Katha knocked gently on Sameer’s door. A minute later, a groggy, half-asleep Sameer opened it, rubbing his eyes. But the moment he saw her standing there, sleep vanished from his eyes as a wide, surprised smile stretched across his face.

“Katha? What a pleasant surprise!” he exclaimed, pulling her into a warm hug. She melted into the embrace, hugging him back tightly. For a moment, it felt like a part of the weight on her shoulders had lifted.