The hushed sanctity of the temple gave way to the gentle hum of the car as they departed. Mahi and Riyansh, with Arav in her lap, occupied one vehicle, while the rest followed in another. Riyansh drove, his presence filling the confined space, while Mahi sat beside him, Arav squirming and fussing in her arms, woken too soon from his nap.

"Arav, my little one, what's wrong?
Quiet down, my precious boy, don't cry," Mahi murmured, trying to soothe him.