The doorbell rang as Ritu washed the dishes after dinner. Leaving the plates in the sink, her hands wet and soapy, she hurried to open the door.

She smiled at him. "Look who's here."

Sameer stepped inside with his lopsided smile.

"Where's Aayush?" he asked after her, as she went back to the kitchen.

"At my parents' place. Lohri celebrations in the colony," she shouted over the sound of water rinsing her hands.

She came back and sat next to him ...