Chapter 23 Real Estate, Real Intentions
After breakfast, Abhay intercepted Adwait near the corridor. "You're required," he said with a familiar mix of urgency and entitlement.
Minutes later, the grand royal hall slowly filled with family members, the air already charged with invisible tension. Everyone was settling into place as if it were a formal conference-because, in many ways, it was.
Ivikaa scanned the room, subtly trying to find a place near Adwait.
But of course not today. He was already seated alone in a single chair, guarded by the aura of solitude he wore like armor.
She ended up between her brothers, Virya and Vayu.
Rudra sat with Viren, Raha with her parents, Divya and Abhay flanked by Meera Agnivanshi.
Maria stood behind Meera, while Martin-ever silent-took position behind Adwait.
As expected, Rudra began.
"Viren uncle, we have a property in Colaba. It's just a few blocks from this palace. The one you bought is in Juhu. Sure, it's sea facing but surrounded by too many villas. Security would be... complicated, especially if Ivikaa's staying alone."
Vayu cut in, protective as always. "And my sister's security is non negotiable. We're all clear on that."
"And anyway," Virya added, "I'll be in Mumbai more now. Ritika is here, and we're not letting Papa go back to Delhi unless absolutely necessary. So she won't really be alone."
Abhay nodded, smoothly pivoting the conversation back to his true interest. "True, but Rudra has a point. With the Ambanis and Agnivanshis working together, it makes sense for us to be... in proximity. Right, Viren?"
Of course. Business before anything.
Divya took a softer route. "Also, if Ivikaa stays nearby, I'll feel like my daughter's close. I'm already involved in many of her projects, it would be more convenient for both of us. And this is her house too, after all. If she ever feels lonely..."
Abhay greedy, Divya emotional, and Rudra - well, his intentions needed no decoding.
Viren remained thoughtful. "I've seen the Juhu villa. It's small, but peaceful. Bigger places invite bigger risks. And Iva's already overwhelmed by what security feels like, Devaki?"
Devaki's reply came with her usual graceful restraint. "Personally, I'd always want her here. But if she prefers space and her own place, there's nothing wrong with that. Besides, it's Mumbai. Distance is real."
Rudra smiled faintly. The tide was clearly shifting in his favor.
"But when Rudra mentioned this earlier," Devaki continued, "Raghav said this should entirely be Iva's decision."
"Finally, someone remembered me in this conversation," Ivikaa spoke, her tone as soft as velvet and just as cutting. "Thank you, Raghav uncle."
Viren shifted uncomfortably. "Princess, it has always been about you. Your comfort, your security. You matter most, sweetheart."
Rudra jumped in quickly. "Exactly, Iva. Your safety and comfort is the reason we're here discussing this at all."
Iva's voice was calm. Controlled. Dangerous.
"Perhaps you all forgot I'm not just Ivikaa Viren Ambani. I'm also just... Ivikaa. A woman. A human being. Fully capable of choosing a roof over her own head without convening a family board meeting."
Silence.
"And as far as being an Ambani goes, I think by now, what I can do or choose not to isn't exactly a mystery. Or does anyone still need a reminder?"
Maya stifled a grin. There it is. Devaki tried to soften the blow. "Iva, we didn't mean to take decisions for you. We're family. Concern doesn't mean control."
Viren's voice broke slightly. "When I was in that hospital bed, all I could think was I can't lose you again. Not in Delhi. Not in Paris. And not here. Stay wherever you want, Princess. But your security... never again will we compromise on that."
Ivikaa's heart clenched. Flashbacks. The kidnapping. The helplessness. The trauma. Her father's breakdown. She didn't respond.
"And for the record," Abhay chimed in, "the property we're talking about it's already ours."
"Actually," Rudra added, too smoothly, "it's Adwait's. My grandfather left it to my bua, and when she passed, Adwait inherited it. So technically, he owns it."
Ivikaa's head snapped toward Adwait.
He was still. Still unreadable. Poker face in full form. Even Martin hadn't blinked.
"If it's Adwait's property," she said sharply, "shouldn't he be consulted before you all pitch it to me like it's on sale?"
She glared at him. Say something. Anything.
Instead, he smiled. A soft, unreadable flicker of a smile.
That was it?
Really?
She was boiling.
Divya chimed in, "Of course, Adwait won't mind, right?"
Adwait finally spoke, his voice calm and precise. "Actually, I'll need some time, Mrs. Agnivanshi. I lived there for three years with my adoptive parents. Their things... my memories... are still there. I'll need to clear them before someone else walks in."
He didn't call her Divya.
He called her Mrs. Agnivanshi.
In front of everyone.
The air tightened. Even the Ambanis noticed it. The Ambanis blinked. Ivikaa... stared.
"Wait, you're not going to... blow it up or anything, right?" Abhay asked nervously, sweat visibly forming at his hairline.
Adwait didn't even flinch. "Why would I? When all of you are so generously asking for what's mine."
A pause lingered in the room after Adwait's quiet mic drop.
Just before the discussion could be wrested back by the power brokers, Ivikaa spoke, her voice calm but deliberate.
"Before I can accept or reject anything, I'd like to see the property first."
Rudra's face stiffened. That was a curveball.
The property was only accessible through Adwait. The keys. The codes.
"Makes sense," she added smoothly, glancing briefly at Adwait. "You can't own something you haven't seen."
Rudra opened his mouth, trying to pivot the situation "Iva, if you want, I can have it opened and"
But Viren raised a hand, cutting him off gently. "No, beta. She's right. Let her see it herself. It's her life, her decision." He turned to Ivikaa and smiled warmly."You go see the property, princess. Take your time. Then tell us what you want to do."
Iva turned to her father, a soft smile blooming. "Thank you, Papa." And in that second she knew she'd turned the tide.
She wasn't just sitting at the table anymore.
She had the ball in her court. On her terms. With her rules.
She caught Rudra's reaction from the corner of her eye-the way his jaw flexed, the flash of something almost like panic behind his polished calm. Oh, that was satisfying.
And then she let her eyes drift back to Adwait, who hadn't moved, hadn't flinched just watched it all unfold like it had been inevitable.
You knew I'd do this, didn't you?
The flicker of something in his eyes-approval? amusement? answered her in silence.
Martin, behind him, tilted his head slightly. Not quite a smile, not quite disapproval.
Ivikaa folded her hands neatly in her lap, crossing her legs with queenly grace.
"I'll need someone to show me around, of course," she said, this time directly to Adwait. "Since it's your home. Still is, isn't it?"
A full second passed. Then Adwait rose slowly, brushed his shirt lightly, and gave the faintest nod. "Of course. Whenever you're ready."
Rudra exhaled, clearly trying not to show how much he hated this.
Ivikaa smiled inwardly. Checkmate.
She had sent him a short text after the meeting.
"Meet me in the West Wing lounge. Need to talk."
After lunch, she walked into the quiet lounge, nerves taut beneath her calm exterior. Martin appeared with his usual composure.
"He'll be here soon, ma'am," he informed her politely.
She gave a small nod and sat down, tapping her fingers on the armrest. Her gaze remained fixed on the door until Adwait finally entered, serene as ever, and settled beside her.
"Why didn't you say anything to Rudra?" she asked in a hushed, frustrated whisper.
"He was right," Adwait replied, casually. Almost too casually.
Her eyes flared. "Adwait, he was making decisions for you. That's not okay. And why are you taking his side? Do you even know what he wants? Why he and his parents are suddenly so interested in me being near Agnivanshi Palace? You don't know them..."
"I don't know them?" Adwait interrupted, raising an eyebrow with a half smile that said really, Ivikaa?
She groaned. "Urghh I mean it's Rudra. He wants all this. You're just letting it happen."
Adwait exhaled slowly, then met her eyes.
"It doesn't matter what he wants. Or what his parents want.
Or any Agnivanshi, for that matter." His voice dropped, quiet and deliberate.
"What matters is what do you want?" She blinked, caught off guard.
"He wants you nearby for his own reasons.
But what about you? Do you want to stay there?
Do you want that mansion?" he asked gently.
She looked at him, honesty rising in her voice. "Of course I want to stay near you, Adwait. But what he did..."
"Forget Rudra. Your father and brothers were concerned for your safety. Devaki chachi was too. And they were right to be."
"They were discussing my life. And your property," she said pointedly.
"That was wrong, I agree," he said, nodding. "But their reasons weren't wrong. And I'm not saying you're wrong either I'm saying this should be your decision. Yours and your family's. The Agnivanshis shouldn't get a say no matter what their motive is."
Finally, a breath of validation.
She smiled and leaned into him with a soft pout. "Finally. I thought you were team Agnivanshi."
He gave a small chuckle and hugged her back. "Do you want to stay there?" he asked again.
"Do you want to sell it to me?" she countered.
"I'm happy here in the West Wing," he whispered. "So it doesn't matter that much to me."
She played with the button on his shirt absently. "Okay... so if my family's opinion matters, then tell me what do you think?"
"I think..." he said, brushing a loose strand from her cheek, "...that you're smart enough to figure it out on your own."
He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her hair. She smiled. Her Adwait. Always her Adwait.
"I'll think about it," she said, even as her phone buzzed annoyingly again. Work.
She pecked his cheek and stood to leave.
But just as she entered the hallway, she saw Martin approaching with a tray in hand. She raised an eyebrow.
She had just left Adwait what now?
Martin's face was unreadable.
"Would you care for some tea, ma'am?" he asked in a flat, expressionless tone.
She narrowed her eyes. Odd. He usually offered her coffee. Tea was always for Adwait.
"Sure, Martin..." she said cautiously, watching him like a hawk.
He didn't hand it to her. Instead, he walked over to the sofa and placed the tray down neatly. She followed and sat across from him.
He poured and served the tea silently.
She took the cup. "So what did you want to talk about?" she asked casually, taking her first sip.
Martin blinked. She's figured me out, his eyes seemed to say.
"If you're going to buy that property from Master," he said, still in that emotionless voice, "please take care of it."
She stilled. "Why?"
"Because Sir stayed there."
Her brows lifted. "Adwait? Really?"
"Not... good memories. But still a part of his life," Martin said, eyes focused on the tray.
Her excitement vanished. Her voice softened. "Don't worry, Martin. Your master's memories and his property are in good hands." She tried to sound sarcastic, just to lighten the air. She knew what he was trying to say.
But Martin looked her dead in the eye. "I don't think so, Miss Ambani. Just today, Sir had thepla without pickles."
There he was. Martin, not robot butler. Dry and sarcastic.
She burst out laughing and placed the cup back on the table.
Just then, Maria entered and reminded him the temple needed cleaning. Martin gave a quick nod and exited like a man on a mission.
As she stood to leave, something in the corner of the sofa caught her eye. The flute.
His flute.
Left casually, carelessly-like it didn't mean the world.
She paused, walked over, and picked it up. Ran her fingers along its worn wood. Her eyes softened.
Then, without a word, she took it with her as she made her way to Maya's room.
In Maya's room, Iva fell back onto the bed, clutching Adwait's flute loosely in her hand.
"Exhausting?" Maya asked, looking up from her sketchpad.
"Nope. Frustrating," Iva muttered, resting the flute against her collarbone. "You know that feeling when people start making decisions for you, like you're not in the room?"
"Ah yes, classic Core Iva mode," Maya teased, grinning. "'I will do what I want, no matter what'. You really are living the tagline."
Iva didn't respond right away. She turned toward the window. The rain hadn't stopped. Drops slid down the glass in slow motion, like time itself was hesitating.
"It's still raining," she said softly. A small smile tugged at her lips.
"Maine kaha tha Mumbai Maya Nagari hai," Maya leaned in, her voice playfully conspiratorial. "Maya lag gayi na?"
["I told you Mumbai is city of illusion," Maya leaned in, her voice playfully conspiratorial. "Caught in her spell, right?"]
Iva chuckled. "Mumbai se bhi, aur Mumbai ki baarish se bhi," she replied, the Hindi slipping out naturally.
Maya's brows shot up. "Again with the Hindi? Not bad, Miss Ambani. First it was Adwait's language... then his food... and now what his property too?" she smirked, folding her arms.
Before Iva could respond, there was a sharp knock on the door.
"Come in," she called, still half-laughing.
The door opened.
Rudra stepped inside, his expression unreadable. Calm, but his eyes held a tension she'd come to recognise.
"Iva," he began, "I wanted to talk about-"
"About what? Adwait's property?" Iva cut in sharply before Rudra could finish.
She placed the flute gently on the pillow and rose from the bed, her eyes blazing.
"Do you know how embarrassing it was? Sitting there, listening to you talk to my family about my stay, my choices-like I wasn't even in the room.
I shouldn't have stayed here at all. Then maybe you wouldn't have felt entitled to take decisions for me.
The least you could've done was ask Adwait.
What if he didn't want to sell his parents' home? "
There was a pause-heavy, charged.
"I'm so sorry, Iva," Rudra said earnestly, clasping his hands together slightly.
"You're right. I should've come to you first. I'll be more careful next time-I promise.
I'll talk to you directly before making any such decision.
But Adwait's broker came to me. He said Adwait was looking to sell the property and was hoping for a high-profile buyer.
I... I thought maybe it was my chance to bring our family's property back into the fold. "
He took a slow step forward, voice softer now, more deliberate. "But then I realised... you're family too. And I was concerned about your safety, your comfort. That's all this was. It was about you, Iva."
"Is that so?" she asked, her voice flat, unimpressed. Her eyes had lost their fire-only frost remained.
"Yes, Iva," Rudra continued. "In fact, I was furious when I heard Adwait was thinking of selling ancestral property without even consulting anyone.
He could've asked Papa, or even Dadi. I mean she's his so-called Dadi Maa, right?
If he needed money, I would've given it.
He doesn't have a job, no income, and still wants to live royally.
So of course, he turns to this. But you know what?
Family is family. I just wanted the property to stay in the family.
And you-Iva-you're no less than that now. "
A perfectly constructed speech. Passionate, logical, even flattering. Anyone else might have believed him.
"I'm not sure what Adwait does or why," Iva replied, tilting her head. "But he's the legal owner. If he's selling it, and I find it worth the price I'll consider it. And Rudra, you and your family have supported mine. I appreciate your concern."
Rudra straightened a little, sensing he'd gained ground.
"I'm ready to buy the property," she added. "Your reasons are valid. It would make things easier for Abhay uncle and Divya aunty, right? Maybe it's best I go with the idea you proposed."
Maya's jaw dropped. Rudra blinked. For a second, even he was stunned.
"Of course, Iva. Anything for you," Rudra said, smiling-almost too quickly. "And... yes, for me too."
"I'll still want to see it first," Iva said, smoothing her kurta. "Maybe renovate it completely, if needed."
"Of course," Rudra nodded, his tone velvety. "Everything should reflect your taste, right Iva?" He winked before turning toward the door.
"Thanks, Rudra."
He left, clearly pleased with himself.
The door barely clicked shut before Maya turned, scandalized. "Really? Thanks, Rudra?"
Iva let herself fall onto the bed with a dramatic thud, staring at the ceiling.
"Maya... you know me."
"Obviously. Which is why I'm asking what the hell is going on in that head of yours?"
"I'm buying the property," Iva said, "not because Rudra said to but because I want to.
But Adwait... really selling that house?
" Her brow furrowed. "Even his butler doesn't let anyone touch a single grain of his food and you think Adwait's suddenly okay parting with a house soaked in his memories?
If his broker really went to Rudra... then this wasn't Rudra's plan. "
"You're saying someone planted that idea?" Maya's voice sharpened.
"Exactly," Iva nodded. "Rudra's just arrogant enough to believe Adwait needs to sell property to survive. I don't buy that crap. I know Adwait. Woh apni family ki nose ring tak kissi ko touch karne nahi deta, and now he's out here casually giving away family legacy?"
"So you're saying..."
"I think Adwait wants me to have it," Iva admitted softly.
"Then why not just say it?" Maya asked, still trying to catch up.
Iva smiled faintly. "He's Adwait, Maya. I was surprised he even agreed that easily today."
"So... lover boy is breaking his own rules for you?" Maya teased with a grin.
Iva just smirked. "And you ask why him."
Maya laughed under her breath. "Not words, huh? Actions."
Iva didn't reply. She simply picked up her phone and typed a message to Adwait:
"Why?"
The reply came almost instantly:
"Once you whispered 'my home' in my arms."
Iva stared at the screen for a long second.
Hell.
He was the real player here.
He'd played everyone Rudra, the broker, the narrative... even her.
And still, all she could do was smile.
Iva placed her phone on her chest, eyes still on the ceiling, lips curling in a half-smile.
"Great. So now I own a property, a flute, and a man who won't say a word but will sell his soul if I whisper nicely."
She exhaled.
"Romance, real estate, and riddles-just another day in Mumbai."
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