The Singhaniya mansion didn't just rise with the sun—it bloomed with it. This wasn't just a home, it was a living, laughing, breathing story. A story full of noise and nuance, flavors and feelings, and above all… parivaar.
Today, the scent of roasted cumin floated through the halls. There was laughter, clinking cups, subtle glances, and open affection. It wasn't perfect, but it was beautiful. And right in the middle of it, the Singhaniyas were doing what they did best—loving each other loudly.
Dev Singhaniya descended the grand staircase like a man heading to a war he was sure he'd win. Pale blue linen shirt, grey trousers, leather shoes that gleamed like they'd been waxed by a perfectionist. He picked up his wallet and keys with robotic precision.
But when he spotted Anaya wiping her hands after serving mangoes to Komal, his gaze softened.
"Beta, tum office jaogi aaj?" he asked.
("Are you going to office today, beta?")
Anaya shook her head gently. "Nahi Dad, main aur Janvi aaj raat ki flight se nikal rahe hain. Business trip."
("No, Dad. Janvi and I are flying out tonight. It's a business trip.")
Dev's brows lifted. "Just you two?"
Before Anaya could explain, Ria cut in, smiling as she spoke.
"Dad, usne kaha na—Janvi ke saath. Relax."
("Dad, she already said she's going with Janvi. Relax.")
Dev glanced at Ria, then turned back to Anaya. "I know, beta. But koi aur senior hoga na saath mein?"
("There will be a senior accompanying you, right?")
Anaya nodded, composed. "Haan. HR ne bataya do seniors Bangalore se aa rahe hain. Bas unke naam nahi bataye."
("Yes, HR said two senior people are joining from Bangalore. They just haven't shared their names yet.")
Dev gave her a long look, then softened. "Okay. Just in case you need anything—even if it's 2 AM—call me. Your dad is here."
Anaya smiled. "Thanks, Dad. But I'd really like to do this on my own. No 'Singhaniya sifarish'. Just me and my work."
("No special treatment just because I'm family. I want to prove myself.")
Dev looked at Rakhi and grinned. "Rakhi ji, dekha aapki beti jaisi bahu ko? Bilkul mere jaise—seedhi, ziddi, aur clear."
("Rakhi, did you see? Your daughter-like daughter-in-law is exactly like me—straightforward, stubborn, and clear-headed.")
Komal didn't miss her cue. "Aur tumhari biwi bhi tum jaisi ban gayi hai. Drama queen number one."
("And your wife has also turned into you. Full drama queen.")
Rakhi playfully swatted Dev's arm. "Sahi bola maa."
("You're right, Mom.")
Misha whispered to Ria, "This house is a live soap opera."
Ria whispered back, "With designer costumes and emotional ad breaks."
.______.📑.______..______..______.📑
Some mornings feel regular. Others feel like bookmarks—the kind that separate chapters in a story. This was one of those mornings in the Singhaniya mansion.
Everyone had just finished breakfast, the dishes had been cleared, and conversations were trickling into small personal clusters. Dev Singhaniya was at the door, bag slung over his shoulder, shoes polished, and aura as composed as a board meeting agenda.
He turned back one last time before stepping out. "Thanks for breakfast, ladies. And you too, princesses."
(Translation: "Shukriya sabko—best team ever.")
With a charming nod and one last glance at the family-filled living room, Dev walked down the steps toward the main exit.
Outside, the morning breeze carried a light hint of mogra (Jasmine) The family driver had already pulled up the black SUV to the portico. The engine was humming softly, waiting like a disciplined soldier. As soon as Dev stepped near, the driver rushed out, opened the rear door with respect, and stepped aside.
Dev settled in with his usual grace, rolled down the window, and gave a final wave to the women standing at the door—Komal, Rakhi, Ria, Anaya, and Misha, all grouped like petals of the same flower.
As the car pulled away and exited the Singhaniya gates, Komal's gaze lingered.
Her eyes shifted to Anaya. "Tumne pehle kyun nahi bataya ke tum aaj hi jaa rahi ho?"
("Why didn't you tell me earlier that you're leaving today itself?")
Anaya looked apologetic. "Sorry, Dadi. I only got the final date this morning."
("Maafi chahti hoon, Dadi. Confirmation aaj subah hi mila.")
Ria tilted her head with curiosity. "And how many days?"
Anaya replied, "Maybe four days… max."
Rakhi, ever the practical one, chimed in, "Does Rudra know?"
Anaya hesitated. "I haven't told him yet."
Ria let out a dramatic gasp. "What? You didn't tell Mr. Silent Storm?"
Anaya smiled, "I was going to… I just haven't found the right moment."
Ria smirked, folding her arms. "Well, you better do it before he hears it from anyone else."
Before anyone could speak further, Rakhi turned toward Ria. "Did you say you were going shopping today?"
Ria perked up instantly. "Yes, Mom. I'm going before Misha's wedding madness begins. I need to finish all my shopping—accessories, outfits, heels, matching clutches… everything!"
Anaya nodded. "That's a good idea. When is Janvi coming over?"
"She'll be here by evening," Anaya replied. "Our tickets are done—company booked them."
"Okay perfect," Ria said. "We'll coordinate later then. But I am not skipping my shopping today. Mujhe kuch bhi ho, ek statement saree chahiye Misha ki mehendi ke liye."
("Come what may, I need a stunning saree for Misha's mehendi.")
Anaya chuckled, "You and your fashion obsession."
Komal sipped her tea calmly and added with a sly smile, "She must be busy… with the future one."
("Woh toh future wale ke saath busy hogi.")
The room broke into laughter.
Misha, who had just entered holding her phone, raised a brow. "Excuse me? Are you all talking about me?"
Ria grinned, "Of course. You're the headline every morning."
Rakhi looked at Komal and smiled thoughtfully. "Maa, I was thinking… what if we do the engagement on the same day as the wedding?"
("Maa, soch rahi thi… shaadi ke din hi engagement bhi kar lein.")
Komal nodded slowly, "Makes sense. Less chaos. And everyone will already be here."
("Sahi hai. Ek hi din sab ho jaayega. Faltu ka stress kam.")
Anaya looked surprised. "Wait, no separate engagement? Isn't that too rushed?"
Rakhi patted her hand. "No, beta. Shaadi ke din subah engagement, shaam ko pheras. Simple, elegant, and easy for guests too."
Anaya looking at rakhi and said "Mumma but its it's too simple wedding isn't it, who's gonna like this?"
Misha, who just came after finishing her work call, said "I love it, just one day marriage is enough."
As Anaya didn't say anything as she saw Misha happiness and comfort.
Ria raised her hand like a schoolgirl. "Can I still wear two different outfits though?"
Everyone turned to her.
Misha groaned. "Of course you can. You'd wear ten if we let you."
The group burst into another round of giggles.
The house felt lighter, despite the plans and travel and uncertainty. This was a house built on humor and heart. And in these small exchanges—teasing, planning, last-minute decisions—the soul of the Singhaniya family shone bright.
This wasn't just about flights and functions. It was about the little things that stitched the women of the house together. The way Ria pulled energy into every room. The way Anaya's calmness balanced it. The way Rakhi and Komal passed unspoken understanding between generations. And the way Misha, soon to be a bride, remained the laughter-filled thread holding them in sync.
No chaos today. Just comfort.
Just home.
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The clock struck 10:00 AM sharp.
The lobby of the Singhaniya International Hotel in Delhi sparkled with morning sunlight filtering through massive glass panels. The scent of fresh orchids from the welcome desk mixed with the crisp chill of central AC. Floors of imported Italian marble reflected every inch of luxury this empire stood for.
A few business travelers wheeled their designer luggage toward checkout while a young couple was getting room keys at the counter. Yet all heads turned at once as the golden double doors opened and the Singhaniya Trio entered.
Rudra. Aarav. Ravi.
Each of them walked with a different rhythm, but the aura was one—commanding.
Staff straightened up immediately.
"Good morning, sir!" said the bell captain.
"Namaste, Rudra sir. Welcome back," added the receptionist with a slight blush.
Guests whispered.
"Woh jo sabse aage hai na—Rudra Singhaniya. He runs the whole empire now."
("That one in front—Rudra Singhaniya. He's the boss of everything.")
"Aarav sir toh media mein bhi popular hai… film stars jaise lagte hain."
("Aarav sir looks like a movie star. He's popular everywhere!")
"Who's the third one? Assistant hai kya?"
"Chup! That's Ravi. Don't underestimate him. I heard he closed the Singapore deal solo."
The men didn't react to the whispers. They were used to it. Eyes followed them like camera flashes—but their focus was fixed.
They were headed to the top floor. The Boardroom.
A private elevator opened with a soft chime. Gold-trimmed, glass-walled, and fast. Within seconds, they stepped into a private corridor leading to the heart of the company's decision-making.
Double mahogany doors opened. Inside: a massive oval table that could seat 20, leather chairs, digital display panels, and Singhaniya crest embroidered on the carpet.
The board was already seated.
Rudra moved to his seat near the head of the table. His nameplate glinted beside the one marked Dev Singhaniya – Chairman. Aarav took his spot beside him. Ravi quietly took the seat next to Rudra.
The greetings were brief. Polite. Controlled.
But the room's temperature felt ten degrees colder.
Tension. Unspoken alliances. Unsaid betrayal.
Rudra opened the meeting, voice crisp. "Let's begin."
("Chaliye meeting start karte hain.")
A board member cleared his throat. "Rudra, there's been a discussion… 45% of us are considering selling our shares. There's interest from outside parties."
Aarav looked up, casual but sharp. "Interest, ya influence?"
("Interest, or someone influencing you?")
Murmurs around the table. Some members looked down. Others remained defiant.
Rudra folded his hands. "Let me understand—this is Singhaniya Hotels. A family legacy. And you want to sell your stake… why?"
One bold member leaned forward. "Because there's a better deal. More money. And frankly, we think this empire's getting too tightly held."
("Humein lagta hai, empire par sirf family ka control ho raha hai.")
Ravi finally spoke, voice quiet but cutting. "How much are they offering you?"
"Forty-five million."
Aarav raised an eyebrow. "That's cheap."
Ravi nodded. "What if I offer fifty million?"
A pause. Everyone stared.
The same man scoffed. "You? You don't even sit on this board officially."
Ravi glanced at Rudra, then back. "You should read the fine print. I hold silent equity."
Silence.
Ravi's smile didn't reach his eyes. "I'll buy all 45%—double your current value. On the condition you sell directly. No Rajawat Group. No backdoor games."
Aarav added, "And I'll take the rest. Let's clean house."
Mehta—one of the oldest board members—looked stunned. His plan to sell shares to the rival Rajawat family was unraveling fast.
Just then, the door opened.
Dev Singhaniya entered.
Wearing a soft beige suit and holding a glass of water, he walked in like a storm in silence.
Everyone stood.
Dev gestured for them to sit. "So… double price? For what?"
Rudra stood respectfully. "Dad, we were discussing the attempted sale of shares. We're stopping it."
Dev took a sip. "You're late. I already knew."
He sat, calm but fierce. "Those who want to sell can. But only within the company. If anyone dares to sell outside, they lose all exit benefits. That's in the contract."
Mehta tried to interrupt. "We didn't know—"
Dev didn't flinch. "Then learn. This isn't a playground."
Ravi stood up. "Mr. Mehta wants to sell his shares for 45 million. I'm ready to offer double."
Mehta's jaw dropped.
Aarav followed. "And I'll buy the rest."
Dev looked at them, pride barely hidden.
"You raised them well, Dev," whispered one of the senior silent members.
Dev smiled. "No. They raised this company. I just taught them how to fight for it."
He turned to legal. "Get the contracts ready. If anyone hesitates, show them the exit."
Author's POV
This wasn't a board meeting. This was a battlefield.
But in the end?
The throne didn't move.
The lions just claimed what was theirs.