Re: What is the meaning of''must' in a contract

"Must" is generally considered as indicating a mandatory obligation.

'Time of the essence' will generally not be implied into a contract.

Written notice should be given to the defaulting party requiring that party to perform within a specified 'reasonable time'.

What a is reasonable time will depend on the circumstances of the contract and what has to be performed.

Non performance of a contractual obligation is likely to be an actionable breach of contract.