Gauri opened her mouth.
They had already disappeared.
In the corridor, Meera took the lead.
The Haveli had reached its calmest hour. Most relatives gathered for dinner. Staff moved toward the dining halls.
Naina stayed close, ready to intervene if needed.
“You know,” she whispered, “if Bhai finds out I helped you, he is going to double my monthly allowance.”
A soft giggle slipped from Meera.
“Bhabhi, at this rate, you can make me a millionaire. Just keep needing my help every day.”
Meera shook her head despite herself.
They reached Abhinav’s office. Naina placed a hand against the door and turned to her.
“Twenty minutes,” she declared. “After that I return. Whatever happens inside, for the protection of my innocence, I want no details.”
“Naina…”
“Twenty minutes, Bhabhi.”
Naina pushed her gently into the office and shut the door.
Meera paused at the doorway, drawing in a breath to gather herself.
Across the room, Abhinav looked up from his desk. The pen slipped from his fingers, tapping against the papers. For a second, neither moved.
Then she walked to him. “I needed to talk to you.”
He rose at once and came around the desk. He did not ask questions. Did not demand explanations. He only stopped in front of her and waited.
That almost undid her.
She had rehearsed everything. Calm words. Careful sentences. None of it survived his presence.
“It was fear.”
His expression did not shift.
“What I did that day. Not coming to you. Walking away instead of asking.” Her fingers twisted together. “It was fear.”
Silence stretched between them.
“I know.”
She blinked. “You know?”
He stepped closer. His hand came up to her face, thumb resting against her cheek.
“I thought about it after,” he murmured. “You were afraid of the answer. Afraid that if you came to me and asked about Anand Mahal, I would look at you and tell you yes.”
Her breath caught.
“That was the fear.”