The wind brushed softly against them as the taxi carried them toward their destination. Madhavi had her eyes closed now, no longer fighting the exhaustion that had settled over her after everything that had happened. She rested against the warmth of the stiff man beside her, her head still on his shoulder, while Adiraj sat unusually still, as though any unnecessary movement might disturb the fragile peace that had settled between them.

The hand that had been resting over hers a few minutes ago had moved behind her shoulder when the taxi jerked suddenly, steadying her before she could be thrown forward. His arm remained there afterward, not quite holding her, yet close enough for her to feel its warmth.