The rain had settled into a soft, steady drizzle, turning the roads glossy under the streetlights. The smell of wet soil lingered in the air, calming and familiar. Abhimanyu rode slower than usual, his control steady, his focus sharp. Behind him, Alia held onto him tightly, her arms wrapped securely around his waist.

After a few minutes, he spoke, his voice calm but attentive. “Thand lag rahi hai?”