The three cousins had claimed Akashi’s spacious living room as their private sanctuary that evening. The kids were at a neighbor’s for a movie night, the servants sent on a long grocery run. A bottle of chilled white wine sweated on the low teak table, condensation pooling around the base. Soft golden lamps cast warm shadows across the cream sofas. Astha, in a loose silk camisole that clung to her full breasts, kicked off her slippers and tucked her legs under her. Arpita, wearing a satin robe tied loosely at the waist, leaned against the armrest, one leg dangling. Akashi, fresh from a shower, wore nothing but an oversized cotton shirt—unbuttoned halfway, the hem barely covering her thick thighs.

Astha took the first sip, eyes sparkling over the rim of her glass.