Chapter 01

Fri, 23 May 2025 13:47:07 +0000

The chandelier above the grand ballroom of the Aryavarta Heritage Hotel sparkled like a cluster of captive stars, suspended in an eternal pause, casting fractured glints across polished marble floors and silk-draped walls. Opulence breathed through the very air—velvet curtains in royal crimson cascaded from the ceilings, and soft classical notes from a live orchestra weaved their way around glasses of champagne and delicate laughter. The air smelt of roses, sandalwood, and political ambition.