Aanya's Perspective:
Mr. Rout withdrew his hand, and in the softest tone I had ever heard from him, he asked, "Are you okay?" His words were laced with genuine concern, a stark contrast to the anger that had initially flared in his eyes. It was as though he had set aside his frustration and anger to genuinely inquire about my well-being.
Mr. Rout's voice cut through my reverie, snapping me back to the reality of the masquerade ball. His question, whether I was okay, hung in the air like a fragile thread, and for a moment, I considered brushing it off. I knew I couldn't afford to let my vulnerability show. With a soft but assured tone, I replied, "I'm okay." It was a simple response, but one that concealed the tumultuous thoughts swirling within me. I settled back into my seat, determined
