The soft glow of the vanity light painted Aina’s delicate face with a warm halo. She stood in front of the mirror, draping the last pleat of her light green saree. The sheer fabric clung to her gracefully, the white embroidered border catching the light whenever she moved ever so slightly. Her bangles made a gentle clinking sound as she adjusted her red chooda, the symbol of her newly-wed status that made her heart flutter every time she looked at it.

She could hear faint laughter downstairs— Mahi’s excited giggles, Dhruv’s teasing voice echoing in the garden— but her world felt hushed, as if this small room was suspended in a bubble of stillness.