Pushing open the front door of his house, Shaurya's weary footsteps echoed through the dimly lit hallway. The neighbourhood still slumbered under a blanket of darkness, and the only sound was the ticking of the wall clock. He knew that he had managed to finish his night shift earlier than usual, a rare occurrence that allowed him to return home before dawn.

As he stepped inside, he noticed the faint glow of light emanating from his parents' room. The partially ajar door signalled that his mother was up, a loving gesture she reserved for her tardy son.