The family home's porch was illuminated by string lights, setting an intimate ambiance as the group of cousins gathered around the rustic wooden table. Empty beer bottles and wine glasses already littered the table, and the air was charged with the carefree energy of a summer night.

Gabi was seated among her female cousins, chuckling at something she was barely paying attention to, as her eyes kept darting to Ravi, who was on the other side of the table, mingling with the men. He was clad in ...