The first rays of dawn painted the horizon in hues of gold and crimson as Riya stood on the balcony, overlooking the calm waters of the secluded beach. The storm had passed, both in the sky and in her life. The past weeks had been a whirlwind of danger, revelations, and heartbreak, but standing here, with the waves gently kissing the shore, she finally felt a sense of peace.

Aarav stepped beside her, his presence warm and reassuring. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly, slipping his fingers through hers.