The atmosphere in the haveli was thick with tension and the scent of medicinal herbs. From the main bedroom, Priya’s agonizing screams tore through the silent corridors. She was in the throes of a long, brutal labor. Shashwat sat by her side, holding her hand, his face a mask of worry. To the family, it looked like a husband finally coming to his senses, supporting his wife during her most vulnerable moment. The elders whispered in relief, thinking the "maid’s spell" had finally broken.

Rani stood at the doorway, her heart shattering into a million pieces. Seeing Shashwat’s fingers entwined with Priya’s, seeing him wipe the sweat from her brow, felt like a thousand daggers in her chest.