The library of Pune University was the only place where Nandini felt entirely anchored. Surrounded by the scent of old paper and the quiet scratch of pens, she reviews her advanced economics texts. At twenty-four, she was a year behind her peers—a delay caused by a profound crisis she never spoke of—but her academic standing was immaculate. Her friends had helped her piece her life back together, providing the emotional scaffolding her family never had.

Her phone vibrated against the dark wood of the table. The screen displayed a name that rarely appeared unless a signature was required on a trust document: Father.

Nandini excused herself to the corridor, her voice neutral as she answered. "Yes, Papa."

"Nandini," Nakul Mehta’s voice was crisp, carrying the background hum of his office. "You need to return to Mumbai this weekend. Your bags should be packed permanently."

Nandini's grip on the phone tightened. "Papa, my final exams are in a few weeks. I have credits to complete here."

"The arrangements have been made," Nakul replied, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "It is an urgent matter regarding the family and the business. I have already instructed your stepmother to prepare your room. Be here by Saturday morning."

The line went dead. Nandini stood in the cool hallway, the familiar weight of compliance settling over her chest. She knew Nakul Mehta never called without a purpose that served his own interests. Whatever awaited her in Mumbai had nothing to do with her well-being and everything to do with his ledger.

She went to her homeroom teacher about the urgent work, so she needs to go back home. After that, she went back to her apartment and started packing up her bags. Then she booked her flight tickets from Pune to Mumbai for two days later, that is Saturday.

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