Page 81 of No Boss
“I appreciate the proposal,” Abhinav said at last. “It’s thorough.”
“It had to be.”
Abhinav gave a single nod. “I will need a week.”
Amar’s pen paused.
Rajveer inclined his head, accepting without resistance. “A week is fair. The offer stands.”
He rose.
Abhinav followed.
They shook hands again. No agreement yet, but an understanding took shape. This time, Rajveer’s expression held less calculation.
“One more thing,” he added, warmth entering his tone. “When this is settled, whichever direction it takes, I would like to invite you and your family to Udaipur. Stay with us. It would give me the chance to host you properly. You would also see what we build with places and people entrusted to us.”
Abhinav smiled. “That is generous.”
“It is genuine. There is a difference.”
Rajveer turned. Amar moved ahead and opened the door.
Meera stood outside.
Rajveer gave a brief, courteous nod. She returned it, composed, unreadable.
They passed. Their footsteps faded down the corridor.
Abhinav remained where he was.
Meera’s gaze met his.
She had heard enough. He could see it. And what she had in her eyes, it wasn’t anger. It was worse.
Chapter 15
Abhinav stepped back into his office.
Meera came in behind him. The door shut with a soft click that settled through the room with a sense of finality. She stayed there for a second, back turned, hand still on the handle, shoulders drawn tight.
Then she turned, facing him.
“A hotel.” Her voice came low. Too controlled.
Abhinav did not move. He watched her the way a man watches a storm he has already decided to stand through. “I haven’t agreed to anything.”
“You didn’t refuse either.”
The control snapped.
“You are turning Anand Mahal into a hotel.”
The words came sharp.
“Twelve luxury suites. Four hundred years of history turned into suites. Maintaining original architectural integrity. How thoughtful.”
He remained silent.
