Karthik went to his room and checked his phone. A smile tugged at his lips — the surprise he had planned for Hridhaya had just arrived. He quickly called housekeeping and requested them to bring it up.

A few minutes later, three staff members walked in, their hands full. One of them struggled with a small paper bag that looked ready to slip from his grasp. Karthik took it from him and gently placed it on the bed. They placed the big packets on top of the big dresser near the bed.