Inside, voices began.
She closed her eyes, and listened.
???
Abhinav had never met Rajveer Singh Sisodia, yet the name was enough.
In Rajasthan, the Sisodias stood beyond just royalty. They were an institution. Politics, heritage estates, industriesthat preserved craft across generations. Textiles, silverwork, jewellery, miniature art. Their influence ran through it all.
He rose as they entered, coming around the desk, his hand already extended, his face giving nothing away on the sudden visit. “Your Highness. Welcome.”
Rajveer clasped his hand. The grip was firm, measured. Neither pushing nor giving ground. “Forgive the unannounced visit, Abhinav ji. I arrived in Jaipur today and felt it right to come in person.”
His tone lowered before he continued. “I was very sorry to hear about your father. He was respected. Those who knew him felt his absence.”
Abhinav held his gaze. “You knew him?”
Rajveer tilted his head, the answer measured. “Not personally. But Thakurs hold their place in every circle that matters. Even after he moved to Dubai, Anand Mahal’s work here stood apart. Upliftment is noticed, Abhinav ji. It always is.”
Abhinav nodded. “Thank you. Please, sit.”
Rajveer took the chair across the desk. Amar stayed behind him, portfolio in hand.
“I’ll be direct.” Rajveer leaned forward just enough to show intent. “I heard Anand Mahal might be available. I came to see it myself.”
Abhinav returned to his chair, one hand resting against the desk’s edge. “From whom?”
“From the same circles where news travels faster than paperwork.” A hint of amusement touched Rajveer’s expression. “I chose not to wait.”
A slight curve touched Abhinav’s mouth. “You have come this far. I assume you have a plan.”
Rajveer glanced at Amar. The portfolio was placed on the desk and opened. Pages turned.
He spoke of the Haveli as a heritage, not a transaction. Architecture. Lineage. What it had held. What it will keep holding.
Abhinav didn’t interrupt, didn’t encourage. Just listened.
When the temple came up, Rajveer’s tone softened.
“It will remain active. Public aarti will continue. Rituals maintained by trained priests. There will be structure during peak hours, but access stays open.”
He let that settle.
“We do not take places like this and strip them of what makes them alive. The people, the practices… they are not inconveniences.”
Abhinav heard the conviction. He also knew exactly how those same words would land outside this room. “And the staff?”
“Severance for those who leave. Strong placements for those who stay. Anyone who understands this place is valuable.” His eyes flicked toward the door. “Your estate manager, I hear, knows it well.”
“She does,” Abhinav replied.
“Two hundred crores,” Amar added, turning a page.
The number sat between them.
Abhinav didn’t lean forward, didn’t react.
Rajveer didn’t press. He simply waited.