As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over Jaipur, the atmosphere in the Shukla household grew heavier with anticipation and dread. Sidharth stood at the threshold of his home, heart pounding as he confronted the crowd of villagers gathered outside, their faces twisted with suspicion and rage. Beside him, Shenaaz clutched his arm tightly, her eyes wide with fear.

"How can they blame us?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "We did nothing wrong!"