Mumbai – Rajput Family Estate, Outer Lawn…
The old patriarch of the Rajput family sat alone at the round garden table beneath a large flowering tree, its hanging roots swaying gently in the monsoon breeze. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, but his heart was adrift in a sea of bitter thoughts.
Vikram Das approached quietly from behind. "What happened, old patriarch? you look troubled… what's weighing on your mind?"
The patriarch didn't turn immediately. He sipped the half-cold tea from his cup and exhaled.
"Troubled?" He scoffed. "I'm disgusted, Das. For the first time in decades, the Rajput name is being questioned. We're being challenged… openly."
"Don't take it personally." Vikram said in a soft tone.