The night air of Cuttack was thick with the scent of fried food, sea breeze, and the restless buzz of Baliyatra—Odisha’s most beloved fair. Strings of fairy lights glowed above the endless sea of people, a dazzling celebration of maritime heritage and joy. But tonight, the fair was bursting at its seams.

You stood beside Colonel Virendra Choudhary, your hand tucked safely in his. He was dressed in a plain black t-shirt and dark trackpants, with a jacket on, an outfit that somehow screamed authority even without the uniform. His gaze was fixated on you, tender and attuned to your every movement.

You were beside him looking at some tea cups to buy.