As soon as the train screeched to a halt at New Delhi Railway Station, Aarushi stepped out, her sneakers meeting the platform with a mix of purpose and excitement. The usual chaos of the station buzzed around her—porters yelling, families reuniting, chai vendors weaving through the crowd. But for her, the world slowed for a second.

Dressed in high-waisted, wide-leg black trousers paired with a crisp white tee and a relaxed black short-sleeved blazer, she looked effortlessly sharp. Her long hair was tied in a messy bun, secured with a flower shaped claw clip. A delicate silver pendant rested at her collarbone, and a black sling bag with a chain strap hung neatly from her shoulder. Her grey sneakers had survived the 15-hour ride like soldiers.