A twist of fate

**Episode 3: A Twist of Fate**

Days passed after Rudra's last visit, and Armaan tried to focus on running the flower shop. However, the memory of their encounters kept replaying in his mind, distracting him from his daily routine. He couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to Rudra's interest in him and his flower arrangements.

One afternoon, as Armaan was tending to a fresh batch of sunflowers, the shop's bell chimed once more. Expecting another customer, he looked up with his usual smile, but his expression faltered when he saw Rudra walking in with another man by his side.

The newcomer was equally well-dressed, with an aura that was more approachable yet equally commanding. He had a warm smile and an easygoing demeanor that contrasted with Rudra’s more intense presence.

“Armaan, meet my friend, Aarav,” Rudra said, introducing the man. “Aarav, this is Armaan, the talented florist I’ve been telling you about.”

Armaan smiled politely, shaking Aarav’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Aarav.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Aarav replied, his voice smooth and friendly. “Rudra’s been raving about your work. I just had to see it for myself.”

Armaan felt a blush creeping up his neck. “I’m glad you like it.”

As they chatted, Aarav’s friendliness put Armaan at ease, though he couldn’t help but notice the subtle tension between the two men. It was as if they were sizing each other up in a way that went beyond mere friendship.

“So, what brings you both here today?” Armaan asked, trying to steer the conversation back to business.

“We’re planning a small gathering,” Aarav explained. “We’ll need some arrangements, and Rudra insisted you’re the best man for the job.”

Armaan nodded, jotting down notes as Aarav described the event. All the while, Rudra stood back, watching the interaction with a silent intensity.

As they finalized the details, the door to the shop opened again. This time, it was a young woman with striking features and a confident stride. She walked in as if she owned the place, her eyes landing immediately on Rudra.

“There you are, Rudra,” she said with a playful smirk. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Rudra’s expression shifted, a hint of irritation crossing his face. “Nisha, I wasn’t expecting you.”

Nisha turned to Armaan, her gaze appraising. “And who’s this?”

Armaan opened his mouth to introduce himself, but Rudra beat him to it. “This is Armaan, the owner of this lovely flower shop.”

Nisha’s eyes narrowed slightly, her smile turning sharp. “Ah, the famous Armaan. Rudra talks about you all the time.”

Armaan felt a pang of unease. There was something about Nisha that set him on edge, as if she were silently staking her claim.

“We were just finalizing some orders,” Aarav interjected smoothly, sensing the tension. “But it looks like we might be interrupting.”

Nisha laughed lightly, waving a hand dismissively. “Not at all. I was just curious about the florist who has captured Rudra’s attention.”

Armaan felt the heat rise to his cheeks again, unsure how to respond. Before he could gather his thoughts, Rudra stepped in.

“Let’s not make Armaan uncomfortable,” Rudra said, his tone firm. “We should let him get back to work.”

Nisha pouted but didn’t push further. Instead, she linked her arm with Rudra’s, a possessive gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Armaan or Aarav.

“We’ll be in touch, Armaan,” Rudra said, giving him a small nod before turning to leave. “And don’t forget, I meant what I said last time.”

Armaan watched them go, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. There was something unsettling about the whole encounter, something that left him feeling both intrigued and wary. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was getting drawn into something far more complicated than he had ever imagined.

As the door closed behind them, Armaan let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. His quiet life at "Eternal Blossoms" was slowly being upended by these new connections, and deep down, he knew there was no turning back now.

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