Nandini stood near the entrance of her office, waiting for a cab. The cold night breeze brushed against her skin, but she barely noticed. Her phone was clutched in her hand, and she was lost in her own thoughts when she overheard voices nearby.

A group of her colleagues stood a few steps away, engrossed in conversation. Nandini had no interest in their usual gossip, but tonight, their voices were loud enough to force their way into her ears.