“At the wedding yesterday, Rajveer and I spoke for a long time. About work. He has offered me a project.”
The words tumbled out.
“He wants me to design staff uniforms for all Sisodia heritage properties. Hotels, palace stays, museum staff. A full identity. And…”
"And," Abhinav prompted.
He already knew.
Rajveer had spoken to him the day he came to Anand Mahal to sign the contract. He had asked if there would be any objection if Naina worked with him.
Abhinav had given him an answer just as clear.
Naina’s work belonged to her. Her choices belonged to her. If Rajveer saw merit in her, he could make the offer to her. Abhinav would not influence it, not in her favor, not against it.
So when Naina’s words rushed now, full of excitement she could not contain, he let her speak. This moment was hers.
“And he has offered access to the Sisodia royal textile collection. The historical one. For research. Pieces not shown outside that family for generations. Bhai, do you understand what that is? That is not a project. That is an entire education. People spend their lives trying to get access like that.”
Sarita’s expression softened with pride. “It would mean Udaipur.”
“It would mean Udaipur,” Naina confirmed. “For about six months.”
A pause settled over the table.
“I want this,” Naina continued, softer now, more grounded. “I want to understand the culture from the source. Their textile history goes back eight centuries. If I want to build Naira into what I see for it, I cannot keep working from references. I have to stand inside the real thing. This is that chance.”
Naina turned to Abhinav. “Bhai.”
“No one is stopping you. But…”
“But?”
“But I will be honest with you. You would complain later if I was not.” He set his fork aside. “Rajveer is a good man. I trust him enough to work with him. He is also… exact. Fixed hours. Clear expectations. He does not repeat himself. People understand him the first time.”
“I can handle exact.”
“You can. I am only telling you so you do not call me in week one asking why your boss wakes up before the sun and expects the same from you.”
Naina narrowed her eyes.
He smiled. “That is not my concern, though.”
Naina paused. “Then what is?”
“You have never lived away from home. Six months in a new city is not small.”
This time she took the words in without rushing to answer.
At that moment, Mahesh and Rekha entered with their daughters Kavya and Diya.
Mahesh caught the last line. “Six months where?”
“Udaipur,” Naina replied. “Sisodia Heritage Properties.”
His attention sharpened. “Sisodia heritage properties?”
“Yes, Chacha ji. I am also being offered access to their textile archives.”