Entwined Hearts

First night

While the priest was chanting the mantra, Vikram tied the holy knots around Nandini’s neck and filled her partition with sindoor. 

After taking seven rounds of marriage vows around the holy fire, they took blessings from Vikram’s parents.

“ God bless both of you. Thanks for fulfilling my last wish…” Vikram's father said emotionally.

Then they walked to Nandini's mother and took the blessings.

“ I trust you, Vikram. She will be happy with you.” Her mom said.

“ God bless you…” she said.

Once all the rituals were completed at the temple, everyone reached Nandini’s apartment. As per the ritual, the groom had to take her from her maiden’s home. Nandini's mom felt so emotional when she was stepping out of the house. She hugged her tightly and mumbled, “ Hope your anger on your mom subside soon…”

“ Aunty …. I will take care of her. Don't be emotional…” Vikram assured.

……

By the evening they reached Vikram’s Bungalow. Vikram’s sister welcomed the newly wedded couple inside with Aarti.

Once they entered, she took her to the Pooja room where Vikram’s mom was making arrangements to enlighten the lamp by the new daughter in law. 

“ With whole heart pray to god and light the lamp…” she instructed Nandini. She nodded her head to her words and lit the lamp.

Then Vikram’s mom instructed Vikram to take some rest whereas she  took Nandini to the guest room. Vikram’s mom doesn't want them to be alone in his bedroom as still a few hours more for their first night.

…

Their wedding night arrived, the atmosphere in Vikram's room was laden with a romantic aura. The room, adorned with rose petals and soft candlelight, awaited the newlyweds. Vikram, too, was waiting - not for the night to unfold, but for Nandini. He was eager to hear her voice, to understand her feelings, and to break the silence that had grown between them.

Overwhelmed by the turn of events, Vikram found himself married to the woman he had secretly loved all his life. It was a dream come true, albeit under less than ideal circumstances. He had planned to express his true feelings to Nandini that night. His heart yearned to propose to her, not as a duty-bound husband fulfilling his father's last wish, but as a man deeply in love. And so, as the night descended, Vikram gathered his courage, hoping that the same love that had spurred him into this marriage would help him win over Nandini's heart.

As Nandini entered the room, Vikram's gaze was drawn to her instantly. He was captivated, struck by her ethereal beauty that radiated even more in the soft, romantic glow of the room. She stood there at the doorway, her eyes cast downwards, her silence echoing through the room.

Vikram could sense her unease, her discomfort palpable in the tense silence that filled the room. He took slow, deliberate steps towards her, his heart aching at the sight of his distraught bride. He knew the whirlwind of their unexpected wedding had thrown them both off balance. Their deep-rooted friendship had suddenly metamorphosed into a marital bond, a transition neither of them had anticipated.

Vikram, however, was determined to ease this transition for Nandini. He understood her confusion, her apprehensions and her need for time to accept this sudden change in their relationship. He had always been her ally, her confident, and he intended to remain so, even if their relationship had evolved into something more. With a patient heart and a hopeful spirit, Vikram decided to give Nandini the space she needed to come to terms with their new bond.

Observing Nandini's state, a wave of concern washed over Vikram. He could see the exhaustion in her eyes, a telltale sign of the long journey from the USA and the whirlwind of wedding rituals that had followed since morning. His heart ached for her; she looked drained, both physically and emotionally.

His initial plan of proposing to her on their wedding night suddenly seemed ill-timed. It was not the moment for romantic declarations; instead, it was a time for understanding and patience. He realized that what Nandini needed most at this moment was rest, a chance to rejuvenate and process the day's events.

With a gentle smile, Vikram decided to put her needs first, shelving his proposal for a more appropriate time. His love for her was patient and understanding, and he was willing to wait until she was ready to hear his heartfelt confession. Their wedding night, he decided, would be one of quiet support and rest, a testament to his deep-seated care for Nandini.

Gently, Vikram placed his hand on Nandini's shoulder. His touch was soft and reassuring, a silent promise of his understanding. "Nandini...you look tired. Change and get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow," he suggested, his voice a comforting whisper in the quiet room.

At his words, Nandini raised her head, meeting his gaze for the first time since she entered the room. The sight of her eyes, usually warm and friendly, now filled with a simmering anger, took Vikram by surprise. It was an expression he had not seen before, a clear indication of her unhappiness and frustration.

For a moment, they stood there, their eyes locked in a silent conversation. Vikram, despite his own feelings, remained steadfast, his resolve to support Nandini unwavering. He knew that this was just the beginning of their journey and hoped that with time and patience, they could navigate through the turbulence to find happiness together.

Nandini's reaction was swift and unexpected. She jerked his hand off her shoulder, her anger making her movements sharp and abrupt. "Why did you agree to marry me? Huh? Do I look like a play toy to you? Just because your father helped me with my education since childhood, my feelings don't matter to you?" she demanded, her voice laced with a fury Vikram had never witnessed before.

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