​The dim, amber light in the quiet hallway of the Mahajan house was glowing softly, casting warm, long shadows across the polished wooden floorboards. The night outside was exceptionally still, a peaceful contrast to the chaotic energy of the high school corridors. Vrindhika was sitting with her legs crossed comfortably on the plush fabric of the sofa, her chin resting lightly in her hand. Beside her sat Rajendra, completely and entirely engrossed in the thick, weathered pages of a book, his glasses sliding slightly down the bridge of his nose.

​She watched the slow, rhythmic turning of his pages for a few minutes before letting out a small, dramatic sigh