The house was too large, too silent, swallowing the light even in the middle of the afternoon. Juhi leaned her head against the cool, smooth surface of the kitchen counter, listening to the echoing quiet that had settled over the grand, empty space moments after the luxury sedan carrying Rhea—her mother—disappeared down the winding driveway. Rhea had kissed her goodbye, a quick, efficient peck on the forehead, promising to be back the following evening after securing the multi-million dollar merger.

“Just you and Dhruv for dinner, sweetie,” Rhea had chirped, oblivious. “Be good, alright?”