A few days later, the vibrant chaos of Holi arrived. The air was thick with the scent of gulal and the sounds of celebration. Jay had just returned home after a wild morning of playing Holi with his friends, his clothes stained in a kaleidoscope of colors, his skin smeared with pink and green powders.

Inside the house, anchal was busy in the kitchen, preparing festive treats, while shivi was floating through the living room, decorating the house with fresh flowers. She looked breathtaking, wearing a thin, white cotton saree that clung to her curves, the fabric already slightly translucent from the humidity.