22. WORKING

Taliya gripped the window of her sleek black SUV, her mind laser-focused on the task ahead. The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the winding road leading to the cabin she had hired for the next few days. Nestled amidst the lush greenery on the outskirts of Goa, the cabin was an ideal retreat for the intense planning and preparation required for the collection launch.

Her thoughts briefly drifted back to the previous night's events at the hotel. The mystery of the missing reservation and the unsettling presence outside her room gnawed at her. But there was no time to dwell on that now. She had a collection to launch, and her team was counting on her.

Arriving at the cabin, Taliya took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering tension. The cabin was a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, providing a tranquil setting for the days ahead. As the driver parked the SUV, she stepped out and took a moment to appreciate the serene surroundings before heading inside. Her insides churned with good feelings as she walked with power into the cabin.

Her staff was already there, gathered in the spacious living area that had been converted into a makeshift conference room. Haroon was there too, looking slightly less harried than the night before. He gave her a nod of acknowledgment as she entered.

“Good morning, everyone,” Taliya greeted, her voice steady and authoritative. “I know we’ve had a rough start, but we have a lot to accomplish in the next few days. Let’s get to work.”

She moved to the front of the room where a large whiteboard had been set up, flanked by tables covered in fabric samples, sketches, and mood boards. The team members quieted down, their attention fully on her.

“First, let’s go over the schedule for today,” Taliya began, pointing to the whiteboard where the day’s agenda was outlined. “We’ll start with a brief overview of the collection, followed by a detailed discussion on how each outfit will be displayed by the models.”

She picked up a stack of folders from a nearby table and handed them out to her team. “These contain the finalized designs and the lineup for the show. I want each of you to familiarize yourselves with every detail. We can’t afford any mistakes.”

As her team members opened their folders and began flipping through the pages, Taliya continued. “The theme for this collection is ‘Ethereal Elegance.’ Each piece is designed to capture a sense of timeless beauty and grace. Our models will embody this theme, and it’s crucial that every aspect of the presentation reflects it.”

She turned to a large sketch of the runway setup that had been pinned to the wall. “Haroon and I have already scouted the venue, and we’ve worked out the logistics. The runway will be set up to maximize visibility and impact. We’ll have multiple lighting setups to enhance the ethereal effect, and the background music will be a blend of classical and contemporary pieces to set the right mood.”

Haroon stepped forward, holding a tablet and his notebook. “I’ve coordinated with the technical team, and they’re ready to start the setup as soon as we give the go-ahead. We’ll do a full dress rehearsal tomorrow to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

Taliya nodded in approval and continued. “Now, let’s talk about the models. We’ve selected a diverse group to showcase the versatility of the collection. Each model has been paired with outfits that complement their unique features and bring out the best in each design.”

She gestured to another board displaying headshots of the models alongside sketches of their assigned outfits. “We’ll be doing fittings this afternoon. It’s essential that each outfit fits perfectly and aligns with our vision. Pay close attention to the details during the fittings. I want every seam, every stitch to be flawless.”

One of the team members raised a hand. “What about the accessories?”

“Good question,” Taliya said, smiling. “Accessories are an integral part of the collection. They should enhance, not overshadow, the outfits. We’ll be using a mix of delicate jewelry, elegant shoes, and minimalist handbags. I’ve already selected the pieces, and they’re on their way here. We’ll match them to the outfits during the fittings.”

She paused, looking around at her team, who were all diligently taking notes and absorbing the information. “Remember, the success of this collection depends on our collective effort. We need to work together seamlessly and support each other. If you have any questions or run into any issues, don’t hesitate to speak up.”

Taliya glanced at Haroon, who gave her a reassuring nod. “Alright, let’s get started. Haroon, you’ll lead the team handling the runway setup. I’ll oversee the fittings. We have a lot to do, but I’m confident we can pull this off.”

As her team dispersed to their assigned tasks, Taliya felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges they faced only fueled her determination to make the collection launch a resounding success. She took a moment to look out the cabin’s large windows, the tranquil scenery reminding her of the calm before the storm.

With a deep breath, she turned back to the task at hand, ready to lead her team to victory. Her mind accidentally slipped to the Murad who ignored her earlier in the morning. The sudden shift was noticed by Haroon as he came to her with his tablet in his hand.

"Why so sour?" He asked dropping himself on the couch before her and shuffled on the screen showing the photographers text. That models with arrive with him in the afternoon.

"How's the work going on?" She asked dodging away his question with a twist in her lips.

"The accessories arrived earlier than before. They are going through it and preparing the collections for the rack." He informed rotating his table on his finger like a football.

"Murad is here." His words made her hold tighten on the pen she was holding, but her face didn't betray any emotions.

"Yes, and?" She questioned seeing the invitation list which was already sent out to everyone.

Famous and popular fashion designer were coming i her event and she can't manage to lose her face with her face.

"Murad will be there too." He stated as if this was something new.

"I know Haroon. I was the who finalized the list." She replied, standing up and  walking into room seeing her staff working effortlessly for her achievements. It was not only her achievements but theirs too.

Her stomach churned making her tighten her fingers into fist. That was the only reaction she could give to the outer world.