The chandelier cast a thousand sparkles across the marble hall, laughter blending with clinks of champagne and business conversations laced with vanity. Everything gleamed — the floor, the people, the illusion.

Maheer stood near the entrance, her cream saree almost blending with the walls. Soft makeup dulled her tired face, but her eyes had shadows makeup couldn’t hide. For once, she wasn’t holding a mop or a tray. She was here, present, but absent — like a prop someone forgot to remove from stage.