The third night the haveli felt different. The air itself seemed heavier, charged, as if the old sandstone walls knew what was about to happen. Priya lay beside Rohan for almost an hour after he finished his soft, hurried attempt at sex. He had lasted barely two minutes this time, his average cock slipping in and out of her half-heartedly before he came with a quiet sigh and rolled away. She had not even pretended to finish. She simply waited, staring at the ceiling, feeling the useless wetness cool between her thighs while his breathing slowed into sleep.

When she was certain he would not wake, she rose.