The heavy mahogany front door swung open at precisely 6:00 PM, casting a warm stream of foyer light over Kritagya and Naina as they stepped inside the London mansion. True to the strict domestic hierarchy of the Rathore household, they offered formal, practiced deference almost immediately. Kritagya stepped forward, bending to touch Abhimaan’s feet in quiet acknowledgment, while Naina mirrored the gesture, dropping down to touch both Abhimaan’s and Shivanya’s feet in a display of traditional respect.

"A... are," Shivanya murmured, startled by the gesture, her hands hovering awkwardly. "K... khush rahiye (Stay blessed)," she said softly, quickly pulling Naina up by her wrists and wrapping her in a warm, genuine hug that bridged the miles between their shared pasts.