When the afternoon faded into evening, the clock struck exactly seven. The quiet anticipation and sweet excitement that had nestled in my chest all day long now turned into a gentle tremble. I stood before the mirror and adjusted the pleats of my saree one last time—a light reddish-purple silk saree paired with a matching blouse. My hair was loosely pinned in a bun, and a thin silver chain rested against my neck. On my bare feet, my favorite pair of silver anklets chimed softly—‘runjhun, runjhun’.

At exactly seven o'clock, a soft knock came at the door.