The polished marble of the grand staircase gleamed under the soft glow of countless strategically placed lights, each step a silent testament to generations of wealth. The stone felt cool and unyielding, polished to such a high mirror-shine that it reflected the nervous flutter of silk sarees passing by.

Intricately carved pillars, adorned with fresh marigold garlands that smelled of damp earth and sunshine, stood sentinel, their shadows stretching long and thin across the bustling living room. The orange and yellow petals were vibrant against the heavy stone, a burst of traditional life in the middle of the sprawling modern mansion.