Outside the walls of the Haveli, there was a storm, but the silence inside Reyansh’s room was even more terrifying. When Reyansh closed the door and slid the bolt, that sound echoed in Manya’s ears like a verdict.

Reyansh remained leaning against the door. His face was half- hidden in the play of light and shadow. Slowly, he unbuttoned his kurta. His iron-like chest, where droplets of sweat shone like diamonds in the light of the night lamp, was gradually revealed.