Shining me, the precious soul of mine

I finally realised 

Current year- 2015

You and Alia drove to your academy. Both of you are 4th-year students at Pearl Fashion Academy. Upon entering the parking lot, you saw many of your classmates rushing to their classes to avoid being tardy.

"They all look like sheep," Alia chuckles.

When you stepped out of the vehicle, you waved her a subtle goodbye, "I'll see you during lunch...can we meet at the cafeteria by 12? My design group will be in the design room."

Alia nods and closes the car door, "ok, what would you like to eat if I get there first?"

As you smile back, you say, "Chicken and fish samoosas with hot chutney sauce and organic mango juice, please.".

Nodding and waving goodbye, she struts off to her management classes.

Every passing student smiles and greets you in a friendly manner. Having two celebrities attend their school makes them so proud.

During your time as the country's sweetheart, you appeared on countless shows, served twice as a Miss Teen India judge, and served as a regional Miss India judge.

Your successor will be crowned this year. Everyone loved your sweet and kind personality.

Even today, you remain a sought after model for prestigious national and international brands. Your favourite celebrity hairstylist commissioned you to do a shampoo commercial a few weeks ago.

Right now, your life is excellent, and it's just the new soul mark that has begun to act. Despite some parts of the soul-bonding manual being challenging to understand, you have at least read them all.

Your soulmate should love and understand you, hopefully, a successful businessman like your sister's husband. Oh, no! Your soul mate need not be a public figure or celebrity. Relationships of this type are difficult to maintain.

It was a turbulent year for celebrity relationships that headed for separation. Ankit and Roopal are well known to you. Both are from the Tarnished community. The two met on set. He was trying to two-time her with someone else's soulmate. Who was also rejected by her soulmate?

Dajeet and Shaleen's relationship even deteriorated. He was such a handsome man. He abuses his mate physically. She was from the red-gold string, and he was from the yellow string. Her genuine love for him is what he uses. In addition to having a baby together, they also got married. For them, divorce is inevitable.

Your soulmate should genuinely love you and not break your heart. A blue string will be better for both of you. Keeping each other protected and concerned all the time.

Malia was busy in the Textile department when you entered.

A big smile spread across her lecturer's face when she spotted the academy's most renowned and talented student.

"Good morning Miss Gera. I am going to present Malia with plans for today's meeting. I apologise if I have intruded. "Your smile is sweet.

Miss Gera greeted Miss Dholakia, "Good morning, Miss Dholakia, no problem. Malia!" She called your project partner, who was busy cutting fabric. The paper catches her attention as you demonstrate your radiant smile.

She moves quickly to the front. You immediately caught the attention of the other students. There is a smile on their faces. It's not every day they get to speak to India's sweetheart. The academy considers you highly popular, and you are one of its most respected role models without any scandals.

When Malia saw the schedule, she smiled, "Thanks, Samiya. We can meet tomorrow. I'm free for the first two periods. Rajesh is available for the second period as well."

In class, the other students were more mesmerised than what was happening in front of them. You thank her and the lecturer.

You hurried to your practical cutting class. Your lecturer hopefully won't give You a tardy. You are looking forward to showcasing your talents at the graduation fashion show.

Lucky for you, he was so busy explaining to the class that you slipped in unnoticed. 

During your first morning session, you and a few of your classmates head to the cafeteria. You can get lost in all the hallways. A beautifully intricate design adorns Pearl Academy.

There were two boys you saw talking or flirting with Alia. Alias' antics made you shook your head. Her Tarnished status ruined her. The Tarnished community knows that anything can happen unexpectedly before you turn 30. Even before 35 years old, you can be considered a late bloomer with a late soul mark.

Now Alia wants to abuse her freedom by dating as many guys as possible before she's one of the unlucky ones who get a late bloomer soul mark.

"Oye, India's sweetheart. How are your classes going?", She was beaming as she saw you.

"Busy, I just had to finish my show stopper after I finished the three main designs." You plopped on one of the chairs.

'Oh, wow, you don't play this year,' she exclaimed admiringly.

Laughing, you say, "Not if I want to complete my degree in the fastest time possible. I'm also taking a separate diploma in Styling and Imaging. Who knows wherever that could lead."
Seeing the platter with the three sauces for dips on the table, you look around at the assortment of samosa.

Inwardly, you offer a blessing and begin eating the tasty food. You and Alia talked about classes and random stuff until your phone rang.

If you look at your caller ID, it is your mohibahia (older sister), Sreemukhi.

After wiping your mouth and hands, you press the answer button, "Oye (hey) sister, how are you?"

Alia smiled when she learned it was Mukhi, Samis' eldest sister. She also lives in New Delhi but a different city. The town where the affluent citizens of New Delhi live. Alia is aware of Mukhi's intimidating nature. When they were in high school, she always scolded her and Samiya.

"Our palaka isn't answering their phones, and I think they went to the Export and Import Conference in Alipur. Oliver and I are celebrating our sixth anniversary , and he wanted to spoil me with an Island vacation for the week."

"Wow, Mukhi. " Oliver Hansen is her Danish brother-in-law. Amaira Ella, their 4-year-old daughter, is adorable." Oliver is so romantic...which island?"

"It's a surprise, "Sreemukhi laughed, "We just scored that $22million contract yesterday, and we are celebrating."

You're so happy about your sister's successful cosmetic business. They were contracted to supply a retail store franchise with their products for three years.

"However, now we are in a spot. We need someone trustworthy to watch Amaira and house watch while we are out. So far, our Palaka (parents)is busy at work, so I thought of you. You can bring Priyanka with you. She needs to get out more. "Mukhi Sighs

"When will you be leaving?" you ask with a sigh, but you agree.

Sreemukhis voice filled with relief." You can come tomorrow morning early, mom says Priya will be off all week, and I told Amaira's nursery school that she'd get a week off. I'd prefer that you not worry about dropping her off.  The housekeeper will also sleep in to watch over her."

You felt relieved when you heard the news, since Amaira school is a little out of town near Mukhis company, and you don't know the location very well. Mukhi and Oliver moved into a new mansion in Gulmorhor Park three months ago.

"Priyanka will spend her time with her BTS, so I'd like to invite Alia too." As you smile, you say, "I don't want to be bored."

Sreemukhi agreed, "If she wants..no boys allowed and parties okay. I know she's a bindaas-woman. (coolest) I'll leave you my credit card in case you need it during an emergency or for entertainment. The security details will be at the same place. Amaira needs to get her hair cut. I've already scheduled an appointment for next week. Check the fridge for her schedule. Thank you, sister."

She talked with you briefly about your responsibilities regarding Amaira, her little four-year-old.

As you end the call, you sigh. Alia looks at you in surprise. "would you be interested in a week-long stay in a well-equipped mansion?"

Laughing, Alia claps her hands, "It will be so much fun. Especially with Priya!"

"You and Priya will not be on my case again." You make a face.

As Alia patted your shoulder, she said, "Don't worry, sweety, we'll make you relax a lot, and you won't be such a Vella  (loser).

As you shook your head, you said, "I'm more likely to be bullied with you two together."

A wide-eyed Alia asked, "Is Priya still into those cute Korean boys?"

You stare at Alia's dreamy face with horror, "You knew that?"
Alia smugly, "She didn't tell you because you have no interest in today's music (you're old-fashioned and boring)."

Looking at her mock offended, you reply, "I'm not old fashioned nor boring. I can also have fun...I'm not into foreign music whose lyrics I can't even understand."

Alia smiled, "They're amazing!"

You wave her off, "Yeah, well...Priyanka let me watch their videos last week...They are Pataka (attractive) for boys...she talked about biases-"

"They're so cute. I watch their MV pretty often. I like their looks, but I won't hesitate to kiss their youngest senseless. I think his name is Jung-something. Did you notice their dance choreography? That group can dance!" echoed Alia with delight, "The band has to come to India as well", she exclaims, "Priya is so lonely at home with homeschooling. How about putting Priya in a private school near Mukhi's new house?."

"Do you think BTS will like India? Maybe in the future. I understand the busy schedule we have been having with modelling shows and pageants, but I will contact my parents tonight. Priya only wants friends at school, not modelling friends." You flinched.

"She will be much happier, and you won't have to worry as much about her at home alone." Alia nodded.

Since your parents became busier with the business last week, you felt guilty about not spending enough time with her. To relieve your dad of the CEO duties, your brother took over.

Alia chuckles, "Priya is so cute; I've watched a few of her Kdrama series she like, while you were working on your projects. I fell in love with their culture, so maybe next year I'll enrol in a graduate program there."

Then you were pleasantly surprised, "Really, I thought you wanted to be a Bollywood actress?"

Alia shrugged, "I still want to pursue my Bollywood dreams, but I want to broaden my horizons. Everyone knows our faces here. Aren't you tired of being in almost every tabloid for the smallest thing we do?"

Last week, Alia was photographed with her new beau in a club near the  Tarnished community. Although most magazines linked you with lots of cute celebrity guys speculating if they are your soulmate, you don't go to clubs, and you love your clean reputation and clean name.

Alia sighed, "I want to be a normal young girl, not worried about tomorrow's tabloids or being accused of drinking a particular brand of soda or hooking up with just anyone. I want to be a person without a name."

It is understandable. In your own country, being considered an A-list celebrity is not easy. You are invited to the majority of celebrity events and dinners. People believe they own your soul.

As you think about handsome BTS member Soekjin, you feel your heart race. He's Jhakaas (smoking hot), which you can attest to.

Lunch is almost over. The two of you are finished eating your light meal and are headed to your fashion history class. Both of you have it as a major. To reach the design department building, you quickly speed walk.

A/n. I want to thank all readers for their support. Would you please vote and comment if you enjoy the book? My lovely Indian readers, I hope that the meanings of certain words are precise and in context not to offend anyone. 💟