Reyansh stood ready in the living room. The sleeves of his blue shirt were rolled up, and he adjusted his watch—but his eyes weren't on the time. They were fixed on the stairs.

Since morning, a single image had been looping in his mind—water droplets clinging to damp hair, Meher wrapped in a towel, her hurried movements, and those innocent, quick breaths. He let out a soft sigh to steady himself.