Chapter 67 When the Past Walks the Runway
Riya nods with a small smile. She still looks nervous, but she slowly begins to relax.
Karan continues casually, “They’re all really nice… just my siblings are a bit like a zoo.”
He chuckles and adds, “But everyone has a heart of gold.”
Ruhi pretends to bite his hand in mock anger.
“Zoo? You’re calling us animals? Fine then, we’ll act like animals!”
Her playful grin instantly lightens the mood. Karan immediately folds his hands apologetically.
“Sorry! I was just joking… really!”
Riya begins to feel more comfortable, and gradually everyone starts chatting with her. She introduces herself with confidence, and a warm vibe settles in.
Suddenly, an announcement echoes through the hall. The lights dim gradually and vibrant music starts playing. Everyone turns their attention towards the stage, where an anchor appears holding a microphone, standing tall with a confident smile.
In a vibrant tone, the anchor announces, “Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight is not just about business deals and celebration, we have a special surprise for you! The world’s most beautiful and talented models are about to grace this stage. The TOP MODELS for the Finale International Modelling Competition are ready to mesmerize you all!”
He lifts his hand dramatically and says, “So let’s welcome them with thunderous applause the icons who have redefined fashion and elegance!”
Thunderous claps echo as the lights flicker, the music grows louder, and one by one, models begin to walk down the stage.
First model: She wears a golden shimmer gown, her hair styled neatly in a bun. Her confident walk draws all eyes to her. Her golden smoky eye makeup and bold red lips make her look like a true royal diva.
Second model: She stuns in an emerald green slit gown, her open curls flowing, diamond earrings sparkling, and tall heels giving her a bold and graceful presence. Her catwalk is flawless.
Third model: Draped in a silver sequin bodycon dress, her straight hair and fierce expressions radiate confidence. The crowd cheers louder.
One after another, models walk some in navy blue gowns, some in royal purple dresses, and some in elegant white feather gowns. Each has her own unique charm and style.
Then comes the last model. As she steps onto the stage from the back, the music stops. A spotlight focuses only on her.
The audience watches her in awe. She wears a deep red velvet gown, off-shoulder, with a long trailing hem that glides behind her. But the most mysterious thing she wears a designer mask covering her face.
Her body language is regal and enigmatic. Slowly, she walks to the center of the stage, all eyes fixed on her.
With a suspenseful tone, the anchor says, “And now… behold the one whose beauty and charisma has captivated the world… presenting our surprise showstopper!”
The music pauses. The model lifts her hand slowly to her mask and, in one graceful motion, removes it. A wave of cheers erupts, and the hall fills with loud applause and whistles of appreciation.
But at one table… shock ripples through the Rajput family. Vihan stands frozen, the glass in his hand slips and clinks onto the table. For him, time stands still.
Because the woman in the red gown… is none other than Drishti. Her face glows under the lights. Her eyes shimmer with confidence, but deep inside, they carry a hidden pain.
Vihan’s face turns pale. Had he known she would be here tonight, he would have never come. To see his past standing before him like this… it knocks the air out of his lungs.
His eyes dart to Rimjhim, then back to the stage. Samar, Shorya, Karan, and Rohit all turn to look at Vihan, whose face is now a strange mix of shock and suppressed rage. His fists clench, his jaw tightens, and a faint red flush creeps across his face.
Rimjhim’s innocent eyes still hold that same childlike wonder. Her gaze wanders across the party hall, trying to take in everything. Every face, every smile is new to her. In a world dazzled with glamour and sophistication, Rimjhim remains untouched lost in her simple, serene world.
The models now come off the stage and begin mingling with the guests. Some are surrounded by fans, while others pose for selfies. But among them, one pair of eyes remains fixed unwaveringly on the Rajput family. Drishti’s face, once confident and proud, now carries an undercurrent of rage as she stares at one person, Vihan.
Just then, Vihan quietly rises from his seat, as if he needs to breathe… to escape. His eyes are clouded with turmoil, and his face shows a silent ache. Rimjhim notices immediately. The moment he stands up, she gets to her feet too and gently holds his hand.
Her eyes are full of innocent worry, silently asking, “Where are you going?” She doesn’t say a word, just clutches his hand tighter.
Drishti sees this, and her eyes flare with anger. She glares at Rimjhim and Vihan, as though she wants to tear their bond apart with her gaze.
Vihan looks down at Rimjhim and says in a slightly firm voice, “Stay here with everyone. I’ll be right back.”
Rimjhim’s voice trembles as she asks softly, “Where are you going?”
Vihan replies, “Nowhere…” and walks away without meeting her eyes, disappearing to the other side of the hall. Rimjhim stands there, uneasy and confused.
After a moment, Neeti comes to her side and asks gently, “Bhabhi, do you see that model in the red dress?”
Rimjhim looks and sees Drishti, then smiles faintly. “Yes… she’s so beautiful.”
Neeti’s face grows serious. “Vihan bhai used to love her deeply… but she betrayed him. That’s why he gets upset whenever she’s around.”
Rimjhim is shocked. She repeats softly, “Betrayed? But she seems so nice…”
Neeti explains, “Looking nice is different. Bhai didn’t like her modelling career or the kind of revealing clothes she wore. But she was obsessed with becoming a top model. That’s why they broke up.”
Rimjhim is still in shock. Her innocent face grows serious and troubled. A strange uneasiness fills her heart.
TO BE COUNTINUE...!!!