A few days had passed since Ananya had given me that comforting release, making me feel secure in our complex relationship. I still couldn’t shake the nervousness as we prepared for the conversation with her mother, Radhika. The emotional weight of what we were about to discuss was heavy on my chest.

Ananya had reassured me. But I knew that things between the three of us were about to take a massive turn. The day arrived, and I drove to Radhika’s house. As I reached, Ananya welcomed me and held my hand. Her fingers were tracing small circles on the back of my palm. I could feel her anxiety.