He watched her.
“The guard told the driver, the driver told the gardener, the gardener told…”
“I understand,” Abhinav cut in dryly.
“Do you?” Naina tilted her head. “Because you’re explaining it like it’s breaking news.”
He let that pass.
“I offered Meera seven days,” he went on, his tone turning formal. “To present her case for retaining the Haveli before I respond to Rajveer.”
Sarita’s needle moved again. “Really.”
“It’s a tactical decision. Before committing to a transaction of that scale, I need a complete understanding of the asset. Its operational, historical, and structural value…”
“Seven days,” Naina cut in.
He didn’t look at her. “Yes.”
“With Meera.”
“To assess the property.”
“Right.” She pushed herself up, interest now clear on her face. “So this has nothing to do with the fact that she is the first person in your entire life who has ever told you no.”
Abhinav looked at her. “This is a business decision.”
“Of course.” Naina nodded with exaggerated seriousness. “Very serious. Very strategic.” Her hand moved in a vague gesture. “Seven days of intensive property assessment.”
Sarita shifted.
“Rajveer’s offer is significant,” Abhinav continued. “Two Hundred crores is not a figure one dismisses without…”
“Spending a week with the estate manager,” Naina finished.
He shot her a look.
She smiled sweetly.
“I’m simply being thorough.” Abhinav insisted.
“Mmm,” Sarita murmured, her needle passing through the silk again.
Naina leaned back, watching him with open interest. “And this thoroughness requires exclusive access to Meera?”
“It requires access to the Haveli.”
“Which she manages.”
“Yes.”
“So… Meera.”
He squinted at her.
Naina’s grin widened. “Relax, Bhai. We’re not judging you.”
“There is nothing to judge.”