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As she stepped outside, her phone buzzed. A message from Shaurya lit up the screen:‘All the best. I’m proud of you. Go sign the deal and make your dreams come true. I’m with you.’

She closed her eyes and held the phone to her chest for a brief second. Exhaling slowly, she slipped it into her bag and climbed into the waiting cab. Shaurya wasn’t home today. Hehad an important meeting at the office, so he couldn’t wish her personally and watch her leave from his balcony like he had decided initially. But she knew he’d be back before she returned. She had to see him before she left for London with Grandpa. Just once. Because without that… she didn’t know how she’d survive the coming weeks ahead.

As the car pulled away from Raichand Villa, a part of her stayed behind, tethered to the two men she loved in two very different ways, both still trying to find room for each other in her heart.

Aura Wellness Headquarters – Delhi

The glass doors slid open with a quiet whoosh as Nandini stepped into the plush, impeccably designed lobby of Aura Wellness. Everything around her exuded quiet power and curated elegance… right from the high ceilings lined with warm oak beams to the soft scent of eucalyptus wafting through the space. This was no ordinary office. It was a sanctuary where dreams turned into reality.

Nandini followed the receptionist past a series of glass cabins and curated mood boards featuring branding ideas for other successful startups Aura had helped build. The walls bore no corporate posters, just large canvas portraits of women entrepreneurs whose visions had been nurtured and brough to life through Aura’s investments.

“This way, please,” the receptionist said politely, guiding her to the far end of the hall.

They stopped at a spacious corner cabin furnished in teak and gold. The door to the cabin was already open.

“You can wait inside,” the receptionist said with a practiced smile. “Rhea Ma’am will be with you shortly. She’s asked me to make you comfortable.”

Nandini nodded. “Thank you,” she murmured.

The receptionist stepped out, closing the door behind her, and Nandini took a deep breath. The cabin was tastefully done, modern yet warm. It was furnished with elegant white upholstery, soft lighting, and a curated shelf of books on entrepreneurship and Ayurveda. A small bonsai sat in the far corner, giving the room a personal touch. Behind the desk, floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sprawling view of Delhi’s skyline.

Her eyes scanned the desk and came to rest on a photo frame.

In it, Rhea smiled brightly beside a tall, charming man. His arm was wrapped around her shoulder, their faces leaned into one another, their smiles speaking of quiet comfort. The intimacy between them was unmistakable. They looked so much in love. Nandini guessed he must be Anirudh—Rhea’s second husband.

She didn’t know how to feel.

Was she supposed to be relieved that they looked so happy? Or was she supposed to burn with anger, knowing this was the man Rhea had fallen for while still married to Shaurya? The man she had been seeing in secret, behind Shaurya’s back?

The confusion clawed at her chest.

Just then, a voice broke her thoughts.

“Nandini,” Rhea said, breezing into the room in a crisp white blazer and stiletto heels, every inch the businesswoman. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Nandini straightened, masking every trace of hesitation with calm resolve.

Rhea walked over and extended her hand, which Nandini shook briefly.

“In fact,” Rhea continued cheerfully, “the papers are ready. I’ve asked my assistant to bring them up. Shouldn’t take long.”

She walked to her chair behind the desk and sank into it. “Please, sit down,” she offered. “Tea or coffee?”

Nandini remained standing. “No, thank you. That won’t be necessary.”

Rhea’s hand hovered over the phone receiver. She arched an eyebrow. “Oh, come on, by the time the papers arrive and you go through the contract, you’ll need something to drink.”

“I’m not here to sign the contract,” Nandini replied.

Rhea blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “You’renothere to sign?”

She leaned forward slowly. “Then… what is this? Do you have any concerns? Doubts? I’ll be happy to clarify anything. My team is just a call away. And please… why are you still standing? Sit, let’s talk. You look confused.”

Nandini exhaled and shook her head. “No, Rhea. I’m not confused. And there’s nothing more I need to ask or clarify. I know exactly what we agreed on during the negotiations.”

Rhea frowned, her patience wearing thin. “Then I don’t understand. If everything’s clear, what is this supposed to mean?”

Nandini met Rhea’s gaze without hesitation. “It means I’ve decided not to move forward with Aura Wellness as an investor in my startup.”