At The Rose Buds

Ms Sanjana Rai was deep in thoughts after reading the Legal Order to vacate the place withing Two weeks.
She was gloomy and continuously rubbing her forehead.
She didn't know how she was going to stand this disaster. She had promised her late sister that she would take care of her shop and her daughter. She would stand as a strong shield against all the odds. But now she felt like she has failed her late sister.

Jhilmil watched her Maasi's vulnerable state, when she entered the shop.
She spotted the letter and understood the cause!
Her anger rose and she cursed the Beast!

You will pay for this you monster!

But she knew, now was not the time to curse but to console her aunt.

She went upto her maasi and said - Maasi, please don't worry! I have spoken to one of my friends in college, her uncle happens to be a legal advocate. I will get his help....trust me...we will get through this.
I have already booked an appointment with him.

Sanjana doesn't happen to listen to any of this. Panicked she said with a limp in her throat - Lado! I have failed your ma! I couldn't not protect you!
I am such a horrible aunt!

Jhilmil hugged her maasi tight and dismissed her thoughts.
No Maasi! Never think like that! You are the best!
If it wasn't for you, I would have died then n there, unattended in that horrible accident.

Sanjana just shrugged her head in a no....and asked - But, What are we going to do? We hardly have any time to resolve this.
The new Owner of this complex wants this place vacated within two weeks. I don't know why they are in such a hurry?

Jhilmil knew exactly what was the reason behind this hurry!
But she had no courage to tell her maasi about that Beast and his threat, atleast not know when she was holding herself responsible for this chaos.

She patted her Maasi's shoulder and said - Don't worry I am meeting Advocate uncle tomorrow. I am sure, he will give us some solutions.

I hope so! - said Sanjana looking distant

With that, they closed their shop and headed Home. The drive to their apartment was silent and upon reaching, soon they both called it a night.

Next Day :

Lado! Get up princess! It's morning....don't you have college?
Hurry up!

Jhilmil woke up alarmed at her Maasi's call.

Shit! I am late! I have to rush!

She quickly finished her morning routine and met her aunt at the dinning table for breakfast. Morning massi! I will just rush! See you at the shop later. Quickly grabbing an aloo parantha, making a roll, she rushed to catch the bus to her college!

Finishing her classes, she left to meet Mr. Kumar the legal advocate, her friend's uncle.

Reaching his office, she noticed a black Audi halt at the other side of the road but she didn't pay much attention, as she was nervous of the outcome of this meeting!

Mr. Kumar looked deep at all the papers and the aviation letter. And sighed!

Jhilmil, beta! I don't want to give you false hope.....these legal papers are well prepared....and it has a valid point that your shop is not able to pull the taxes that government will gain after converting this place into a big project like proposed by the other party. I think you have no other choice but to vacate. I am sorry!

Uncle, this shop means the world to me! It is my mother's last remembrance. Is there no other way!?! - she asked defeated!

There is One! - came A dark voice!
They both looked at the source and both gasped looking at the arrived person.

Mr. Kumar wiped his sweat beads in nervousness and was scared to wonder, why the Mafia king Raghuvendra Singh Rathore was here!

However, Jhilmil cursed some colourful words and thought - This Beast!!!! What is he doing here???I sure, I will kill him...if he messes with me this time.!

What are you doing here? Both Mr. Kumar and Jhilmil spoke at the same time!

You know him, Jhilmil!?! - asked Mr. Kumar startled looking in between her and him

Umm...yes uncle....kind of! - Replied Jhilmil

Mr. Kumar, I need some time alone with this girl, here! Will you excuse us, please? - Raghu asked raising an eyebrow

But..!!!! Mr. Kumar hesitated

It's ok uncle! I will have a quick word with him. - It was Jhilmil this time

He just nodded and left from his chamber.

Raghu paced towards Jhilmil and walked surround her in a circle. He closed his eyes and inhaled her rosy scent and let out a breath.

What do you want Mr. Rathore? Why are you following me everywhere! I thought you were a busy man! - Jhilmil asked frustrated

I am never busy my Rose, when it is about you! - Raghu smirked

This angered Jhilmil to another level ..she felt disgusted with his presence around her. She gripped his collar and shouted - You know what! You are a coward!!! You know, I will never Bend infront of you and come up with a possible solution, so you are following my every move. You are scared!!!! Aren't you!?!
Well, I am happy with this much progress! - Now, She smirked

Raghu was amused at her dare and smiled inwards. He got lost in her widened brown eyes. Nobody had the guts to hold his collar whatsoever! But this fragile doll infront of him had all the power over him.
However, he could not give that satisfaction to her at this point of time because he had to win over her!

He looked straight into her eyes and hold her smooth hands and pointed towards their proximity and said - So, this is how you decide to have control over me? He lowered at her earlobe and husked - Well, I love it alraedy, Rose! You got me!!

Jhilmil just jerked her hands away from him and turned around.

Look, Jhilmil, I don't want to hurt you in anyway but you are making it difficult for me to do something off the rack. I already told you about my offer. You just have to say one YES! And this all will be solved. I can't explain you everything. But you became mine the moment I saw you! It will be better for you if you stop struggling and waste both ours time.
He added, remember my words -
"You have no choice but to say Yes".

Tears started to flow from her eyes but she wiped them away not wanting to look weak and helpless infront of the Beast.

Raghu sighed and announced - You have exactly two days to think over it. You have my address, come and tell me your decision, and don't make me wait too long because we have a wedding to organise! Now, Don't we???

With that he left the palace looking at the back of his Rose.

Jhilmil, on the other hand was now sobbing badly. Mr. Kumar rushed in quickly and offered her a glass of water.

He put his hands on her head and said - I am sorry beta, I heard everything.
I guess, now I believe you have a solution. I never thought that the man had such intentions towards you. This proves why he had the paper drafted so well!
I won't say that you should say yes or no! It's totally your call. But I think you should think about it. Anyways, I know one thing for sure, that whatever Raghuvendra wants, he acquired that no matter what.
However, as a father figure, I would suggest you to agree with his condition. He seemed nice to you, unlike his self.!
The last part, he muttered but Jhilmil heard him.

What do you mean, uncle? - asked a shocked Jhilmil

It is not my place to tell you more! I am really sorry!

Almost defeated and with no idea what to do next, Jhilmil exited the place. Words ringing in her mind

Remember my words - "You have no choice but to say Yes"

So all my lovely readers, here is my new update. I am so overwhelmed with the response I am getting on my story. I am thank you to each one of you.
Keep reading and voting!

See you all soon!