The evening air was cool, the faint hum of the garden blending with the distant chatter of children playing. Krishiv sat on the wooden bench, his elbows resting on his knees, his face clouded with deep thought. He watched Bulbul running around, laughing as she played with her friends, but his mind was far from the peaceful scene before him. He had always thought of this place as a haven, a spot where he could seek clarity, but today, the usual serenity eluded him.

Across from him, Kavya sat beside him, her gaze following Bulbul’s every move. She could see the tension in Krishiv’s posture, the way his fingers tapped nervously on the armrest. She tilted her head, concerned by his unusually quiet demeanor.