[Sequel of Warm Love, hence can't be read as a standalone.]
In the first phase, Reyansh concealed a web of mysteries, but as they stand face to face once more, it's Kiraz who holds the tantalizing secrets waiting to be unveiled. These hidden truths...
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Another day of January, another day of winter, and another day of my life.
These days of January are passing by like slow snails. But there's also a sort of swiftness, as if something sweet is being conspired in the books of fate. How can it be sweet?
I'm learning to live a little without dwelling on bad thoughts. Crying and worrying aren't really getting me anywhere. So, what mistake am I making in thinking that something sweet is being cooked up by the angels of fate?
I shift in the leather chair, which I missed dearly. My office, which quiets my thoughts. Another home I've found for myself in Goa, after Veer.
"For the first time, I'm seeing you smile so much," Preeti remarks.
I chuckle as I throw my arms up, "I missed my Rayer."
Finally, after three days, I get to open my Rayer, and it came from the Devil himself. Last night, he called me at 12 in the night, saying I was allowed to open Rayer. Before I could inquire further, he hung up.
"How did you manage?" she inquires, leaning against the table.
"I shrug my shoulders, 'Talking to authority.' Every staff member of Rayer is introduced to a self-made story about how some local goons in Goa targeted Rayer and forced it to close. Although the loss is irrecoverable, as the owner, I, being a good-hearted person, withdrew the case, and the goons were left with a warning. Goons, my ass, he is Mafia. A mafia, I didn't know five years ago, because I was too busy failing in love with him, not that I regret it. Those were the happiest moments of my life. Alas, everything comes with a price. I sigh, catching Preeti's attention as she looks up from sorting letters, asking if there's any problem.
I lightly shake my head, going back to replying to emails.
"How is Veer?"
"He is fit and fine, back to being himself, the Veerzada of the house," I say, not removing my eyes from the email I was reading.
I hear her chuckle, "Bring him someday. I miss him."
"Let me contact an astrologer. Taking his advice for a good day, I will bring him. Last time, my restaurant was on the verge of getting closed, and I don't want it to be blown with his mother flying to the moon." Preeti bursts out laughing, but a frown remains on my forehead. Last time, Veer almost closed my restaurant by adding sand to the curry, and this time his father indeed did that. Fuck Reyansh Rathore. I curse him internally.
"Nobody can beat the boy in mischiefs," I smile at her. How badly I want to tell her how his father is going to prove her wrong.
"Okay, here are the letters." She forwards me a bunch of letters. I take them with a groan, as there are twenty.
"I am in the kitchen. I will be supervising there. We still have thirty minutes to open Rayer."
"Okay," I say, discreetly tearing the envelope as I take the letter out. Offer, bill, advertisement, request; these were all what the first fifteen were filled with. With a sigh, I take the orange one, crumpled at the edge. Flipping it over to check for a return address, but there was none, making my brows furrow, my curiosity piqued. Tearing open the envelope, I unfold the letter inside.
