"Today, please. Kritika mentioned she could help organize the system. She's very good with accounts."
Of course she was.
"I'll handle it," Nimisha said firmly.
Saroj's expression soured, but she nodded. "Fine. But I expect a detailed report by this evening."
She swept out, leaving a cloud of expensive perfume and disapproval in her wake.
Shaurya grimaced. "She's in a mood today."
"She's always in a mood when it comes to me."
"Bhabhi—"
"It's fine, Shaurya. I'm used to it." Nimisha finished her tea and stood. "I should get to work. Thank you for the company."
"Wait." He caught her wrist gently. "Are you okay? Really?"
The concern in his eyes threatened to crack her composure. She couldn't afford that. Not here. Not now.
"I'm fine, Shaurya. I'm always fine."
She pulled her hand free gently and left before he could push further.
The gym was Nimisha's sanctuary.
She'd had it built six months into her marriage, using money from her book royalties. It was small but well-equipped, tucked away in a corner of the estate where no one bothered her.
Here, she could breathe.
She changed into workout clothes and started her routine—stretches first, then cardio, then weights. The physical exertion helped quiet the noise in her head.
Don't romanticize what we are.
She increased the treadmill speed.
Kritika would have known how to run this household properly.
Faster.
Make yourself available when I need you.
Her lungs burned, her legs ached, but she pushed harder.
The door opened.
She glanced over, expecting Shaurya or perhaps one of the staff.
Bruno.
The massive dog stood in the doorway, his dark eyes fixed on her as she ran.
Nimisha slowed the treadmill to a walk, catching her breath. "Hello, Boo."
Bruno's ears perked at the nickname, but he didn't move. Dogs weren't allowed in the gym. It was one of Saroj's rules.
But Bruno didn't care about Saroj's rules.
