Morning Routine & Departure.
The sunlight filtered through the sheer cream curtains, painting golden patterns across Elara's face as she slowly opened her eyes. Her head felt heavy-perhaps from the late-night chatter or the emotional storm swirling within her. Still wrapped in her soft pink robe, she stepped out of bed and walked towards the balcony, where the cool breeze whispered against her skin.
After a warm shower, she dressed in a light pastel suit and joined the family for breakfast. The grand dining hall buzzed with morning energy-clinking of spoons, laughter, overlapping conversations.
Arjun Rajveer Singhania , her father, sat at the head of the table, reading the business section of the newspaper. Beside him, Kavitha, her mother, lovingly served him another cup of black coffee.
Across from them, her kaka saa-Aditya Narayan Singhania-discussed today's schedule with his son Advik, while Shakthi (Choti Maa) ensured the younger ones ate enough before they vanished into their screens.
Elara quietly took her place between Aarav and Anaya.
Kavitha: Elara, did you sleep well, beta? You looked tired last night.
Elara: (with a soft smile) "I did, Ma... just a bit drained.
Aditya: (nodding to Arjun) The engagement might be done, but today's board meeting is crucial. We need both of them there.
Arjun glancing at Elara Ready to step into the battlefield, Princess?
Elara trying to match his tone Always, Papa.
Anaya and Ishitha joined in quickly, throwing small teasing glances.
Anaya: "Did Devraj text? Maybe that's what caused the royal delay."
Ishitha: "I think she dreams about him now. Just wait till he shows up at the office."
Elara half-laughing "You two should write for a gossip column."
Aarav, though laughing with them, watched his sister closely. She was smiling, but there was a flicker in her eyes. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice:
Aarav "You're doing the 'pretend smile' again... What's up?"
Elara quietly, brushing him off "Nothing. Just... overthinking. It's nothing."
Aarav softly but firmly "Nothing doesn't leave shadows on your face. But I'll wait. When you're ready, I'm here."
Aditya: "Board meeting's at ten. Elara, you and Aarav are joining us."
Arjun: "And this one," he said with a slight smile, "has a few people to impress."
Elara raising an eyebrow "Impress or intimidate?"
Kavitha: "Both. You're a Singhania after all."
As they rose from the table, Aarav fell in step beside Elara.
Aarav quietly "You know, Papa always says you remind him of Grand Paa more than anyone else. That fire... it shows."
Elara gave him a grateful glance, her eyes shining with unspoken emotions.
Moments later, the family car pulled up at the front steps. The three Singhanias-Arjun, Aditya, and Elara-walked out together, with Aarav following, suited and ready for the day. From the gates of their ancestral haveli to the boardroom of Singhania Enterprises, legacy flowed with every step.
[Interior - Luxury car | Morning | En route to Singhania Headquarters]
Elara (sipping her coffee, glancing out the window):
"I still can't believe how fast everything's changing. Engagement one day, boardroom the next. Feels like I'm walking into two different worlds."
Aarav smiling while reviewing notes on his tablet
"Welcome to the dual life of a Singhania. Personal chaos, professional war zone. We just dress it up in suits and diplomacy."
Elara Letting out a soft chuckle
"You make it sound terrifying."
Aarav (turning to her, voice warm but firm):
"It is... if you let it get to you. But you won't. You've been watching Dad, Kaka Saa, and me long enough to know how we move. Today's board meeting isn't just business-it's about how they see you."
Elara nodding slowly, voice thoughtful
"You mean if they'll respect me."
Aarav (shaking his head):
"No. I mean, if they'll dare not to."
Elara meeting his gaze with a soft smile
"That's quite a line."
Aarav smirking "Not just a line. It's a standard. You carry the Singhania legacy, Elara. But more than that-you carry Grand Paa's fire. You've been trained for this, even when you didn't realize it."
Elara quietly "I just don't want to let Dad down. Or Kaka Saa. Or... you."
Aarav (placing a hand over hers):
"You won't. And if anyone tries to test you-just remind them who taught you the game."
Scene Transition - Singhania Corporate Headquarters | Executive Floor]
The luxury car pulls into the private basement entrance. Elara steps out, fixing her coat, heels clicking confidently against the marble floor. Aarav walks beside her, composed and sharp. The elevator opens onto the executive floor-the heart of the Singhania empire.
Arjun Rajveer Singhania (looking up from his phone, standing by the glass wall):
"There she is... our new Executive Director."
Elara (grinning as she walks over):
"I thought I'd be greeted with roses, not spreadsheets."
Arjun (with a chuckle, placing a kiss on her forehead):
"This isn't a fairy tale, Elara. It's corporate warfare. Roses don't grow here-only steel and strategy."
Aditya Narayan Singhania (Kaka Saa) (walking in with a file):
"And she already carries both. Our Executive Director of Creative Ventures is ready for her first board meeting."
Elara (hugging him gently):
"Kaka Saa, you make it sound grander than it is."
Aditya (smiling warmly):
"Because it is. This isn't just a role, Elara. It's a legacy-yours to shape now."
Aarav quietly hands her a file, giving her a supportive nod. She tightens her grip on it, her nerves masked by poise.
Arjun (lowering his voice):
"Remember what your grandfather used to say-
'You are not here to blend in. You're here to command.'
Make them see who Elara Singhania truly is."
Elara (with a composed smile):
"Then let's make history."
Scene Transition - Singhania Corporate Headquarters | Executive Floor]
The luxury car pulls into the private basement entrance. Elara steps out, fixing her coat, heels clicking confidently against the marble floor. Aarav walks beside her, composed and sharp. The elevator opens onto the executive floor-the heart of the Singhania empire.
Arjun Rajveer Singhania (looking up from his phone, standing by the glass wall):
"There she is... our new Executive Director."
Elara (grinning as she walks over):
"I thought I'd be greeted with roses, not spreadsheets."
Arjun (with a chuckle, placing a kiss on her forehead):
"This isn't a fairy tale, Elara. It's corporate warfare. Roses don't grow here-only steel and strategy."
Aditya Narayan Singhania (Kaka Saa) (walking in with a file):
"And she already carries both. Our Executive Director of Creative Ventures is ready for her first board meeting."
Elara (hugging him gently):
"Kaka Saa, you make it sound grander than it is."
Aditya (smiling warmly):
"Because it is. This isn't just a role, Elara. It's a legacy-yours to shape now."
Aarav quietly hands her a file, giving her a supportive nod. She tightens her grip on it, her nerves masked by poise.
Arjun (lowering his voice):
"Remember what your grandfather used to say-
'You are not here to blend in. You're here to command.'
Make them see who Elara Singhania truly is."
Elara (with a composed smile):
"Then let's make history."
Scene: Singhania Corporates - Boardroom (Morning, Sharp Aura of Power)
A long oval table gleamed under the chandelier lights. The air was formal, with the hum of whispered discussions and the soft shuffling of files.
Arjun Rajveer Singhania (CMD) sat at the head-poised, commanding, and calm. Beside him, Aditya Narayan Singhania (COO) leaned back in his chair, nodding at reports.
Arav Raj Singhania (CEO) , in his tailored grey suit, spoke with confidence as he presented projections for the next quarter.
Elara, dressed in a graceful yet powerful navy blazer, sat at the left-her first official board meeting as Executive Director of Creative & Strategic Affairs.
Advik, sharp-eyed and observant, sat silently, taking notes as the junior analyst but already building his presence.
At the far end, Mahira Oberoi watched quietly, fingers tapping against her ring, her gaze occasionally drifting to Elara-calculating.
---
Arjun: (looking around)
"Let's begin. Arav, walk us through the acquisition strategy."
Arav:
"We're in talks with two Italian firms for art-integrated architecture. Elara's team has been leading the mural designs. The response from the foreign investors has been positive."
Elara: (confidently)
"We're also launching our interior lifestyle wing next quarter, with a focus on heritage-meets-modern design. Our local artists will be at the center of this."
Aditya: (nodding with pride)
"She's carrying your vision forward, Bhai Saab," he said, addressing Arjun.
Mahira: (smiling thinly)
"Quite impressive. But I hope Elara is aware-this level of attention comes with expectations."
Arjun: (coolly)
"She was raised for it, Mahira. And she's not alone. Every member of this family carries a share of responsibility."
Advik: (breaking his silence, respectfully)
"With all due respect, Chacha Saa, Elara's project already doubled our brand visibility in the European sector. We should support the expansion."
Arav: (backing him)
"She's not just performing-she's innovating."
Mahira's smile faltered for a second, but she recovered.
Mahira:
"Well then... let's hope she sustains the pressure."
Scene Transition: Boardroom Wraps Up
As everyone stood to leave, Mahira's eyes met Shaurya's across the room. No words were exchanged-but something simmered in that silence.
Scene: Singhania Enterprises - Outside the Boardroom
Elara was organizing her notes, prepping for the next segment of the meeting when Devraj approached, hands in his pockets, casually leaning against the wall.
Devraj adjusts his cufflinks, casually leaning closer to Elara who is skimming through some briefing notes.
Devraj (lightly teasing):
"Impressive... still clinging to that Executive Director tag like it's stitched to your soul?"
Elara (without missing a beat):
"Only as much as you're clinging to proving a point you haven't made yet."
He chuckles, masking the sting.
Devraj (smirking):
"You've grown sharper."
Elara (glancing up, voice calm):
"Good. It keeps the dull ones on edge.
Their eyes lock for a brief second-polite smiles masking the rivalry underneath.
Before Devraj can reply, a firm voice breaks the tension.
Aarav (appearing beside them):
"Everything alright here?"
Devraj straightens subtly. Elara smiles faintly, unaffected.
Elara (lightly):
"Just warming up, Bhai. Apparently, confidence makes some people uncomfortable."
Aarav (to Devraj, calm but direct):
"If you're done trying to rattle my sister, there's a real meeting waiting."
Devraj forces a polite nod, stepping aside. Aarav places a hand on Elara's back, guiding her forward with quiet support.
Aarav (low tone, just to her):
"You don't have to answer every jab."
Elara (smirking):
"Sometimes I enjoy it. Keeps them guessing."
They entering the boardroom, side by side-the legacy and the future, unshaken.
Then, she walks into the boardroom with quiet confidence, heels echoing power.