The soft sunlight slipped through the half-drawn curtains, golden and gentle, stretching across the room until it reached the bed. It touched Meera’s face first, brushing lightly over her closed eyelids. She stirred faintly, her lashes fluttering against the warmth.

A deep breath filled her chest, unhurried, as though her body still clung to the comfort of dreams. Slowly, her lids parted, heavy with drowsiness. The world was a blur at first — only light, soft shapes, and the faintest sound of birds outside. She blinked again, letting the morning seep into her.