Her Only Saviour

39. Laughter Echoes, Then Silence Falls

"𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨
𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙, 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩, 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙣
𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡."

- 𝘗𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘢

𝓐𝓤𝓣𝓗𝓞𝓡 ~~

The Oberoi Mansion was dressed like royalty that evening-bathed in soft golds and deep ivories, twinkling fairy lights draped along the pillars like stardust, fresh orchids running down the long stretch of the entrance like a welcoming path to opulence.

Every corner whispered grandeur, from the crystal centerpieces to the soft classical music playing from hidden speakers. It wasn't just a party.
It was an announcement to the world-that Mr. Shivaay Singh Oberoi was once again the Best Businessman of the Year.

Guests began to arrive, a steady stream of polished shoes, branded perfumes, shimmering sarees, and hushed gossip. The media had already crowded the gates, catching glimpses of industrial tycoons, film producers, political faces-and of course, the Oberoi family.

Nandini stood by the top of the staircase, watching the storm of the camera flashes, her eyes sharp, her demeanor poised.

She wore a soft emerald green gown, cinched perfectly at her waist, her hair tied in a romantic bun, tiny pearl pins scattered like stars.

Simple.

Elegant.

Untouchable.

Anirudh entered a little later, walking down the marble steps in a crisp black tux, hair styled back, the Oberoi charm oozing without effort.

The crowd paused, and subtle whispers followed him.

Nandini's eyes caught him, and for a second-just a second-he paused too. Their eyes met. He smiled.

She didn't.
Not yet.

𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙮 𝙃𝙖𝙡𝙡-

The Oberois welcomed guests gracefully. Shivaay, Anika, gauri and omkara beamed with pride, surrounded by congratulatory hugs and raised glasses. Rudra and Saisha moved among the guests, being their usual social butterfly selves.

Vivaan, Siddharth, and Rudransh soon joined the party including Nandini's family.

Vivaan winked at Anirudh, "Well well, Mr. Too-Hot-to-Handle finally arrived. Don't burn the chandelier on your way."

Siddharth added, "If he does, Nandini bhabhi will call the fire brigade again."

"You all need hobbies." Anirudh rolled his eyes.

Rudransh sipped, "We do. Watching your slow burn marriage turn into an enemies-to-lovers saga is entertainment."

Anirudh smirked, "It's not enemies anymore."

"So we've moved to reluctant lovers with unresolved tension?" vivaan chirped in between.

Before Anirudh could retort, someone else entered the frame.

Raha Malhotra.

Daughter of a steel magnate, ex-model, socialite, and too well-dressed to be humble.

She wore a fitted champagne-gold dress, eyes lined perfectly, confidence in her stride.

Raha stood in between, "Ani? Is that you?"

Anirudh turned. And paused. A flicker of familiarity.

"Raha. Long time."