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Chapter 15 - The Palace, The Plan & The Partners

Where history meets ambition... and chemistry lingers like perfume.

Scene: Next Morning | Udaipur | The Future Site of 'Toast of Royals'

The sun had just cleared the Aravalli skyline, casting golden beams over the sprawling grounds of the century-old palace. Once the private retreat of a forgotten Maharaja, the structure still stood proud — marble pillars worn but regal, carved jharokhas breathing stories of the past.

Now, it belonged to Trisha Singhania and Reeva Khanna.

Their vision: Toast of Royals — a 5-star fine dining destination with curated luxury, modern elegance, and heritage charm. A sanctuary for elites. A legacy move for two women who refused to be ordinary.

Exterior – Palace Grounds

Luxury SUVs and sedans lined the dusty entry path. Inside the grounds, contractors, architects, and engineers moved around with blueprints and tablets.

Trisha, in tailored beige trousers, a tucked black shirt, and her signature boots, stood near the grand archway. Sunglasses pushed to her head, hair slightly messy, but her presence—undeniably commanding.

Reeva, in cream wide-leg pants, a dark olive-green fitted blouse, and block heels, arrived minutes later with her assistant and Sasha trailing behind.

Trisha (grinning as Reeva walks up):"Morning, Khanna. Slept well?"

Reeva (cool and casual):"Surprisingly, yes. Rooftops have that effect on people... and other things."

Trisha smirked, clearly remembering everything about last night.

They move through the palace together — past cracked stone walls, chandeliered halls layered in dust, echoing courtyards.

Reeva (running her hand along a carved pillar):"This place has bones. Beautiful, old, royal bones."

Trisha:"And we're about to breathe new life into them."

Reeva:"I want to preserve these arches. Keep the vintage touches—don't make it too glossy."

Trisha (nodding):"Same. Class over flash. Let luxury whisper, not scream."

They met with the lead architect and walked through the restoration plan:

The main durbar hall would become the central dining space.

One wing would serve as an exclusive bar and lounge, with mixology experiences.

The rooftop terrace: private dining under the stars.

Underground cellars converted into wine vaults and chef's tasting rooms.

An art gallery hallway connecting spaces with royal-themed installations.

Trisha (to the project manager):"The branding needs to echo legacy with a twist of rebellion. That's the whole point of 'Toast of Royals.' It's not your father's fine dining."

Reeva:"It's where power dines in silk... or leather."

Trisha glanced at her. Reeva smirked again.

They stood in the center courtyard, now cleared of rubble. The view of the old palace façade in front of them.

Trisha (softly):"We're really doing this, huh?"

Reeva (turning to her):"We already did. Now we build."

As they wrapped their site inspection, Sasha came forward with updated renovation contracts and budget splits. Reeva signed first, then passed the pen to Trisha.

Trisha (signing):"Well, partner. Let's toast to royalty."

Reeva (offering her hand):"And rewrite what royalty means."

They shook hands.

Photographers (sent for internal PR) captured the moment. But even the best lens couldn't capture the unspoken electricity still simmering between them.

Later, walking back to the cars...

Reeva:"You were checking me out when I was looking at the dome."

Trisha (deadpan):"I was checking the structural integrity. But your... form did interfere with my observation."

Reeva:"Flirt better, Singhania."

Trisha (smirking):"Oh, I will. Over dinner tonight. My treat. Chef's trial menu."

Reeva:"Just business?"

Trisha (grinning as she opens her car door):"Not even pretending anymore."

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