C5 Chapter 4; Initial interaction

Reyansh POV

After our previous meeting, I never anticipated seeing this person so soon.

If I hadn't stared at her face for far too long, I wouldn't have been able to identify her.

As I stood in front of her, I couldn't help but notice how distant she seemed despite our proximity. Although physically present, it was as if her mind and soul were elsewhere - possibly lost in thought or anticipation for something else entirely. Her demeanor remained composed and unfazed, yet the intensity with which she focused on Mr. Miller was palpable; an unwavering fixation that surpassed common professionalism or courtesy. It almost appeared as though he had captivated not only her attention but also a part of herself that prevented any other distraction.

She had never been this close before, but her presence now demanded attention.

I couldn't help but notice her aura of confidence, which was reflected in the way she carried herself, as I watched her. She exuded an inner strength that demanded respect.

The fact that she is the same Aanya I first met from a distance during her trials, however, is something I find hard to believe. When that happened, I was unaware of her nature. I couldn't help but feel admiration for her and regret that I didn't get to know her better.

I've never been the kind to let people intimidate me, but as I stood in front of her, I couldn't help but feel awe for her. Either it was her demeanor, her beauty, or the fresh information I had learned about her that made an impression on me.

My subconscious is telling me that she is not at all what I first believed her to be, but I have no supporting or contradicting information. But I couldn't get rid of the sensation.

She finally greeted her father, interrupting me from my train of thought, and I suddenly realized that I had been ogling her like a creep. Thank goodness no one was looking at me.

She addressed him with a tone that was cool and collected but utterly devoid of any warmth.

I couldn't resist listening in on their conversation to learn more about where they had been for the previous four years and why they had suddenly appeared today. I was intrigued as to why she suddenly appeared after a long absence though.

I sat on my previous seat giving undivided attention to the father and daughter duo.

"I simply needed some time to gather my thoughts and determine what I wanted from life," Aanya spoke convincingly, but there was a hint of something in her tone. " But, in the prison, I got some life lessons and experiences that made me realize what I want from my life," she said.

I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but there was a tinge of resignation and melancholy in her voice that made me wonder if there is a deeper story behind her unexpected appearance and her time in jail.

One couldn't help but think that Aanya had gone through more than she was letting on during her time in prison because it seemed like she had experienced a lot.

At this point, Mr. Miller exploded in rage, asking, "What do you mean and what do you want?".

"Rest assured, Father, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, and you'll see me a lot more than you can take." Aanya said in a firm, determined voice, "What I mean and what I want will be disclosed in due time."

I couldn't help but notice that she was a shady character with a secret past as I listened to the conversation between the 'father and daughter' pair.

Aanya said, "We'll meet soon, Father," and for a fleeting instant our eyes locked. I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine. Either it was her menacing aura and piercing gaze, or it was the fact that there was more.

I suddenly realized that I would later regret not learning more about her earlier and merely passing by during her trial. I anticipate regretting this more than I did for leaving her alone that day.

And I couldn't help but appreciate this watershed moment in my life. With the introduction of this intriguing lady, life will become a little more exciting, and I can't wait to watch how her narrative unfolds. The unexpected entrance of Aanya into Mr. Miller's life had surely added to the air of intrigue and mystery, leaving me wondering what her genuine objectives were and why she had appeared now. But one thing is certain: I will both appreciate and regret this turn.

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I decided to follow her and satisfy my curiosity about her. She is more important than Mr. Miller at the moment, and there is a deep curiosity within me to discover what lies beneath her mysterious time in the past and sudden appearance.

She was entering the lift and at that moment, I stepped forward and held the lift doors open with my foot. Without a second thought, I entered the lift after her and pressed the button on the ground floor.

If she noticed my presence, she didn't acknowledge it. Once all the passengers had exited before the ground floor, I pressed the emergency stop button and turn to face her.

She looked unimpressed and calm given the situation that she was trapped in a confined space sharing with a stranger.

"What business do you have with me, Mr. Rout," she said in a flat voice, looking straight into my eyes.

I was surprised that she knew my name all along given that not many knew my identity. When you are at the high post, and deal with your business in a certain way that is not legal, it is always better to maintain privacy and stay away from any radar that can subsequently be proven to be dangerous.

And that is only possible if not many people except your business associate know about your identity. It is very common for people in my line of work to use aliases and assume different identities.

Other mafia groups as well as Mr. Miller were well aware of my tactics, but for Aanya to know my real identity is unsettling. And she can't find my identity without a powerful associate who is aware of my identity.

I quickly composed myself and took a step closer to her to make her feel intimidated, "I just wanted to know more about you, Aanya."

"Ms. Miller," she said in a flat voice.

"What"

" You should address me, Ms. Miller, as you are not familiar enough nor you are my associate to address me by my first name," she replied coolly. She had made clear that she was not interested in having casual talks with me.

"Excuse me, girl do you even know who I am to be speaking to me like that?" I retorted at her rude behavior towards me.

Can you believe she is talking to me like that... LIKE THAT. I may seem to be a very calm and cool person but I can't ignore someone's rudeness towards me. I like to be in power in the game and demand respect from everyone around me. I mean, I didn't reach the heights of success just to be treated this way by some girl who may be the reason behind the loss of my beloved one.

I need to remind her who she was talking to and that she should show me some respect.

I started to take steps toward her, but she stood her ground and didn't flinch when I entered her personal space.

"I am well aware of who you are, what you are capable of, and what your relationship with Mr. Miller was. And I don't think you can command my respect solely because of your business relationships. Because you must earn my respect; I do not respect based on a person's position or status, and I am not terrified of death, which you might use as a threat to demand respect from me." Her words struck me like a bolt of lightning.