Chapter 16: Tears and Truth Niyati’s car screeched to a halt near the temple. She stepped out quickly, her feet crunching against the pavement, and walked briskly toward the steps. The cold December air bit at her cheeks, but she barely noticed. Her breath formed soft clouds in the air, mingling with the mist of twilight as if her silence itself carried stories untold. Entering the quiet sanctuary, the scent of incense mixed with the evening breeze, and for the first time in years, she allowed herself to break. The dim temple lamps flickered softly, casting golden shadows that