The twilight sky outside had turned a deep, dusty purple by the time Bushra Phupho made her loud, theatrical entrance into the Khan Mansion. As Firoz Baba's strict, overbearing sister, Bushra held a formidable presence in the family. She had arrived to join the household before they all departed for the grand multi-day family function at their ancestral estate the following morning.

From the moment Bushra set foot in the house, her sharp eyes scanned for things to criticize. She immediately assumed absolute dominance over the household staff, firing off endless, demanding orders. Ayat had been on her feet for hours, her back aching and her chest heavy with the mounting pressure of her milk, yet she silently catered to every single whim without a whisper of complaint.