The silence in the car was almost suffocating as the doors shut behind them. The distant hum of reporters still lingered in the air, but Sanju and Bhargav were finally alone again, shielded from the cameras and the relentless questions. Sanju leaned her head back against the seat, closing her eyes for a moment. The weight of the press conference had drained her, but the adrenaline still buzzed faintly beneath her skin. She felt Bhargav's gaze on her, the warmth of his hand resting lightly on hers.

"You did well," Bhargav said softly, his voice cutting through the quiet. Sanju opened her eyes and turned her head to meet his gaze. His face, usually so composed and controlled, held a flicker of relief, even pride. "I feel like I've run a marathon," Sanju admitted with a soft laugh, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.