She Chose the Wrong Girl
Twinkle was adjusting fabric on a mannequin when the studio assistant whispered, "Someone's asking for you."
"Who?"
"She says… she's a friend."
Twinkle turned.
Rachel Parulkar stood at the doorway, dressed flawlessly, smiling like silk wrapped around a blade.
"Twinkle Takur," Rachel said pleasantly. "We haven't met properly."
Twinkle crossed her arms. "I don't meet strangers who already know my name."
Rachel laughed softly. "Smart. I like smart girls."
They sat.
The air tightened.
"I won't waste your time," Rachel said. "I was close to Ranveer. Very close."
Twinkle raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"And Najma replaced me."
Twinkle's smile was polite. "That sounds like a you problem."
Rachel's eyes flickered.
"You don't belong in their world," Rachel continued. "You're talented—but power crushes people like us."
Twinkle leaned forward. "I don't remember asking for permission."
Rachel sighed dramatically. "I'm trying to protect you."
Twinkle stood. "Then stop talking."
"Najma will disappear," Rachel whispered. "Just like others before her."
Twinkle's voice went ice-cold. "Say her name again, and you'll regret it."
Silence snapped.
Rachel smiled thinly. "You're brave. Let's see how long it lasts."
She left.
That night, Najma listened without interruption as Twinkle recounted every word.
When Twinkle finished, she asked quietly, "Do you trust me?"
"With my life," Twinkle answered.
Najma nodded once. "Good. Because from now on, you don't walk alone."
Ranveer watched from the doorway.
Rachel had just declared war.