The knock on the door was soft, almost hesitant. Lakshmi stood there in her simple saree, her dark eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and something else – something darker, more forbidden. Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out. Instead, her gaze dropped to the floor, her fingers fidgeting with the pallu of her saree.

“Aunty,” I said, my voice low, teasing. “What brings you here?”