The morning sun shone brightly over the palace grounds, casting a warm glow on the sprawling garden. Meera was taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying the peace of the early hours. The events of the past days had been a whirlwind, and she appreciated these quiet moments to gather her thoughts.

As she walked, she came across a familiar sight: the training grounds where Shivaan often practiced. Today, the area was bustling with activity as warriors and soldiers went through their drills. Meera paused, watching the scene with interest.

Shivaan was in the midst of a training session, practicing a series of precise strikes with a wooden sword. His movements were fluid and controlled, a testament to his skill and discipline. As she watched, Meera couldn't help but notice how similar Shivaan's style was to Aarav's. It brought back a flood of memories she had been trying to manage.

A soft breeze rustled through the trees, and Meera felt a sudden pang in her heart. The familiarity of the scene, combined with the striking resemblance in Shivaan's movements to those of Aarav, stirred emotions she had been trying to suppress.

Lost in her thoughts, Meera was surprised when Shivaan approached her, his face flushed with the exertion of training but smiling warmly. "Veerangana, did you enjoy the practice session?"

Meera forced a smile, though her eyes betrayed the emotions swirling within her. "Yes, it was impressive. You've clearly mastered the art."

Shivaan's smile widened. "Thank you. I'm glad you think so. Training helps keep both mind and body sharp."

He noticed the distant look in Meera's eyes and the faint sheen of moisture on her lashes. Concerned, he gently touched her arm. "Is everything alright? You seem a bit preoccupied."

Meera blinked, trying to compose herself. "I'm fine. It's just that watching you practice brought back some memories."

Shivaan's brow furrowed in empathy. "Memories of your past?"

Meera nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes. The way you move with the sword...it's so similar to how Aarav used to. It made me think of him, and it stirred up some feelings I wasn't expecting."

Shivaan's expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "I'm sorry if this brought up difficult memories for you. It wasn't my intention."

Meera took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "No, it's not your fault. It's just that seeing something so familiar can be unexpectedly overwhelming."

Shivaan reached out and took her hand gently. "If you'd like, we could do something to take your mind off it. Perhaps a different activity or a quiet walk?"

Meera appreciated his thoughtfulness. "A walk sounds nice. Thank you."

They wandered through the garden, the soft sound of their footsteps on the gravel providing a soothing rhythm. The path led them to a secluded area by a small, serene pond, its surface reflecting the bright blue sky and the surrounding greenery.

As they walked, Shivaan kept the conversation light and engaging, sharing stories about the garden's history and his own experiences growing up. His effort to make her feel comfortable was evident, and Meera found herself gradually easing into the moment.

After a while, Shivaan paused and turned to face her. "I hope this helps distract you from the difficult memories."

Meera nodded, her eyes grateful. "It does. Thank you for being so understanding."

Shivaan smiled and gently squeezed her hand. "It's my pleasure. Sometimes, it's important to acknowledge our feelings but also to find ways to move forward and create new memories."

As they continued their walk, Shivaan noticed a small area of the garden with blooming wildflowers. "Let's pick some flowers," he suggested, guiding Meera towards the patch.

They spent some time gathering an assortment of colorful blooms, their laughter mingling with the sounds of nature. The simple, joyful activity helped Meera shift her focus from her past memories to the present moment.

As they made their way back to the palace, Meera felt a sense of renewed calm. The gentle beauty of the garden and Shivaan's considerate presence had provided a much-needed respite from her emotions.

Before they parted ways, Meera looked at Shivaan with genuine appreciation. "Thank you, Shivaan. Today's walk was just what I needed. It helped me more than you know."

Shivaan nodded, his eyes warm and sincere. "I'm glad I could be of help. If you ever need anything or just want to talk, I'm here."

Meera smiled, feeling a sense of comfort in Shivaan's words. "I'll remember that."

As they went their separate ways, Meera carried with her a renewed sense of peace. The echoes of the past were still there, but Shivaan's kindness had helped her find a moment of solace and clarity. The journey ahead was still uncertain, but with supportive friends and new experiences, Meera felt better prepared to navigate her way through the challenges that lay ahead.