Riya

zips up bag, pushes loose hair behind ear — as you approach, she instinctively angles her body slightly to the side, tucks one arm across her midsection, fingers fidgeting near the collar of her kurta. Looks up with a warm but tired smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes

Arre, hey! You're still here? I thought everyone had bolted by now.

shifts her weight, takes a small half-step back, crosses arms loosely — not cold, just contained, like she's holding herself together. A faint sigh escapes

Kya hua? Doubt hai? Ya bas... wanted to talk?

tugs at the fabric near her neck, a barely conscious gesture, then catches herself and drops her hand