Ak had settled into his job in Delhi, and a First AC ticket for his two-day train journey to Bangalore felt like the perfect escape from routine. He boarded, found his private coupe, and stretched out comfortably, ready for a long, peaceful ride.

The train had barely picked up speed when, at the next station, the door slid open.

A girl stood outside, talking to the TT (Traveling Ticket Examiner).

“Sir, my ticket got mixed up. Can I get a coupe?”

The TT glanced at Ak, then at the empty bed beside his. “You can share this one if the gentleman here doesn’t mind.”

Ak looked up—and froze.