‘I don’t have a date for you, unfortunately, but I guess about the time I learnt to read and write.’
As I speak, headlines dance before my eyes – five-year-old Aaditha, fan of HRH Vedveer.
‘Indian history is curriculum in the school I studied in,’ I finish.
Sharma has the good grace to laugh at least.
He turns to Vedveer. ‘How is your Green Dream project going, Yuvrajji? How much time do you spend in Jaipur?’
‘The wheels are already in motion. It is a project that’s very dear to me. I hope to fully cover it in a couple of years, get it off the ground, 100 per cent organic. I’m in Rajasthan most of theyear, at either Ranibagh or Aranya Mahal, and that’s how it is going to stay for a while at least,’ he says.
‘Yuvrajji, I have to ask. How did you miss the princess-to-be’s award ceremony in Delhi?’
Vedveer doesn’t miss a beat. ‘That was clumsy on my part. I got the date wrong, and I’m still making it up to her,’ he says, his eyes stroking my cheeks.
That was a heck of a comeback, given that he is being roasted for no fault of his.
‘What about your business?’ Sharma asks me. ‘How do you think you’ll be able to run it from Jaipur?’
Vedveer nods. I realize he is trying to tell me he’ll take the question.
‘COFFEE Before Books & Bras is Aaditha’s baby; she knows the ins and outs of it. I’m certain Aaditha will be able to manage it from wherever she is based,’ he says and turns to me.
I nod.
‘While we are on the topic of careers, I must reveal my expansion plans for COFFEE Before Books & Bras,’ I say, looking down at my nails, determining that I have to play the exit strategy now.
It is getting too cozy between Vedveer and me.
‘I’m delighted to announce that we will be debuting in Jaipur in a couple of months. Our first store will be located just outside the gates of Ranibagh. That way, I can keep a close eye on my business. I hope that will put to rest your fears, Mr Sharma! Coffee is on us anytime, of course!’
I turn and look at Vedveer, who is nodding. His eyes are bright, and his cheeks light up in a warm glow.
TittleTattle
Gupshup Column
Say it like the Princess-to-be Aaditha!
Curious so-and-so,
So, TT is doffing hats to Coffee Queen Aaditha Prathap, who gave the national broadcaster a royal snub. Imagine asking a CEO if she wanted to be a Princess, and that too in 2024!
Naveen Sharma’s patronizing question: Can I ask you if you always wanted to be a princess? (No, you cannot!) How young were you when you first heard of the Rathores? (None of your damn business!)
The tone of her response was lazy, a resounding slap that echoed across the country from New Delhi to Bengaluru – and TT is applauding the crash-boom.
Aaditha wasn’t done. She even invited the hapless Sharma for a coffee at her ‘coming soon’ store in Jaipur, which TT confirms is located opposite the gates of Ranibagh.
The tea is boiling, dearies. Just like we promised.
Aaditha’s first television interview – remember she hasn’t done any interview before or after the launch of her coffee chain – shut down the doubters. She handled herself admirably and spared no one, not even the royals.
‘I speak Hindi, so that’s already a beginning; he will start learning Kannada, I’m sure.’
TT loved what Aaditha was wearing, an absolute showstopper. About time, baby!
A little bird tells us HRH Navya Mrinalini picked theoutfit (but of course) from her favourite designer, Sara Khiani. The dress, in swathes of pure silk, costs INR 1.7 lakh. We don’t have a price for the bauble on her ring finger, a timeless classic. A Rathore heirloom. Suffice it to say that the figure carries half a dozen zeroes!
