[Payal Vs Pratiksha], [Trendy Goddess Battles It Out With Outdated Model], [Pratiksha and Payal Fight in the Same Frame];
these were all the hottest headlines Sudiksha found online on the morning of the shoot. They of course knew this was all Siya Rastogi's effort to boost Payal.
The Internet Age had always been like this: only yesterday, Payal was still the mistress on everyone's lips, but today, the tramp had become a goddess - she was the perfect model in their eyes. This was the Entertainment Industry where no one could predict what would happen to them the next day.
However, there was no doubt, Rastogi was completely invested in Payal...
Before the magazine started their shoot, Payal's team had already arrived at the entrance of Secret's headquarters.
"For the sake of Payal, the jerk has given all he's got. I heard there will be an interview between the two of you before the shoot," Sudiksha looked at the photos online unhappily. At the same time, she expressed her concerns,
"Pratiksha, are you really not going to do anything? Look at Payal, she has 3 appearances a day, she interacts with her fans and she has a team to help her - she is being treated like an international superstar."
"She's out-shining some of the most famous international supermodels, it's normal for her to be treated like a superstar," Pratiksha sat in the car flipping through a previous edition of Secret's magazines. "Today, the two of you must learn how to compliment others and improve your manners."
"There's nothing to compliment about!"
Sudiksha didn't understand what Pratiksha had in mind. Meanwhile, Nancy had already caught on as she turned her head towards Sudiksha and reminded her, "Have you forgotten what Pratiksha said last night?"
Sudiksha thought for a moment before finally remembering, "Oh yes, let her overconfidence kill her."
This was a common trick used in the industry. Many management agencies used this method to teach their artists a lesson, especially the ones that were arrogant after gaining a little bit of fame. They would boost them to the top, make them and others believe they were on top of the world, then they would pull them down from their perch and let them realize, they were but a tiny speck in the world - small like an ant.
Since Payal wanted to be on top of the world so badly, they would let her be. Siya Rastogi had already made enough enemies for her...
Of course, everything Siya Rastogi did was to convince Payal she had no choice but to rely on Rastogi; it was a warning that once she became famous, she better not think about finding another company.
"For Payal, Siya Rastogi has really put in her all. Too bad Payal's ability can't support her ambitions."
"Whether she can continue to support her, we will have to see after the shoot," Pratiksha was calm as usual, this was her normal expression whenever she wasn't around Moksh - no one could ever tell what she was thinking. Her smile was a mask she wore to fight back against all the fakeness in the world.
Not long after, they arrived at the Secret Headquarters. Pratiksha was escorted to the waiting room that was prepared by the magazine - of course, this room was to be shared with Payal.
Secret's fashion stylist quickly measured Pratiksha's body whilst praising her pair of stunning legs. Afterwards, she handed Pratiksha a traditional Chinese dress, "With your personality, I feel like you suit clothing with lighter colours."
Pratiksha smiled, towards the stylist's suggestion, she had no comment.
Probably because they were from different professions they didn't think the same way, but Sudiksha still couldn't help but cut in, "Our Pratiksha can handle any clothing you give her, she's not picky."
At this time, Payal entered the room accompanied by her assistant. Upon seeing Pratiksha sitting in front of the mirror, she stormed over to her fiercely. She had a proud expression on her face as she grabbed the lipstick in Pratiksha's hand and said, "Must be because you are too used to being a substitute with no choice in clothing, that's why you've forgotten how to be picky."
After speaking, Payal sauntered over to the clothing rack. Pointing to a few pieces of clothing, she faced the designer and said, "I want to try all these."
Payal was indeed good at picking clothes because she understood what complemented her body.
Whereas, Pratiksha indeed did not know how to pick clothes, because..she felt, she should be able to handle any clothing - it was what she was here to present. The fashion shows in the world weren't designed to suit one particular model and it was normal to not have time to check whether clothes suited a model before doing a show...
So, whatever one wears, they present...no matter if it suits them or not.
Because of this understanding, Pratiksha had her own unique way of presenting all different kinds of clothing.
"Our Payal isn't some outdated model. In this profession, wearing clothes is a serious matter, how can you be so casual about it?" Payal's assistant added.
" In the eyes of men, no matter what you wear, you are naked...what's the point of picking something nice to wear?"
"You..."
"Payal, don't be angry, it's not beneficial to your body" her assistant comforted. "The interview is about to start, let's go out and get ready..."
Pratiksha turned to face Nancy and Sudiksha as she whispered, "We should go too."
The interview was scheduled for 9am, the current time was 8:40am. As it was going to be streamed live online, Vikrant pulled the two aside to remind them,
"In this kind of situation, you better think before you speak. I'm sure you both know what you should and shouldn't say. Especially you Pratiksha, control yourself, this is going to be streamed live. If you start up any negative discussions, we won't be able to handle the implications and I don't see how that could be beneficial to you."
"Regarding the topic of sharing a stage, you both better prepare an answer and place the focus on the magazine's front cover."
"No worries Vikrant . I'm just not sure if someone has bad motives," Payal said as she hooked her arm around Vikrant's.
"I will do my best," Pratiksha responded calmly. But, after the recent incidents, Vikrant was a little scared to see Pratiksha's calmness...the more she hid her emotions, the more schemes she had hidden up her sleeve. He really wanted to know, at this moment, what Pratiksha was actually thinking.
"Vikrant , let's go in..." Payal shook his arm, she couldn't stand watching Vikrant stare at Pratiksha.
Vikrant gave a warning to Pratiksha. If Pratiksha behaved today, in the future...when Payal made a comeback, he would consider giving her a chance.
The three of them entered the interview room, but only Pratiksha and Payal sat on the seats inside. Vikrant stood quietly amongst the reporters. If Pratiksha made any flaws, from where he was standing, he could quickly jump in and control the situation...
But today, Pratiksha wasn't going to play her cards the way they expected.