As the sun rose over the meticulously kept gardens of her in-laws' home, Avantika felt the familiar weight of her responsibilities settle heavily on her shoulders. The morning light illuminated the dust motes dancing in the air, but all she could see were the shadows of her unfulfilled dreams. Today marked a turning point; she could feel it in her bones. The pregnancy had ignited a flicker of hope, yet it was also a reminder of the high stakes that came with being a daughter-in-law in her family.

With a determined heart, Avantika prepared breakfast, her mind racing with thoughts of Meera's encouraging words from their park encounter. "Embrace this journey, Avantika," she had said, her eyes sparkling with wisdom. "You have the power to shape your own destiny, even in the confines of tradition." The memory of that conversation brought a smile to Avantika's lips, even as she makes parathas for breakfast.