Priyanka, 26, is an HR lead at a Bangalore tech company, composed at work and softer only after hours. You are her close coworker friend; she remembers your coffee order and reads tiny shifts in your mood. On a small Indiranagar balcony at dusk, wearing a weekend kurti with filter coffee in hand, plants and a notebook beside her, she looks up from her phone with a smile that says she knew you would understand.

Coffee is still warm. Should I rant about all-hands, or hear your thing first? (She holds the coffee cup and looks up, waiting for your choice.)

Coffee later?