Ekansh Rai sat stoically, his eyes fixed on the sacred flame dancing before him. The temple's tranquil atmosphere did little to calm the turmoil within.
To his right stood Mahindra Rai, his father, whose eyes gleamed with calculation. Beside him, Nisha, Ekansh's stepmother, smiled sweetly, her gaze lingering on Ekansh's chiseled features. Saransh, his stepbrother, fidgeted, his eyes darting between Ekansh and the priest.
The priest's chanting filled the air as he bound Ekansh's hand to Samyuktika's, their fingers intertwined in a sacred knot.
Ekansh's expression remained impassive, his thoughts distant. This marriage was a business deal, a means to secure his mother's legacy. Emotions had no place in this arrangement.
Across from him, Samyuktika's eyes shone with uncertainty, her face pale. She was young, innocent, and about to become entangled in his dark world.
As the priest pronounced them husband and wife, Ekansh felt a weight settle upon him. This union would change everything.
*His gaze locked onto Samyuktika's, a silent warning:*
"You are now mine. Be prepared for the consequences."
Little did he know, Samyuktika held secrets of her own, secrets that would shake the foundations of his empire.
---
I stared at the agreement in front of me, my mind racing with the implications.
Mahindra's voice echoed in my mind:_
"Sign it, Ekansh. This is the only way to secure Nalini's legacy."
_Flashback: A Week Ago_
I stood in my father's office, my anger simmering.
"You're doing this to control me, aren't you?" I accused, my voice was low.
Mahindra smiled, his eyes glinting. "I'm doing this to ensure our family's future, Ekansh. You need an heir to secure our legacy."
"I won't be blackmailed," I growled.
"Ah, but you will," Mahindra said, his voice dripping with condescension. "You'll do whatever it takes to keep Nalini's estate from Nisha."
I remembered my mother's words: "Protect our legacy, Ekansh. Don't let them take everything."
_Present Day_
I signed the agreement with a heavy heart, feeling trapped.
Article 1: Marry a woman of Mahindra's choice.
Article 2: Produce an heir within two years.
Article 3: Failure means losing Nalini's estate to Nisha.
I felt a shiver run down my spine. Was I sacrificing my freedom for the sake of our legacy?
As I looked up, Mahindra's eyes gleamed with triumph.
"You've made the right decision, Ekansh."
I knew I had walked into a cage, and the key was now in Mahindra's hands.
---
As the priest's chants filled the air, Ekansh and Samyuktika stood up, hands entwined, to begin the sacred ritual of the 7 Phere.
The first round: Together, they prayed for prosperity and happiness.
The second round: They sought blessings for a long, healthy life.
The third round: Ekansh vowed to provide for Samyuktika, while she promised to stand by him.
The fourth round: They prayed for strength and unity.
The fifth round: Ekansh pledged to protect Samyuktika, and she vowed to support him.
The sixth round: Together, they sought blessings for wisdom and knowledge.
The seventh and final round: Ekansh and Samyuktika prayed for eternal love and companionship.
As they completed the 7 Phere, the priest guided Ekansh's hands to tie the Mangalsutra around Samyuktika's neck. The sacred necklace symbolized their union, a bond that would last a lifetime.
Next, Ekansh filled the parting of Samyuktika's hair with vermilion Sindoor, sealing their marriage.
Samyuktika's eyes widened as Ekansh's fingers touched her skin, sending shivers down her spine.
Their eyes met, and for an instant, the world around them melted away.
The priest pronounced them husband and wife.
As the priest pronounced them husband and wife, Ekansh's gaze lingered on Samyuktika's face for a fleeting moment.
He turned and walked away, leaving Samyuktika standing alone.
The sacred thread (patka) and her chunni, tied together during the ceremony, slipped from their shoulders and fell into the havan kund, the sacred fire pit.
The priest's voice trembled. "This is misfortune! An ill omen for the marriage."
Ekansh didn't flinch, didn't look back. He strode toward Mahindra, his voice firm.
"Now, be ready with the papers."
Mahindra's eyes gleamed with triumph as he nodded.
Samyuktika stood frozen, her heart sinking. The ceremony that was supposed to unite them felt like a cold transaction.
The flames were consuming the patka and chunni, a stark reminder of the uncertain future ahead.
As Ekansh walked away, Samyuktika abruptly sat down, her eyes fixed on the havan kund.
The sacred thread (patka) and her chunni, tied together during the ceremony, slipped from their shoulders and fell into the flames.
Without hesitation, Samyuktika stretched out her hands, reaching into the fire to retrieve the patka and chunni.
The priest's voice rose in alarm. "Samyuktika, no! Don't risk your safety!"
But she didn't listen, driven by a sense of duty.
Her hands burned as she pulled out the patka and chunni, the flames scorching her skin.
The priest rushed to her side. "Samyuktika, your hands!"
Samyuktika stood, her burned hands clutching the fabric, her eyes locked on Ekansh's retreating back.
He didn't turn back.
Mahindra followed Ekansh, his eyes gleaming with triumph.
The ceremony that was supposed to unite them felt like a hollow ritual.
Samyuktika's burned hands trembled.
The patka and chunni, once symbols of unity, now felt like burdens.
Samyuktika stood alone, tears streaming down her face, her burned hands clutching the patka and chunni.
Nisha and Saransh had walked away, indifferent to her pain.
Mahindra returned, his eyes scanning the deserted space until they landed on Samyuktika. "Samyuktika, sorry," he said softly.
Samyuktika looked up, her eyes red-rimmed. "It's okay, Uncle," she whispered. "I will endure everything. But do remember your promise." Mahindra's expression turned grave. "I will," he vowed.
Samyuktika's gaze locked onto his. "Take care of Grandma," she pleaded.Mahindra nodded. "I will," he repeated. Samyuktika watched him leave.
Alone. Burned hands. Shattered dreams. The silence felt oppressive. Samyuktika's thoughts swirled. What lay ahead? Would Ekansh ever care? Or was she just a pawn?
A guard approached Samyuktika. "Mam, sir has ordered you to come in this car," he said, gesturing toward a sleek black vehicle waiting nearby.
Samyuktika looked up, her eyes still red from crying. Her burned hands remained clutching the patka and chunni.
With a quiet nod, Samyuktika followed the guard to the car. As she settled into the rear seat, the car door closed, enveloping her in silence.
The engine roared to life, and the car pulled away. Where was she being taken? What lay ahead?