The air in the room was thick with the scent of lavender and the soft hum of the bedside lamp. Ekantika worked quickly, folding clothes and tucking them into her suitcase. Her eyes darted to the sleeping figure on the bed, Adishesh, her heart heavy with trepidation.

She had made her decision. It was time for her to leave. But even as she packed, she couldn't shake the image of Adishesh's shattered heart when he awoke and found her gone.