An awkward silence hung over the dinner table, with Arav at its center. Without a word, he had pulled out his chair and sat down, his face calm yet expressionless. Meher was busy setting the plates, occasionally chatting and laughing with Reyansh and Dev. The natural intimacy in their laughter stung Arav—it felt as though there was no room for him in this close-knit circle. Deep down, a faint ache arose; he felt like he was on a secluded island, miles away from this warmth.

Suddenly, the doorbell broke the tension.