Mumbai – Rajput Family Estate, Outer Lawn…
The old patriarch of the Rajput family sat alone at the round garden table beneath a large flowering tree, its hanging roots swaying gently in the monsoon breeze. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, but his heart was adrift in a sea of bitter thoughts.
Vikram Das approached quietly from behind. "What happened, old patriarch? you look troubled… what's weighing on your mind?"
The patriarch didn't turn immediately. He sipped the half-cold tea from his cup and exhaled.
"Troubled?" He scoffed. "I'm disgusted, Das. For the first time in decades, the Rajput name is being questioned. We're being challenged… openly."
"Don't take it personally." Vikram said in a soft tone.
"Those fuc*ing Mauryas… A family that used to bow their heads when my father entered a room. And now, their brat from the nominal Varma branch walks into my estate—my house—and dares to threaten me into marrying our girl to him! Who gave them this courage?"
