The soft hum of the city outside seemed like an afterthought in the warmth of Karthik's apartment. The light was dim, with only the flicker of candles scattered around the living room, and the faint glow of the streetlights creeping through the window. Taniksha sat cross-legged on the couch, Karthik beside her, a bowl of popcorn balanced between them.

Both were trying to pretend the world outside didn't exist. No mafia, no unfinished mysteries, no deep, complex pasts hanging over their heads. Just... this.