The hall was glowing, all warm lights and hushed excitement, the kind that made even confident people sit a little straighter. Rows of dignitaries, artists, and families filled the space, but Katha barely noticed any of it. She sat still, hands folded in her lap, her anklets quiet for once, as if they too were holding their breath.

“Padma Shri award for excellence in classical dance goes to Mrs. Katha Shrivastav.”