As the chaos of the anniversary party subsided, the echoes of laughter and music faded into an eerie silence, replaced by the heavy weight of uncertainty. Riya stood frozen in the hallway, her heart pounding against her chest as she watched Adrik Raichand—his imposing figure illuminated by the flickering lights—dispatch the intruders with a chilling calm. The fear that gripped her was mixed with a strange fascination. Who was this man who had so easily transformed her joyous celebration into a scene of terror?

The adrenaline of the moment quickly faded, leaving Riya feeling vulnerable. She glanced around, her family's safety still at the forefront of her mind. Her father, Aniruddh, and mother, Meera, were ushering guests out, while her brother, Aadi, scanned the room with a protective gaze. But Riya's eyes remained locked on Adrik, who had now moved closer, a fierce intensity radiating from him.