The city pulsed with life. Dense. Layered. Breathing.
Naina leaned closer to the glass. “Look at that gate. And those buildings… Maa, is all of Jaipur pink?”
“Only the old city.” Sarita’s voice stayed soft. Her attention had drifted elsewhere. As they passed a temple, her hand lifted and touched the glass.
Abhinav leaned back and ran through his plan.
Arrive. Establish control. Review the records. End the interference. Sell. Return to Dubai.
Clear. Logical. Manageable.
Then the car turned onto the estate road.
Even through the cool air inside, something else reached him. Dry stone. Earth warmed under the sun. A scent that had not followed him to Dubai, but had not left him either.
He had been five the last time he had left. He remembered nothing of it. Not clearly. Still, his body reacted. A pull formed in his chest. Old. Unnamed.
He checked his watch.
“Stop checking the time,” Naina muttered, her gaze still on the window. “We’re almost there.”
“I know.”
“Are you nervous?”
“No.”
“You look nervous.”
“I’m not.”
A smile touched her lips. “Of course, Bhai.”
He did not answer. Because at that moment the gates came into view. And everything stopped beingmanageable.
It was the people.
Hundreds filled the entire approach. Colour and movement stretched as far as he could see. The sound struck the moment the window lowered.
Dhol drums thundered. The rhythm rolled through the air and settled deep within him. Dancers spun in bright lehengas. Red, gold, peacock blue skirts flaring wide with each turn.
Elderly relatives stood in clusters with marigold garlands thick as ropes. Servants lined the entrance with silver trays that flashed in the sun.
The air carried everything at once.
Rose water. Sweets. Oil lamps burned despite the daylight. Children wove through the crowd, trying to catch a glimpse. Women leaned over balconies, calling down.
The sound was overwhelming. Joyful. Unrestrained.
It felt like the Haveli had been holding its breath for years and had finally exhaled.
“Oh my God,” Naina breathed.
Sarita lifted a hand to her mouth. Tears came at once.
Abhinav leaned forward. He didn’t realize he had moved.
Beyond the crowd, the Haveli stood. Glowing. Massive. More than massive. Alive!