There was silence in the room as Padmanabh entered. He was taken aback by the documents and papers scattered across the desk. Vijay stood near the projector, watching the site videos. "Good morning," he said.
Vijay turned around and smiled. "Good morning, man." Vijay pointed to the screen. "We are working on the Amal Palace." Padmanabh nodded, taking a seat. "Did you go through all the videos and photos last night?"
Vijay chuckled. "Yeah, I'm excited about this project." Vijay took his seat. "Ignore the mess. I was planning things."
"It will take a year or so for renovations and constructions. But it might change based on the design you are going to plan." Vijay pushed the papers towards Padmanabh. "Have you decided on the design of the project?"
Padmanabh looked at the marked points of the site. "I haven't thought about it. I'm trying to keep the vintage version. Maybe we should restore the heritage?"
"That would be amazing. Amal Palace has a lot of potential." Vijay went over the photos. "The details are present, and the murals are missing in some places. I will find someone who would be able to restore the murals."
"I want you to take reference for Roop Palace. I will arrange a week for you to go over and look at the details." Vijay agreed. "That would be wonderful, man. Roop Palace is marvellous, and I'm sure Amal Palace is going to be one of the beautiful things."
"I will work with Harika on this and get back to you." Padmanabh stood up from his seat. "Sure, Vijay."
"Are you leaving already?" Vijay asked. "I thought we could grab lunch or something."
"I will take you out for lunch tomorrow. I need to pick up Vrishali from her grandparent's place today."
"Oh. . . Oh. . . You are going to pick her up personally?"
"Yes."
"Perfect." Padmanabh shook his head at Vijay's smile. "See you tomorrow." Padmanabh walked out of Vijay's firm. He checked the message Vrishali had sent him in the morning. She asked if he could join her family for lunch and pick her up after.
Vrishali decided to stay at Samode Palace for three days. He didn't see her for four days, and when he returned home, he was lonely. He had missed her presence, and eating alone didn't feel right.
*
Vrishali was sitting beside Padmanabh, and her cousins were opposite them. She was telling him the tales of their two-day vacation to Jodhpur. Hardik passed the chocolate bowl, and Padmanabh handed it to Vrishali.
Padmanabh flushed a few times when everyone's attention was on him. He couldn't say no to Vrishali's aunts and uncles as they served him lunch. It was the second time that he had lunch with Vrishali's family.
He had spoken to her grandparents a while ago. When he was having a conversation, Vrishali was with her cousins. Padmanabh observed that everyone liked Vrishali, and she was radiating in their presence. He watched her laugh as her cousins joked about things.
She was carefree, young and beautiful as he watched her. He had never seen this side of her. He never saw her relax in his grandparent's palace. It was when they moved to their palace that Vrishali relaxed a bit. When the realization hit him, something dropped in the pit of his stomach. She hasn't seen the world yet.
Vrishali glanced at Padmanabh when she felt him rigid beside her. "Is everything okay?" she whispered. Padmanabh blinked. "Yes, everything's okay." Vrishali smiled before looking at Riddi and Nandhini. They were sharing the memory of Manav falling off a staircase.
Padmanabh sipped his tea, glancing at everyone. They were meant to leave after lunch, but he chose to linger a little longer as he observed Vrishali's face fall with sadness when lunch concluded. He didn't want her to feel upset. He relished the conversations that flowed among the cousins. It was remarkable how they continued to reminisce about old memories.
"And the time when Adhi bhaiyya was in New York. Remember the shenanigans Vrishali and Hardik Bhaiyya had ?" Riddi asks. Everyone nods; Padmanabh looks at Hardhik and Vrishali, who share a knowing smile.
"We had fun, and they aren't shenanigans." Aadi raises his brow. "Really? How about when you two went to a pub, and bhaiyya called us saying you were getting kidnapped? We all got tensed, but then you two brushed it off, saying you got kidnapped by your friends?"
Vrishali's cheeks flame. She looks at Padmanabh while he has a surprised expression. "We didn't."
"You two were so drunk, and Deepansh chachu had to find you two in the middle of the night." Hardik laughed hearing that. "Well, chachu did find us, but guess what?" Everyone looked at Hardik. "Chachu joined the party with us and was passed out too on our friend's couch." Vrishali hid her face. She has no idea how they forget that Padmanabh is sitting beside her while they share the stupidest and dumbest memories.
"Guys. . . Guys. . . It was in the past and a good memory, though it scared everyone," Hardik said. Suddenly, they realised that Padmanabh was with them, and he had no idea about Vrishali's lifestyle or past.
"We weren't terrible like they are making us out of the stories," Vrishali says to Padmanabh. Padmanabh is getting out of his shock and nods. Now, he is wearing an amusing smile on his face.
*
Padmanabh couldn't help but laugh as there was no one around them. Vrishali joined in and shook her head. They were heading to their house. "I didn't know you used to party with your dad," Padmanabh whispered. "Oh my god. My dad loved joining the parties with my friends. He was with me in all the hot parties of the season."
"That's something I never heard of," Vrishali smiled, remembering her dad. "My friends loved my parents, mainly because they were cool and partied their lives like they should. Dad and Mum love New York nightlife. So when I was out with my friends or at a party, I didn't have to worry about waking my parents up in the middle of the night. Dad gladly played chauffeur and joined us on late nights."
"They used to open our restaurant late afternoon and spent their mornings together. Mum and Dad spend their nights walking around the city or hanging out at their favourite night bars. I used to join them, too, on most nights. That was our favourite thing to do. Oh, I miss New York."
Vrishali looked out of the window while Padmanbh tried to process his thoughts. He felt a heavy feeling in his heart, and he could understand Vrishali's sadness. He would do anything to make her happy, but he had no idea how to ask her.
"Weren't your cousins supposed to return to their hostels?" Padmanabh asked, breaking the silence. "They will be leaving next month."
"Why?" Vrishali's brows frowned. "Hmm, Radhika didi is getting engaged next week." Padmanabh nodded. "Okay."
"You don't know about the engagement?" Padmanabh looked perplexed. "Hmm, why would I know about Radhika's engagement?" Vrishali shrugged her shoulders. Even though she knew it was his mother who had sent the proposal. She didn't want to tell him that. "I don't know, I just thought you know."
After a while, Padmanabh asked, "Manav studies in Jaipur?" He stopped the car when the traffic signal turned red. "Manav's college is in Kota."
"Good, what about your sisters?" Padmanabh asked. Honestly, he isn't interested in knowing about her cousins. He wants to have a conversation with her. He had missed her voice and their everyday conversation at the breakfast table. It feels nice, and he looks forward to having those mornings with her.
"Riddi didi studies in Jaipur. Nandini Didi is doing her master's in London. It's her final year, and she will be returning next year. Hardik bhaiyya is presently helping Gagan taya. Aadi bhaiyya  is doing his culinary course in Sydney."
"Aadi, Nandini and Hardik are siblings?" Vrishali nodded. "Yes. Riddi didi and Manav are siblings."
"Hardik did his masters in New York?" Padmanabh continued. Vrishali didn't want to admit it, but she had missed seeing his face. "Yeah, he was with us for three years. I'm close to Hardik bhaiyya as he lived with us, and we both liked the same activities." Padmanabh nodded.
"You got plans for the night?" She asked. They are ten minutes away from the home. "I'm supposed to visit Amal Palace in the afternoon."
"You are visiting now?" Vrishali asked. "Yes, I need to check a few things. Vijay and I visited the site yesterday, and they will start work tomorrow. I need to check before the work begins."
"So, Vijay is going to work on the project?" Padmanabh smiled. "It is one of his dream projects. He has asked me to hand over the work for three years. I think it's time for the renovations and restorations."
"That's nice." Padmanabh was unsure whether to mention Harika. It wouldn't be nice if Vrishali didn't know about it. Vrishali thought about Harika. She knew that Harika had signed a contract with Vijay because she had posted about it on her Instagram. "Harika is working on the project as well."
Vrishali nodded, keeping her gaze on the passing vehicles. "Hmm, do you mind if I join you?" she asked. "I have nothing to do in the evening."
"I don't." Padmanabh slowed down the car and turned left. Now, they turned to the bustling side of Jaipur. Vrishali looked at the group of people. "I thought the Winter is the season of tourists and travellers in Rajasthan."
Padmanabh smiled. "Rajasthan is a long season of tourists and travellers." Vrishali hummed. "Can't disagree."
Vrishali glanced at Padmanabh. "How far is Amal Palace."
"It's a twenty minutes drive from the city palace."
"Oh. How did you get Amal Palace? From what I have heard, Nani Ji loved that Palace." Padmanabh smiled. "Yes, Amal Palace was given to her by her in-laws. She handed it to me as a birthday present."
"Wow, that's a wonderful birthday present."
"I will take you to Roop palace one day. It's a hotel owned by Naina Didi. It was her birthday present from dadaji." There's a distant look in Padmanabh's eyes as he thinks of Roop Palace. "I think I heard about Roop Palace; it's in Jaisalmer, right?."
"Yeah. . ." Vrishali hummed. "Naina didi mentioned that you always loved Roop Palace as a kid."
"Iâ I still do."
"Hmm, were you sad when it was given to Naina didi?" Vrishali wasn't sure if it was a good thing to ask him about it. Padmanabh tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. He took a deep breath before taking a glance at Vrishali. "I was upset and still feel disappointed because I loved Roop Palace as a kid, and everyone in the family knew about it."
"Iâ I was not expecting dadaji to gift it to Naina didi. She was thrilled to own the Palace. She had plans of converting it into a five-star hotel. I'm happy that Naina didn't get it, but I'm sad it wasn't for me." Vrishali was surprised by the confession. She was not expecting Padmanabh to speak about it.
"What would you have done if it had been gifted to you?" Vrishali waited for the answer. "I will tell you one day."
'One day. . .'
*
Vrishali looked around the property while Padmanabh spoke with the guards and caretakers. Not wishing to engage in the conversation, she strolled towards the neat garden. She took out her phone and snapped pictures, including one of Padmanabh.
Vrishali noted that the Palace is unlike the rest of the family's properties. It is neither grand nor simple but a blend of a Palace and a mansionâsomething she cannot quite articulate. Her gaze shifts to Pamanabh, who is approaching where she stands.
"I will take you inside." Vrishali nodded. "Hmm, the floors and steps aren't in good condition. They are rocky, so be careful about your steps."
"Okay." They walked to the entrance, which was slightly steep. "It was a family outing to the Palace on the city outskirts. The Palace hasn't been visited for a while now." Vrishali nodded her head, observing the whole place. The inside of the palace is good; if renovations were made, it would be great.
"How many floors are there?" Vrishali asked. "Five floors, 30 rooms, and five halls." Vrishali touched the pillar and admired its intricate carving. Padmanabh looked at her with a gentle expression, quietly noting the small details about her as she became engrossed in the artwork. His gaze wandered to her soft, wavy hair, which had recently been cut, and he noticed her perfectly manicured nails.
He observed the delicate curves of her face as she smiled, captivated by something intriguing on the pillar. He pondered what thoughts might be swirling in her mind. Is she finding peace in his company, like he is finding peace in hers?
"What kind of renovations are you going to make?" Vrishali's voice was soft as she surveyed the walls. They shifted slowly, and Padmanabh had no issue with it. He stood behind her, his gaze fixed on hers, and they absorbed the surroundings with the utmost curiosity.
"I'm trying to restore the murals of the palace for now. I want to restore the heritage of the palace. The palace has been destroyed due to the heat and rain. The renovations will not change the dynamics or the heart of the Palace."
Vrishali gaze met Padmanabh's. "I'm happy to hear that. The Palace has a special feel, and I can feel it." Padmanabh smiled. "Are you going to turn this place into a hotel too?"
Padmanabh shook his head. "I have not thought about it yet. I plan on renovating the rooms once the idea crosses my mind."
"Oh."
*
Vrishali sighed contentedly as she took the breathtaking sunset from the palace terrace. Sitting gracefully on the elevated step, she felt the serene ambience enveloping her. Beside her, Padmanabh stood with her arms crossed, a silent guardian of this tranquil moment. The air was still, and the gentle breeze caressed their faces, bringing a soothing calm that Vrishali yearned for. With a deep breath, she smiled softly, completely mesmerized by the sun's descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink and bidding farewell to the day.
"If you have any suggestions. You can let me know."Â Vrishali turned to face Padmanabh. "Have you heard of backpacking hostels before?"
Padmanabh nodded. One of his friends has been backpacking worldwide and plans to open a hostel. "Yes," he said.
Vrishali smiled. "I know it may seem out of context here, but this place would be ideal for backpackers. I believe that every situation is not about quality and cost. Sometimes, it's about the memories created. Imagine travellers from around the world visiting this place or students coming here with their friends, all able to afford the experience of living like royalty."
Vrishali's eyes twinkled. "Imagine how many wonderful memories this place could create if transformed into a backpacking hostel. It could become a palace where everyone can afford to stay." Padmanabh watched Vrishali intently. The thought had never crossed his mind, and he had no intention of turning this place into a hotel.
"I'm sorry, I carried away. I just shared my thoughts." Padmanabh smiled. "I love the idea; please continue if you have more." Vrishali is excited as Padmanabh encourages her. "You are considering restoring the murals. I noticed that the second floor has ample space and murals. Perhaps you could lease it for art activities within the hostel. Backpackers could participate in the workshops and create something to take home as souvenirs."
"You could host art exhibitions for independent artists or permit individuals to showcase their debut pieces for free. This adds significance to the heart of this Palace. There are countless ideas, and this Palace possesses the potential to accommodate them without compromising its internal beauty."
Padmanabh was in awe as he gazed at Vrishali. She was radiant as she spoke. There's something about her that soothes him and also keeps him on edge. "They are splendid ideas. I shall note everything, and if you're comfortable, we could meet Vijay for brunch. You can share the ideas with him, and he will grasp the renovations better."
"I will." They both shared a smile. The air around them shifts. None of them averts their gaze. Vrishali takes in Padmanabh's profile. The soft glow of the evening lights on his face illuminates his beauty. How can one be so beautiful?
"Dâ Do you want to see the backyard?" Padmanabh asked awkwardly, breaking the intense air around them. "Yeah." Vrishali stands up and follows him.
*
"It's a pretty big backyard. Have you thought of having a swimming pool here?" Vrishali asked.
"I have, but I'm not exactly sure about it," Padmanabh said, standing on the steps. Vrishali is standing on the step leading down to his. What they do not know is that the steps are damaged. The step on which Padmanabh stood could not support his weight as it shook, alarming Padmanabh. He stepped back but ended up losing his footing.
Vrishali was oblivious to it as she was engrossed in the view. Padmanabh fell directly, pulling Vrishali down with him. As soon as Padmanabh's weight pressed onto her, she lost her balance. He adjusted his position, causing Vrishali to tumble onto him. He winced in pain when her knee struck his private area.
Vrishali kissed Padmanabh's neck. Padmanabh hissed as he struck something that pressed into his ribs. Vrishali was too shocked as she processed what had occurred. She moved her lips away from Padmanabh's neck in stunned silence.
"Ugh, are you okay?" Vrishali asked in concern. She is still fibbing on Padmanabh. "Hmm, yes." Padmanabh attempted to conceal his pain. All the blood rushed to his cheeks and to a place where it shouldn't, as he processed where Vrishali's knee was pressing against him. He tried to ignore it, but it was difficult when she pressed against him unknowingly, causing him discomfort.
"Can you roll off to the side?" he let out in agony. Vrishali's cheeks flared as she moved to the side. Padmanabh sat up awkwardly as they tried to brush off the dirt. "I'm sorry. Did you get hurt?" Padmanabh asked, standing up even though he was in little pain.
"No, Iâ I fell on you. I wasn't hurt. Are you hurt anywhere?"
"No, I'm good. The step was broken, and it couldn't handle my weight. I tried to balance but lost my footing. I'mâ I'm sorry."
"It's okay. . . Don't worry about it." They couldn't look at each other in the eye and ignored looking at each other. Padmanabh looked at his wristwatch, "Hmm, I need to drop off a file at the office. Do you mind it? We can have dinner after dropping the file. It might take me fifteen minutes."
"Sure." Vrishali turned around and began walking. Padmanabh followed her. Unintentionally, his gaze fell on her back. She was wearing those denim jeans. Padmanabh blinked, his cheeks flushed as he recalled that his hands had pressed against her bottom when they fell.
'I didn't do it intentionally,' Padmanabh told himself.
*
Padmanabh walked to the meeting room, where everyone was waiting for him. He opened the doors, and all the members stood up with respect.
"Please sit down; I appreciate your patience," Padmanabh spoke, going over to his chair. Tarun's eyes widen when he sees the bright red lipstick stain on Padmanabh's neck, which is visible.
The purchasing department members blinked their eyes, looking at each other, when they saw the lipstick stain on their boss's neck. Padmanabh, unaware of the lipstick mark, handed the file to Tarun.
"I apologize for not being present for the meeting. I had a family emergency. Tarun emailed me the briefing, and I'm happy with the progress. We will continue the rest of the developments and changes in the next meeting."
Everyone left once the meeting was done. Padmanabh is reaching for the files he needs to pick up. Padmanabh had left eyes on his neck, but he ignored it.
"There is a lipstick stain on your neck," Tarun spoke.
"What?" Padmanabh's brows frowned in confusion. "A bright red lipstick stain on your neck is visible to everyone."Â Padmanabh groaned and massaged his face as Tarun smiled. "Family emergency, huh?"
"Not a word."
"Okay, boss!"