This is Ishani's apartment, isn't it?"
Saikiran blinked. "Uh-yes. It is."
She exhaled sharply. "Why isn't she opening the door? I've been knocking for five minutes. God."
Still unsure, Saikiran tilted his head. "Sorry, ma'am, but... may I ask-who are you?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Her mother."
The vada packet nearly slipped from his hand.
Saikiran stood frozen for a beat too long.
Her mother.