The Singhania Royale – Afternoon | 2:47 PM
The lobby of The Singhania Royale was a portrait of refined opulence—golden arches, velvet drapes, and the subtle scent of sandalwood floating in the air. Elite guests sipped rosewater mocktails as classical instrumental played softly in the background.
A pair of maroon Louboutin heels clicked confidently on the Italian marble floor.
Reeva Khanna, dressed in an elegant emerald-green co-ord set and dark sunglasses, walked in with the poise of someone who owned half the city—and knew it.
She approached the sleek reception desk.
Reeva (smiling, calm):
"Hey, I'm Reeva Khanna. Can I meet Trisha if she's available?"
Behind the counter, Aastha, the receptionist, sat up straighter at the name. She offered a gracious smile.
Aastha:
"Hello Ma'am, good afternoon. Let me ask Tanvi Ma'am—Trisha Ma'am's PA. Please give me a moment."
She dialed quickly, keeping her tone crisp.
Aastha (on call):
"Tanvi Ma'am, Reeva Ma'am is here to meet Trisha Ma'am."
Tanvi (over call):
"Hello. Please ask her to sit and offer her tea or coffee—whatever she prefers. I'll be right there."
Aastha smiled and stood up.
Aastha:
"Ma'am, please have a seat. Tanvi Ma'am is on her way. Would you prefer tea or coffee? Anything I can get you?"
Reeva (politely, removing her glasses):
"Nothing. Thank you."
She took a seat, legs crossed, exuding patience with a smirk that hinted she wasn't one to be made to wait too long. Moments later, Tanvi arrived, clipboard in hand, heels echoing softly.
Tanvi:
"Hello Ma'am. You here suddenly? Something important?"
Reeva (smiling lightly):
"If it wasn't important, I wouldn't have come unannounced. Can I meet Trisha?"
Tanvi (slightly cautious):
"I understand, Ma'am. But she's currently in a board meeting—it might take some time. Let me inform her and get back to you."
Reeva:
"Sure. Let me know."
Tanvi walked toward the meeting room with purpose, her mind already rehearsing how to interrupt Trisha without losing her cool. She gently opened the door and stepped in.
Tanvi (softly):
"Ma'am, sorry to disturb."
Trisha (without looking up):
"Tanvi, is it important enough to interrupt this meeting?"
Tanvi (firmly):
"Yes, Ma'am."
Trisha finally looked up, her tone sharp.
Trisha:
"What is it?"
Tanvi:
"Reeva Khanna is here. She wants to meet you. Said it's important."
A beat passed. Trisha leaned back in her chair, absorbing the surprise.
Trisha (with a pause, coolly):
"Oh..."
Another pause, this one longer. The room watched silently.
Tanvi:
"Should I ask her to wait till your meeting is over?"
Trisha (decisive):
"No. This meeting will take time. Tell her I'll see her at The Khanna Court this evening. 7 PM sharp."
Tanvi (nodding):
"Okay, Ma'am."
Tanvi returned to the lobby and approached Reeva, who was still sitting with composed elegance, flicking through a hotel art magazine.
Tanvi:
"I'm sorry, Ma'am, but Trisha said she'll see you at The Khanna Court at 7 PM sharp today."
Reeva (smiling, rising to her feet):
"Oh... even better. Thank you."
She turned without another word, sunglasses back on, the queen she always was, and walked out—her perfume and presence lingering behind like an aftertaste of luxury and trouble.