The late-night hours arrived, and the restlessness inside Veer’s mind grew into a burning fire. The image of Lila playing with Kabir, mixed with the memory of her trembling body in his private study, made it impossible for him to sit still. He could not stay inside the quiet walls of the Haveli tonight.

He walked out to his large black car, started the heavy engine, and drove fast through the dark, bumpy roads. He went back to the forbidden alley at the edge of the district.