The bathroom was filled with warm steam and the soft sound of running water. Ishani stood under the shower, eyes closed, letting the warm spray soothe her tired body. The pregnancy had made her more sensitive — her heavy breasts felt fuller, her skin flushed easily, and a constant, low ache of need hummed beneath her skin. She had chosen a simple, light cotton saree earlier, but now it lay neatly folded on the counter as she bathed.

Suddenly, the shower head sputtered violently. Water sprayed unevenly, then stopped completely with a loud clunk. Ishani frowned, twisting the knob again, but nothing happened.