Precious Desire

Chapter 5 : Love at first sight

**AUTHOR'S POV**

Meera stepped out of the café, a light breeze ruffling her hair as she inhaled the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee. This was her little morning ritual, a moment of solace before the day's demands set in. She tucked a stray strand behind her ear, lost in thoughts of her busy schedule, and made her way down the bustling street.

In her distraction, she collided with someone.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" they both said in unison, their voices muffled by the morning chatter. Meera barely registered the man's tall silhouette as he brushed past her, his gaze fixed on the ground.

"It's fine," she muttered, glancing back as he hurried away, an inexplicable sense of urgency about him.

Just as she resumed her path, something glinted on the pavement. She stopped, her heart quickening as she realized it was a wallet, dark brown and slightly scuffed. Curiosity piqued, she picked it up and opened it just a fraction. A driver's license slipped partially out, revealing a name: RAJVEER SINGH RATHORE.

Her mind raced. She had to return it to him. She scanned the street for the man but found only a sea of unfamiliar faces. "Great, just great," she murmured, feeling a mix of disappointment and determination.

Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket, jolting her from her thoughts. It was Nitya.

"Hey, Meeru! What's up?" Nitya's voice chimed cheerfully.

"Not much, just had a little incident. I bumped into someone and found his wallet," Meera explained, looking down at the leather in her hands.

"Ooh, sounds intriguing! Are you going to return it?" Nitya asked, her excitement palpable.

"I was going to try, but I lost sight of him. The license has an address on it-Rathore Mansion." Meera bit her lip, contemplating. "I think I should go there and give it back."

"Rathore Mansion? Wow! That place is supposed to be stunning! You have to let me tag along!" Nitya insisted.

"Really? I could use the company. It feels a bit intimidating to go alone," Meera admitted, relief flooding through her.

After a brief chat, they agreed to meet in front of the mansion. Within minutes, Meera arrived, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The grand gates loomed before her, ornate and imposing, the air thick with history.

When Nitya arrived, her eyes sparkled with awe. "This place is amazing!" she exclaimed, taking in the intricate architecture and sprawling gardens.

"Right? It feels like stepping into a different world," Meera replied, clutching the wallet tightly. "Let's just get this over with."

As they walked toward the entrance, Meera couldn't shake the feeling that this simple act of returning a wallet might lead to something more. They stepped through the gates, the path lined with vibrant flowers, and approached the mansion's heavy wooden door.

Taking a deep breath, Meera knocked, the sound echoing ominously in the stillness. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing an elegantly dressed woman with sharp features and an inquisitive gaze.

"Can I help you?" the woman asked, her tone both polite and wary.

"Um, hi! I found this wallet, and I believe it belongs to someone named Rajveer Singh Rathore," Meera said, holding it out.

The woman's expression shifted from curiosity to recognition. "Ah, Mr. Rathore is in the study. Please, come in."

Meera exchanged a glance with Nitya, both of them wide-eyed with anticipation. They stepped into the opulent foyer, the air thick with the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers. As they walked deeper into the mansion, Meera felt a strange sense of fate weaving around them.