The rain had stopped, leaving the air thick and smelling of wet earth and jasmine. She sat on the steps of the old cinema, the chipped paint cool against her skin. The marquee above was dark, advertising a film from years ago – a faded, romantic comedy. Her fingers traced the outline of a single, wilting rose she’d tucked behind her ear. Across the street, the chai wallah was packing up his cart, the clatter of metal echoing in the quiet evening. He gave her a small, knowing nod as he went. She didn’t return it, just kept staring at the empty road, a half-finished cigarette burning between her fingers, the ember glowing like a tiny, lonely star. The streetlights flickered, casting long, distorted shadows that danced around her.