Kavya bent her knees and gave a wild monkey hop, and Vivaan burst out laughing. “Again, little monkey!” Vivaan said, hopping beside her with a soft thump-thump.

Then Vivaan noticed a hush pass through the crowd as people bowed their heads. He stopped mid-step, and his smile softened.

Vivek touched his shoulder and said, “First, we remember why we are here.” Vivaan nodded, stood still for one quiet moment, and then took Kavya’s hand to join the fun again.