The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the guest room where Aanya lay awake, her mind racing with thoughts of the previous night. The storm had brought with it a refreshing sense of intimacy, and for the first time, she felt a flicker of hope regarding her relationship with Arjun. Yet, as the sun rose, that hope was quickly overshadowed by uncertainty. Was it just a moment of connection, or a sign of something deeper?

As she got up and dressed, Aanya’s heart raced at the thought of facing Arjun again. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the doorknob, remembering how easily they had shared laughter and stories. This morning, however, felt different. She took a deep breath and stepped out of her room, the familiar scent of fresh tea wafting from the kitchen.