blossoms of underworld

chapter 3

The Second Meeting

The days that followed their meeting at the Grand Imperial Hotel were a whirlwind for Anaya. She threw herself into her work, hoping the familiarity of her flower shop would steady her nerves. Yet, the thought of Joy Singhania’s proposition lingered in her mind, a constant reminder of the dangerous path she had chosen.

The event Joy had mentioned was a high-profile gala for some of the city’s elite, and Anaya had been given the task of creating an extravagant floral display. She spent hours meticulously selecting the finest blooms, ensuring every detail was perfect. Despite her reservations, she found a strange excitement in the challenge.

The day of the gala arrived, and Anaya, accompanied by her assistant Meera, arrived at the grand venue early in the morning. The place buzzed with activity, and Anaya directed her team with a calm efficiency, arranging elaborate centerpieces and floral arches. The opulence of the setting was a stark contrast to her humble shop, yet she navigated it with grace.

As the day wore on, Anaya took a moment to step back and admire her work. The room was transformed into a floral wonderland, with vibrant colors and delicate scents filling the air. She felt a sense of pride, knowing she had created something beautiful.

Joy arrived in the afternoon to oversee the preparations. He moved through the room with an air of authority, his presence commanding immediate respect. When his eyes fell on Anaya, busy arranging the final touches on a towering floral display, he paused, watching her with interest.

“Miss Shergill,” Joy’s deep voice interrupted her concentration. She looked up, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. Dressed in another impeccably tailored suit, he was as intimidating as ever.

“Mr. Singhania,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “I hope everything is to your satisfaction.”

Joy walked closer, examining the arrangements with a critical eye. “It’s impressive,” he said finally, a rare note of approval in his tone. “You have a talent for this.”

Anaya felt a flicker of pride but maintained her professionalism. “Thank you. I’m glad you’re pleased.”

As Joy continued to observe the setup, Anaya couldn’t help but notice how out of place he seemed amidst the flowers. Yet, there was a strange allure in his presence, a magnetism that drew her in despite her better judgment.

“Tell me, Miss Shergill,” Joy said, turning his gaze back to her. “What made you choose this line of work?”

Anaya hesitated, surprised by the personal question. “It was my parents’ shop,” she said finally. “After they passed away, I took over. It’s been my passion ever since.”

Joy nodded, his expression unreadable. “It’s a noble pursuit. Creating beauty in a world so often devoid of it.”

Anaya was taken aback by his words, a hint of vulnerability beneath his cold exterior. “What about you, Mr. Singhania?” she asked, unable to resist. “Why do you do what you do?”

Joy’s eyes darkened, and for a moment, she regretted her question. But then he spoke, his voice softer than she had ever heard. “I do what I must to survive. To protect what is mine.”

There was a depth to his words that Anaya couldn’t fully grasp, but she saw a flicker of pain in his eyes. It made her wonder about the man behind the intimidating facade.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of guests, and Joy’s demeanor shifted back to the powerful, controlled figure she was used to. As the gala began, Anaya watched from the sidelines, her mind buzzing with the revelations of their brief exchange.

The event was a success, and as the night wore on, Anaya found herself swept up in the glamorous atmosphere. She mingled with guests, receiving compliments on her work. Yet, her eyes kept drifting back to Joy, who was surrounded by influential figures, his presence commanding as ever.

As the evening drew to a close, Joy approached Anaya once more. “You did well tonight,” he said, his tone sincere.

“Thank you,” Anaya replied, feeling a strange sense of accomplishment.

Joy’s gaze held hers, a silent intensity in his eyes. “I hope this won’t be the last time we work together.”

Anaya nodded, unsure of what the future held but unable to deny the allure of his world. “We’ll see, Mr. Singhania.”

As Joy departed, leaving Anaya to her thoughts, she realized that their worlds were becoming increasingly intertwined. The cold, intimidating mafia king and the warm-hearted florist were on a path neither could have predicted, one that would challenge everything they thought they knew about themselves and each other.

That night, as Anaya returned home, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she could never have imagined. And despite the danger, a part of her was eager to see where this collision of worlds would lead.