Page 26 of Claimed By the Maharaja
She captured wide shots of the plant, workers in motion, machinery in operation, and carefully staged moments meant for public consumption.
Tina moved through the space constantly, issuing instructions, correcting details, and inserting herself into every frame.
Yamini acknowledged her when necessary and ignored her when she could.
By noon, the heat had become almost unbearable. Sweat gathered under her helmet, and the weight of the equipment pressed against her shoulder. She stepped into a shaded area, took a long drink of water, and checked her shots.
They were good.
Just as she adjusted one of the shots, she felt a sudden shift in the energy.
It was subtle at first, but unmistakable. Workers straightened, security adjusted positions, and conversations lowered.
Tina’s posture changed instantly, her expression shifting into something more polished, and her voice softened to nearly sweet.
Yamini didn’t have to look.
She already felt him.
Her fingers tightened around the camera as she slowly turned.
Bharat Singh Jogra walked into the steel plant like he owned the ground under everyone’s feet. Which he did.
He appeared tall even when surrounded by large machinery. His posture was straight and his movements precise. His dark suit looked untouched by the dust and heat around him, and he wore no helmet. He held sunglasses in his hand, and the gold insignia ring on his finger caught the light.
His bodyguards moved with him, two in front, two behind, scanning everything. Two male assistants walked close, holding tablets.
Tina moved toward him quickly, her smile bright.
“Your Highness,” she said, her tone suddenly measured and soft. “We’ve started the walkthrough. The team is ready whenever you are.”
Bharat acknowledged her with a brief nod and continued walking. He did not slow down or engage.
Tina stumbled briefly before matching his pace, continuing to speak as if she had not been dismissed.
“We’re going to make sure the report addresses public concerns. We can highlight your CSR efforts too—”
Bharat said nothing. Didn’t even glance.
And yet Yamini felt it, the quiet force of his presence pressing through everything else.
She lifted her camera slowly and framed him through the lens.
Click. Click.
His steps remained steady.
Then his head turned. Not towards Tina. But towards her.
Their eyes met. And this time, she saw a flicker in the golden-brown eyes.
Recognition was clear. There was no mistaking it this time.
Yamini felt it like a jolt, sharp and undeniable.
For a moment, everything else disappeared.
The protests outside faded. Tina’s voice became background noise. The air seemed to thicken.
