I got dressed quickly but lingered in the room for a long time. I couldn't bring myself to return to my desk knowing that by now Vishal would have told half the office about what he'd seen. Whatever status and dignity I had been clinging onto would be gone the moment I returned to the office.

I shuffled back to my desk with my head bowed, fully aware that every pair of eyes I passed was glued to me. They all knew. My cheeks flushed bright red, and I tried to avoid eye contact with anyone. I made my way to my desk as quickly as possible, but I could hear the whispers and giggles behind me.