The rain began somewhere past Meerut, a soft drizzle at first, turning heavier as the bus rumbled along the wet highway. You sat by the window, forehead gently resting against the cool glass, watching the blurry streetlights smear across the darkness. Your breath left tiny clouds on the windowpane. Dev sat beside you, his frame a solid, reassuring presence even in the dim, flickering light of the bus.

The day had been long — ceremonies, handshakes, proud smiles. Dev had barely said a word more than necessary, his natural quietness deepened by the gravity of the occasion. Subedar Major. It still sounded heavy in your mind, a weighty honor pinned on his chest, crisp and gleaming.

The heavy downpour had made all the windows foggy. Even with your shawl, you felt cold amidst the cool air from the rain. The bus, each side had double seats with no gap in between seats, so you easily shift closer to Dev, seeking his warmth.