lace, reminiscent of the intricate carvings found on the club's luxurious bar, symbolizing the intimate conversations and laughter shared in their secluded corner.

The show-stopping dress, in soft silver and pale blue, conveyed the theme of separation. Crafted from flowing chiffon and satin, it featured delicate beadwork and embroidery representing shattered memories. An asymmetrical train illustrated emotional distance, while the intricate neckline details reflected the struggle to hold onto a cherished past. The gown captured the bittersweet essence of lost love with grace and subtlety.

As the announcer concluded, "And this is how Noor sums up her London Nights," Shubman felt a tug at his heart. The mention of London conjured a blur image in his mind: Noor, close to him, wrapped in his arms, with his lips gently caressing hers. Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked up at Noor, who was already gazing back at him, her own eyes filled with tears.

The fleeting image left Shubman with more questions than answers. Was it a missing puzzle of his life or merely a figment of his imagination?