The rain had tapered off into a haunting, rhythmic drip from the Haveli’s eaves. Inside the Great Hall, the atmosphere was glacial. The seven Elders sat like stone monoliths, their eyes fixed on the two figures standing before them. Arjun stood with his feet braced, his hand firmly anchored on the small of Nandini’s back. She was pale, her eyes downcast, the weight of the diary still a physical presence between them.

"The decision is unanimous," the Head Elder announced, his voice echoing off the vaulted ceiling. "The scandal, the police involvement, and the instability of this estate under your joint care have proven one thing: the Haveli must be liquidated to preserve the family’s remaining honor."