Hold On My Heart (Complete)

3. Together, We Rise

Nandini's POV

I thought a lot, but nothing came to mind. No one here is rich enough to give that much money.

Suddenly, an idea popped into my mind.

Yeah, I can do that… but I need Arnav's help. I’ll ask him tomorrow—yes.

I lay down and closed my eyes, but his words echoed in my mind.

"I think... Sorry, I know who I am and what I actually am. But you… You don't even compare to me, Miss."

"You know what? I’m impressed by you, so I’ve decided... I won’t kill you. Instead... No, I won’t share that part just yet. But very soon, you’ll regret messing with me, you tiny piece. You’ll regret being beautiful."

Oh God, why am I thinking about this? He can’t do anything to me—because I’m not alone. Everyone is here to save me.

I should think about good things... like Arnav's proposal, yeah.

A smile appeared on my face, and I drifted off to sleep.

The Next Morning

After college, I waited for Arnav at the back of the building, nervously playing with my hands.

What’s taking him so long?

"Waiting for me?" he asked. I turned and smiled.

"Who else?" He hugged me, and I responded.

"So? What happened?"

"I need your help."

"In?"

"Sit, I’ll tell you."

"Okay." We settled down.

"I thought a lot—"

"About?"

"About your dad. I—"

"Nandini, it’s not your responsibility."

"I know. But I still want to help."

"You don’t have to, Nandini. I’ll handle it."

"So you don’t want me to help you?"

"It’s not like that. I just don’t want you to face any problems."

"I won’t face any problems, Arnav. Listen to me first."

"Okay, go ahead."

"I’ve saved some money—maybe 1000 or 1500, I’m not sure. And I asked Navya—she can help a bit too."

"So? You think I’ll take money from you? Are you mad?"

"Will you please listen first?"

"Okay, sorry."

"We can ask everyone to help, if they can. No pressure. I’m sure we can collect 10,000 easily."

"Nandini, you’ve gone mad! I’m not going to do this. I mean—what, you want to beg?"

"Oh please, Arnav! What do you mean by beg? Everyone knows what happened last night. They’ll surely help."

"I’m not doing this, Nandini. I’m sorry."

"Fine! I’ll do everything on my own," I said and walked away.

He won’t understand me!

I’m doing everything for him and his family, but obviously, he’s too selfish to see it.