The drive back to the haveli was wrapped in the kind of silence that usually followed a death, the sort that settled heavily over everything and left even the smallest sound feeling intrusive. Madhavi sat in the rear seat, staring out of the window without really seeing the road passing by. The silence had begun to suffocate her, but it wasn't only her who seemed unable to breathe freely. Adiraj sat behind the wheel with both hands firmly wrapped around it, his fists clenched so tightly that the knuckles of one hand still carried the fresh bruise from the night before.

Shailaja had decided to remain in the city for a few more days, yet when Madhavi had come out to leave, Adiraj had opened the rear door himself, silently indicating that she should sit there. He hadn't said anything beyond what was necessary. He hadn't even looked at her for longer than a second.