“Anvesha ma’am, please listen to bhaiya once”, Parisa said in a hushed tone as she ushered Anvesha to the balcony of her room. Anvesha, who was captivated by the serene view of the Mussoorie hills which were clearly visible from the first floor of the house, was dumbstruck at once.

Anvesha gave a sheepish smile as she sat on one of the round outdoor bamboo chairs arranged sophistically in the balcony amongst the potted plants. She smiled looking at the sweet girl who sat in front of her nervously.

“You father said you are a single child”, Anvesha spoke a matter of fact as she was infuriated at the defence...