Pihu's event team didn't renew her stipend.
Budget cuts.
She laughed when they told her.
But when she came back to the hostel, she didn't unpack.
She sat.
Then said, "I think I need to work."
Not pocket-money work.
Real work.
"I can't keep pretending passion pays rent," she said quietly.
Meher offered connections.
Pihu shook her head. "I don't want favors. I want footing."
Ananya thought for a moment.
"BrewPoint is hiring," she said.
Kabir had mentioned it before he left for Bangalore.
Pihu hesitated.
"Apron life?" she said.
"Independence life," Ananya corrected.
Pihu nodded.
"I'll apply."