Chapter 3: Laying the Foundation

Rishi spent the rest of the morning walking through the mansion, absorbing every detail of his surroundings. The grand corridors, the fading murals, and the antique furniture spoke of a once-glorious past now reduced to near ruin. The estate, once a symbol of wealth and influence, now bore the marks of time and hardship. He traced his fingers along the carved wooden railings of the staircase, feeling the dust and neglect that clung to them. This place was a relic of another era, but it didn't have to remain that way.

His mind buzzed with ideas. If he was to rebuild his family's legacy, he needed to start with something tangible—Verma's Delight.

His mother had done her best to keep the restaurant running, but it was clear that without change, it wouldn't last another year. The scent of freshly made parathas from the kitchen reminded him of the restaurant's strength—it wasn't just a business, it was a symbol of their endurance. He needed a plan, and more importantly, he needed capital. But where would an 18-year-old with no financial backing get money?

He called Pratap Singh to his room. The butler, a man of unwavering loyalty, entered with a respectful nod. "Babuji, what can I do for you?"

Rishi took a deep breath. "Pratap Kaka, tell me about the current state of our finances."

Pratap hesitated for a moment before speaking, "The estate still has some land holdings, but most have been sold off over the years to cover debts. Your mother has been using the restaurant's income to keep things afloat, but it's not enough. We owe money to suppliers, and the bank has been pressing for overdue payments."

Rishi frowned. This was worse than he had expected. "And what about valuables? Jewelry? Artifacts?"

"There are a few heirlooms left, but your mother would never sell them," Pratap said solemnly. "They are the last pieces of your family's history."

Rishi understood, but he also knew that sentimentality wouldn't save them. He had to be smart. His mind raced through his knowledge of future market trends. The 1980s were a time of economic transition in India—liberalization hadn't fully taken root, but there were opportunities if one knew where to look.

He needed an initial investment, and he had an idea of how to get it.

"I need to visit the city," Rishi declared. "There's an opportunity waiting for me."

Pratap looked uncertain. "Should I inform your mother?"

Rishi shook his head. "Not yet. I need to see if my plan works first."

With determination burning in his chest, Rishi stepped out of the mansion, ready to take his first step toward building his empire. He wasn't just going to save Verma's Delight—he was going to turn it into a cornerstone of his future empire.

As he walked through the courtyard, he paused at the sight of a dilapidated old car—his father's abandoned Ambassador. It was a relic of another time, but it had been built to last. Much like his family. He ran a hand over the dusty hood, a silent promise forming in his heart.

"I will bring us back," he whispered to himself.

With a final glance at the mansion, he stepped forward, leaving the past behind and embracing the future.