Aarushi Sen The road curved like a tired snake up the hillside, each turn opening to glimpses of mist rolling down the pines, and Mira Kapoor sat in the back seat of the rattling jeep clutching her bag as if it might steady her heart, wondering for the hundredth time if she was making a mistake by coming here at all, leaving behind the familiar noise of Delhi, the polished glass office towers, the people who used to smile at her in corridors but no longer looked her in the eye after she had broken off her engagement with Rohan,…
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Puneet Sharma Riya sat on the balcony of her apartment, staring at the hazy skyline of Delhi as the last traces of daylight faded away. The city, with all its hustle and bustle, felt so distant at that moment. Her mind wandered, consumed by the thoughts of the upcoming week. Her parents had sent yet another list of names, profiles, and photos—prospective suitors for an arranged marriage. The thought always made her laugh bitterly, but this time, something was different. At 28, Riya was successful, independent, and had built a life on her terms. She had traveled the world, had…