Pradeep stepped out of the waiting room, pulse still racing from the charged silence he had left behind. The patient room was finally ready. He informed the others, and after another ten minutes of tense discussion about treatments and discharge plans, it was decided: Rohini’s mother would be discharged the day after tomorrow.

Rohini excused herself to take a bath in the attached restroom. Vikram soon left after thanking Pradeep, instructing him to stay behind. Lakshmi, Rohini’s mother, also insisted the “young boy” remain. Alone with opportunity knocking, Pradeep’s mind raced.