The room was dark, with only a faint light filtering in through the curtains. It was 6 a.m., and the only sounds breaking the silence were the soft hum of the AC and the gentle rhythm of breathing.

As a sliver of morning light touched Veer’s face, his eyes slowly fluttered open. His gaze immediately shifted to Ayesha, who was curled up next to him, clinging to him in sleep—her tiny leg draped across his torso, one hand resting on his chest, and her face snuggled into him. Nandu, too, was peacefully asleep, leaning against them.