Kriti stood in the center of the sitting room, head bowed. Her father-in-law sat in his chair with hands on the armrest, legs planted firmly. Everything about him exuded authority, not only of his position as a Thakur, but also his force of will. As always, he was dressed in a black suit and tie with a white shirt, the only color being the red prayer strings tied around his wrist and the red tilak on his forehead. He was a large man and even though age had softened him somewhat, powerfully muscled. Piercing dark eyes and a heavy black beard added to a noble bearing.

To his right sat her husband, Sunil. He was a younger version of his father, tall, powerfully built, with the same dark eyes and upright posture. A curled moustache that was oiled and well-kept marked his high caste status. As his father, he bore a red tilak. His black slacks and white shirt were bespoke and of the finest fabrics.