Before coming to New York, Akshata had done her homework. She had spent hours researching the modeling industry, learning about agencies, and reading about the people who discovered new talent. Drawing on knowledge from her past life, she had memorized the faces of several well-known scouts so that she could recognize them if fate ever gave her the chance.
As she walked through the mall with her father and brother, Kalpa's voice suddenly echoed in her mind.
"Host, the scout you've been waiting for is here. I gently influenced his route so that he decided to take a walk through this mall. He is approximately one hundred meters away. This is your opportunity."
Akshata's heart skipped a beat.
"What? Now? But... what do I do? How can I attract his attention? How should I behave?" she asked nervously.
Kalpa answered in a calm, reassuring voice.
"First, remain calm. Desperation is easy to notice, and confidence is far more memorable."
"Do not chase him or block his path. Walk naturally and carry yourself with good posture. Let your confidence speak before your words do."
"Dress neatly, smile genuinely, and be respectful. If your paths cross, make brief eye contact and acknowledge him politely. If he shows interest, answer honestly. If he does not, accept it gracefully."
"Remember, Host, a scout is not searching for someone pretending to be perfect. They are searching for someone with potential, confidence, and authenticity."
Akshata took a slow, steady breath.
Her racing heartbeat began to settle.
She straightened her shoulders, adjusted her pace, and reminded herself that she had not come to New York to force an opportunity—she had come prepared to meet one if it arrived.
With her father and brother beside her, she walked forward naturally, ready to let the moment unfold on its own.
Akshata followed Kalpa's advice. Instead of searching frantically for the scout, she continued walking beside her father and younger brother, talking and laughing as though it were just another family outing.
A few moments later, she noticed a man standing near the center of the mall, quietly observing the crowd. He wasn't carrying a large camera or making himself obvious. Dressed simply, he blended in with everyone else.
Kalpa's voice echoed softly in her mind.
"Host... ten o'clock. He has just noticed you. Do not look at him immediately. Continue walking naturally."
Akshata resisted the urge to turn her head.
Her father was explaining something about one of the stores while her younger brother excitedly pointed toward a gaming shop. She listened, smiled, and replied as if nothing unusual was happening.
From a distance, the scout watched the three of them. What caught his attention wasn't a dramatic pose or an attempt to impress him. It was the young girl's natural confidence, graceful posture, and warm interaction with her family.
"Good," Kalpa said. "He's observing, not just looking. That's the difference."
As they passed another storefront, the scout began walking in the same direction. He kept a respectful distance, quietly confirming his first impression.
Akshata's heartbeat quickened.
"He's following us..."
"Remain calm," Kalpa replied. "Do not assume anything. Let him make the first move."
Several minutes later, the family stopped near an open seating area. Akshata's younger brother wanted a drink, so their father walked with him toward a nearby café, leaving Akshata waiting by the fountain.
That was when the scout approached.
"Excuse me," he said politely. "I hope I'm not interrupting. My name is Daniel."
Akshata turned toward him with a calm smile.
"Hello."
"I've noticed the way you carry yourself," he continued. "Have you ever considered modeling?"
For a brief second, Akshata almost laughed to herself. This is exactly what I came here hoping for.
Instead, she answered honestly.
"Yes. It's something I've dreamed about for a long time."
Daniel nodded.
"I can see that you have confidence without trying too hard, and that's rare. If you're interested, I'd like to speak with your parent as well."
At that moment, her father and younger brother returned, each carrying a drink.
Daniel greeted them respectfully before introducing himself.
"Good afternoon, sir. I hope you don't mind me approaching your daughter. I work as a talent scout, and I believe she has potential. If you're comfortable, I'd like to tell you more about the next steps."
Akshata looked at her father.
Without saying a word, he smiled.
Nagaraju looked at Daniel and smiled warmly.
"Of course," he said. "Let's sit somewhere comfortable."
The four of them walked to a nearby café inside the mall. They found a quiet table away from the crowd and took their seats.
Before anyone could say anything, Akshata stood up.
"I'll be back in a minute," she said.
She walked to the counter, ordered a few soft drinks, and returned carrying the tray herself. She politely handed one to her father, another to Daniel, and then walked over to give one to her younger brother. Only after everyone had been served did she take her own seat.
She sat with graceful posture, her hands resting neatly on the table, listening attentively without interrupting.
Daniel noticed the small gesture and smiled to himself. Good manners... considerate... composed, he thought.
Taking a sip of his drink, Daniel began.
"Mr. Nagaraju, I've had a brief conversation with your beautiful daughter. She told me she's interested in pursuing modeling. From what I've observed today, I genuinely believe she has promising potential."
He reached into his pocket and took out a business card, placing it gently on the table.
"I'm a professional talent scout with IMG Models. I'd be delighted if you and your daughter could visit our office. I'd like my colleagues to meet her and conduct an initial assessment."
The moment the letters IMG caught Nagaraju's eye, he instinctively looked at Akshata.
For just a second, father and daughter exchanged a glance.
A quiet smile spread across Nagaraju's face.
He knew how much preparation had gone into this dream, and seeing the opportunity arrive naturally filled him with pride.
Looking back at Daniel, he accepted the business card with both hands.
"Thank you very much," Nagaraju said sincerely. "Yes, my daughter is genuinely interested in modeling. As parents, we believe our children should have the freedom to pursue the dreams they are passionate about. Our responsibility is to guide and support them."
He glanced at Akshata once more before continuing.
"We'll certainly make time to visit your office. In fact, if it's convenient, we'll come tomorrow."
Daniel smiled.
"That sounds wonderful. I'll inform the reception desk that you're coming. Don't feel nervous—tomorrow is simply an opportunity for us to get to know Akshata better."
As the conversation came to an end, Akshata quietly held her glass, her excitement hidden behind her calm expression.
Inside her mind, however, Kalpa spoke softly.
"Congratulations, Host. The first door has opened. Now, let your own talent carry you through the rest of the journey."