Standing on the stage with her final pose intact Rachel looked at the judges who looked both impressed and doubtful. With that sweet smile alive she came back to normal and slowly started to catch her breath anticipating their answers. The female judge, who was a middle aged woman and a very renowned dancer herself, started with a heartfelt praise, "Well done, Miss Anderson. You were both graceful and charming with your dance moves. It was a really beautiful dance."
Rachel kept on staring at her lips with a polite smile, she was happy that they liked her but the praising didn't last long. The woman pulled a pause before dragging, "But... No matter how talented you are that disability of yours will always be a hindrance to your career."
The girl nodded trying her best not to let the smile fade away, politely she accepted the reality. Another judge said, "Yes, I agree with Mrs. Pete. With this problem it is next to impossible for you to establish a career in this field."
"We admit that you are talented but to dance you need to listen to the music; today you did it because you have been practicing but what about future? It will only bring you trouble and embarrassment."
"Listen to us and give up in this dancing thing. It is not for you! We are sorry..."
Rachel gave them another sweet smile before taking leave to the backstage. She had been to 16 auditions and all of them had the same response for her- give up on dancing! Rachel's sapphire eyes filled up with mist of misery, these many failures were a bit hard for her to handle.
Due to a car accident fifteen years ago 6 year old Rachel lost both her parents and her ability to hear and speak. She grew up in the shadow of her grandfather who was the head of one of the most prestigious family on the states- The Andersons. A mute kid with no family for herself was bound to be bullied by her kin, young Rachel was maltreated in the household. Her greedy uncles and aunts sucked out every inch of her pried.
Even though Rachel's grandparents treated her with great care she still couldn't save herself from all the traumas and bullies. She was passionate about dancing, it was her wildest dream to showcase her talent to the whole world but alas, no one wanted to give her an opportunity all thanks to her disability.
She couldn't blame them either; they were true from their point of view. Disheartened, the young heiress walked her way out of the studio. She unlocked her phone to discover a text from Emily, her best friend who had accompanied her to the auditions that day. The text read that she was in the washroom and will be back soon. Rachel replied with an okay before putting the phone back, she headed towards the lobby and sat on the sofa arranged there.
While she was surfing through internet to know if there were any other auditions taking place in the city someone tapped her shoulder from the back. The woman turned around to see a man in suit showing 32 of his teeth to her.
She read his lips, "Can I have a minute of your time if you don't mind!" Rachel politely smiled and nodded, acknowledging his words. The man immediately came around the sofa and sat next to her, of course maintaining a subtle distance. Rachel tapped a few times on the phone before extending it to the man. The speaker of the phone chimed, "How can I help you?" The man extended his arms to her, “Miss Anderson, I am Bill Watson- a talent scout. I saw your dance; you are really good at it and I am here with an offer for you.”
Rachel, who was reading his lips all this time, got her eyes well up with a ray of hope. Finally someone was recognizing her talent without minding her disability, she couldn’t be any happier. The man continued, “I have already contacted my Boss and he personally want to recruit you. If Miss Anderson is free tonight can you drop by Hotel Dallas to officially discuss everything with him?”
The woman tapped something again on the phone and like previous it spoke up, “I will be more than happy but, which company is this who is willing to take me in despite knowing the problem I possess?”
Bill pulled out a business card from his pocket and passed it to her; the blue and white neatly done card had his name and undersigned was the most prestigious company of the city- JK Entertainment.
Rachel was visibly shocked; this company marked international standards and only scouted people who master in their talent. She was unable to digest this huge discovery, her face turned faded with disbelief. Bill was happy to receive such expressions from her, he professionally stood up before taking leave, “Me and our Boss will be waiting for Miss Anderson for dinner by 7.”
She politely nodded a goodbye and sat there smiling to herself staring at the card. It didn’t take long for Emily to appear, seeing her best friend smiling all by herself she stood in front of her. When Rachel looked up Emily signed at her, “What is it that is making you grin so wide? Passed the auditions?” The woman directly jumped into her hands, Emily stumbled before stabilizing herself. She spoke out, “Whoa… Whoa… Easy, girl!” Rachel parted herself from her and showed the business card to Emily; the latter looked at the card quizzically.
Rachel explained in signs, “I have been scouted by an agent of JK.” Emily, who obviously knew who Kings were, froze in disbelief, “You gotta be kidding me!” The woman nodded in a no and swore explaining further that the agent gave it to her and they had even arranged for a dinner meeting today.
Emily squealed as she hugged her friend, “Oh my God, this is so good! You are finally gonna shine, Rachel… I am so happy for you.”
The two women were friends since third grade, when everyone used to bully Rachel it was Emily who used to defend her. It was only her who was genuinely happy for whatever she achieved and wished for her well being from the depth of her heart.
Emily said, “Rachel should reach the peak of the industry and take me to the parties and business meetings with her. I will take time and seduce Prince Sin.”
Prince Sin was what everyone called Sin Sivan- the young CEO JK Group of Industries. He was the Young Master of the most powerful family of Sivan. There were a really few people who had seen this mysterious young business genius but rumors had it that he was one of the most handsome men alive. Rachel’s family was powerful too but they were nothing in comparison to the Sivans.
“Rachel, I am telling you… He is your brother- in- law and you must help me set up with him.” Emily kept on blabbering as the two women walked out of the studio. When they disappeared from the sight Bill, who was hiding behind a pillar revealed a vicious smirk. He took out his phone to make a call, the call went through and was connected in an instance. He looked at the direction Rachel was a moment ago and said, “She fell for the trap…”