As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling preparations for the family festival, Siya felt the weight of her secret pressing down on her chest like a heavy stone. The vibrant decorations adorned their home, and the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air, each joyous note a stark contrast to the turmoil within her.

Siya stood near the entrance, watching her family come together, weaving through the throngs of relatives who were busy with last-minute arrangements. Her mother, with her infectious smile, was directing her aunts, while her uncles and dad shared jokes that echoed through the garden. But amid the happiness, Siya felt like a ghost, haunting her own life, invisible yet painfully aware of the truth she was about to reveal.