The morning sun scattered a golden hue all over the sacred village of Barsana. The soft rays bathed the streets in warmth, but for Katha, there was only the bitter chill of the night that had passed, a night she would never forget.

Sameer was getting ready for his first-ever job interview, his tie adjusted carefully, his face a picture of calm anticipation. His mother, always so full of love and care, came in with a bowl of curd and sugar in her hand, about to offer it to him for good luck. But before she could feed him the first spoon, the doorbell rang.