The soft afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Amrit stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. The first thing she saw was Akshat lying beside her, his face peaceful in sleep. She blinked, her gaze lowering to where her hand rested under his cheek. He was holding it gently, as though even in his sleep, he couldn’t let go.

Her brows furrowed as she remembered his words from earlier that morning—he’d mentioned he had lectures to attend. Why is he still here? she wondered. But as she looked at him more closely, her frown softened. The tiredness etched on his face, the faint lines of stress that seemed to ease in his sleep, made her realize how exhausted he must have been.