The chamber was quiet, the stillness of night pressing around us. The only sounds were the faint rustle of the curtains against the breeze and the soft breaths of my husband and daughter on either side of me. I had finally managed to ease my aching body into a slumber, my swollen feet tucked under the light quilt, Rudra’s arm loosely around my waist.

“Mama…” A tiny, wavering voice broke into my dreams.