Author pvo///

Lost in her thoughts, Avani didn't notice the figure ahead until she walked straight into him. She stumbled back, clutching her bag to steady herself, her heart jumping to her throat.

"I'm so sorry-" she began, but her words faltered as she looked up.

The man in front of her wasn't the grey-eyed stranger from yesterday, but he was no less striking. Tall and well-dressed, his features were sharp and refined, with an easy, charming smile spreading across his lips as he looked down at her. His warm expression caught her off guard, a stark contrast to the tension she'd been holding onto.

"It's alright," he said smoothly, his voice gentle yet confident. "Are you new here? I don't think I've seen you before."

Avani blinked, suddenly unsure how to respond. His gaze wasn't intimidating, but it was attentive-like he was genuinely curious about her. She shifted uncomfortably, her hands tightening on the strap of her bag.

"I... I'm just here to help my mother," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

His smile widened slightly, and there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, that explains it. I'm usually good at remembering faces, and yours... well, I'd definitely remember."

Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she quickly looked away, unsure if he was being polite or teasing her. "I don't work here," she clarified, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's just temporary."

"I see," he replied, still smiling as though he found her shyness endearing. "Well, welcome. I hope the mansion isn't too overwhelming. It can feel like a maze at times."

She managed a small nod, still avoiding his gaze. His friendliness was disarming, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he was studying her, his curiosity about her just a little too intense.

"I should go ," she mumbled, stepping to the side.

"Of course," he said, stepping aside with a gracious nod. "Don't let me keep you. But, Miss...?"

"Avani," she answered hesitantly.

"Avani," he repeated, . His smile softened. "It was nice meeting you. Take care."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Avani standing there, her heart pounding. She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding and shook her head.

Who was that? she wondered as she turned back toward the mansion. Something about him seemed too perfect-too smooth. She resolved to ignore the strange encounter and focus on her work, but a part of her couldn't shake the feeling that their paths would cross again.

Avani walked towards the head maid, still worried about her mother's condition, but determined to focus on her work.

" my mom won't be able to come today," Avani said softly, her voice tinged with concern. "So I'll work in her place."

The head maid nodded, understanding her situation. "I see," she said with a kind expression. "No need to worry. I'll assign you something simple. . It's easy work, give water to plant and clean garden you should be able to finish quickly."

"And one more thing d don't harm any plant and do not take flower, Boss don't like , "

As the head maid spoke, she glanced over at a young woman standing nearby, tending to the plants.

" Sumati , come here."

"By the way," the head maid continued, "this is Sumati. She will help you too the garden is big "

Sumati looked up with a bright, cheerful smile. She was a young woman, around 21, with a warm aura and a pure-hearted look in her eyes.

"Hi, I'm Sumati," she said with a sweet voice, as Avani remembered her as the girl from yesterday who had helped her find the back door.

Avani returned her smile, feeling a bit more at ease. "It's nice to meet you, Sumati."

"Avani my name is Avani "

As they started walking toward the back door, Sumati chattered away, her voice light and full of energy. "I've been working here for a while, and I love it. The garden's my favorite spot, though. It's peaceful, and I get to work with plants all day." She paused, noticing Avani's quiet demeanor. "But I know how hard it can be to start somewhere new. It's always tough at first."

Avani smiled faintly, appreciating the girl's effort to keep the conversation going. "I'm just here to help my mom. She's not doing well, and I want to make sure everything gets done."

Sumati nodded sympathetically. "I understand. But don't stress too much. Everything will be okay." She paused, then added with a laugh, "You know, I talk a lot, don't I? But it's just because I like getting to know you and i will get a friend. I promise I'm not trying to overwhelm you!"

Avani couldn't help but smile at Sumati's honesty. She was sweet and seemed to have a genuinely kind heart.

For a brief moment, Avani felt a sense of calm wash over her, the warmth of Sumati's presence making her feel less alone in this unfamiliar place.

As Avani and Sumati stepped into the garden, Avani's breath caught in her throat. She had never seen anything like it. The garden stretched far beyond what her eyes could see, so vast it seemed to connect the entire village. It was like stepping into a dream-lush, vibrant, and alive. The air was thick with the scent of flowers, and the whole place felt like a sanctuary, peaceful and serene.

Yesterday, when she was there Avani hadn't even looked at the garden. She had been too overwhelmed, her mind distracted by the tension of the day.

Every corner was alive with color an fragrance. Rows upon rows of roses-pale pinks, deep reds, whites, and even some that shimmered with a hint of gold-lined the garden like a living mosaic. The roses were breathtaking, their petals soft and delicate, yet vibrant with life.

Avani felt a sense of calm wash over her as she gazed around. The beauty of the place had wrapped itself around her, quieting the noise in her mind. For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel the weight of worry pressing down on her chest.

Sumati began her work, humming softly as she pruned a bush nearby. Avani, still in awe of the garden, started cleaning the area around the back door.

___________________

Avani worked quietly in the garden, listening to Sumati's chatter. Her hands moved over the plants, watering each one carefully, though her mind lingered on Sumati's words.

"The staff is tense because the boss is back," Sumati said, her voice low with unease. "I've never met him, but they say he's a dangerous man. People talk about the way he looks at you-like he can see right through you."

Avani's hand froze for a moment, water spilling onto the ground. She quickly corrected herself, but the memory of piercing grey eyes sent a chill down her spine.

"I'd suggest staying out of his way," Sumati added, leaning in like she was sharing a secret. "And don't go to the west wing. That's his private space. He doesn't like anyone near it. He's getting married in a week, and after that, maybe he'll leave. Until then, everyone's walking on eggshells."

Avani nodded absently, trying to focus on the beauty of the garden. The rows of colorful flowers, the tall trees, and the soft scent of roses made it seem peaceful, but something about the place felt off-like it was alive, watching her.

"And the fiancée? She's worse. A business tycoon's daughter and a top model, but she's so arrogant and rude."

Sumati's face darkened. "Yesterday, a girl spilled water near her. she screamed at her in front of everyone. Called her useless and even slapped her."

"She slapped her? Over spilled water?" Avani asked, shocked.

Sumati nodded. "The head maid had to step in to calm things down. That woman doesn't care about anyone. Please, stay away from her and the boss. Nothing good comes from crossing their paths."

Avani's chest tightened as she took in Sumati's warning. The mansion, with all its beauty, felt like a trap. She wanted to believe she could keep her distance, but something told her it wouldn't be that simple.

Sumati smiled faintly and moved on to another row of plants.

As she bent to water another plant, a chill ran down her neck. She froze, the air around her suddenly heavy. Slowly, she turned her head, scanning the garden.

Her breath caught. A shadow moved behind a tree, just out of reach. It flickered for a moment, then vanished.

Avani's heart

pounded in her chest. Someone-or something-was watching her.