The water hissed as it hit their skin. Hot. Relentless. Steam filled the small bathroom, fogging up the mirror and turning everything into a blur of skin and breath.

Bhagya stood under the shower, eyes closed, letting the water cascade down her body — washing away the ache but igniting something deeper. Neel stepped in behind her, wrapping his arms around her soaked waist. His lips found the curve of her shoulder.