It had been six months.
Six months of intense boardroom meetings and even more intense after-hours encounters.
By day, Trisha Singhania and Reeva Khanna were powerhouses — strategizing, leading, building their culinary empire from the ground up. By night… they became something else entirely. Sometimes in the plush suite of The Singhania Royale, sometimes in The Khanna Court's executive floor, sometimes in a locked car parked in the dim corners of Jaipur or Udaipur. And other times, beneath the golden ceilings of Singhania Neev, their secret sanctuary.
It was strictly casual — a fire they let burn behind closed doors, always out of sight.
The only ones who knew?
Tanvi Rao, Trisha's ever-efficient PA, andYashika Chaudhary, Reeva's razor-sharp assistant.
The two had become a quiet team themselves — not just for their bosses' schedules but also for their secrets. If Tanvi handed over the suite keys with a smirk, Yashika was the one making sure Reeva's floors stayed clear. It was unspoken. Understood. Handled.
Present Day:
The grand Toast of Royals was nearly complete. The once-dusty Udaipur palace had transformed into a glowing masterpiece of heritage charm and modern luxury. Final touch-ups were underway — a chandelier installation here, velvet seating checks there, scent testing for the dining hall.
Inside the polished glass conference room at The Singhania Royale, the Board of Directors gathered, sunlight filtering in through sheer curtains.
Seated around the oval table were:
Zoya Mehra, sharp in a rust-colored pantsuit, flipping through branding moodboards.
Rhea Iyer, poised, her silver tablet showing mockups of the inauguration stage design.
Aarav Chopra, sipping espresso, his notes filled with tasting menus and VIP chef line-ups.
Sasha Baloch, calm and elegant as ever, finalizing legal drafts with her usual composed authority.
At the head of the table sat Reeva, dressed in a structured ivory blazer over a black lace blouse, and beside her, Trisha, in a crisp all-black look with her signature chain bracelet glinting under the lights.
Tanvi and Yashika stood quietly by the screen, managing the presentation, exchanging subtle glances only they understood.
Reeva (leaning forward):"So, the final inauguration ceremony date?"
Rhea (scrolling):"We're on track for the third Saturday of next month. Venue will be the central courtyard — chandelier will be installed this Friday, and the stage will be constructed by Monday."
Zoya (confidently):"Brand invites go out this week. Media kits are ready. I've lined up three luxury food bloggers, GQ India, and Verve."
Aarav:"Menu trials are locked. All five courses. Wines curated. Local and international chefs aligned."
Sasha (nodding):"Contracts signed. Venue legally ready to host. Just need your sign-off on final RSVP terms."
Trisha (glancing at Reeva with a smirk):"Everything sounds dangerously perfect. For once, I have no complaints."
Reeva (without turning):"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find something to nitpick later, Trix."
A few soft laughs echoed around the table. Zoya raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Tanvi caught Yashika's eye — both women trying not to laugh.
Tanvi (murmuring quietly):"They're impossible."
Yashika (deadpan):"They're hornier than impossible."
Both stifled their giggles, pretending to be focused on the presentation.
Rhea:"So — the event's guest list? Royals, investors, media, elite food connoisseurs. Anyone else?"
Reeva (leaning back, thoughtful):"We'll curate the final list. Keep it high-profile but not overcrowded."
Trisha (smiling faintly):"Exactly. It's not just a launch. It's a legacy moment."
Sasha:"And you'll be hosting it together?"
Reeva and Trisha (in perfect sync):"Yes."
A beat.
The BOD members exchanged amused glances. The chemistry between the two CEOs wasn't just palpable — it was a wildfire cloaked in silk and boardroom etiquette.
As the meeting wound down, and final notes were collected, Tanvi handed over the evening's itinerary to Trisha while Yashika briefed Reeva on a dinner tasting back at Toast of Royals.
The professional mask stayed on.
For now.