The show was nearing and Anjali was doing her best to keep up with all the random things that suddenly became her responsibility - delivery schedules, scene designs, and lots and lots of legal stuff - models contracts, equipment lease agreements and all those things Anjali didn't know about few month before.

Luckily she could count on Javed's help in this respect since he was, after all, their head of legal affairs and their unusual friendship gave Anjali enough freedom to utilize his great expertise.

To be frank, Anjali never fully realized what type of relations she has had with Javed. She could never forget the day he expressed his love for her, but then again Anjali also remembered the day Javed decided to be content with whatever they have had. So was their friendship a sign of him moving on? Or was he playing pretend for her sake? But it didn't feel like pretend from his side - he was really, actually OK... So...

This question of whether or not Javed still had any feelings for her was unnerving... but she couldn't quite understand why. So Anjali decided to put this issue aside for a time being... till she will figure out what she'd WANTED him to feel for her... and that was also a big question.

Now they just had this easy, calm, supportive atmosphere around them that both cherished so much. Something to hold on to.

...

Anjali walked into the conference room holding numerous colorful folders in her hands. These were the final drafts of modelling agency contract with separated amendments for each model. She did all she could to secure AR Design interests but she still needed final approval from Javed. He was not in his office (and that was pretty usual as she came to know) so Anjali went to seek him out from his hideout that she'd shared with Javed - the spot behind the pipal tree.

And, as expected, he was there - buried under piles of documents that looked like equipment schemes for their new textile factory. Javed was facing window to get lighter in this dark corner and did not see Anjali's approach. She took advantage of this to watch him work. There was something boyish about the way he worked - Javed was fidgeting a lot, making paper balls and playing basketball, and the funniest part was that he was talking to his papers. Mostly, discussing documents. Like "did you really think I wouldn't notice this little evil sub-clause?" or "this provision is outdated, chi-chi-chi!"... To Anjali that was such an unusual side of him... but so precious.

Javed exclaimed:

- A-ha! Got you! Seven riders of doom are on their way to you!

Anjali chuckled because that was way too nerdy! Javed turned around abruptly and Anjali could almost visualize how his shield of cold sharp intelligence was going up to protect him from ridicule. But once he'd seen it was Anjali who caught him off guard, he relaxed and smiled back:

- Ok, now you know my biggest secret - I'm sci-fi weirdo! Guilty as charged! I warn you - should you tell anybody I would have to retaliate!

Anjali leaned over the wall and asked nonchalantly:

- Really? And what do you have on me?

Javed thought for a moment and said:

- Well, for starters I know your hideout... and may accidentally point Namrata in this direction next time she'd be looking for you with one more cup of "supportive tea".

Anjali groaned:

- Nooooo! You wouldn't! I beg for mercy!

Since Anjali became officially responsible for the big event, her position changed to "Supervising designer" and she was appointed an assistant - Namrata. The girl was hell bent to support Anjali in everything she did mostly resulting in every job being thrown off schedule. But she was so sincere, so eager to be useful - Anjali just could find a nerve to take her off this position. She tried assigning Namrata with far less crucial tasks like bringing her tea or mail or taking calls... But this plan backfired too - Namrata took initiative to her hands and now Anjali's table was covered in cups of cold tea and every fashion magazine Namrata could find in their office, she was lightning auspicious candles and offering Anjali neck massages... The girl tried her best to inspire Anjali for great artistic achievements - and Anjali tried her best to hide from her assistant.

This is why what Javed just said was a real threat to her. And she was almost sure he wouldn't really do it... or would he?

- Javed-ji, I came bearing gifts, please, don't give me away!

Javed's eyes fixed on folders she was holding:

- Are these...? - his voice was suggestive and Anjali confirmed his expectations:

- Yes, they are. Riders.

Anjali and Javed took a real laugh in reading models' riders. Actually, AR Design was one of very few fashion companies in India who accepted riders from models at all... and most people thought that it was foolish of them... but in reality it was their way to form positive professional image of the company.

Javed was eager:

- Please, tell me there's a bouquet of Dutch tulips for every day of the show?

Anjali smiled back:

- No... Better! There's a dog nanny!

- Yes! Gimmy! Gimmy! – and he stretched out his hands to get the papers.