Nimisha pulled out her phone and scrolled through her emails. Her editor wanted an update on the manuscript. Her literary agent had sent contracts for the next book deal. Her readers were asking when the next release would be.
All of them wanting something from her. All of them believing she had something to give.
"Bhabhi!"
Shaurya appeared in the doorway, his hair still wet from a shower, his expression bright. He was always bright in the mornings. Nimisha didn't understand how.
"Good morning, Shaurya."
He dropped into the chair beside her. "Did you sleep well?"
"Well enough."
Radha returned with tea and toast—plain, no butter. She set it in front of Nimisha, then turned to Shaurya.
"Sir, would you like your usual breakfast?"
"Yes, please. And could you make those cheese sandwiches? The ones Kritika likes? She's coming over for lunch."
"Of course, sir."
Nimisha sipped her tea, the bitter taste matching her mood.
Kritika. Again.
"Bhai's already left for the office," Shaurya said, pouring himself tea. "He had an early meeting."
"I see."
"You know, bhabhi, you should come to the office sometime. See what we do."
Nimisha raised an eyebrow. "I know what you do."
"Legal businesses," Shaurya said with a grin. "Export-import, real estate, hospitality. All very legitimate."
"Of course."
They both knew the truth. The Ranawat empire had two faces—the public one and the one that operated in shadows. Samarth was the face of both, moving seamlessly between boardrooms and darker rooms where deals were made with blood instead of signatures.
"He works too hard," Shaurya said, his tone more serious now. "Bhai, I mean. He needs to take a break sometimes."
"Your brother doesn't believe in breaks."
"He believes in control." Shaurya studied her over his teacup. "But control isn't the same as happiness."
Nimisha said nothing. What was there to say?
Saroj's voice echoed from the hallway before she appeared, already dressed and ready for the day in an elegant silk saree.
"Good morning, Maa," Shaurya said, standing to touch her feet.
"Good morning, beta." She kissed his forehead, then her gaze slid to Nimisha. "You're up early."
"I have work to do."
"Work." Saroj's lips thinned. "Nimisha, we need to discuss the household accounts. The cook mentioned we're over budget this month."
"I'll review them and get back to you."
