Chapter 6
"It was the day of my 15th birthday..." Leza began, her voice trembling as she looked at Dohi, her mind drifting back to a memory that was both golden and blood-stained.
Young Leza had asked her mother with sparkling eyes, "Mom, where are we planning the party this year?" Her mother had smiled, tucking a stray hair behind Leza's ear. "Hmm... your father and I have booked an entire luxury resort. Tonight, that whole land belongs only to my princess."
Leza had hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Mom! But isn't that a bit much?" Her mother kissed her forehead. "Nonsense. You are our only daughter. If we don't do this for you, then who else?" Leza had grinned with her signature attitude. "True! But I'm only cutting a cake made by your hands. No bakery junk for me."
"Of course, my child. I'm starting on it right now," her mother promised.
As her mother went to the kitchen, Leza lounged on the sofa and dialed her father. "Hello, dearest Dad! Where are you? Don't tell me you forgot what today is!"
Her father, laughing over the sound of the car engine, replied, "How could I forget? I was just delayed picking up your gift. It's a special order, Leza... the most expensive one yet. 50 million rupees."
Leza's jaw dropped. "Dad! That's insane! Why spend so much?"
"I'd give my life to see you smile, princess," he said warmly.
"Dad, don't talk about dying!" Leza scolded. "You and Mom are the only gifts I need. Just come home fast."
"I'm coming, wait for me..." her father said, his voice trailing off into a final, soft chuckle.
In the next heartbeat, a massive truck barreled into his car, crushing it instantly. To this day, no one found out why that driver did it.
"That was the worst day of my life," Leza whispered to Dohi, tears blurring her vision. "I never celebrated a birthday again. My Dad always felt someone was after his wealth. Now, seeing how Zayson is looting me, I'm certain he was the one who orchestrated the crash. He played the part of a caring fiancé for years after they passed, making sure I never suspected him. But now that the masks are off, the truth is clear."
Dohi pulled Leza into a tight hug. "Don't worry. My brothers and I will help you get to the bottom of this. But... what happened to your mother?"
Leza's expression turned hollow. "She couldn't bear the trauma. She fell into a coma and stayed there for five years. I waited every single day for her to wake up, but one night, her heart just... gave out. She left me without saying a word."
She took a shaky breath. "After Dad died, his lawyer told me everything was already in my name. I inherited 'Mighty Hondu Industries,' but I shut the company down. Dad left enough wealth for five generations to live in luxury. And now, half of that is in Zayson's filthy hands."
Dohi squeezed her hand. "Everything will be alright, I promise. But tell me... why were you so angry with Honsu earlier?"
Leza pouted. "My parents never raised a hand or a voice at me. But Honsu? He shouted at me! And he forbid me from wearing my favorite clothes—my half-pants and tops!"
Dohi looked confused. "Brother isn't usually like that. Why did he stop you?"
"He says cooking in short clothes 'curses' the food or gives it a bad omen! It's ridiculous!" Leza huffed.
Dohi chuckled. "I'll talk to him. He won't stop you again."
Just then, the door opened. Honsu walked in, his face unusually soft. "I heard everything," he said quietly, looking at Leza. "I didn't realize how much you've lost. I'm sorry for being so harsh earlier."
Dohi whispered in Leza's ear, stunned. "Wow! He actually said sorry? Accept it, quickly!"
Leza, regaining some of her sass, crossed her arms. "A simple sorry won't cut it. I want you to cook me something incredible."
"He's already apologized, Leza, don't push it!" Dohi teased.
"No! Until he feeds me something special, I'm not forgiving him," Leza insisted.
A small, rare smile touched Honsu's lips. "Fine. I'll be back."
"Good boy!" Leza chirped. "And one more thing—I'm going to wear my half-pants and tops while cooking. Any problems?"
Honsu turned at the door. "Buy as many as you want at the market tonight. Just use your own money." He then stepped out.
Leza squealed with joy. "Dohi! You're coming shopping with me! My treat!"
Dohi looked down shyly. "You think I'd let you pay for me?" Then she looked up, grinning. "Of course! You're my best friend now!"
"Don't worry about the money," Leza laughed. "I still have 6 billion in my personal account. Buy whatever you want!"
"By the way," Dohi asked, curious. "What was that 50-million-rupee gift your Dad bought?"
"A white-collared dress," Leza smiled. "Intricately embroidered with tiny emeralds. It's breathtaking. The lawyer delivered it to me later. It's still at my haveli in the village."
"I have to see it!" Dohi exclaimed.
"Then you'll have to come to my village with me," Leza promised.
Soon, Honsu returned with a special dish. "Try this."
Leza looked at the plate. It was a stunning arrangement of ten different fruits, diced with surgical precision. "Fruit chaat? Really?"
"Not just any chaat," Honsu explained. "Ten varieties of fruit, a secret blend of spices, drizzled with pure honey and finished with a splash of fresh orange juice. It's for your health. Eat."
Leza took a bite. Suddenly, the world around her faded. She felt as if she were lying in a sun-drenched orchard, surrounded by the fragrance of ripening fruit and blossoming flowers. The balance of spice, the sweetness of honey, and the tang of orange juice danced on her tongue.
"This is... incredible," Leza said, coming back to reality. "I've had fruit chaat before, but this? Every flavor is distinct yet perfectly harmonious. Thank you, Honsu."
"I'm glad you liked it," Honsu nodded. "Enjoy."
Suddenly, Dohon burst into the room, his face pale. "Brother! The first VIPs are here... they're already in the lobby."
Honsu hurried out. As he looked toward the lounge, his blood ran cold. Sitting there, acting as if they owned the world, were the last people he wanted to see.
"So..." Honsu muttered, his eyes narrowing. "Zayson and his new girlfriend are our first VIP guests."