Meera rushed down the stairs as soon as she received Parth’s text. The house was silent, the dim glow of the entryway light casting long shadows on the marble floor. As she reached the door and quietly unlatched it, a strong wave of alcohol hit her, making her pause.

Outside, Parth stood, struggling under Shreyansh’s weight. Shreyansh leaned heavily on his shoulder, his head lolling slightly, eyes half-lidded as if the world around him had blurred beyond recognition.