The elevator glides to a halt, the doors sliding open with a soft hiss to reveal a hallway that smells of expensive leather and cold air conditioning. Rohan steps out first, cricket gear slung over his shoulder, grinning back at Meera. She follows, the heavy suitcase trailing behind her, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. Aarav is waiting at the open door of the penthouse, leaning against the frame, his shirt sleeves rolled up to reveal forearms that flex with tension. His eyes lock onto hers the moment she emerges, a dark, predatory gaze that strips the clothes from her body before she even crosses the threshold.

"Safe and sound," Rohan says, clapping Aarav on the shoulder, oblivious to the electric current snapping between the other two. "Thanks for taking her in, man. I know it's last minute."