The corridor echoed with laughter as Kiara, Rupali, and Kriti pushed open the dance room door, their arms linked, their cheeks flushed with joy. The remnants of Kiara's recent emotional rollercoaster were now replaced with the glow of acceptance. A realization that had taken eleven years to bloom had finally found light, and it bloomed like spring in her chest.

But as the door creaked open, a strange stillness swept across the room. Conversations halted. Laughter died. The only sound that filled the space was that of the trio’s light-hearted giggling. Kiara paused mid-sentence, blinking at the eerie quiet.