Vaidaksh was still sitting beside Siyanshi, gently stroking her hair as she slept, her face soft and calm after the storm of emotions. After a while, Siyanshi stirred and slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze met his, and a faint, sleepy smile appeared on her lips. Vaidaksh smiled back, his thumb brushing a loose strand of hair from her forehead. She shifted closer to him, seeking the warmth and comfort she always found in his presence. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on her head, his heart aching with tenderness.

But as the fog of sleep cleared, the memories of the evening came rushing back. Her smile faded. The pain and humiliation, her father’s anger, and the weight of everything she had said, all of it hit her again. Her chest tightened, and she quickly sat up on the bed, turning her face away to hide the fresh tears forming in her eyes.