The design was nothing short of magnificent. An expansive Grand Courtyard rested at the heart of the mansion, encircled by elegant arched walkways that invited both grace and shade. Lush fruit trees swayed slightly in the gentle breeze, all converging at a stunning white marble fountain, crafted to resemble a lotus in bloom, where pure, clear water—his own artistic signature— flowed, fragrant and cool.
To the side lay the Veranda of the People, a long, pillared hall meant to welcome all—from the common folk to noble guests—where ideas could blossom and diverse flavors of water could be shared and savored. This hall was carved from rich teakwood, embellished with intricate engravings of proverbs in languages that spanned cultures, from the elegance of Sanskrit and Persian to his own unique cipher.
Across the courtyard sprawled the Distribution Room, stocked with shelves brimming with clay and copper pots. Two heavily guarded vaults nestled within its walls housed precious recipes and invaluable ledgers, a silent testament to Veer's understanding that knowledge was power.
Second Level (Private Chambers)
On the second level, Veer's study awaited—a circular sanctuary graced by tall windows that framed the world outside. Scrolls cluttered the surfaces, accompanied by diagrams and strange devices, remnants of his time in the 21st century. Beneath his feet lay a map of kingdoms, intricately etched into the stone floor.
An Observation Balcony extended outward, offering a majestic view to the west. It became Veer's favorite spot at dusk—the sacred time when he could sip tea and watch as the lanterns of Malwa flickered to life, one by one, against the encroaching night.
Across the hall, luxurious Guest Suites were prepared to accommodate foreign nobles, strategic allies, or… certain royal visitors who might prefer their engagements to remain clandestine.
Third Level (Personal Quarters
Ascending to the third level, Veer's Master Bedroom was a haven of comfort and imagination, adorned with fragrant sandalwood panels that emitted soothing scents. Soft gold tapestries draped the walls, while moon-shaped oil lamps cast gentle light. The masterpiece, however, was the ceiling—designed by Veer himself—boasted paintings of the constellations he held dear, jewels of the sky from the age he remembered.
Hiding away was a Secret Tower Room, accessible only through a cleverly concealed door within his wardrobe. This sanctuary was a treasure trove of inventions, relics from lost times, and a journal chronicling the very changes he was weaving into the fabric of history.
Rear Garden
In the rear garden, an open-air bath of smooth, heated stones beckoned for relaxation.
A concealed bench lay hidden beneath the sprawling branches of a neem tree—a special spot where Veer would settle down to sketch his plans and dreams.
A wall encircled with clay tablets stood proudly, each inscribed with the names of those he had assisted, a physical reminder of the lives he aimed to uplift and never forget. The haveli's construction not only symbolized his rising status but also echoed his humility, a quiet resolve to stay grounded amid the winds of change.
In whispered tones, the people spoke of Princess Devayani visiting stealthily to lay the very first ceremonial brick, scolding him gently for the design of a windowless bathing chamber that surely violated some unwritten rule of luxury.
Meanwhile, ministers dispatched disguised spies posing as simple vendors, hungry for knowledge about the enigmatic layout of the burgeoning structure.
Princess Alina, a rival with a feisty spirit, sent a delicate jeweled incense holder, along with a note: "For the air of your legacy," a gesture that bore both admiration and competition.
Above it all, the Queen of Malwa observed from a distance, her silence betraying the currents of concern she felt, prompting her to double the guards around the palace—an unspoken acknowledgment of the change echoing through the corridors of power.
As for Veer? He remained steadfast, continuing to build his haven—stone by stone, smile by smile, each incrementing a small defiance against the storms swirling in the outside world.
Above the door, carved meticulously into the elegant arch, were the words he had chosen to define this incredible space:
"Sankalp" — The Will to Change Destiny.
The day began to wane, and the workers slowly made their exits, leaving behind only the flickering glow of torchlight that danced along the edges of the arches. Veer stood in the sprawling veranda, meticulously reviewing a delivery ledger. His focus, as unwavering as ever, broke for just a heartbeat when he sensed a subtle rustle behind him—an indication that he was not alone.
A shadow lingered underneath the neem tree, standing at the garden's edge, and as the veil of night deepened, it parted to reveal a familiar face in the golden glow of the lanterns.
It was her—Ruksana.
The weariness of past struggles had seemingly vanished; the cloak of the forest was replaced by a simple black cotton saree, unembellished yet elegant, her hair flowing loosely around her face. But it was in her eyes where the most profound transformation had occurred—those same eyes now burned not with anger but with a resilience that told tales of survival beyond imagination, a fire ignited by conquering the obstacles that had once threatened to consume her.
"You came back," Veer said cautiously, his voice tinged with surprise and a hint of hope. An assassin of the enemy kingdom came back, does that means she is here to kill me and end this story.