Her Only Saviour

20. mehendi

Today’s my mehendi, and we’re at the Oberoi penthouse—well, more like their second mansion.
Since Mr. Shah is still bedridden and can’t walk, the Oberois insisted the doctor shift him here.

I’ve been getting my mehendi done for two whole hours now. My back aches terribly.
A few minutes ago, everyone stopped dancing and celebrating, and now I’m all alone, sitting here... I can’t even cry.

“Hey, Nandu.”

I opened my eyes and saw Aashi.

“Kaha thi tu itni der? Baat mat kar.” I turned my face away, feeling disappointed. She literally left me alone here.

She sat beside me. “I’m sorry, na baba, maaf karde. I got a call from the academy, so I had to step out. And forget all this—take these.” She shoved some papers into my hand. God, student profiles from the academy, needing my urgent signature.

I quickly signed the papers and handed them back. “Acha Nandu, wait here. I’ll be back.” I smiled at her.

Lost in my thoughts, the mehendi artist called me over, informing me it was done. I thanked them and stood up.
Everything feels so heavy. I need to talk to Parth—urgently.

Walking down the corridor, I spotted him talking on the phone.

There he was, on a call. I tapped his shoulder.

He looked up and signaled me to wait.
5 minutes later, he finally hung up.

“Is something important, darling?” He stepped closer.

I took a step back. “Yes, it’s urgent. I need to talk to you.”

“Are you sure? Let’s enjoy the moment first; then we’ll talk.” He smiled, brushing the baby hairs from my face.

“N…no, Parth. It’s urgent. We need to talk now.” I gently pulled his hand away.

“Ugh, just say it.”

“Look, if you’re not serious about this marriage, tell me. I’ll support you. Don’t worry about anyone else—I’ll take all the blame. If you need time, take it. I’ll tell everyone I needed space. But don’t pressure yourself—”

Before I could finish, his expression changed. He grabbed my shoulders quickly.

“Are you mad, Nandini? I love you. You know that well. Stop assuming things, baby. I love you so much—don’t ever doubt it.”

I smiled softly and nodded.

“Okay, Nandini, I’ll be right back. I need to go now.”

I watched him walk away, but nothing felt right. Everything seemed suspicious.
Shaking my head, I headed back inside the hall.

Suddenly, I bumped into someone—or rather, he bumped into me. I looked up and found Mr. Helper already staring at me, a strange emotion in his eyes.

He gently held my waist; I placed my hand on his shoulder. His touch was soothing and comforting—so different from others. Those honey-brown eyes felt like an ocean I wanted to drown in.

For a moment, it was just us—isolated in the middle of the corridor... Wait, the middle of the corridor? Shit, the middle of the corridor!

I snapped back and quickly stepped away. “I... I’m Mr. Oberoi, woh—”

“It’s okay, Miss Rai. Be careful.”

I nodded, but then his eyes drifted down to my hands. Following his gaze, my heart sank.

My mehendi—it was still slightly wet, and now Parth’s name is completely smudged. The way his name disappeared, no one could recognize it now. And guess what? My to-be mother-in-law is going to kill me.