After getting assured by her father, Nandini went back to her room. When she reached outside the study, she heard Sarah arguing with her father from inside. But she knew, when her father promised something, he would fulfil it. After all, he has still fulfilled the promise he made years ago.

After reaching her room, the door to her old bedroom clicked shut, and Nandini locked it from the inside. She leaned against the dark wood, her knees suddenly trembling.

A sound escaped her throat—a strange, choked sound that was half a sob and half a laugh. She stumbled toward her bed, her hands covering her face as tears spilt over her fingers. She laughed at the absurdity of her life, at how easily her father had traded her, and she cried for the five-year-old girl who had hidden behind the pillar, hoping for a love that would never come. She had bought her freedom with a wedding ring.

An hour later, her face washed and her breath controlled, she dialled a familiar number.

"Dr. Ahluwalia," Nandini said when the call was answered.

"Nandini? You sound strained. What has happened?" the counsellor’s calm, steady voice immediately grounded her.

Nandini explained the situation concisely—the marriage alliance, the transaction for her mother's estate, and the impending timeline. "I need to ensure my graduation isn't compromised. I have worked too hard for it."

Dr. Shareen sighed softly on the other end. "You have, Nandini. And you are fully prepared. Given your perfect attendance record before this summons and your exceptional credits, I will speak with the dean myself. We can arrange for you to appear directly for the final examinations without requiring daily attendance for these last few weeks. You can study from Mumbai."

"Thank you, Shareen Ma'am," Nandini whispered, feeling the first real sense of relief. "That is all I needed to hear."

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