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As they arrived at the temple, the air was filled with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of prayers. Preethi and Shubman walked hand in hand, their hearts filled with reverence as they approached the sanctum sanctorum.
As they joined the rest of the family in prayer, Preethi closed her eyes, her mind drifting into a state of peaceful meditation. Beside her, Shubman stood tall and solemn, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the chaos of the crowded temple.
Unbeknownst to them, the priest observed their closeness with a knowing smile, assuming them to be husband and wife. With a gentle nod, he motioned for Shubman to perform the customary ritual of placing kumkum on Preethi's forehead, a symbol of marital bliss and
prosperity.
Shubman, unaware of the priest's intentions, took the sacred vermilion powder in his hand, thinking it to be a customary practice performed by everyone. With practiced ease, he leaned forward, placing the kumkum near Preethi's hairline on her forehead, his touch light and reverent.
Meanwhile, Preethi remained lost in her prayers, her eyes closed in silent devotion. It wasn't until she felt the soft touch of kumkum on her forehead that she opened her eyes, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected sensation.
Confusion flickered in Preethi's eyes as she looked up to see Shubman standing beside her, a serene smile playing on his lips. Before she could question his actions, her attention was drawn to the voices of Shreyas, Ishan, and Sai engaged in conversation nearby.
Divya, Sai's girlfriend, noticed the kumkum on Preethi's forehead, her eyes widening in surprise. "Preethi, look," she whispered, gently nudging her arm.
Preethi's gaze shifted to the mirror nearby, her reflection revealing the vermillion mark on her forehead. Shock washed over her as she realized what had happened, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the misunderstanding.
Shubman, oblivious to the commotion, continued chatting with the others, his laughter mingling with the ambient sounds of the temple. Preethi stole a glance at him, feeling a rush of gratitude for his presence, even amidst the unexpected turn of events.
As they continued their prayers, Preethi couldn't shake the feeling of warmth spreading through her, a sense of belonging that transcended the boundaries of mere acquaintance. And as she stood beside Shubman, her heart whispered a silent prayer of gratitude for the unexpected blessings that had brought them together.
