Night had settled quietly outside while the faint sound of waves carried through the humid Goa air. Inside the hut, a dim yellow bulb flickered softly above them while Jaya amma sat near Naina's feet, slowly pressing her swollen legs with warm oil.

Naina rested against the wall over the soft mattress Suman and Rita had stitched for her months ago, one hand placed protectively over her large stomach. At eight and a half months pregnant now, even sitting comfortably had become difficult. Her feet swelled almost daily, her back hurt constantly and the baby moved so much these days that sometimes she woke up in the middle of the night because of the kicks.