CHAPTER 5

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 06:41:35 +0000

The first rays of sunlight slipped gently through the sheer curtains of Ananya’s room, painting golden streaks across her pale face. She stirred softly, her lashes fluttering before her eyes opened, still heavy with exhaustion. For a moment she sat there in silence, her head slightly throbbing, her body weak from the night’s turmoil. Slowly, she pushed herself up, leaning back against the headboard, her fingers clutching the edge of the blanket as though she needed grounding.