As the crowd slowly dispersed, Das quietly turned to Nivedita and said, "I have a small matter to attend to. Why don't you go ahead with your father and secure the idol?"
Nivedita, holding the carefully wrapped goddess idol, gave him a polite smile. "Okay, Das. Father and I were planning to deposit it in the family's private vault. It's better I stay with him."
Prathap Rajput, who overheard their conversation, nodded in agreement. "Yes, please go about your work, Mr. Das. You've helped us enough today. Take any one of my car and carry on. Besides, my daughter might only slow you down," he chuckled warmly.
Vikram smiled, gave a respectful nod, and turned to leave. But before he could take even a few steps, several individuals from the crowd—businessmen, collectors, appraisers—began closing in.
"Mr. Das! Sir! May I have your contact? We could use your expertise!"
"Where do you stay, sir? I run a heritage business, and we often struggle identifying real pieces."
