The long drive from Andhra Pradesh to Bengaluru felt endless. Pradeep was exhausted, his body aching from days of tension and denied pleasure. They reached his brother’s house around 3 AM. Rohini was calling Vikram on her phone while Pradeep stood in front of the locked door, waiting.

She came up behind him, pressing her face against his shoulder, murmuring softly, “Pick up, dear… pick up the call…”