Her Only Saviour

71. Glow & Grit

𝕾𝖔𝖔𝖓𝖆 𝕾𝖔𝖔𝖓𝖆 𝕷𝖆𝖒𝖍𝖆 𝕷𝖆𝖒𝖍𝖆
𝕸𝖊𝖗𝖎 𝕽𝖆𝖍𝖊𝖎𝖓 𝕿𝖆𝖓𝖍𝖆 𝕿𝖆𝖓𝖍𝖆

𝕬𝖆𝖐𝖆𝖗 𝕸𝖚𝖏𝖍𝖊 𝕿𝖚𝖒 𝕿𝖍𝖆𝖒 𝕷𝖔
𝕸𝖆𝖓𝖟𝖎𝖑 𝕿𝖊𝖗𝖎 𝕯𝖊𝖐𝖍𝖊 𝕽𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖆

𝕸𝖚𝖉 𝕶𝖊 𝖅𝖆𝖗𝖆 𝕬𝖇 𝕯𝖊𝖐𝖍 𝕷𝖔
𝕬𝖎𝖘𝖆 𝕸𝖎𝖑𝖆𝖓 𝕻𝖍𝖎𝖗 𝕳𝖔 𝕹𝖆 𝕳𝖔

~~~~~~~

The Oberoi mansion was soaked in the late golden hues of spring sunlight, casting warm patterns across the marble floors. Everything felt alive—from the chirping of birds outside the wide French windows to the scent of fresh mogra that floated in with the breeze.

And at the center of it all—was her.

Nandini Rai.

Glowing.

The transformation over the past weeks was impossible to miss. Her once guarded silence had given way to quiet serenity.
Her eyes sparkled now, no longer weighed down by sleepless nights.
Her cheeks held a gentle flush, her walk had that unmistakable sway, and her hand constantly rested protectively on her round, blossoming belly.

8.5 months.

She looked divine.

She moved like a queen.

And the entire mansion revolved around her without even realizing it.

“Bhabhi, your glow is brighter than this chandelier!” Rudra teased one morning as she walked into the living room wearing a flowy emerald green kaftan, her hair pulled back in a loose braid that fell over one shoulder. Minimal makeup, but that pregnancy radiance?
Unmatched.

She smirked at him, pausing mid-step. “It’s called inner peace, Rudy. Something you won’t understand unless you stop watching conspiracy videos at 2 a.m.”

“BURN!” Saisha howled from the couch, giving her a standing ovation.

Even Dadi let out a proud chuckle. “Our girl’s on fire today.”

Anirudh was nearby, standing by the window with a file in hand. His eyes, as always, followed her.

He hadn’t spoken much in days.

Still watching. Still waiting.

Still in love.

And she—still hadn’t forgiven him.

Not even close.

But she acknowledged his presence now.

Offered a nod once in a while.

Let him hold the door open for her without spitting daggers.

Progress. Kind of.

She’d let him exist in her periphery. But her heart? Still barricaded.

---

Later that afternoon, Nandini stepped out for a doctor’s appointment with Gauri and Saisha. As they returned, they made a quick stop at her favorite boutique to pick up a customized kurta she’d ordered.
The shop was tucked into a posh corner of the city, its entrance draped in vines and fairy lights.

Inside, while Saisha got distracted with earrings and Gauri argued over return policies, Nandini sat on a plush chair, sipping coconut water, her hand gently caressing her belly.

That’s when she saw him.

Rohan Chopra.

Slick. Entitled. And unfortunately, the ex-chairman of her father's office. His attitude had always rubbed her the wrong way—borderline misogynistic, arrogant to a fault, and someone who clearly couldn't handle being outsmarted by a woman.