Rajasthan

The Nikanj Mansion

The Nikanj mansion stood brighter than the moon itself

like a glowing celestial body descended onto Earth. Every path, every corner of the haveli shimmered with luxury. The house stayed decorated day and night, always dressed in richness and tradition.

Outside the grand main gates, four watchmen stood still like royal statues, their eyes scanning every movement. Six armed bodyguards stood beyond the gates, their posture fierce, guarding the dignity of the Rajputana bloodline.

Inside, the mansion echoed with quiet elegance. Several staff members moved through the halls adjusting flowers, preparing the royal breakfast, maintaining perfection. In the heart of the palace, the central hall, three figures sat like timeless pillars of the dynasty.

Dadi Sa, Janvi, and Dada Sa were seated on a grand sofa, their expressions heavy with concern.

Janvi turned to one of the maids and commanded,

"Go and call Rana Sa and Satyam for breakfast."

The maid bowed respectfully and left without a word.

Dadi Sa's voice broke the silence.

"Janvi Bahu... Rana Sa’s twenty-eighth birthday is approaching... and you know, years ago"

She suddenly stopped mid-sentence, the memory choking her voice.

Janvi lowered her gaze and replied softly,

"Yes Maa Sa... I know. But what can I do? Even after asking Satyam to search all of Rajasthan, we still couldn’t find that girl."

Dada Sa placed a hand over hers and said with quiet reassurance,

"Don’t worry, Bahu... everything will be alright."

Arjun’s Bedroom:

In the dimly lit royal chamber, the curtains danced in the morning breeze. Arjun Singh Nikanj, the king of Rajasthan, sat with an iron gaze his posture regal, yet brooding. Beside him was Satyam, his childhood best friend and the only man he trusted to run his underworld empire.

They were engrossed in a business deal when a knock came.

A staff member stepped in quietly and said,

"Rana Sa, Badi Maa Sa is calling both of you for breakfast."

Arjun lifted his head slowly, locking eyes with the staff. He didn’t speak.

Just a single nod.

The staff left instantly.

Satyam glanced at Arjun and said,

"Come on, Arjun."

But Arjun stayed still. His jaw tightened. Then, in a low, burning voice, he said,

"I will ruin that man, Satyam… the one who wronged my mother. Wherever he is, find him. And the moment you find him… bury him alive right there."

Satyam’s tone turned cold,

"Don’t stress yourself. No matter where he’s hiding, I’ll drag him out even if I have to search beneath the earth."

The Royal Nikanj Dining Hall

Arjun and Satyam descended the grand staircase, their royal footsteps echoing through the marble halls. The fragrance of saffron and rosewater welcomed them the legendary Rajputana breakfast was set like a king’s feast, waiting in the golden dining hall.

Janvi, standing by the table, turned with a mother’s smile.

"My sons, you’ve come! After so long, we’ll finally eat together as a family."

She looked warmly at Satyam.

"And you too, Satyam beta… it's been ages since you’ve had a proper meal with us. You both stay so buried in work, I wonder if you even remember what breakfast means!"

Satyam joined his palms gently,

"I'm sorry, Maa… there’s been a lot of pressure at the office, and Nana Sa’s check-up was due a few days back. I’ve just been caught up with everything."

Arjun added casually,

"Maa, why do you worry so much about us? We manage to eat… eventually."

Janvi gave a mock glare,

"You two are one soul in two bodies! Always speaking the same nonsense. Fine, enough now. Both of you come sit today, I’ll feed you with my own hands!"

Arjun and Satyam exchanged smiles and nodded.

"Alright, Maa."

They took their seats at the royal table.

Just then, footsteps echoed above.

A girl appeared at the top of the stairs, dressed in a stunning royal blue anarkali suit, her long hair flowing like poetry in motion. Her presence lit up the room 

Tanvi Nikanj, Arjun’s younger sister, ready for college.

"Guys! I'm sooo sorry I’m running late today!"

She looked at them with wide eyes.

"Whoa… wait a second. Both my brothers… at the breakfast table? Is this a dream?"

Arjun and Satyam chuckled.

Satyam teased,

"Where have you been lately? Don’t even see you in the house anymore!"

Tanvi smirked,

"You’ll see me only if you’re home, Bhai! You two are always outside working. How would I be visible to ghosts?"

Arjun raised an eyebrow playfully,

"Alright, alright now just sit and eat in peace!"

As the breakfast began, Arjun and Satyam slipped into business talk.

"This time, the Malhotra deal is ours. No errors."

But before they could go deeper, Dada Sa cleared his throat.

"Not during meals, boys. This is family time, not boardroom time."

Both men immediately fell silent with a respectful nod.

Dadi Sa then spoke, her voice carrying both wisdom and weight.

"Arjun beta..."

"Yes, Dadi Sa?"

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘥𝘪 𝘴𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘳𝘫𝘶𝘯...

𝘛𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘥....

Greetings, my dear readers.

This chapter has now drawn to a close

Penned by none other than your author, Saba.

I trust it left you lingering in thought,

Perhaps with questions that whisper rather than speak.

If it stirred your heart or teased your curiosity,

Do not forget to vote and leave a comment below.

Your words are the ink to my inspiration.

The next chapter shall unfold soon…

And with it, secrets yet untold.

Until then, stay enchanted.

— Saba