"Samhita, what's all this?" Dad slams the envelope on the table, looking furious.

I fix my gaze upon him, just a few heartbeats passing before shifting my eyes to the table, where a shredded envelope lies with a slip of paper barely concealed. The bold words stamped on the envelope seize my attention, and almost instantly, a broad grin stretches across my face. Snatching it up eagerly, I devour the message inked within.

"Oh God, I finally got the chance to join Maharaja Vikramaditya's historical research!" I exclaim cheerfully, then leap at my dad, hugging him tight. "I'm so freaking happy!"

I frown when Dad gently pushes me away, his face clouded with sadness and disappointment.

"What's up, Dad?" I ask, feeling concerned.