The village square glowed with oil lamps and marigold garlands. Laughter, music, and the scent of cooked grain filled the warm night air as villagers celebrated the harvest.

Ishita moved quickly between guests, balancing a tray of food, her bangles clinking softly as she went.

She turned suddenly—

And collided with someone solid.

The tray tilted. A small splash of curry stained fine city cloth.

Ishita: gasps “I—I’m so sorry!”

She stepped back instantly, head lowered, hands trembling as she realized who stood before her — the city guest everyone had been whispering about.

Ishita: “Please forgive me. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

She didn’t dare look up.