Pradeep had ventured too deep into his mission to turn back now. So, he initiated his search, casting surreptitious glances into each room while striving to remain inconspicuous.
Finally, after cautiously inspecting nearly two dozen rooms, he spotted her. Lily lay there, in the throes of peaceful slumber. Gently, he leaned in to plant a soft kiss on her forehead before taking a seat beside her. Holding Lily’s hand in his, he observed her sleeping form, eventually succumbing to the pull of his own fatigue and drifting into sleep.