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Neither of them moved at first. They just stared at each other, like two hearts reconnecting after days of quiet longing and distance. Ever since that disastrous Valentine’s night, when their entire world had come crashing down, they had only spoken through late-night calls and stolen glances from across their balconies.

But now, she was here. Up and close.

And he didn’t wait another second.

Shaurya crossed the room in long strides, and she met him halfway, dropping her iPad and purse onto the couch as she walked straight into his arms. The moment they touched, it felt like breathing again after being underwater for too long.

He held her tightly, as if afraid the moment might slip through his fingers. And she held on just as hard, as if reassuring him she wasn’t going anywhere either.

After a few seconds, he pulled away just enough to press a kiss to her forehead.

“Congratulations,” he said softly, brushing his fingers against her cheek. “How did the meeting go?”

She smiled faintly, tucking back a stubborn strand of his hair that had fallen onto his forehead. He hadn’t used gel today, hadn’t cared to. He was too distracted. Too consumed by her.

“It went well,” she said. “Really well. But…”

“But?” he echoed, his brow furrowing. “What happened?”

“I didn’t sign the contract,” she said quietly. “I never intended to.”

Shaurya pulled back just enough to search her face, stunned. “You didn’t sign?” His voice dropped in disbelief. “Nandini, why? I told you to go ahead, and I meant what I said.”

She nodded. “Yes, you did. And that showed me just how much you love me, Shaurya. Because despite knowing that your ex-wife was stepping in as my investor, you never once asked me to walk away.”

“That’s because you matter more to me than my hatred for her,” Shaurya said, his voice rough.

She placed a hand on his chest. “Andyoumatter more to me than my dreams, Shaurya.”

That took him by surprise. His breath hitched slightly, but she went on.

“I don’t want to build something if it costs you your peace,” she added. “If it makes you question where you stand in my life. You’ve already lived through betrayal once. No opportunity is worth more to me than your comfort and well-being.”

He stepped closer, cradling her face in his hands. “With you beside me, I can face my insecurities and my fears. I can fight through them.”

She smiled through misty eyes. “And with you beside me, I can rebuild my dreams. As many times as it takes.”

“But Nandini, you’d been searching so long for the right investor. This was a golden opportunity. And you gave it up for me?”

“So what if I did?” she said plainly, then added with a faint smile, “It’s not like they were the last investors left on the planet. I’ll find another one. And this time… I have a much stronger idea for my pitch. All thanks to you.”

He blinked, caught off guard. “Me? What did I do?”

She chuckled softly. “You don’t even realise it. Remember the other day when I came here to give you those chocolate muffins? I was so stressed out, and vented about how I’d brainstormed everything under the sun but still couldn’t find that one unique hook for my brand.”

Shaurya nodded slowly, the memory resurfacing. “Yeah, I remember. But what about it?”

Her eyes softened as she said, “You told me to look within myself. To tap into the part of me that never lets me down. And that’s exactly what I did.”

He tilted his head, curious. “And what did you find?”

Nandini’s face lit up, her whole energy shifting as she explained, “I found Daadi. I remembered how she always used to talk about mango trees—the pulp, the leaves, even the bark. She believed mangoes had healing powers. She used to make all kinds of natural skincare blends from them. From scrubs, face packs, oils to heritage recipes and generational secrets.”

Shaurya’s lips parted in awe. “Your Daadi used mangoes for skincare?”

Nandini nodded, her enthusiasm palpable. “Yes. That’s when it all clicked. I started researching the benefits and the formulations, and I’ve already begun working on the ideas. If it all comes together, mango-based skincare will be the signature of my brand. That’ll be my hook… my identity. Not some borrowed credibility or an investor’s name.”

Shaurya smiled, genuinely impressed. “You really are something else,” he said, pulling her gently into a proud embrace. “You’ve got it all figured out already.”