Morning came, gray and indifferent. Rohit showered, dressed in his simple clothes, and waited. He made coffee, setting a cup for akansha on the kitchen counter. He heard her bedroom door open. Akansha emerged wearing a loose, peach-colored silk robe, her hair tied in a messy knot. She looked tired, but the actress’s armor was back in place—smooth, composed.

Akansha took the coffee without thanking rohit. She sipped it, staring out at the sea view. “I have a lunch today,” she said, her voice neutral. “With some friends. At the club. You’ll drive me.”