The morning sun was soft and golden, casting long shadows across the manicured gardens of the Raizada mansion. The flowers were in full bloom—marigolds, roses, jasmine—their fragrances mixing in the cool air. Sitara walked slowly along the stone path, her bag slung over her shoulder, her mind already on the day ahead. She had a test in her first lecture, and she hadn't slept well. Again.

She was almost at the gate when she heard the sound of a car engine.