I felt as if I had been in a deep slumber all night, until the sound of sparrows and the faint light—despite the lingering darkness—finally stirred me awake. I had imagined opening my eyes beside Rudra on our bed, but the moment I fully regained consciousness, reality struck me—I wasn’t there.

I had spent the entire night sleeping with my head resting on Maheem's chest in his car. He had his head gently placed over mine, and even in his sleep, I could feel him softly caressing my hair. I hadn’t slept so deeply and peacefully in years, and in that moment, I felt a quiet sense of gratitude toward him.