2. unsettling surprises

**Episode 2: Unsettling Surprises**

The following day at "Eternal Blossoms," Armaan was busy preparing orders for a wedding when the shop's bell chimed again. He looked up, expecting another customer, but was taken aback when he saw Rudra standing in the doorway, looking as impeccably dressed as before.

"Rudra," Armaan greeted with a hint of surprise. "What brings you back here?"

Rudra strode in, his gaze scanning the shop with evident interest. "I just wanted to check in. And perhaps get to know the person behind those beautiful arrangements."

Armaan tried to keep his composure, though he felt a flutter of nervousness. "Is there something specific you need today?"

Rudra leaned against the counter, studying Armaan with a smirk. "Actually, yes. I have a few upcoming events and I’m in need of some more bouquets. I was hoping you could help me with that."

Armaan nodded, trying to focus on the task at hand. "Of course. What kind of events are we talking about?"

As Rudra began explaining the details, Armaan noticed a change in the atmosphere. There was a certain intensity in Rudra’s demeanor, and Armaan couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to him than met the eye.

Mid-conversation, the shop door burst open, and a woman stormed in, her eyes filled with irritation. She was in her mid-thirties, impeccably dressed in business attire.

“Armaan!” she snapped. “Where have you been? I’ve been calling you all morning.”

Armaan flinched, his face paling. "I’m sorry, I was just helping a customer."

The woman turned her gaze to Rudra, her expression softening slightly. “And who might this be?”

"This is Rudra," Armaan said quickly. "He’s a client. Rudra, this is Ms. Nisha, my aunt."

Rudra extended his hand politely. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Nisha."

Nisha shook his hand, though her smile was more of a forced gesture. "Likewise. Armaan, we need to talk about the accounts. I’ve been trying to reach you about the overdue payments."

Armaan’s face flushed with embarrassment. "I’ll take care of it as soon as I can."

Nisha’s gaze lingered on Rudra, then back to Armaan. "We’ll discuss this later. I’m sure Rudra has better things to do."

As Nisha left with a curt nod, Armaan’s shoulders slumped. He turned to Rudra, trying to regain his composure. "I apologize for that. How can I assist you with the bouquets?"

Rudra’s expression softened, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "Don’t worry about it, Armaan. I’m sure you have a lot on your plate. Let’s discuss the details of the bouquets."

As they worked through the order, Rudra’s presence became a comforting distraction from Armaan’s worries. Yet, as Rudra left, he turned back with a thoughtful look. "Armaan, don’t let them push you around. You’re better than that."

Armaan watched as Rudra walked out, a mixture of relief and confusion settling in. His words lingered in his mind as he returned to his tasks. Little did he know, Rudra’s unexpected involvement was just the beginning of a complex and tumultuous journey.

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