the calm before the storm

**Episode 9: The Calm Before the Storm**

The following morning, Armaan woke up in an unfamiliar room, surrounded by luxury he had never imagined. The bed was soft and plush, the linens expensive and immaculate. The large windows allowed the early morning light to filter in, casting a golden hue over the elegant decor. For a moment, he wondered if it had all been a dream—the danger, the revelations, and Rudra’s confessions. But the moment he saw the clothes neatly folded at the foot of the bed, reality came crashing back.

He sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The events of the previous night replayed in his mind, each detail clearer than the last. He had agreed to stay with Rudra, to let him protect him from the unknown threats that now surrounded them. But what did that mean for his life moving forward? How would he navigate this new, terrifying world?

A soft knock on the door pulled Armaan from his thoughts. “Come in,” he called, his voice still groggy.

The door opened, and Rudra stepped inside, looking as composed as ever. He wore a crisp suit, every detail impeccable, but his eyes held a softness that contrasted with his powerful appearance.

“Good morning, Armaan,” Rudra greeted him with a gentle smile. “Did you sleep well?”

Armaan nodded, though the restlessness of his night had left him with more questions than answers. “Yeah… I think so.”

Rudra crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed, his presence comforting. “I know this isn’t easy for you. Everything has changed so quickly.”

Armaan looked down at his hands, trying to find the right words. “I just… I don’t know how to process all of this, Rudra. My life was so simple before, and now…”

Rudra reached out, gently placing a hand on Armaan’s shoulder. “I understand. And I’m sorry for dragging you into this. But I promise, I’m doing everything I can to keep you safe.”

Armaan met Rudra’s gaze, searching for the strength he saw there. “I trust you, Rudra. I just wish I knew what to do.”

Rudra’s expression softened, and he squeezed Armaan’s shoulder reassuringly. “You don’t have to do anything, Armaan. Just stay here, stay safe, and let me handle the rest. I’ll make sure you’re protected.”

Armaan nodded, though the uncertainty still gnawed at him. “What about the shop? I can’t just abandon it.”

“I’ve already made arrangements,” Rudra said calmly. “Your employees will manage things in your absence. They’ve been informed that you’re taking some time off for personal reasons.”

Armaan sighed in relief. At least his beloved flower shop would be taken care of, even if he couldn’t be there himself.

As if reading his thoughts, Rudra added, “Once things settle down, you can return to your normal life. This is just temporary.”

“Temporary…” Armaan echoed, trying to hold onto that hope. But deep down, he feared that nothing would ever be the same again.

Rudra stood, offering Armaan a hand. “Come, let’s have breakfast. You need to keep your strength up.”

Armaan took Rudra’s hand, allowing himself to be guided out of the room. As they walked through the lavish corridors of the mansion, he couldn’t help but feel like a fish out of water. The opulence around him was overwhelming, a stark contrast to the simplicity he was used to.

They entered a grand dining room, where a table was set with a feast of breakfast dishes. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, and more were laid out in an elegant display. Rudra gestured for Armaan to sit, and they began to eat in comfortable silence.

But just as Armaan started to relax, the quiet was shattered by the sound of Rudra’s phone ringing. He answered it, his expression shifting to one of seriousness.

“What is it?” Rudra asked, his tone sharp.

Armaan watched as Rudra listened intently, his brow furrowing with concern. Whatever the caller was saying, it wasn’t good.

“I see,” Rudra finally said, his voice low. “Keep me updated. I’ll handle it.”

He ended the call and turned to Armaan, his calm demeanor replaced by a sense of urgency. “We need to leave, now.”

Armaan’s heart skipped a beat. “What’s happening?”

“Something’s come up,” Rudra said, already moving towards the door. “It’s not safe here anymore.”

Panic surged through Armaan. “Where are we going?”

Rudra paused, looking back at him with a determined gaze. “Somewhere they can’t find us. Trust me, Armaan. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Without another word, Rudra led Armaan out of the dining room and through the mansion, their pace quickening with every step. The mansion that had seemed so grand and secure just moments ago now felt like a trap, and Armaan’s fear grew with every passing second.

As they exited the mansion and headed for the car, Armaan couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The calm before the storm. And whatever was coming next, it was going to test them both in ways they never expected.

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