EPISODE 2: THE UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL
1053 Words
The scent of fresh roses and lilies clung to Anika Sharma’s apron as she rushed into her tiny flower shop, her heart still racing from the embarrassing incident earlier. Spilling coffee on Rudra Malhotra? Of all people? The man exuded power, arrogance, and an unsettling amount of intimidation.
Her best friend, Meera, was waiting inside, twirling a rose between her fingers. "Spill. Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?"
Anika groaned, tossing her bag onto the counter. “Not a ghost. A devil. A rich, arrogant devil in an expensive suit."
Meera's eyes lit up. “Ooh, sounds juicy. Who is he?"
Anika let out a frustrated sigh. "Rudra Malhotra."
Meera dropped the rose. "Wait. THE Rudra Malhotra? The billionaire CEO? The untouchable ‘Iron King’?"
Anika nodded. "I accidentally spilled coffee on him today."
Meera gasped. "Girl, did you at least get a picture before he murdered you?"
Anika rolled her eyes. "No, but he was furious. And now, he’s demanding I compensate him for his ridiculously expensive suit."
Meera cackled. "Let me guess, you told him off?"
"Of course! Who does he think he is, ordering people around like that?"
Before Meera could respond, Anika’s phone rang.
Unknown Number Calling...
Hesitating, she answered, “Hello?”
A deep, rich voice sent a shiver down her spine. "Miss Sharma. My office. Now."
Her stomach flipped. Rudra Malhotra.
“I—Excuse me?”
“I don’t like repeating myself,” he said. “Come to my office at Malhotra Industries. We need to discuss your debt.”
Anika clenched her teeth. Debt? Oh, he was unbelievable.
“I don’t owe you anything, Mr. Malhotra,” she snapped.
“You do.”
“I’m not paying for your overpriced suit.”
“You won’t need to.”
She frowned. “Then what—”
“Fifteen minutes, Miss Sharma.” He cut the call.
Anika stared at her phone in disbelief.
Meera grinned. “This is getting interesting. Are you going?"
Anika groaned. “Do I even have a choice?”
---
Malhotra Industries – Rudra’s Office
Standing in front of the imposing glass skyscraper, Anika felt an unfamiliar nervous energy settle in her stomach. The building screamed power, wealth, and absolute authority.
She took a deep breath and marched inside.
The receptionist gave her a once-over, looking unimpressed by her simple floral dress. "Do you have an appointment?"
"Rudra Malhotra called me here," Anika said.
That changed everything. The woman straightened instantly. "Mr. Malhotra is expecting you. His office is on the top floor."
Anika stepped into the private elevator and pressed the button, her heart pounding as she ascended toward the lion’s den.
The doors slid open, revealing a massive luxurious office with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the Mumbai skyline.
And there he was.
Rudra Malhotra.
Leaning against his desk, sleeves rolled up, exuding that same dangerous aura.
“You’re late,” he said.
Anika crossed her arms. “I didn’t agree to come in the first place.”
His lips curled slightly. “Yet, here you are.”
She huffed. “What do you want, Mr. Malhotra?”
He walked toward her slowly, his towering frame making her take a step back.
“You owe me,” he said.
“For what? A stupid coffee stain?”
His eyes darkened. “That suit was custom-made. You can’t afford to replace it.”
“I already said I’m sorry!” she protested.
“I don’t take apologies as payment.”
Anika glared at him. “Then what do you take?”
His smirk deepened. “You.”
Anika’s breath hitched. What?
He chuckled at her expression. "Relax, Miss Sharma. I'm offering you a job."
Her brows furrowed. "A job?"
“Yes. You’ll work for me as my personal florist for a month."
Anika’s jaw dropped. Personal florist?
“You expect me to arrange flowers for you?”
Rudra leaned in slightly, voice low. “Yes. In my office. In my home. Near me.”
A warning bell rang in her head. This man was dangerous—not in a life-threatening way, but in a way that could shatter her self-control.
“No.”
Rudra raised a brow. “No?”
“That’s right. I refuse.”
His expression didn’t change, but the air around them did.
“I don’t think you understand, Miss Sharma.” His voice was smooth, but there was an undeniable authority in it. “This is not a request. It’s an offer you can’t decline.”
Anika straightened. “And if I do?”
His smirk returned. “Then I’ll sue you for damages.”
Her breath caught. Oh, he was serious.
Her mind raced. A lawsuit could ruin her business.
Rudra’s gaze remained locked onto hers. “What’s it going to be, Miss Sharma?”
Anika hated that he had backed her into a corner. Hated that he was enjoying it.
She clenched her fists. “Fine. I’ll do it.”
His smirk widened. “Good girl.”
She glared at him. “Don’t expect me to be your servant, Mr. Malhotra.”
“We’ll see about that.”
---
Later That Night – Anika’s Apartment
Anika slammed her door shut and let out a groan.
"What did I just agree to?!"
Her phone rang again.
Rudra Malhotra.
With a sigh, she picked up. “What now?”
“I expect you at my mansion tomorrow morning.”
She frowned. “Your mansion?”
“Yes. Sharp at 8 AM.”
Before she could argue, he hung up.
Anika groaned again. This man would be the death of her.
---
Next Morning – Malhotra Mansion
Anika stood outside the massive Malhotra estate, gripping her bag tightly.
The grand doors swung open, revealing a tall, ridiculously handsome man.
“Ah, you must be the little flower girl my brother won’t shut up about.”
Anika blinked. Brother?
The man grinned. Kabir Malhotra.
“Wait,” she said. “Rudra talks about me?”
Kabir chuckled. “Oh, sweetheart, you have no idea.”
Before she could ask what that meant, Rudra appeared behind him.
His gaze landed on her instantly, dark and unreadable.
“Kabir, get lost.”
Kabir smirked. "Touchy, aren't we?"
Anika bit her lip. What had she gotten herself into?
To Be Continued….....
- Writer
