Her Only Saviour

14. scold

If I say I’m impressed, it would be an understatement. The way Nandini shut down Rhea Mallik? Absolutely flawless.

God, I’m so damn proud of her right now.
The grace, the authority, the sheer composure… she didn’t just put Rhea in her place—she made it look effortless.
But I think she misunderstood the whole scene. She probably assumed Rhea was my girlfriend.

Great. That’s the first thing I need to clarify.

Now everyone’s busy looking at engagement rings. I was ready to slip away quietly, but of course, Saisha wouldn’t let that happen. She practically chewed my ear off until I agreed to stay.
Annoying little brat.

“Bhai, how’s this?” Saisha held up a delicate diamond bracelet, her eyes shining with excitement.

I nodded half-heartedly, distracted by my inbox.
Work never really stops.
I turned back to my phone, replying to urgent emails while the family buzzed around with opinions and excitement.

But my gaze drifted again.

There she was. Nandini. Laughing with Saisha, Chachi, and Maa. Glowing like the world finally started treating her right.
Her happiness—it’s so visible, it hurts.

Then I saw it.

She picked up a beautiful ring—simple, elegant, definitely her style. But before she could even admire it properly, both families swooped in with their suggestions, gently steering her away.

It’s her engagement. Her moment. Let her choose.

I clenched my fists to calm the ache in my chest.
She deserves to be heard. To be seen.

“Bhai, come on, I’m starving! Let’s go to the food hub before I pass out!” Saisha whined, tugging on my arm dramatically.

I blinked and nodded, brushing off the heaviness inside me.

We headed towards the food court where the others were already settling into their seats, chatting and laughing like everything was perfect.

Rudra and I quietly made our way to the counter to place the orders.

And just like that, I slipped back into the shadows again, watching her from a distance… wondering when I’d ever get the right to stand beside her again.