The faint light of dawn filtered through the thin curtains, painting the room in a pale gold hue. The world was still quiet,too early for sounds of life to begin,when Shashwat’s eyes opened precisely at 4 a.m., his body still following its years of military habit.

For a few seconds, he blinked away the haze of sleep, and then his gaze softened. The very first thing he saw was her. Siya was sleeping peacefully, her head resting over his chest, one arm looped around his waist possessively as if she feared he might disappear if she let go. Her breathing was soft and even, her face calm and serene in the dim light.