“Mom! Dad!” Her voice echoed in the hall ripping the doleful silence in Maurya Mansion.

Her parents turned to eye her as if she was a mere illusion. They jumped off their feet instantly to run toward her. Anahita didn’t want to cry but she felt liquid draining out of her eyes when her mother hugged her tightly. Guilt trapped her in its arm and its icy touch made her shiver. Her mother was crying profusely, kissing her face and touching her hastily as if she would disappear any minute.

“Anu… where were you, babu? Where did you go?” She asked, hugging her again but Anahita looked at her father...