The air in Mumbai was sharp and cool against Aarohi’s cheeks as she exited the cab on Marine Drive. She stared up at the towering glass and steel monument of the Malhotra office building, her breath misting visibly in the crisp morning air...a fleeting, tangible display of her nervous energy. The office was nestled among luxury high-rises...Samarth’s personal luxury tower stood just a few blocks away.

The glass doors parted with a whisper as Aarohi stepped into the lobby, her heels clicking against the marble floor in a rhythm that betrayed the hammering of her heart. The scent of sandalwood...Samarth’s signature...lingered faintly in the air, wrapping around her like an invisible hand pulling her closer.