Chapter 41: Another Opportunity
The next morning began before sunrise.
Akshata arrived at the venue for her scheduled fitting.
The stylists already had her measurements and quickly guided her into the assigned look. Minor adjustments were made to ensure the garment fit perfectly.
After the fitting came a short rehearsal.
The models practiced the sequence of the show, confirmed their entrances and exits, and familiarized themselves with the runway.
By early afternoon, the show had concluded successfully.
As the backstage area slowly emptied, the makeup artists packed their kits, photographers reviewed their images, and the models began changing into their own clothes.
Akshata and Bhaghy had barely stepped outside the venue when her phone rang.
It was her agent again.
"Akshata, are you free this afternoon?"
"Yes," she replied.
"Good. One of the brands has an opening in today's casting schedule. They saw your recent runway work and would like to see you this evening."
"What time?"
"In about an hour."
There was just enough time to return to the apartment, freshen up, change into her casting outfit, and head to the new location.
Bhaghy smiled.
"I don't think we're going to have a holiday in Milan after all."
Akshata laughed.
"I don't mind."
An hour later, they arrived at another historic building that had been transformed into a temporary casting studio.
The waiting area was smaller than usual.
Most of the models had already attended earlier sessions, leaving only a select group waiting for their turn.
Akshata checked in with the receptionist and took her place.
She no longer felt the nervousness she had experienced during her first casting in London.
Instead, she felt calm.
Each runway she had walked and each casting she had attended had quietly built her confidence.
When her name was called, she stood, picked up her portfolio, and walked toward the casting room.
Another door opened.
Another opportunity waited on the other side.
And she was ready to step through it.
Chapter 43: Paris Awaits
There was little time to celebrate.
The moment her commitments in Milan were complete, Akshata and Bhaghy packed their luggage once again.
Their next destination was Paris.
Early the next morning, they boarded the high-speed train from Milan.
As the train crossed into France, Akshata looked out of the window. In just a few weeks, she had travelled between three of the world's biggest fashion capitals.
London.
Milan.
And now Paris.
By the time they arrived, there was no opportunity to rest.
Her agent had already scheduled two castings for the same afternoon.
After leaving their luggage at the accommodation, Akshata quickly changed into her casting outfit.
"Ready?" Bhaghy asked.
Akshata nodded.
"Let's go."
The first casting was held in a spacious studio filled with models from agencies across Europe.
The process was quick.
Portfolio.
A short introduction.
A runway walk.
A few photographs.
Then it was over.
The casting director thanked her politely.
By evening, the result arrived.
She had not been selected.
For a brief moment, Akshata was disappointed.
Bhaghy placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"You've already learned that one rejection doesn't decide your journey."
Akshata smiled.
"I know."
Without dwelling on the result, they left for the second casting.
The atmosphere there was completely different.
The creative team asked her to walk twice.
They requested a few profile photographs and briefly discussed her recent work in London and Milan.
As she was leaving, one of the casting assistants stopped her.
"Please wait for a moment."
A few minutes later, the casting director came out with a smile.
"We'd like to book you for the show."
Akshata thanked them politely, trying to remain composed until she stepped outside.
Only then did she look at Bhaghy.
"I got it."
Bhaghy hugged her.
"You see?" she said. "One 'no' and one 'yes'—all in the same day."
Akshata laughed.
"That's fashion."
She had learned another valuable lesson.
In this industry, rejection and success often stood only a few streets apart.
The important thing was to keep walking to the next casting, because the next door might be the one that opened.
As they stepped outside the studio, Akshata's phone vibrated.
It was her agent.
"Congratulations," the voice said. "The second casting has confirmed you."
Akshata smiled.
"Which brand?"
There was a brief pause before the answer came.
For a moment, neither Akshata nor Bhaghy spoke.
The name itself carried enormous significance.
Akshata closed her eyes, letting the moment sink in.
Only weeks earlier, she had hoped for a single opportunity to walk during Fashion Week.
Now she had been booked for one of Paris's most prestigious fashion houses.
Bhaghy looked at her daughter with tears of happiness in her eyes.
"I knew your hard work would take you somewhere special," she whispered.
Akshata smiled.
"This is only the beginning."
The agent continued with the details.
"Your fitting is tomorrow morning. After that, there will be a rehearsal. Please be on time, because the schedule is very precise."
"We'll be there," Akshata replied.
After ending the call, she looked back at the casting studio where she had just heard both a rejection and an acceptance within the space of a few hours.
She laughed softly.
As they walked back through the streets, Akshata thought about everything that had happened in such a short time.
London had given her confidence.
Milan had given her momentum.
Now Paris had given her an opportunity she had once only dreamed about.
Tomorrow she would attend her fitting for Dior.
Another chapter of her journey was about to begin.
Here's the continuation.
Chapter 44: Nine O'Clock in Paris
The next morning, Akshata and Bhaghy left their hotel early.
Paris was only beginning to wake up.
The streets were quiet as they made their way to the venue.
At exactly 9:00 a.m., they arrived.
Punctuality was essential during Fashion Week, and neither of them wanted to be late.
Outside the entrance, assistants checked each model's name against the fitting schedule.
"Akshata?" one of them called.
"Yes."
After confirming her booking, she was given a backstage pass and directed inside.
The atmosphere was calm but incredibly organized.
Long racks of garments were arranged in sequence.
Every outfit carried a tag with a model's name and look number.
Dressers moved quickly between stations while stylists discussed last-minute adjustments with the creative team.
Bhaghy, with the team's permission, remained in the designated backstage waiting area reserved for guardians and guests. She quietly watched the activity without interrupting the professionals at work.
Akshata was escorted to the fitting room.
A dresser handed her the assigned look.
"Please try this on."
Within minutes, the tailoring team checked every detail.
The shoulders.
The sleeves.
The waist.
The length.
Pins were used for temporary adjustments, and notes were made for final alterations before the show.
After the fitting, Akshata was asked to walk a short distance wearing the complete look.
The creative team observed how the fabric moved and whether any changes were needed.
One stylist made a small adjustment to the hem.
Another straightened the collar.
"Perfect," someone said.
Her look was approved.
The fitting had gone smoothly.
As she changed back into her own clothes, Akshata looked around the room.
Experienced runway models and newcomers alike were preparing with the same focus.
At that moment, she realized that regardless of reputation or experience, every model began the day the same way—arriving on time, listening carefully, and earning her place one fitting at a time.
The rehearsal schedule was posted on a board nearby.
There was still more to do before the runway lights came on.