blossoms of underworld

chapter 5

Protection

Anaya awoke the next morning to the sound of hushed voices outside her door. She sat up, her heart still heavy with the lingering tension from the night before. The events had left her feeling both vulnerable and strangely resolute. She knew she couldn’t escape Joy’s world now; it had wrapped its tendrils around her, pulling her deeper with every passing moment.

She dressed quickly and opened the door, finding Raj waiting for her. His usual stern demeanor softened slightly as he saw her. “Good morning, Miss Shergill. Mr. Singhania wishes to see you in the dining room.”

Anaya nodded, following him through the mansion’s ornate hallways. As they entered the dining room, she found Joy already seated at the head of the long table, his expression thoughtful. He glanced up as she approached, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes.

“Good morning, Anaya,” he greeted her, his voice softer than usual.

“Good morning, Joy,” she replied, taking a seat opposite him. “What’s the plan now?”

Joy sighed, leaning back in his chair. “The Marcellos won’t stop until they’ve taken what they want. We need to be prepared for their next move.”

Anaya nodded, feeling a mixture of fear and determination. “And what about me? How long do I have to stay here?”

Joy’s gaze softened. “As long as it takes to ensure your safety. I won’t let them harm you.”

His words sent a shiver down her spine, but she couldn’t deny the reassurance they brought. Despite his intimidating presence, Joy’s concern for her was genuine. It was a side of him she hadn’t expected, a glimpse of the man beneath the mafia king.

Over the next few days, Anaya adjusted to life in the mansion. Joy’s men were constantly on guard, their vigilance a reminder of the danger that loomed. Anaya spent her days exploring the mansion’s vast gardens, finding solace among the flowers that reminded her of her shop. She often found herself thinking of Joy, wondering about the burdens he carried and the choices he had made.

One afternoon, as she wandered through a particularly beautiful section of the garden, she found Joy sitting on a stone bench, lost in thought. He looked up as she approached, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Anaya,” he said, gesturing for her to sit beside him. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Anaya sat down, the fragrance of the flowers around them soothing her nerves. “I needed some fresh air. It’s beautiful out here.”

Joy nodded, his gaze drifting to the vibrant blooms. “My mother loved this garden. She used to spend hours here, tending to the flowers.”

Anaya sensed the deep emotion in his voice. “Tell me about her,” she said softly.

Joy’s eyes grew distant as he spoke. “She was kind and gentle, the heart of our family. When she died, everything changed. My father became harder, more ruthless. He built this empire, but it cost him his humanity.”

Anaya reached out, placing a comforting hand on his. “And you? Did you want this life?”

Joy’s jaw tightened. “It’s all I’ve ever known. But sometimes, I wonder if things could have been different.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Raj, who appeared at the edge of the garden, his expression urgent. “Mr. Singhania, we have a situation.”

Joy stood, his demeanor shifting instantly. “What is it?”

“One of our safe houses has been compromised. The Marcellos are moving in.”

Joy’s eyes narrowed. “Prepare the men. We need to move quickly.”

Anaya felt a pang of fear as Joy turned to her. “Stay here, Anaya. You’ll be safe in the mansion.”

She nodded, though the thought of him facing danger alone made her heart ache. “Be careful, Joy.”

He gave her a reassuring smile. “I will. Raj will stay with you. Trust him.”

As Joy and his men left, Anaya felt a sense of helplessness wash over her. She hated being a passive observer, caught in a web of danger without the means to fight back. She spent the evening in a state of anxious anticipation, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

Hours later, Joy returned, looking exhausted but unhurt. He found Anaya waiting for him in the library, her eyes lighting up with relief as he entered.

“It’s over,” he said, sinking into a chair. “For now, at least.”

Anaya rushed to his side, her concern evident. “Are you okay?”

Joy nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at her. “I’m fine, thanks to my men. They handled it well.”

Anaya’s heart swelled with gratitude for the people who protected him. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

Joy reached out, taking her hand in his. “Anaya, I know this isn’t easy for you. But I promise, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.”

Anaya looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity in his words. “I know you will. And I trust you, Joy.”

In that moment, surrounded by shadows and uncertainty, Anaya felt a strange sense of peace. Despite the danger, she knew she wasn’t alone. Joy’s protection and their growing bond gave her strength, a light in the darkness that enveloped their world.

As they sat together in the quiet of the library, Anaya realized that her life had changed irrevocably. She was no longer just a florist; she was part of Joy’s world now, a world of shadows and light. And in Joy Singhania, she had found an unexpected ally, someone who could change her life just as much as she could change his.