Ira and Kunal found a quiet bench tucked beneath a row of trees, the evening breeze carrying the faint scent of earth and blooming flowers.

She set her tote bag down first before easing herself onto the seat, her body relaxing into the cool wood.

Kunal followed, the muscles in his forearms flexing as he balanced a small cup of ice cream in one hand.

The moment they sat, he extended the cup toward her.

Ira’s face lit up, her lips curving into a grin as she accepted it. She scooped ...