Mahi, after reaching her room, leaned heavily against the closed door, her hand still pressed to her burning cheek. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm the frantic beating of her heart. No one had ever touched her like that before, with such an unexpected, lingering intimacy. It was an entirely new, almost overwhelming sensation.

After a few moments, she too went for a shower, hoping the cool water would wash away the lingering sensations of the morning. Refreshed, though still a little flustered, she eventually made her way to the kitchen to begin her daily chores, the memory of her brother-in-law's touch a secret warmth beneath her skin.