At the office, Ritu was in for a surprise.

Everyone greeted her like she had returned from a long vacation, hugs and warm smiles all around. No mention of the humiliating episode with the policemen or Sameer. She was overwhelmed by the magnanimity of her colleagues.

Ketan was away on a visit to London and she spent the entire morning taking over from Seema, who had substituted in her absence.

It was in the afternoon, she got to her e-mails. 773 not read. She ...