Interior Designer/ contractor took advance on a commitment, then went back on his words

Hi, I wss introduced to a interior designer (ID) by a good friend and the ID gave me a pitch that he would also substitute as a cordination with contractor so I dont have to deal with 2 different people and can get interior and civil work done from him snd he would have a contractor from his end and deal with him. We agreed on a price that included his design fees and finish the scope of work which is also completing civil work working along with his contractor snd budget was shared. From Day 1, my budget to spend on renovation was clarified as 9 L and was conveyed it cannot move. After a joint first round of visit to my villa, he quoted me double the amount so I told him I am willing to reduce scope of work in renovations but we need to do it in our budget. After lets say 3-4 rounds of discussion on scope of work, where he send detailed break up of cost of civil work, we agreed to a limited scope of work in my budget only. I was also realistic on the things that can be achieved in my budget. Many months passed as his turn around time was also slow and I was on a clock to commission work before i leave for my year end holidays.Once we agreed to the set limited scope of work, ( now limited to only civil and no design) with the said budget, I initated 1.5 L to start work and buying of materials. After few days, he got his wife introducing as designer- partner- on a call and made her tell me that we cannot do x no of things committed and the budget will increase to 11 L. I politely reminded that i was clear on my budget and I initiated the advance based on earlier budget so obviously 11 L is a no go. Eventually before leaving for holidays, i told them thay many months have gone and we were not able to start any work, I requested for a refund. The ID insisted that may be it was his mistake that he led me to believe that x amount of work can be done in 9 L but he had to go back on his words. I said no worries lets peacefully end this. I came back from holidays and sent him a reminder. He neithrr took my calls and after several attempts, he finally replied that he wont refund and its not justified as he has sent me designs and said he will not entertain any discussion on refund. I wrote to him he is liable to take my calls to clarify and the money is not justified as we didnt start work nor did we commit to anything or agreed on final scope of work. I have only a ground floor single PDF as the form of design he claims he gave and says thats my fees. A design we never agreed to the first place. I was shocked by the sudden change of behaviour. He is neither taking my calls nor replying. What should i do…planning police action and legsl notice. All this is on whats app chat- no legal contract and his Multiple estimate sheet doesnt mention any zero refunds.