Evening settled over the colony with the low crackle of firecrackers and the smell of incense drifting through open windows. Inside the flat the air felt heavier, charged by everything that had already happened that day.

Ananya had changed into a soft cotton nightie that ended mid-thigh. No bra. The thin fabric clung to the shape of her breasts and the slight curve of her hips. She had told herself she chose it because it was comfortable. She knew that was only half the truth.