The next morning—

They both woke up early.

Siya wore a simple long midi for travel — elegant, minimal. No heavy jewelry. Just quiet grace.

Aarav wore a crisp shirt and fitted pants.

The guards placed their luggage in the car.

They walked downstairs.

Kavita and Paakhi were waiting in the living room.

After exchanging greetings, Kavita hugged Siya briefly.

“Take care of each other,” she said meaningfully.

Siya nodded.

Paakhi smiled teasingly at her brother. He ignored her.

Soon, they left the mansion.

At the airport, everything moved quickly.

Security.

Boarding.

Announcements echoing.

They settled into their business-class seats.

Aarav sat beside her.

As the plane began to taxi, Siya looked out the window.

When the flight finally took off, her fingers tightened slightly on the armrest.

Aarav noticed.

But he didn’t say anything.

The sky swallowed the city below.

And with it—

Everything they were leaving behind.

For one week…

It would only be them.

After some time, Siya shifted in her seat.

“When will we reach?” she asked, her voice slightly tired.

Aarav glanced at his watch. “Still six hours.”

Her eyes widened. “Six hours? That’s too much.”

He smiled faintly.

“I’m going to sleep,” she muttered and adjusted her seat.

She closed her eyes.

Within minutes, exhaustion took over.

Her head tilted slightly to the side.

Aarav turned to look at her.

For once, there was no attitude.

No sharp replies.

No guarded expressions.

Just her.

Peaceful.

Vulnerable.

A loose strand of hair fell across her face. He hesitated… then gently moved it away.

Careful not to wake her.

A small smile appeared on his lips.

You look less dangerous when you’re asleep, Mrs. Goenka.

The flight continued through the clouds.

And he didn’t realize when he stopped looking out the window—

And started just looking at her.

Siya was sleeping peacefully.

Aarav was still watching her.

After a while, she stirred slightly and slowly opened her eyes.

For a second, she looked confused.

Then she blinked and asked softly,

“When will we land?”

He checked the time.

“Within forty minutes.”

Her eyes widened slightly. “Really?”

He smiled. “Look outside.”

She turned toward the window.

And froze.

Endless blue.

The ocean stretched beneath them like silk.

Turquoise water glowing under the sun.

Small islands scattered like emeralds in the middle of the sea.

Her lips parted.

“It’s… so beautiful,” she whispered.

For the first time since the trip started, her face lit up — pure excitement, pure wonder.

Aarav wasn’t looking at the ocean.

He was looking at her.

“Yes,” he said softly.

But he wasn’t talking about the view.

The pilot’s voice echoed through the cabin.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are preparing to land…”

Siya’s fingers gripped the armrest slightly — but this time not out of fear.

Out of excitement.

She kept looking outside.

And for those few moments…

She forgot everything.

The pain.

The revenge.

The past.

She just felt… alive.

And Aarav noticed.

As the plane stopped, Siya calmly picked up her clutch.

She opened it, took out her sunglasses, and wore them.

Full attitude.

Aarav noticed.

A slow smile curved on his lips.

They walked out after collecting their luggage.

Aarav picked up his suitcase.

Siya picked up hers…

Then casually left it there and started walking ahead.

He blinked.

“Hey… take your luggage.”

She stopped.

Turned slowly.

Sunglasses hiding her eyes.

“You have two hands, right?” she said coolly.

“Then bring both.”

And she walked away.

Aarav sighed.

But he was smiling.

Maldives is going to test my patience.

He picked up both suitcases and followed her

Outside, their hotel car was already waiting.

The driver quickly took the luggage from Aarav’s hands.

They both sat in the back seat.

The car started moving.

Siya turned her face toward the window.

Blue sea stretching endlessly.

Small pastel houses.

Palm trees swaying.

Sunlight dancing on the water.

The roads were clean, peaceful, almost unreal.

Her serious expression softened again.

She kept looking outside like a child seeing the world for the first time.

Aarav watched her quietly.

She didn’t notice.

But for him—

Every reaction of hers felt more beautiful than the view itself.