When dusk came, the air in Thiruvananthapuram pressed down harder, soaked with things left unsaid. Dhanya sat near a window, while Shwetha leaned against the wall, both quiet. Their cousin Nidhi moved slowly across the wooden floor above the old family home. Space around them stretched wide, yet silence filled every corner.

  "Is it true that girls in the North are more romantic?" Nidhi asked suddenly, her voice dropping to a whisper. She looked at Dhanya with wide, earnest eyes. "I’ve fallen for him, Dhanya. George, the boy next door. He proposed, and we’re together... but it’s a secret."

  Almost dropped her chin to the ground, Shwetha stared at Dhanya. Her gaze shouted louder than words - “Wasn’t it just today he wanted your number?”

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  A cold stab ran through Dhanya. Her eyes snapped to Shwetha’s, firm and silent. Not one sound, those eyes insisted. Spilling the truth now would wound Nidhi just when she needed strength most.

  "Just be careful, Nidhi," Dhanya said softly, comforting her. "Summer romances can be complicated."

  Later that evening, everyone left together for a movie showing after dark, heading to the neighborhood cinema. Inside, laughter rose around them while buttery snacks filled the air - Nidhi shook quietly beside her cousin. Her voice dipped low when she spoke to Dhanya: George isn’t calm right now. Words flew between us earlier. He promised trouble at home later tonight

  "He wouldn't dare," Dhanya whispered back, squeezing Nidhi's hand. "Not with Papa and the uncles there. Just watch the movie. We’ll handle him tomorrow."