The glass doors of Delhi’s arrival terminal slid open, and Aarushi stepped out, tugging the strap of her duffel bag higher on her shoulder and rolling her suitcase with other hand. The familiar dry warmth of the city air hit her instantly, a stark contrast to Mumbai’s humid cling, and for a second she just stood there—half-exhausted from the flight, half-restless to spot the face she’d been missing for weeks.

Her eyes scanned the crowd—families waving banners, cab drivers holding placards, friends shouting across the barriers. And then she saw him.