Sitara's POV

"Is Kabir ready?" I asked Myra. She was busy ordering the person handling backstage on her headset mic standing next to me.

"Yes Tara, he is ready." she answered hurriedly after few seconds. She gave me a paper on which the entries of each model were written in order. I checked the list carefully, everything was perfect.

Today I was damn excited. It was the day of our first rehearsal for the show. I was standing in a huge hall next to the ramp stage which was on my left.

Kartik was here as well with his team of three members in front of the ramp with a file in his hands to jot down the set-up.

I decided on 15 models including Kabir. I know almost every model's moves and style as I have signed some of them before too. I have never seen Kabir's stage performance in person, though.

After talking to Kabir about the fake rumour and his painful past, I'd developed a soft corner for this man. My heart sank after hearing him. How can anyone stop loving a human like Kabir?

More than anything, right now I'm eager to watch Kabir on-ramp, eager to see him walk in his iconic killer attitude as everyone refers it to.

On the other hand, I was nervous too. After all, it's a big project and a big opportunity for me and my company. If something goes wrong I will not only lose the chance to get recognized globally but my prestige and respect in the fashion industry too. I can't let anything go wrong.

"Tara?" Myra called my name. I realized everyone's eyes were on me and the spotlight was on me. They were all waiting for my green signal to start the rehearsal.

Tara, come on, Focus!

I cleared my throat and once again went through the list I was holding. "Is everyone ready?" I asked the crew on the mic.

"Music? Lights?" I turn by turn confirmed everything. All the people working in their respective departments showed me a thumbs up including Kartik and others who are backstage said 'yes' on the headset.

Perfect!

"Okay, So let's start," I said. The hall went somewhat silent. The only sound that was coming was from Kartik and his team talking about something related to music.

"3...2...1... Go." With that said, the spotlight swiftly shifted on the stage and everything started as per the sequence decided.

The music which I decided on was deep house fashion music with upbeat. As soon as the music filled the hall, my eyes directly went up to the entry spot of Kabir, waiting for him to come and show his skills.

As per the plan, after 10 seconds, Kabir walked in and my eyes automatically were glued to him. Kabir, with his same killer attitude, intense eyes, thin-lined lips, and mesmerizing aura walked up on the stage. His every move, every non-changing-expression could be seen clearly due to the spotlight now focused on him.

Other things that I was supposed to take care of and supervise at, didn't matter anymore.

I have never seen such ramp skills before which I'm witnessing right now. Each step was perfectly calculated. His flawless walk was the most impressive part.
I did a great job by choosing him...
I mean model for my show.

"Sitara, I think we should make some changes in light settings as it's-" someone's voice from my right startled me as I shifted my gaze from Kabir to find Kartik standing next to me.

I think he didn't notice that I was in trance for a split second as he immediately forwarded a file to me.

He was very serious and professional since he set his foot in this hall. The playful nature of his was long gone. It took me few moments to get used to his furrowed brows and tense posture. Anyone could see that how much he's dedicated to his work.

"Uh, yeah, what were you saying?" I tried to ignore the awkwardness which only I felt after catching myself ogling Kabir and continued with what I am supposed to do.

After 3 hrs of intense, non-stop, and tiring rehearsal and discussion of the stage setting with Kartik and his team, I thanked the entire crew which was present for their hard work today and I walked out of the hall.

Every muscle in my body was stressed from all the running back and forth and talking continuously. I needed some caffeine in my system as soon as possible.

I spotted Kabir and Kartik chatting a few feet away from me. Trying to find the words to thank Kabir for his today's time, I went and stood next to Kartik and in front of Kabir.

"The rehearsal went well, also I got to know the stage settings and time required for each event. I'm really happy with everybody's work and especially Kabir's." I told them with a smile. Kabir nodded and returned the smile.

"Yeah, I agree. Kabir was good at his shit, I mean his ramp walk." Kartik said teasingly, bringing back his funny nature, patting Kabir's shoulder. In response, Kabir shot a death glare at him.

A chuckle escaped from me by looking at them and their friendship. Kartik so much reminded me of Myra as she can also do anything to see my annoyed face.

"Anyways, I was wondering if you were free, would like to join me for a coffee?" Kabir asked me in his husky manly voice while putting his hands inside his pant pockets. He had changed into a white shirt and pants. His eyes were fixed on mine and his hair were a little messed up from the efforts he took to fulfill my needs for the showstopper.

Can he stop distracting me with his physique?

Wait. Did he just ask me out for a coffee?

Kartik took a step back from his best friend and observed him from head to toe as if confirming if he was his best friend.

Kabir sensed his childish act but just ignored him and focused his eyes on me, waiting for my answer.

"Um, Yeah why not. I would like that too." I replied. Kabir's eyes sparkled after hearing me.

Who will say no if Kabir is asking you out for a coffee?