The next morning, the soft glow of sunlight filtered through the window, casting a gentle warmth on Nandini's face. Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings. This wasn't her room. Confusion clouded her mind as she tried to sit up, but a firm weight around her waist stopped her.

Her gaze shifted downward, and her breath caught. Arjun's arm was wrapped around her waist, holding her close. She froze, her heart pounding in her chest. In an instant, the events of the previous night flooded her mind-the nightmare that had shaken her, the way Arjun had comforted her, his unwavering insistence that she sleep in his room, and how he had pulled her into his arms, offering the solace she hadn't been able to ask for.