During the school lunch period, Anushka, Palak, and Manya were sitting together in the bustling canteen. Manya was cheerfully munching on her lunch, while Anushka and Palak sat quietly, their faces clouded with sadness and disheartenment. The chatter of students and the clinking of utensils filled the air as everyone else in the canteen seemed engrossed in their meals, oblivious to the somber mood at their table.

Anushka sat at the table, absentmindedly poking at her food. Her mind was clearly elsewhere, lost in thoughts that made her oblivious to everything around her. Manya, always the sharp observer, noticed this immediately.