The next morning, Ananya was lost in the sweet, deep slumber of a peaceful night, her dreams perhaps still tinged with the memory of Vikram's intoxicating kisses. A soft knock at her door stirred her. "Anu..." Surya's gentle voice called from outside. Ananya groaned, annoyed at the disturbance, pulling the covers higher.

"What, Amma?" she mumbled, yawning as she finally dragged herself to the door. Surya stood there, her face wreathed in a wide, expectant smile.