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“They said yes,” she breathed, still stunned. “The investors agreed. They want to visit in two weeks, right here in Delhi, for an official meeting. And if all goes well… we sign.”

There was a full beat of silence. Then Grandpa let out a triumphant whoop. “That’s my girl!”

His arms opened wide again, and Nandini hugged him tighter, this time burying her face in his shoulder, overwhelmed with relief and pride. He gently rocked her for a second. When she pulled back, her eyes shimmered with hope.

Shaurya stood to the side, quietly watching the two. His lips tugged into a smile, but he said nothing. He just looked at Nandini like she was the only thing in the room that mattered. He was so proud of her that she would finally be able to kickstart her startup again.

Just then, Lakshmi appeared from the kitchen, carrying a small silver tray. “Today’s a blessed day,” she announced with a warm smile. “First, Grandpa is walking again—well, almost—and now Nandini’s investor news. So I made coconut barfi. You must have something sweet today.”

She set the tray down on the coffee table. Grandpa didn’t wait for permission. He picked up a square of the barfi and held it to Nandini’s lips, feeding her with grandfatherly pride as she laughed.

“Now my turn,” he declared, picking a piece of barfi for himself.

Just as he was about to take a bite, he paused, looking over at Shaurya, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

Shaurya gave a small, approving nod. “You deserve it. But just one.”

Grandpa rolled his eyes with mock exasperation. “Now that I’ve healed, I hereby retire you from your recovery duties, Mr. Ahuja.”

The living room erupted with laughter.

“I’ll help Grandpa inside,” Lakshmi offered. “He should rest a bit before tea.”

“I’ll go make the tea,” Nandini added.

Grandpa turned to Shaurya. “Don’t go, okay? We’re having tea together.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Shaurya promised.

As Grandpa left the room with Lakshmi Aunty, Nandini turned and grabbed Shaurya’s hand and pulled him into the kitchen. And once they were inside, out of sight, she threw her arms around him.

“I got it!” she whispered into his chest then pulled away and jumped. “I actually got it, Shaurya.”

He pulled her close, holding her as tightly as she had held him. “I never doubted you,” he murmured into her hair.

“You’re my lucky charm,” she said with a grin that reached all the way to his soul.

“And you’re mine.”

“They’re coming in two weeks,” she repeated, her voice still breathless. “Two weeks, and it’ll be real. Official. I’ll be launching my startup finally.”

“Let’s celebrate.”

“Yes!” she squealed, bouncing on her toes like a child. “We should definitely celebrate.”

And then, without warning, she jumped up and hugged him again, her joy spilling over like sunlight breaking through after a storm. He caught her easily, steadying her, chuckling under his breath as she clung to him.

This wasn’t just her victory.

It was theirs.

CHAPTER 17

Raichand Villa – Five days later

It was the first Saturday of February, and for the first time in weeks, the evening felt blissfully normal. The sharp bite of the winter had softened and was replaced by a gentle breeze that danced through the curtains. Nandini stood at the door, watching in awe as her grandfather walked across the living room, dressed in a beige kurta-pyjama, leaning lightly on his walking stick, his steps steady and confident.

It had been five days since his cast was removed, and already, he was walking on his own without support. Just the stick and his stubborn spirit. Her heart swelled.